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617, Encroach into the north side y, Correspondencei • e141 afi2 Pl...a Jl.•Pf CERTIFIED MAIL September 26, 1999 Dr. and Mrs. Lynn Gill 31 Chuckwagon Road Rolling Hills, CA 90274 INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957 SUBJECT: APPEAL PERIOD AND AFFIDAVIT OF ACCEPTANCE FORM 31 CHUCKWAGON ROAD (LOT 16-CF) RESOLUTION NO. 2000-19 Dear Mr. and Mrs. Gill: NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274 (310) 377-1521 FAX: (310) 377-7288 E-mail: cityofrh@aol.com This letter shall serve to notify you that the Planning Commission adopted a resolution on September 19, 2000 approving a modification to Planning Commission Resolution No. 98-12 and approving a modification of certain conditions for previously approved variances to encroach into the north and south side yard setbacks to authorize the retention of previously illegally constructed retaining walls at a single family residence at 31 Chuckwagon Road in Zoning Case No. 617. That action, accompanied by the record of the proceedings before the Commission was reported to the City Council on Monday, September 25, 2000. The Planning Commission's decision in this matter shall become effective thirty days after the adoption of the resolution by the Commission, unless an appeal has been filed or the City Council takes jurisdiction of the case within that thirty (30) day aooeal oeriod. (Section 17.54.010(B) of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code). Should there be an appeal, the Commission's decision will be stayed until the Council completes its proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Code. If no appeals are filed within the thirty (30) day period after adoption of the Planning Commission's resolution, the Planning Commission's action will become final and you will be required to cause to be recorded an Affidavit of Acceptance Form together with the subject resolution in the Office of the County Recorder before the Commission's action takes effect. We have enclosed a copy of RESOLUTION NO. 2000-19, specifying the conditions of approval set forth by the Planning Commission and the approved Exhibit A Development Plan to keep for your files. Once you have reviewed the Resolution, please complete the enclosed AFFIDAVIT OF ACCEPTANCE FORM, have the signature(s).notarized, and forward the completed form and a copy of the Resolution to: Los Angeles County Registrar -Recorder Real Estate Records Section 12400 East Imperial Highway Norwalk, CA 90650 Include a check in the amount of $9.00 for the first page and $3.00 for each additional page. The City will notify the Los Angeles County Building & Safety Division to issue permits only when the Affidavit of Acceptance is received by us and any conditions of the Resolution required prior to issuance of building permits are met. Printed on Recycled Paper. • s Please feel free to call me at (310) 377-1521 if you have any questions. Sincerely, Lola Ungar Planning Director ENC: RESOLUTION NO. 2000-19 AFFIDAVIT OF ACCEPTANCE FORM APPEAL SECTION OF THE ROLLING HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE EXHIBIT A DEVELOPMENT PLAN • August 17, 2000 Dr. and Mrs. Lynn Gill 31 Chuckwagon Road Rolling Hills, CA 90274 City opeolliny Jhild INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957 NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274 (310) 377-1521 FAX: (310) 377-7288 E-mail: cityofrh@aol.com SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 617, a request to modify a previously approved Variance to encroach into the north side yard setback to authorize the retention with modifications of previously illegally constructed retaining walls and a request to modify a previously approved Variance to encroach into the south side yard setback to authorize the retention with modifications of previously illegally constructed retaining walls at a single family residence at 31 Chuckwagon Road (Lot 16-CF), Rolling Hills, CA. Dear Dr. and Mrs. Gill: This letter shall serve to notify you that the Planning Commission voted at their regular meeting on August 15, 2000 to direct staff to prepare a resolution to approve your request to rescind certain conditions related to a request to modify a previously approved Variance to encroach into the north side yard setback to authorize the retention with modifications of previously illegally constructed retaining walls and a request to modify a previously approved Variance toencroach into the south side yard setback to authorize the retention with modifications of previously illegally constructed retaining walls at a single family residence at 31 