1158RESOLUTION NO. 1158
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
ADOPTING THE 2014-2021 HOUSING ELEMENT AND GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 2014-01, OF THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS. A NEGATIVE ENVIRONMETAL DECLARATION HAS BEEN PREPARED
FOR THIS PROJECT; AND ACCEPTING AND FILING THE 2014 REPORT ON THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN.
THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DOES HEREBY FIND, DETERMINE
AND RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS:
Section 1. On January 4, 1957, the City of Rolling Hills was established as a duly organized
municipal corporation of the State of California.
Section 2. The City of Rolling Hills first General Plan was adopted in 1973, with updates
prepared for the Housing Element in 1981 and 1984. The City adopted its current General Plan on June
25, 1990 and the Housing Element of the General Plan on December 25, 1991 and as amended on July
9, 2001 and January 9, 2009. The General Plan establishes goals, objectives and strategies to implement
the community's vision for the future.
Section 3. Pursuant to the requirements of Government Code Section 65580 et seq., City staff
has reviewed the Housing Element of the General Plan and determined that it is appropriate to revise
that Element to reflect the results of this review.
Section 4. The City prepared a Draft Housing Element update for the period 2014-2021. The
Planning Commission reviewed a Preliminary Draft Housing Element at a Public Hearing/Workshop
held on September 26, 2013. The document was forwarded as a Draft to the California Department of
Housing and Community Development (HCD) for its 60 -day review. On December 16, 2013 HCD
requested modifications which have been incorporated into a revised Housing Element update, which
was considered by the Planning Commission at a public hearing on January 21, 2014.
Section 5. On December 30, 2013 pursuant to Government Code Sections 65090 and 65353,
the State of California Clearinghouse, cities of Rolling Hills Estates, Rancho Palos Verdes, Palos Verdes
Estates, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Center Library, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District,
and the County of Los Angeles were notified of the public hearing for this project. Notifications of the
public hearings were published in the Palos Verdes Peninsula News on January 2 and January 30, 2014
and the City of Rolling Hills Newsletter. Copies of the 2014-2021 Housing Element update and Initial
Study were made available at the public counter and the City's web site.
Section 6. Pursuant to the provisions of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
Public Resources Code Sections 21000 et seq., the State CEQA Guidelines, California Code of
Regulations, Title 14, Sections 15000 et seq., and the City's Local CEQA Guidelines, the City prepared
an initial study and determined that there was no substantial evidence that the adoption of the 2014-2021
Housing Element may have a significant effect on the environment. Accordingly, a negative declaration
was prepared and notice of that fact was given in the manner required by law. The initial study is
incorporated herein as if set out in full and attached hereto as Exhibit "A."
Section 7. A duly noticed public hearing before the Planning Commission to consider the
proposed negative declaration and the 2014-2021 Housing Element was held on January 21, 2014 at
which time public comments on the negative declaration and the 2014-2021 Housing Element were
received by the Commission. The Planning Commission at that meeting adopted Resolution No. 2014-
03 recommending to the City Council to adopt the Housing Element and the Negative Declaration.
Section 8. The City Council at a public hearing on February 10, 2014 considered individually
and collectively, the proposed negative declaration and the 2014-2021 Housing Element and after due
consideration of public testimony, staff analysis and the Planning Commission's recommendation, the
City Council has determined that the 2014-2021 Housing Element, General Plan Amendment No. 2014-
01, attached hereto as Exhibit `B" and incorporated by reference into this Resolution, implements the
goals and the needs in terms of the type of housing envisioned by the City's General Plan.
Section 9. Based upon the facts contained in this Resolution, those contained in the staff report
and other components of the legislative record, in the proposed negative declaration and the 2014-2021
Resolution No. 1158
Housing Element, and the public comments received by the City Council, the City Council finds as
follows:
(a) The City Council considered the proposed negative declaration together with comments
upon it received in the public review process and finds that there is no substantial evidence that the
adoption of the 2014-2021 Housing Element will have a significant effect on the environment.
(b) The City Council has reviewed the Housing Element Guidelines adopted by HCD pursuant
to Section 50459 of the Health and Safety Code and has reivewed the letter prepared by and has
reviewed the findings contained in HCD's letter dated January 16, 2014. The City reivsed the Housing
Element based on that letter. The City Council hereby incorporates as if set out in full as part of this
resolution and by way of explanation for the basis of the City Council's conclusion that the revised
Housing Element substantially complies with State law.
