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514, Exploration, determination & c, Staff ReportsCity 0/ R0fA4 _ue� AGENDA ITEM 4-B INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957 MEETING DATE: JUNE 27,1994 NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274 (310) 377-1521 FAX: (310) 377-7288 TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL ATTENTION: CRAIG R. NEALIS, CITY MANAGER FROM: LOLA M. UNGAR, PRINCIPAL PLANNER SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 514 DEL AMO SAVINGS BANK, SAGEBRUSH LANE (LOT 100-3-RH) RESOLUTION NO. 94-14: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING SITE PLAN REVIEW APPROVAL TO PERMIT SOIL EXPLORATION AND INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE UNDERLYING STRATA AND TO REPAIR PREVIOUSLY ABORTED GRADING IN ZONING CASE NO. 514. BACKGROUND 1. The Planning Commission approved the attached resolution on June 21, 1994. 2. The applicant is requesting Site Plan Review to explore and investigate an approximately 18,480 square foot crescent -shaped portion of the subject property that extends to the south and west central portion of the lot to learn whether a residence can be constructed on the site and to repair previously aborted grading at the crescent -shaped portion of the property. It is proposed to explore a distance of approximately 150 feet long by up to 40 feet wide, with no determination of depth. Approximately 17% of the lot will be disturbed. 3. In 1988, grading and building permits were issued for the construction of a residence by Dr. J.W. Greenhut on the subject property. The grading was never completed and all excavated soil was dumped back into the excavation. A soils engineer did not make compaction tests as the excavation was refilled. Del Amo Savings Bank, the current owners through default, have researched all aspects of approval and have concluded that investigation of the untested area must be performed in order to determine whether a future residence can be built on the site. 4. The resolution requires that a certified geologist be on site during all hours of exploration and investigation to monitor all phases and to insure that removal and refill at the site is accomplished in a manner that would pose no hazards to "on site" or adjoining properties. (1) ®Panted on Recycled Par.•er. r ZONING CASE NO. 514 PAGE 2 RECOMMENDATION • • It is recommended that the City Council receive and file Resolution No. 94-14. • RESOLUTION NO. 94-14 A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING SITE PLAN REVIEW APPROVAL TO PERMIT SOIL EXPLORATION AND INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE UNDERLYING STRATA AND TO REPAIR PREVIOUSLY ABORTED GRADING IN ZONING CASE NO. 514. THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES HEREBY FIND, RESOLVE AND ORDER AS FOLLOWS: Section 1. Applications were duly filed by Del Amo Savings Bank with respect to an undeveloped piece of real property located on Sagebrush Lane, Rolling Hills (Lot 100-3-RH) requesting Site Plan Review approval to permit soil exploration and investigation to determine underlying strata and to repair previously aborted grading. Section 2. In 1988, grading and building permits were issued for the construction of a residence by Dr. J.W. Greenhut on the subject property. The grading was never completed and all excavated soil was dumped back into the excavation. A soils engineer did not make compaction tests as the excavation was refilled. Del Amo Savings Bank, the current owners through default, have researched all aspects of approval and have concluded that investigation of the untested area must be performed in order to determine whether a future residence can be built on the site. Section 3. The Planning Commission conducted a duly noticed public hearing to consider the applications on May 7, 1994 and May 17, 1994 and at a field trip visit on May 7, 1994. Section 4. The project is categorically exempt from environmental review under the California Environmental Quality Act pursuant to a Class 4 exemption provided by Section 15304 of the State CEQA Guidelines. Section 5. Section 15.04.100 of Title 15 (Building and Construction) states that a grading permit is required for an excavation and/or fill that is more than three (3) feet in depth below the existing ground surface and covers more than 2,000 square feet. Section 17.46.030 requires a development plan to be submitted for site plan review and approval before any grading which requires a grading permit. Section 6. The Planning Commission makes the following findings of fact: 0 RESOLUTION NO. 94-14 PAGE 2 A. The proposed excavation and grading is compatible with the General Plan, the Zoning Ordinance and surrounding uses because the proposed