Chuckwagon Road (Lot 16-CF) in Zoning Case No. 617 and shall be confirmed in the draft resolution that is being prepared. The Planning Commission will review and .consider the draft resolution, together with conditions of approval, at.an upcoming meeting and make its final decision on your application at that subsequent meeting. The findings and conditions of approval of the draft resolution will be forwarded to you before being signed by the Planning Commission Chairman and City Clerk. The decision shall become effective thirty days after the adoption of the Planning Commission's resolution unless an appeal has been filed or the City Council takes jurisdiction of the case within that thirty l30) day appeal period. (Section 17.54.010(B) of the Rolling Hills Municipal Code). Should there be an appeal, the Commission's decision will be stayed until the Council completes its proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the Municipal Code. The Planning Commission's action taken by resolution approving the development application is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday, September 19, 2000. That action, accompanied by the record of the proceedings before the Commission, is tentatively scheduled to be placed as a report item on the City Council's agenda at the Council's regular meeting on Monday, September25, 2000. Feel free to call me at (310) 377-1521 if you have any questions regarding this matter. Sincerely, Lola M. Ungar Planning Director Printed on Recycled Paper. • £',i O K?0f/iZg INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957 �� IC v FIELD TRIP NOTIFICATION July 24, 2000 Dr. and Mrs. Lynn Gill 31 Chuckwagon Road Rolling Hills, CA 90274 NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274 (310) 377-1521 FAX: (310) 377-7288 E-mail: cityofrh@aol.com SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 617, a request to modify a previously approved Variance to encroach into the north side yard setback to authorize the retention with modifications of previously illegally constructed retaining walls and a request to modify a previously approved Variance to encroach into the south side yard setback to authorize the retention with modifications of previously illegally constructed retaining walls at a single family residence at 31 Chuckwagon Road (Lot 16-CF), Rolling Hills, CA. Dear Dr. and Mrs. Gill: We have arranged for the Planning Commission to conduct a field inspection of the subject property on Saturday, August 5, 2000. The Planning Commission's timetable is to meet at 8;00 AM at the deck constructed at 10 Upper Blackwater Canyon Road/12 Upper Blackwater Canyon Road, view the proposed project at 12 Upper Blackwater Canyon Road and then proceed to 31 Chuckwagon Road. Do not expect the Commission at 8:00 AM but, be assured that the field trip will take place before_9:30 AM. The owner and/or representative should be present to answer any questions regarding the proposal. Please call me at (310) 377-1521 if you have any questions. Sincerely, Lola Ungar Planning Director Pririted on Recycled Paper:, Dr. and Mrs. Lynn E. Gill 31 Chuckwagon Road Rolling Hills, California 90274 June 29, 2000 Re: Zoning Case No. 617 Rolling Hills Planning Commission 2 Portuguese Bend Road City of Rolling Hills Rolling Hills, California 90274 Honorable Commissioners: 11 JUN302000 CITY OF ROLLING H!LLS tky We have received a Field Trip Notification, scheduling a field inspection of the subject property on July 15 and hearing on July 18. Unfortunately, we will be out of town on both of those dates. We have a time-share vacation home at Mammoth Lakes, and we will be hosting guests there on both the 15' and 18'. We are unable to switch the week. We would appreciate it if the field inspection could be re -scheduled until the next field trip date? We can attend the Planning Commission meeting on August 15th, and with advance notice we can arrange to be at home for a field inspection before that. Sincerely, 44,44 Lynn nd Sheri Gill cc. Rolling Hills Community Association • City o/Rolling LPG FIELD TRIP NOTIFICATION June 23, 2000 Dr. and Mrs. Lynn Gill 31 Chuckwagon 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 E-mail: cityofrh@aol.com SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 617, a request to modify a previously approved Variance to encroach into the north side yard setback to authorize the retention with modifications of previously illegally constructed retaining walls and a request to modify a previously approved Variance to encroach into the south side yard setback to authorize the retention with modifications of previously illegally constructed retaining