(c) The City has changed the draft Housing Element update to substantially comply
with the requirements of Government Code Sections 65580-65589.8. As demonstrated by the analysis
set forth in the element itself, the City's unique topographic, geologic, infrastructure, fire safety and land
use contraints prevent the City from rezoning property and otherwise restrict development in the City.
Such constraints include steeply sloping hillsides, landslide hazards, lack of urban infrastructure such as
sewers, the threat of wildland fires, sensitive animal habitats and species, and enforceable CC&Rs.
(d) The 2014-2021 Housing Element is consistent with the other elements of the General Plan
because the Element uses the land use designations of the Land Use Element and those designations in
turn are reflective of, and consistent with, the policies and provisions of the remaining elements of the
General Plan.
(e) The housing goals, objectives, and policies stated in the 2014-2021 Housing Element are
appropriate for the City of Rolling Hills and will contribute to the attainment of the state housing goal.
(f) The adoption of the 2014-2021 Housing Element will aid the City's efforts to assist in the
development of housing for all members of the community.
(g) For the foregoing reasons, the adoption of the 2014-2021 Housing Element is in the public
interest.
(h) The City Council received and reviewed the annual report on implementation of the
General Plan, and directs that the report be filed and forwarded to the State of California Office of
Planning and Research and the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Section 10. The City Council hereby approves and adopts the proposed negative declaration
prepared for this project, the revised Housing Element and the annual report on the implementation of
the General Plan.
Section 11. The City Clerk is hereby directed to distribute copies of the Housing Element of
the Rolling Hills General Plan as provided in Section 65357, to file a Notice of Determination with the
Los Angeles County Clerk, and to submit a copy of the revised Housing Element and this Resolution to
HCD, pursuant to Section 65585 of the Government Code.
PASSED AND APPROVED ON THE 10`x' DAY OF FEBRUARY 2014.
FE. HILL
MAYOR
ATTEST: ,
qW1JA&6
HEU LUCE
CITY CLERK
Resolution No. 1158 2
STATE OF CALIFORNIA )
COUNTY OF LOS ANGELES ) §§
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS )
I certify that the foregoing Resolution No. 1158 entitled:
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
ADOPTING THE 2014-2021 HOUSING ELEMENT AND GENERAL PLAN
AMENDMENT NO. 2014-01, OF THE GENERAL PLAN OF THE CITY OF ROLLING
HILLS. A NEGATIVE ENVIRONMETAL DECLARATION HAS BEEN PREPARED
FOR THIS PROJECT; AND ACCEPTING AND FILING THE 2014 REPORT ON THE
IMPLEMENTATION OF THE GENERAL PLAN.
was approved and adopted at a regular meeting of the City Council on February 10, 2014 by the
following roll call vote:
AYES: Councilmembers Black, Dieringer, Pieper and Mayor Hill.
NOES: None.
ABSENT: Mayor Pro Tem Lay.
ABSTAIN: None.
and in compliance with the laws of California was posted at the following:
Administrative Offices
419"
HEIDI LUCE
CITY CLERK
Resolution No. 1158 3
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Resolution No. 1158
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EXHIBIT A
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
IINITIAL STUDY
FOR
2014-21 UPDATE OF THE
HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Contact: Yolanta Schwartz
(310) 377-1521
December 26, 2013
Resolution No. 1158 5
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Page No.
Housing Element Update
Page No.
Summaryand Findings..................................................................................................
Purposeand Scope.......................................................................................................2
ProjectDescription...................................................................................................... 2
Environmental Factors Potentially Affected.................................................................8
EnvironmentalDetermination......................................................................................8
Evaluation of Environmental Impacts...........................................................................9
Environmental Analysis Checklist, Evaluation, & Discussion ..................................... 10
Mandatory Findings of Significance.............................................................................25
Sources Cited in Evaluation of Enviromental Impacts................................................26
List of Persons Preparing or Participating in Preparation of the Initial Studys......... 26
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure No. Page No.
1. Project Location Map..........................................................................................................................................4
LIST OF TABLES
Table No. Page No.