excavation and grading complies with the General Plan requirement that the City maintain strict grading practices to preserve the community's natural terrain. The proposed excavation and grading will return the site to its existing typography and will conform to Zoning Code requirements that limit the maximum disturbed area on a lot to 40% of the net lot area. The proposed excavation and grading will disturb 17% of the net lot area. B. The proposed project 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) because a minimum amount of grading is proposed to explore a distance of approximately 150 feet long by up to 40 feet wide, with no determination of depth and the existing terrain will be restored. The applicant's proposal will allow a comprehensive study of the existing fill slope to determine if the aborted grading was anything other than a monetary decision. The excavation and recompaction will be under the direction of a certified geologist who will be on site at all times during the investigation to monitor all phases and to insure that removal and refill at the site is accomplished in a manner that would pose no hazards to "on site" or adjoining properties. C. The project follows natural contours of the site to minimize grading because the site will be returned to its existing topography. The natural drainage courses will continue to the canyons at the east side of this very large lot. D. Grading for the proposed project will not modify existing drainage channels nor redirect drainage flow into an existing drainage course because the uncompacted fill site will be removed and recompacted under the direction of a certified geologist. E. The project incorporates existing large trees and native vegetation to the maximum extent feasible and, with the conditions attached to this approval, the area to be excavated will be recompacted and exist in a safer and more natural state than it does presently as an uncompacted fill site. F. The project conforms with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act and is categorically exempt from environmental review. RESOLUTION NO. 94-14 PAGE 3 Section 7. Based upon the foregoing findings, the Planning Commission hereby approves the Site Plan Review application for Zoning Case No. 514 to permit soil exploration and investigation to determine underlying strata and to repair previously aborted grading as indicated on the development plan incorporated herein as Exhibit A and subject to the conditions contained in Section 8. Section 8. The Site Plan Review for residential development approved in Section 7 is subject to the following conditions: A. The Site Plan Review approval shall expire within one year from the effective date of approval as defined in Section 17.46.080.A. B. It is declared and made a condition of the Site Plan Review 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 excavation and recompaction shall be conducted in substantial conformance with the site plan on file marked Exhibit A except as otherwise provided in these conditions. E. A certified geologist shall be on site during all hours of exploration and investigation to monitor all phases and to insure that removal and refill at the site is accomplished in a manner that would pose no hazards to "on site" or adjoining properties. F. The area of disturbance shall not exceed 17% of the net lot area. G. The project must be reviewed and approved by the Rolling Hills Community Association prior to the issuance of any grading permit. H. The working drawings submitted to the County Department of Building and Safety for plan check review must conform to the development plan approved with this application. • RESOLUTION NO. 94-14 PAGE 4 I. The applicant shall execute an Affidavit of Acceptance of all conditions of this Site Plan Review, or the approval shall not be effective. J. All conditions of this Site Plan Review approval must be complied with prior to the issuance of a grading permit from the County of Los Angeles. PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED THIS 21ST DA OF ATTEST: MARILYN KERN, DEPUTY CITY CLERK STATE OF CALIFORNIA ) COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES CITY OF ROLLING HILLS ) SS -994. ALLAN ROBERTS, CHAIRMAN I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 94-14 entitled: A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING SITE PLAN REVIEW APPROVAL TO PERMIT SOIL EXPLORATION AND INVESTIGATION TO DETERMINE UNDERLYING STRATA AND TO REPAIR PREVIOUSLY ABORTED GRADING IN ZONING CASE NO. 514. was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the Planning Commission on June 21, 1994 with the following roll call vote: AYES: Commissioners Frost, Hankins, Raine and Chairman Roberts NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following. Administrative Office DEPUTY CI CLERK HEARING DATE: TO: FROM: APPLICATION NO. SITE LOCATION: ZONING & SIZE: APPLICANT: REPRESENTATIVE: PUBLISHED: REOUEST c opeoPen9.