walls at a single family residence at 31 Chuckwagon Road (Lot 16-CF), Rolling Hills, CA. Dear Dr. and Mrs. Gill: We have arranged for the Planning Commission to conduct a field inspection of the subject property on Saturday, July 15, 2000. The Planning Commission's timetable is to meet at 8:00 AM at 4 Storm Hill Lane and then proceed to 31 Chuckwagon Road. Do not expect the Commission at 8:00 AM but, be assured that the field trip will take place before 10:30 AM. The site must be prepared according to the following requirements: The owner and/or representative should be present to answer any questions regarding the proposal. After the field trip, the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission will take place on Tuesday, July 18, 2000 at 7:30 PM at City Hall. Please call me at (310) 377-1521 if you have any questions. Sincer Lola Ungar Planning Directo Printed on Recycled Papa. •City ./ leollin • INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957 NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274 (310) 377-1521 FAX: (310) 377-7288 E-mail: cityofrh@aol.com STATUS OF APPLICATION & NOTIFICATION OF MEETING June 8, 2000 Dr. and Mrs. Lynn Gill 31 Chuckwagon Road Rolling Hills, CA 90274 SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 617, a request to modify a previously approved Variance to encroach into the north side yard setback to authorize the retention with modifications of previously illegally constructed retaining walls and a request to modify a previously approved Variance to encroach into the south side yard setback to authorize the retention withmodifications of previously illegally constructed retaining walls at a single family residence at 31 Chuckwagon Road (Lot 16- CF), Rolling Hills, CA. Dear Dr. and Mrs. Gill: Pursuant to state law the City's staff has completed a preliminary review of the application noted above and finds that the information submitted is: X Sufficiently complete as of the date indicated above to allow the application to be processed. Please note that the City may require further information in order to clarify, amplify, correct, or otherwise supplement the application. If the City requires such additional information, it is strongly suggested that you supply that information promptly to avoid any delay in the processing of the application. Your application for Zoning Case No. 617 has been set for public hearing consideration by the Planning Commission at their meeting on Tuesday. June 20, 2000. The meeting will begin at 7:30 PM in the Council Chambers, Rolling Hills City Hall Administration Building, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills. You or your designated representative must attend to present your project and to answer questions. The staff report for this project will be available at the City Hall after 3:00 PM on Friday, June 16, 2000. We will forward a copy to you. Please call me at (310) 377-1521 if you have any questions. Sincerely, / e Lola M. Ungar Planning Director Panted on Recycled Paper. Dr. and Mrs. Lynn E. Gill 31 Chuckwagon Road Rolling Hills, California 90274 June 1, 2000 Re: Zoning Case No. 577- Resolution Number 98-12 Rolling Hills Planning Commission 2 Portuguese Bend Road City of Rolling Hills Rolling Hills, California 90274 Honorable Commissioners: Enclosed is an application requesting modification of the Variance adopted in Resolution No. 98-12, and request for time extension of the Variance to June 16, 2001. The request for modification is based on new information that has come to our attention, and the request for time extension is to allow time for the hearing process. Also enclosed is an Environmental Information Form, and documents supporting the request for Variance Modification: 1. Letter from Rolling Hills Community Association dated June 1, 2000 2. Letter from Matt Shepherd, Shepherd Construction 3. Letter dated May 17, 1998 from Lynn Craig, 29 Chuckwagon Road 4. Six completed survey forms dated May 15, 2000 5. Pictures of twelve properties with stepped -down retaining walls in the same vicinity and zone as our property 6. Names and addresses of property owners within 1000 feet of our property Thank you for your consideration of our request for Variance Modification and time extension. Sincerely, Lynn(nd Sheri Gill cc. Rolling Hills Community Association cRot1in9 eommunittt of S'aneixo Jn- atos. (Rules. NO. 1 PORTUGUESE BEND RD. • ROLLING HILLS, (310) 544-6222 ROLLING HILLS June 1, 2000 Dr. & Mrs. Lynn E. Gill 31 Chuckwagon Road Rolling Hills, California 90274 &4 oeiation CALIF. 