1. RHNA New Housing Construction Needs by Income Group.................................................................3
2. Progress Toward Implementing the 2006-2014 Housing Element Programs........................................4
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City of Rolling Hills
INITIAL STUDY FOR
UPDATE OF THE
HOUSING ELEMENT OF THE GENERAL PLAN
SUMMARY AND FINDINGS
This Initial Study assesses the potential environmental impacts of the proposed City of Rolling Hills
Update of the Housing Element of the General Plan for the 2014-2021 planning period. In the Housing
Element Update, the City of Rolling Hills outlines its program to preserve and promote housing
opportunities, including affordable housing opportunities, in the community.
To support provision of adequate housing opportunities, the City of Rolling Hills continues to undertake
the following actions:
■ Provision of housing service information to community senior citizens
■ Enforcement of code violations within residential neighborhoods
■ Facilitating new construction by working closely with housing developers and builders
■ Monitoring the City land supply
■ Support for fair housing counseling and monitoring.
Through these actions and the policies and programs, the City has determined that given its numerous
geologic, infrastructure, contractual, fire safety and environmental constraints, it has earnestly
endeavored to meet its local and regional housing needs, and its RHNA allocation for the 2014-2021
planning period.
This Initial Study finds that the Update to the Housing Element of the City of Rolling Hills General Plan
will promote housing oppportunities in Rolling Hills. The Housing Element Update has been prepared
consistent with the City General Plan and with State housing element law. No adverse environmental
impacts will result from Housing Element Update adoption and implementation, and no mitigation
measures are necessary. On the basis of this finding, a Negative Declaration is being recommended for
adoption by the City Council.
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Housing Element Update
PURPOSE AND SCOPE
This Initial Study serves as the environmental review of the proposed Project, as required pursuant to
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), Public Resources Code Section 21000 et seq. The
proposed Project is the City of Rolling Hills Update to the Housing Element of the General Plan.
Pursuant to Section 65580 of the Government Code, each local community in the State of California
must include a Housing Element within its General Plan. The Housing Element must provide a specific
analysis of the community's housing needs and a realistic set of programs designed to meet those needs.
The Housing Element must be periodically updated as specified by State law.
In accordance with Section 15378(a)(1) of the Guidelines for Implementation of CEQA (CEQA
Guidelines), the City of Rolling Hills (City) is required to prepare an Initial Study to determine if the
proposed Project may have a significant adverse effect on the environment. This Initial Study is intended
to be an informational document providing the Planning Commission and City Council of the City of
Rolling Hills, other public agencies, and the general public with an objective assessment of the potential
environmental impacts that could result from the implementation of the proposed Project.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
I. Project title: 2014-2021 Update to the City of Rolling Hills Housing Element of the General Plan.
2. Applicant name and address: City of Rolling Hills, No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA 90274.
3. Lead agency name and address: City of Rolling Hills, No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA
90274.
4. Contact person and phone number: Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director, (310) 377-1521.
5. Project location: Citywide. Rolling Hills is located in Los Angeles County, on the Palos Verdes peninsula
(See Figure I, Project Vicinity Map, below.)
6. Approvals required: Pursuant to State law, the California Department of Housing and Community
Development (HCD) is empowered to review the housing element of each community to ensure its
compliance with the provisions of the Government Code related to facilitating the improvement and
development of housing in order to make adequate provisions for the housing needs of all economic segments
of the community. HCD has review, but not approval, authority. The City Council will need to approve the
Negative Declaration for the Housing Element Update. No other approvals will be required.
City of Rolling Hills
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Figure 1. Vicinity Map
7. Description of project: (Describe the whole action involved, including but not limited to later
phases of the project, and any secondary, support, or off-site features necessary for its
implementation.)
As illustrated in Table I, Rolling Hills is required to provide adequate sites for the construction of 6 new dwelling
units during this planning period. Of these new units, I should be affordable to Extremely Low Income households,
I to Very Low Income households, I to Low Income households, I to Moderate income households, and 2 to
above moderate income households.
Table I
RHNA New Housing Construction Needs by Income Group
for the City of Rolling Hills (2014-2021)
Income Category Housing Unit Percent of Need by
Construction Need by Income Group
Income Group
Extremely Low (0-30% County median income) [I] 1 17%
Very Low (31-50% County median income) 1 17%
Low (50-80% County median income)
I 17%
Moderate (80-120% County median income) 1 17%
Above Moderate (over 120% County median income) 2
33%
Total Housing Unit Construction Need 6 100%
Source: SCAG Adopted Regional Housing Needs Determinations (November 2012)
JI] Extremely Low contains half (or 3) of the City Very Low Income allocation, which is 6 units.
