none, Driveway modification, CorrespondenceArun Bhumitra
13 Buggywhip Drive, Rolling Hills, CA 90274 };",` "t
(310) 994-7400
August 29tl , 2018
City of Rolling Hills
Attention : Yolanda Schwartz, City Manager
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Ms. Schwartz;
This letter serves as a follow up to our previous correspondence to the City of Rolling Hills, on September
12th, 2017, a copy of which has been included for your reference.
Our letter was to request assistance in resolving an ongoing problem with our neighbors, Mr. & Mrs. Chris
Hutchinson, of 16 Buggywhip Drive. Their landscaping and trees are obstructing our beautiful views;
views that we are entitled to, per the City of Rolling Hills.
Per the City of Rolling Hills Municipal Code Chapter 17.26,
"the view owner can get the views that were available anytime since the property was purchased."
We purchased our home in 1998, and the lovely, unobstructed views were a primary reason.
Additionally, when the City of Rolling Hills approved Mr. & Mrs. Hutchinson's' landscaping permit, on
April 206, 2009, the conditions expressly stated that "any new trees may not, at maturity, exceed the ridge
height of the residence". A copy of this permit has also been included for your reference.
The Hutchinsons' are in violation of both these conditions. For over one year now, we have attempted to
resolve this issue with them. We have made several attempts to come to an agreement, at considerable
time, expense and emotional stress.
E EVED
SEP 13 2018
City of Rolling Hills
By
At this time however, we have not had a resolution. We are asking the City of Rolling Hills to please step
in and assist with this via mediation. Please let us know what the next step would be.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Respectfully yours,
Arun Bhumitra
2
Arun I3hunnitra
13 Buggywhip Drive, Rollie; Hills, CA 90274
(310) 994-7400
September 121h, 2017
City of Rolling Hills
Attn : Mr. Ray Cruz, City Manager
2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Mr. Cruz;
My family and I have resided at 13 Buggywhip Drive, Rolling Hills, CA 90274, since 1998.
It has come to my attention that ourneighbors, located at 16 Buggywhip Drive, have allowed certain
vegetation to grow as to obstruct the view from my home, as well as having planted numerous new trees,
which also impede the view. These new, and older trees and shrubs, are significantly blocking the city and
coastline scene from my house; which was clear when we originally moved in to our home in 1998.
We have attempted to resolve this issue in the past with our neighbors. We have paid, at considerable
cost, for the trimming of the trees at 16 Buggywhip Drive over the years. At this time however, we have
not had any replies to our current letters and requests for the landscape to be cut back.
Our neighbors have resided at 16 Buggywhip Drive since 2008. It is my understanding that their home
was renovated to raise the roof, and chimney line. I was unaware of this construction, and was never
notified of the increased height of their house. Furthermore, is it not part of the agreement / declaration
with the City of Rolling Hills and 16 Buggywhip Drive that this construction project had a provision as
follows?
"to not make changes to their property with adverse effect to
neighbors; including the planning of new trees obstructing views"
Attached, please find photographs substantiating my claim that these neighbors have allowed their
previously existing trees to become overgrown, and that they have also planted new trees, w 'ch also
impede my view. ��
This issue is very frustrating for me, and I have had to spend considerable time and effort in trying to get
this resolved. The lack of cooperation from my neighbors is extremely troublesome. We all need to
support one another, not work against each other. The beautiful view was the reason we purchased this
home and we were assured that the City of Rolling Hills' ordinance would ensure that it could not be
blocked. It is our neighbors' responsibility to maintain their property -and their actions, or lack thereof,
have resulted in a decrease of the value and enjoyment of my home.
We humbly request that status quo be maintained for all residents and that this issue be resolved within
the next 30 days. I am available to discuss this matter at any time, should you have further questions.
Thank you in advance for your attention to this matter.
Res ectfully ours,
Arun Bhumitra
2
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April 20, 2009
Mr. Chris Hutchinson
16 Buggy Whip Drive
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Dear Mr. Hutchinson:
INCORPORATED JANUAPY 24, 1057
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE SEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF 90274
(310)377.1521
FAX: (310) 377.7288
Thank you for stopping by City Hall earlier today and introducing yourself to me. It is
always a pleasure to meet the face behind the plans that we approve on a daily basis.
A.s I mentioned to you, I received your landscaping plan from your contractor at the visit
to your project on April 16, 2009. In reviewing the plan I would like to mention a few
requirements:
• Any work in the easements must be reviewed and approved by the Rolling Hills
Community Association (RHCA).
• The three -rail fence that you are proposing must be reviewed and approved by
RHCA.
• Any new trees and shrubs may not, at maturity, exceed the ridge height of the
residence.
A wall of plants/trees in a hedge like configurationalong the front of any property
is strongly discouraged in the City. For a softer look you may want to offset the
plants by several feet, or thin out or remove a few of the newly planted trees along
the three rail fence along Buggy Whip. We would appreciate you cooperation in
this matter.
I am enclosing the City's lighting requirements. Please adhere to these provisions. All
outdoor lighting fixtures must be approved by RHCA, whereas the City regulates light
intensity.
Again, thank you for speaking with me and I hope you and your family enjoy the lovely
house that you built.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call me at 310 377-1521.
Srktc
I
anta Schwartz
ing Director
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April 7, 2009
Mr. Arun Bhumitra
13 Buggy Whip Drive
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Subject: Construction at 16 Buggy Whip Drive
Dear Mr. Bhumitra:
INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957
NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD
ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274
(310)377-1521
FAX: (310) 377-7288
Thank you for your letter regarding the construction and trees at 16 Buggy Whip Drive.
The addition and renovation of the residence at this address was approved by the City
administratively (over -the counter), which is in compliance with the Municipal Code
requirements for that type of work. Pursuant to the Zoning Ordinance of the Municipal
Code administrative approvals do not require public hearings or neighborhood
notification. The City has no height requirement, except that a house must be one story.
A basement is also allowed, but it is not considered a story. The Rolling Hills
Community Association has provisions for height of structures.
In regards to the trees blocking your view, you may apply to either the City of Rolling
Hills or the Rolling Hills Community Association to have the matter reviewed by the
respective agency. The City's process requires the filing of an application and a fee of
$500, together with address labels of all the neighbors within 1000-foot radius of the
property on which the trees area located. The City also requires that you contact your
neighbors and seek cooperation prior to applying to the City. We recognize that you
contacted the Hutchinson's regarding the newly planted trees but received no response.
Should you wish to file a view obstruction complaint, please find enclosed a copy of the
City's regulations and application.
If you have any questions or require additional information, please do not hesitate to
contact me at (310) 377-1521.
Singer ly
N -t r
Yol to Schwartz
Pla ing Director
Enclosure
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