90274 CALIFORNIA Re: Requested Information re Building Requirements Dear Lynn & Sharon: In reply to your request for information and clarification of building requirements of the RHCA with specific emphasis regarding retaining walls and pool equipment enclosures, the data is provided as follows: 1) Retaining walls may be stepped down in 5' high increments (from grade to top of wall) provided a landscape plan to screen the wall is submitted for approval. 2) Equipment for pools and other mechanical apparatus shall be housed or fenced and screened by landscaping. (Your plan by Julie Heinsheimer shows a modification of the existing wall presently screening the equipment to provide a new trellis to hide the equipment from above.) The above mentioned landscape plan that was provided and approved by the Architectural Committee on 3/2/99 shows the southerly boundary grading cut made by the previous property owner as well as the extension of a retaining wall to retain the cut slopes. Please let us know if you have any further questions. Very truly yours, Peggy R. Minor, Manager PRM:RNH Cc: City of RH Planning Department File Name: 16 CF — GILL — Info re Bldg Requirements — 6-1-00 06/05/00 MON 09:15 FAX 310,20. 3069 CMTC EXEC P.O. BOX 3216 • REDONDO BEACH, CA. 90277 May 28, 2000 Dr. Lynn E. Gill #31 Chuckwagon Lane Rolling Hills, CA 90274 Dear Lynn: CO. License No. 423800 Construction, Inc. • (310) 376-5318 • FAX (310) 546-6082 FT) 'Ft •-;) .-7J iV CIITY' OF ROLLING FILLS Last week we reviewed the modifications you are required to make to the retaining walls. As we discussed, while 'we can modify the retaining walls to eliminate the stepped portions, there are risks that you should be aware of. I really question why you need to remove the stepped -down portions .of the walls, since the stepped wall design is the most typical way of building a retaining wall down a slope. The process to remove the stepped -down portions of the walls would be to sawcut a sloped line through both sides of the blocks; jackhammer off the upper portion of the walls; and cutoff the reinforcing bars. The reinforcing bars extend through all of the courses of blocks =and are tied into the footings, Concrete is poured into tho centers of the blocks from top to bottom to lock the wall into an integral unit. - The process of jackhammering the walls is likely to crack other courses of blocks and to weaken the integrity of the remaining retaining wall. As we discussed, I can't be responsible if you decide to go ahead with this work. Please sign below to acknowledge that you are aware of the risks and accept all responsibility, and return a copy to me. Sincerely, Accepted by: Lynn E. Gill Date • • Dr. and Mrs. Lynn E. Gill 31 Chuckwagon Road Rolling Hills, California 90274 May 23, 2000 Re: Zoning Case No. 577- Resolution Number 98-12 Rolling Hills Planning Commission 2 Portuguese Bend Road City of Rolling Hills Rolling Hills, California 90274 Honorable Commissioners: We have opened a building permit with Los Angeles County (BL1202 005190028) to complete the following modifications, which are conditions, to the Variance. • Modify retaining walls so that upper edge is a smooth line parallel to the slope. The southernmost retaining wall must be slightly below the topmost fence rail of the neighbor's adjacent 3-rail fence. • Remove the east and south pool equipment walls We have met all other conditions to the variance. In particular: • At the request of the Planning Commission, we eliminated a proposed trellis that would be constructed in the front yard setback, from the plans drawn by the landscape architect firm Edward Carson Beall, AIA, and Assoc. • At the request of the Architectural Committee, we demolished an as - built trellis, which was constructed by the previous owner in the front yard setback. We have scheduled the above modification work with our masonry contractor, Shepherd Construction, to commence in about two weeks. However, when we dropped off a copy of the permit at the Rolling Hills Community Association office, we learned that the Association requires that the pool equipment be enclosed (as is already done). The Planning Commission's condition that we remove the walls of the pool equipment enclosure and the Association's requirement that we do not remove the walls are therefore inconsistent —please advise before we commence work! Rolling Hills Plannicommission 05/23/00 Page 2 There are two 2-HP pumps installed in the pool enclosure. They run eight hours per day during the summer, and we believe that the pool equipment enclosure is required to adequately dampen the pump noise. The canyon formed by Chesterfield Road and Chuckwagon Road is a natural amphitheater, which amplifies any sounds. Without the enclosure, the