Progress Toward Implementing the 2006-2014 (4th Cycle) Housing Element Programs
The 2006-2014 Rolling Hills Housing Element established programs to address the following primary housing
goals:
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Housing Element Update
■ Provide for housing which meets the needs of existing and future Rolling Hills' residents.
* Maintain and enhance the quality of residential neighborhoods in Rolling Hills.
■ Provide housing services to address the needs of the City's senior citizen population.
■ Promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race, religion, sex, marital status, ancestry,
national origin or color.
The following section examines the progress made towards implementing the City's housing programs as set forth
the 2006-2014 Housing Element As summarized in Table 2, the City has actively pursued avenues for supporting
residential development and facilitating affordable housing opportunities, despite the overwhelming constraints that
limit development opportunities in Rolling Hills.
Programs
Table 2
City Of Rolling Hills Progress Toward Implementing
the 2006-2014 Housing Element Programs
Accomplishments
Goal 1: Provide for housing which meets the needs of existing and future Rolling Hills' residents. w
Manufactured Home Program: Permit
manufactured homes on all buildable, single family
lots in the City.
Facilitate New Construction: The City will
continue to work with and assist housing
developers and builders to enable new housing to
be built in the City.
The City has amended its Zoning Ordinance to provide for
manufactured homes, and continues to permit this program. No
request for a manufactured home was submitted to the City during
the past planning period.
The City has continued to work with and assist developers and
builders. Five new units and seven replacement units have been
constructed during the past planning period.
Goal 2: Maintain and enhance the quality of residential neighborhoods in Rolling Hills.
Code Enforcement: In the event that a violation of
City codes or regulations is discovered, the City
works with the County and the Association to
remediate the violation.
Ground Instability: Continue to explore possible
solutions to ground instability problems.
Neighborhood Sponsored Sewer Districts:
Promote and facilitate the development of
homeowner sponsored sewer districts.
Housing Repair on Landslide Sites: Continue to
allow the repair of damaged structures and
remedial grading in landslide areas.
The City continues to promote code enforcement in cases
violations. An educational program including information brochur
has been implemented to discourage violations. A program to
accomplish compliance also has been implemented. Approximately
thirty violations have occurred in the City and only six of them
consisted of residential structural deficiencies, which :have been
corrected during the past planning period. Code enforcement is
intended to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and is not
considered a constraint to the development of affordable housing.
The City has continued to work with property owners and
geotechnical consultants to establish construction regulations and to
explore other potential solutions to the problem. However, despite
these continued efforts, certain property in high-risk landslide areas
remains unbuildable.
The City has retained a consulting engineer to assess the feasibility of
establishing a citywide sewer system. Because of the geologic and
topographic constraints, the cost of installing sewer citywide makes
installation of a sewer system infeasible.
The City continues to allow repair of damaged structures and
remedial grading in landslide areas with special permits.
Home Improvement Program for eligible low and In keeping with its commitment to support housing element
moderate -income residents. objectives and low income housing needs, Rolling Hills assigned its
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CDBG funds to the city Rancho Palos Verdes Home Improvement
Programs for eligible low and moderate income residents to provide
grants and zero percent deferred loans to correct hazardous
structural conditions, eliminate blight, and improve disabled access.
Goal 3: Provide housing services to address the needs of the City's senior citizen population.
Shared Housing Program: Actively market the two Informational brochures advertising existing shared housing
area shared housing programs — Focal Point at the programs are available at the public counter. Records on the
South Bay Senior Services in Torrance and number of matches that have occurred during the planning period
Anderson Senior Center in San Pedro - which are not available.
assist seniors in locating roommates to share
existing housing in the community.
Reverse Mortgage Program: Inform residents The City offers referral services to seniors interested in pursuing a
about the advantages of reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage.
reverse mortgage is a deferred payment loan or a
series of such loans for which a home is pledged as
security, and can offer a viable financing alternative
to many of Rolling Hills' elderly homeowners.
Elderly Services: Rolling Hills will continue to In keeping with its commitment to assist its elderly residents find
provide information to its elderly residents needed services, the City maintains a list of local senior facilities at
concerning available senior services. City Hall.
Goal 4: Promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race religion, sex, marital status,
ancestry, national origin or color.
Fair Housing Program: As a means of increasing
public awareness of legal rights under fair housing
laws, the City will advertise services offered by the
Fair Housing Foundation, including housing
discrimination response, landlord -tenant relations,
housing information and counseling, and
community education programs.