��e, INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, MAY 17, 1994 PLANNING COMMISSION LOLA UNGAR, PRINCIPAL PLANNER 1957 NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274 (310) 377-1521 FAX: (310) 377-7288 ZONING CASE NO. 514 SAGEBRUSH LANE (LOT 100-3-RH) RA-S-2, 2.50 ACRES DEL AMO SAVINGS BANK, TORRANCE, CA MR. DOUGLAS MCHATTIE, SOUTH BAY ENGINEERING APRIL 28, 1994 The applicant requests Site Plan Review to permit investigation to determine underlying strata previously aborted grading for property that is a BACKGROUND exploration and and to repair vacant lot. 1. The Planning Commission viewed a staking of the proposed area to be investigated on May 7, 1994. 2. The applicant is requesting Site Plan Review to explore and investigate an approximately 18,480 square foot crescent - shaped portion of the subject property that extends to the south and west central portion of the lot to learn whether a residence can be constructed on the site and to repair previously aborted grading at the crescent -shaped portion of the property. It is proposed to explore a distance of approximately 150 feet long by up to 40 feet wide, with no determination of depth. Approximately 17% of the lot will be disturbed (40% permitted). 3. Under Title 15 (Building and Construction) Section 15.04.100, a grading permit is required for an excavation and/or fill that is more than three feet in depth below the existing ground surface and covers more than 2,000 square feet which would include this project. And, the Zoning Code requires that Site Plan Review is required for any project requiring a grading permit. 4. In 1988, grading and building permits were issued for the construction of a residence by Dr. J.W. Greenhut. The grading was never completed and all excavated soil was dumped back into the excavation. A soils engineer did not make compaction tests of the fill. ®Printed on Recycled Paper. ZONING CASE NO. 514 PAGE 2 5. Del Amo Savings Bank, the current owners through default, have researched all aspects of approval and have concluded that investigation of the untested area must be performed in order to determine a further course of action. 6. Geologist Keith Ehlert will be in charge of the investigation. He has determined that a "slot cut" will have to be made at the toe of the existing fill slope. This cut will be made by a front end track mounted loader with the material stockpiled on the property a safe distance from the cut. In order to complete a comprehensive study to determine if the aborted grading was anything other than a monetary decision, a majority of the existing fill slope will have to be explored. It is proposed by the applicant that a geologist be on site at all times during the investigation to monitor all phases and to insure the removal is accomplished in a manner that would pose no hazards to "on site" or adjoining properties. 7. The project has been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Planning Commission review the proposed plans and take public testimony. HEARING DATE: TO: FROM: APPLICATION NO. SITE LOCATION: ZONING & SIZE: APPLICANT: REPRESENTATIVE: PUBLISHED: REQUEST Cuy 0/ INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957 MAY 7, 1994 PLANNING COMMISSION LOLA UNGAR, PRINCIPAL PLANNER NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274 (310) 377-1521 FAX: (310) 377-7288 ZONING CASE NO. 514 SAGEBRUSH LANE (LOT 100-3-RH) RA-S-2, 2.50 ACRES DEL AMO SAVINGS BANK, TORRANCE, CA MR. DOUGLAS MCHATTIE, SOUTH BAY ENGINEERING APRIL 28, 1994 The applicant requests Site Plan Review to permit investigation to determine underlying strata previously aborted grading for property that is a DISCUSSION exploration and and to repair vacant lot. In reviewing the applicant's request under Title 15 (Building & Construction) and Title 17 (Zoning), staff would identify the following issues for evaluation: 1. The applicant is requesting Site Plan Review to explore and investigate an approximately 18,480 square foot crescent - shaped portion of the subject property that extends to the south and west central portion of the lot to learn whether a residence can be constructed on the site and to repair previously aborted grading at the crescent -shaped portion of the property. It is proposed to explore a distance of approximately 150 feet long by up to 40 feet wide, with no determination of depth. Approximately 17% of the lot will be disturbed (40% permitted). 