neighbors would hear the pumps running, especially in the summer when people are enjoying their patios. There is existing vegetation and we have planted new vegetation, which will cover the pool equipment enclosure and obscure it from view. In particular, there is a large orange tree in front of the eastern pool enclosure wall. We have additionally planted Ficus repens to grow on the wall. There is a large clump of Yucca on the neighbor's property adjacent to the eastern pool enclosure wall. There are also six large fruit trees on the neighbor's properties that obscure the wall. In addition, we have planted mounding Bougainvillea adjacent to the wall, which will cascade over, and grape and trumpet vines on the trellis over the pool equipment that will also cascade over the southern and eastern pool enclosure walls. We would appreciate direction from the Planning Commission regarding the conflicting Commission/Community Association requirements before our contractor starts works. Sincerely, 4-1/14 Lynn and Sheri Gill cc. Rolling Hills Community Association • 29 Chuckwagon Road Rolling Hills, CA 90274 Rolling Hills Planning Commission 2 Portuguese Bend Road ' Rolling Hills, CA 90274 Dear Commissioners: May 17, 1998 I am the neighbor that lives to the south of the Gill's property. Lynn Gill has discussed the Commission's proposed changes to his slope remediation work with me. I am writing to provide my input regarding the work the Gill's recently completed and the Commission's proposal. About six month's ago, Lynn Gill contacted me to discuss work they were planning to have done to correct slope slippage problems on their property. Lynn showed me preliminary engineering plans, and we discussed what needed to be done in the area adjacent to my property. Since our residence is located up -slope of the Gill's, water run- off from my property drains onto the Gill's slope. The engineer's recommendation was to channel water from my property down the slope into the canyon by installing a low retaining wall on the Gill's property next to my north property line, and installing a drainage swale next to the wall on my property. The water from my property now stays on my property until it -rims into the canyon. We also discussed the best way to reinstall the three rail fence along my north property line. Since most of the posts of the old fence had rotted off, we decided to lag -bolt the new posts directly to the Gill's wall. The retaining wall is lower than our three rail fence, so that it is for the most part hidden by the fence. The Gill's have indicated that they plan to plant bougainvillea and other cascading plant that will grow over the retaining walls. Most of the improvements the Gill's made are out. of sight from our residence. We can see the walls only when we walk down to our corral, and we think it is a big improvement over what was there before. Lynn Gill has showed me their landscape plans which we think will be attractive, and the landscaping already installed is a big improvement. Our recommendation to the Commission would be to grant the Gill's variance as built: 1. We see no benefit from moving the retaining wall feet to the north. In fact, it would undo what we accomplished, which is to keep runoff from my property on my property as it runs down the slope. The un-retained area it would open up would be a problem for both of us. We think that the work the Gill's completed to stabilize their slope benefits us as well, by contributing to the overall stability of the slope. Page 2 2. We have no problem with the height of the pool enclosure walls or any other walls. We appreciate having the Gill's pool equipment out of view. The walls are a neutral color and blend in with the natural adobe color. The pool enclosure is hidden behind an orange tree on the Gill's property and lemon trees on our property. A yucca grove is re-establishing itself next to the pool enclosure on our property, which will further obscure the wall from our side. The bougainvillea the Gill's plan to train over the pool equipment will be an attractive addition, as well. In summary, I believe that the Gill's acted properly to protect their property by repairing their slope and protecting it from additional slope damage. The improvements appear to be logically designed and well constructed. The Gill's consulted us throughout the pi i)jee to make sure t • our needs were being met. Since Ly 29 Chuckwagon Road e 0 • • ENRIGHT, 35 CHUCKWAGON Dr. and Mrs. Lynn E. Gill 31 Chuckwagon Road Rolling Hills, CA 90274 May 15, 2000 Dear Chuckwagon and Chesterfield Neighbors: We have for the most part completed the extensive hardscaping/landscaping