As a past participating city in the Community Development Block
Grant Program, Rolling Hills cooperated with the Los Angeles office
of the Fair Housing Foundation to enforce fair housing laws.
Informational brochures about the Foundation are available at the
City of Rolling Hills public counter and local library.
Housing Plan 2014-2021
Finally, the Housing Element Update must establish a plan for addressing the identified local and regional housing
needs. The goals of the 2014-2021 Housing Element are formulated based on information provided in the
Housing Needs Assessment and Constraints sections of the Housing Element document and input from the
community, City officials and staff. Goals and policies of the Update are as follows:
GOAL I: Provide for housing which meets the needs of existing and future Rolling Hills'
residents.
Policy 1.1: Evaluate ways in which the City can assist in providing housing to meet special community needs.
Policy 1.2: Work with governmental entities to explore the possibility of providing affordable housing for
low and moderate income and senior citizen households in the South Bay region.
City of Rolling Hills
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Policy 1.3: Encourage the development of residential units that are accessible to the disabled or are
adaptable for conversion to residential use by disabled persons.
Policy 1.4: Encourage the use of energy conservation devices and passive design concepts that make use of
the natural climate to increase energy efficiency and reduce energy costs.
Policy I.S: Continue to facilitate the development of housing in the City, taking into account existi
financial, legal, and environmental constraints.
GOAL 2: Maintain and enhance the quality of residential neighborhoods in Rolling Hills.
Policy 2.1: Encourage and assist in the maintenance and improvement of existing neighborhoods to maintain
optimum standards of housing quality and design.
Policy 2.2: Require the design of housing to comply with the City's building code requirements.
Policy 2.3: Require compatible design to minimize the impact of residential redevelopment on existing
residences.
Policy 2.4: Enforce City housing codes to assure the upkeep and maintenance of housing in the City.
GOAL 3: Provide housing services to address the needs of the City's senior citizen population.
Policy 3.1: Provide reference and referral services for seniors, such as in-home care and counseling for
housing -related issues, to allow seniors to remain independent in the community.
Policy 3.2: Maintain information regarding shared housing programs in nearby cities as an option for seniors
to share existing housing in the community.
Policy 3.3: Coordinate with lending companies and institutions to educate the City's elderly homeowners
to the availability of reverse mortgage loans which allow income -poor seniors to remain in their homes.
GOAL 4: Promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race religion, sex, marital
status, ancestry, national origin or color.
Policy 4.1: Affirm a positive action posture which will assure that unrestricted housing opportunities are
available to the community, and enforce all applicable laws and policies pertaining to equal housing
opportunity.
Policy 4.2: Make information on fair housing laws available to residents and realtors in the City by
distributing at the City Hall public counter and on request.
Policy 4.3: Investigate any allegations of violations of fair housing laws.
Summary of 2014-2021 Ouantified Objectives
Through the housing strategies outlined above, the City of Rolling Hills aims to obtain the quantified objectives
required by State Housing Law. Each jurisdiction is required to establish the minimum number of housing units
that will be constructed, rehabilitated, and conserved over the Housing Element planning period. The quantified
objectives for the City of Rolling Hills Housing Element are summarized in below:
■ Number of Units to be Constructed: 16 single-family units
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■ Number of Units to be Rehabilitated: 0 rehabilitation need
■ Number of Units to be Conserved: 693 single-family housing units.
ENVIRONMENTAL FACTORS POTENTIALLY AFFECTED:
The environmental factors checked below would be potentially affected by this project, involving at least one
impact that is a "Potentially Significant Impact" as indicated by the checklist on the following pages. If any of the
factors are checked, an Environmental Impact Report (EIR) is required. If no factors are checked, a Negative
Declaration or Mitigated Declaration is required.
❑ Aesthetics
❑ Agriculture & Forest Resources
❑ Air Quality
❑ Biological Resources
❑ Cultural Resources
❑ Geology/Soils (Liquefaction)
❑ Greenhouse Gas Emissions
❑ Hazards & Hazard Materials
❑ Hydrology/Water Quality
❑ Land Use and Planning
❑ Mineral Resources
❑ Noise
❑ Population/Housing
❑ Public Services
❑ Recreation
❑ Transportation/Traffic
❑ Utilities/Service Systems
❑ Mandatory Findings of
Significance
ENVIRONMENAL DETERMINATION: (To be completed by the Lead Agency)
On the basis of this initial evaluation:
X I find that the proposed project COULD NOT have a significant effect on the environment, and a
NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be prepared.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment, there
will not be a significant effect in this case because mitigation measures described on the attached
pages have been added to the project. A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION will be
prepared.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect on the environment, and an
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required.