2. Under Title 15 (Building and Construction) Section 15.04.100, a grading permit is required for an excavation and/or fill that is more than three feet in depth below the existing ground surface and covers more than 2,000 square feet which would include this project. And, the Zoning Code requires that Site Plan Review is required for any project requiring a grading permit. 2. In 1988, grading and building permits were issued for the construction of a residence by Dr. J.W. Greenhut. The grading was never completed andall excavated soil was dumped back into the excavation. A soils engineer did not make compaction tests of the fill. Printed on Recycled Paper. ZONING CASE NO. 514 PAGE 2 3. Del Amo Savings Bank, the current owners through default, have researched all aspects of approval and have concluded that investigation of the untested area must be performed in order to determine a further course of action. 4. Geologist Keith Ehlert will be in charge of the investigation. He has determined that a "slot cut" will have to be made at the toe of the existing fill slope. This cut will be made by a front end track mounted loader with the material stockpiled on the property a safe distance from the cut. In order to complete a comprehensive study to determine if the aborted grading was anything other than a monetary decision, a majority of the existing fill slope will have to be explored. It is proposed by the applicant that a geologist be on site at all times during the investigation to monitor all phases and to insure the removal is accomplished in a manner that would pose no hazards to "on site" or adjoining properties. 5. The project has been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that the Planning Commission review the proposed plans and take public testimony. SOUTH BAY ENGINEERINGCOMPANY Lola Ungar Principle Planner City of Rolling Hills 2 Portuguese Bend Rd. Rolling Hills, CA 90272 Dear Ms. Ungar: APR ;31994 CITY OF ROLLING HILLS 8y The exact amount of disturbance during the investigation of 4 Sage Brush Lane is very hard to pin down. The purpose of the investigation is to determine underlying strata that was exposed during the uncompleted grading operation or expose materials that underlie the site which were not previously dealt with. I have consulted with Keith Ehlert the geologist in charge of the investigation; he has determined that a "slot cut" will have to be made at the toe of the existing fill slope. This cut will be made by a front end track mounted loader with the material stockpiled on the property a safe distance from the cut. He further stated that a geologist would be on site at all times during the investigation to monitor all phases. In order for this to be a comprehensive study to determine if the aborted grading was anything other than a monetary decision, a majority of the length of the existing fill slope will have to be opened up. This is a distance of approximately 150 feet in length and could be as wide as 40 feet; no determination of depth at this time. As I mentioned before a geologist will be present at all times to both monitor exposures but to also insure the removal is accomplished in a manner that would pose no hazards to "on site" or adjoining properties. The size or shape of the lot will not be changed when the investigation is completed. If f you have any further questions please call. Sincerely, Doug McHattie Vice President ❑ 304 TEJON PLACE • PALOS VERDES ESTATES, CA 90274 • (310) 375-2556 IN L.A. (213) 772-1555 • FAX (310) 378-3816 O 822 HAMPSHIRE ROAD, SUITE H • WESTLAKE VILLAGE, CA 91361 • (805) 494-4499 • FAX (805) 494-4211 • ('t1t O/ Rottingivi; A INCORPORATED JANUARY 24, 1957 FAX & MAIL STATUS OF APPLICATION May 5, 1994 Ms. Dianna Bowers Del Amo Savings Bank 3422 Carson Street Torrance, CA 90503 NO. 2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD ROLLING HILLS, CALIF. 90274 (310) 377-1521 FAX: (310) 377-7288 SUBJECT: ZONING CASE NO. 514 Del Amo Savings Bank, Sagebrush Lane (Lot 100-3-RH) Request for Site Plan Review to permit exploration and investigation to determine underlying strata and to repair previously aborted grading for property that is a vacant lot. Dear Ms. Bowers: 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.514 has been set for public hearing consideration by the Planning Commission at their meeting on Saturday, May 7, 1994. The meeting will begin at 7 : 30 AM at 9 Open Brand Road, Rolling Hills, CA and will continue to Sagebrush Lane not later than 10:30 AM. 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, May 6, 1994. Please arrange to pick up the staff report to preview it prior to the hearing. ®Pnnt�rl nr, P.ar r PAGE 2 Please call me at (310) 377-1521 if you have any questions. Sincerely,1 %i 1 c-Pez i ( . LOLA M. UNGAR PRINCIPAL PLANNER cc: Mr. Douglas McHattie, South Bay Engineering