of our property, which has been going on for the past nine months. We hope you like the new face our home presents to the neighborhood as much as we do! Thank you for bearing with us while the construction work was in process. We would appreciate your help with resolving two pending matters. The Rolling Hills Planning Commission has requested that we do the following: 1. Remove the east and south pool equipment enclosure walls 2. Modify two retaining walls which the architect/engineering firm designed as stepping down the slope to walls that are parallel to the slope The Planning Commission is generally responsive to neighbor input, as the Commissioners themselves are our neighbors who serve on the Planning Commission as a service to the community. This is to request your input on the above two requests, which may affect you and your property. Remove the east and south pool equipment enclosure walls Part of our hardscaping/landscaping project was to remodel our pool and add a new spa. The old pool heater, pump and filter were enclosed by a five-foot cedar fence and gate. The new pool equipment includes a new heater and filter and two more powerful pumps to provide adequate water pressure to the new spa. The new equipment is located in the same location as the old equipment, but is now enclosed by a five-foot brown split -face block masonry enclosure with cedar doors. It also incorporated a trellis upon which is growing grape and Gold Trumpet vines. The pool equipment enclosure was designed in this manner to dampen equipment sound and to screen the pool equipment from view. The canyon below Chuckwagon and Chesterfield Roads forms a natural amphitheater. I am sure we have all noticed how the canyon seems to amplify sounds- roosters, ducks, horses, TV's, music, parties, gardeners, pool equipment, etc. —especially in the summer when we are out-of-doors enjoying our patios. Lynn and Sheri Gill May 15, 2000 I fear that removing the two pool equipment walls facing the canyon will expose my neighbors to possibly having to look at exposed pool equipment, but more importantly to the sound of the two filter and booster pumps which run about eight hours per day in the Summer. • • What are your views about removing the south and east pool enclosure walls? Can you see the pool equipnt enclosure and doors from your property? Yes No Would your preference be for us to: Remove the south and east pool equipment enclosure walls Do not remove the pool equipment enclosure walls Modify two retaining walls, which step down the slope, to walls that are parallel to the slope The two retaining walls parallel our south and north property lines, and step down the slope from our upper pad to a lower pad: A. B. This stepped wall design of our architectural/engineering firm is a very typical wall design found throughout our neighborhood. We have planted Bougainvillea next to the two walls, which spills over the top of the walls. The stepped areas provide planting pockets to contain the Bougainvillea plants. Page 2 Lynn and Sheri Gill May 15, 2000 The Planning Commission would like for us to modify the two walls so that they will parallel the slope. A. I have shown this as a line connecting points A. and B. on the prior diagram. Our belief is that since the tops of the walls are covered with Bougainvillea, their shape is irrelevant. Our second belief is that, based on walls I can see on my morning walk around the neighborhood and down Eastfield, the stepped wall design is the far more popular wall design in our neighborhood. What are your opinions concerning the Planning Commissions's request that we modify the two walls? Can you see our retaining walls from your property? Yes No In your opinion, should we"ifithe two walls from stepped to sloped walls? Yes No I could care less Comments I am planning to meet with the Planning Commission in about a week, and would appreciate being able to tally my neighbors' preferences on these two matters. Call me or Sheri at (310) 541-3311 if you have any questions or would like to see what we have accomplished. Also, call and we will pick up your completed questionnaire, or you can stick it in our mailbox. If you prefer, you can drop it off at the City offices (although I then would not be able to tally up the neighbors' preferences). Page 3 Lynn and Sheri Gill May 15, 2000 • Name Signed 29 Chuckwagon 33, Chuckwagon 35 Chuckwagon 2 Chesterfield 4 Chesterfield 6 Chesterfield 7 Chesterfield 8 Chesterfield 10 Chesterfield Thanks for your help! Sincerely, n and Sheri Gill Al) Page 4 Dr. Lynn E. Gill 31 Chuckwagon Rd Rolling Hills, CA 90274-5278 dif 11.61.4 t igiabre 3 " 6604,404t4r