I find that the proposed project MAY have a significant effect(s) on the environment, but at least
one effect 1) has been adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal
standards, and 2) has been addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis as
described on attached sheets, if the effect is a "potentially significant impact" or "potentially
significant unless mitigated." An ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT is required, but it must
analyze only the effects that remain to be addressed.
I find that although the proposed project could have a significant effect on the environment,
because all potentially significant effects (a) have been analyzed adequately in an earlier EIR or
NEGATIVE DECLARATION pursuant to applicable legal standards, and (b) have been avoided or
mitigated pursuant to that earlier EIR or NEGATIVE DECLARATION, including revisions or
mitigation measures that are imposed upon the proposed project, nothing further is required.
City of Rolling Hills
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Housing Element Update
Signature: Date: December 26, 3013
Printed Name: YVlanta Schwartz Title: Planning Director
EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
An Environmental Checklist Form (Form) has been used to evaluate the potential environmental impacts
associated with the proposed project. The Form has been prepared by the Resources Agency of California to
assist local governmental agencies, such as the City of Rolling Hills, in complying with the requirements of the
Statutes and Guidelines for implementing the California Environmental Quality Act. In the Form, environmental
effects are evaluated as follows:
A brief explanation is required for all answers except "No Impact" answers that are adequately supported by
the information sources a lead agency cites in its response. A "No Impact" answer is adequately supported if
the referenced information sources show that the impact simply does not apply to projects like the one
involved (e.g., the project falls outside a fault rupture zone). A "No Impact" answer should be explained where
it is based on project -specific factors as well as general standards (e.g., the project will not expose sensitive
receptors to pollutants, based on a project -specific screening analysis).
2. All answers must take account of the whole action involved, including off-site as well as on-site, cumulative as
well as project -level, indirect as well as direct, and construction as well as operational impacts.
3. Once the lead agency has determined that a particular physical impact may occur, then the checklist answers
must indicate whether the impact is "Potentially Significant", "Less Than Significant With Mitigation", or "Less
Than Significant". "Potentially Significant Impact" is appropriate if there is substantial evidence that an effect
may be significant. If there are one or more "Potentially Significant Impact" entries when the determination is
made, an EIR is required.
4. "Negative Declaration: Less Than Significant With Mitigation Incorporated" applies where the incorporation of
mitigation measures has reduced an effect from "Potentially Significant Impact" to a "Less Than Significant
Impact." The lead agency must describe the mitigation measures, and briefly explain how they reduce the
effect to a less than significant level (mitigation measures from an "Earlier Analyses," as described in #5 below,
may be cross-referenced).
5. Earlier analyses may be used where, pursuant to tiering, program EIR, or other CEQA process, an effect has
been adequately analyzed in an earlier EIR or negative declaration. In this case, a brief discussion should
identify the following:
(a) Earlier Analysis Used. Identify and state where they are available for review.
(b) Impacts Adequately Addressed. Identify which effects from the above checklist were within the scope of
and adequately analyzed in an earlier document pursuant to applicable legal standards, and state whether
such effects were addressed by mitigation measures based on the earlier analysis.
(c) Mitigation Measures. For effects that are "Less than Significant with Mitigation Measures Incorporated,"
describe the mitigation measures which were incorporated or refined from the earlier document and the
extent to which they address site-specific conditions for the project.
6. Lead agencies are encouraged to incorporate into the checklist references to information sources for
potential impacts (e.g., general plans, zoning ordinances).
7. Supporting Information Sources: A source list should be attached, and other sources used or individuals
contacted should be cited in the discussion.
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8. The explanation of each issue should identify:
(a) The significance criteria or threshold, if any, used to evaluate each question.
(b) The mitigation measure identified, if any, to reduce the impact to less than significance.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS CHECKLIST:
Less Than
Potentially Significant With
Significant Impact Mitigation
Incorporation
I. AESTHETICS. Would the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect on a
scenic vista?
b) Substantially damage scenic resources,
including but not limited to, trees,
rock outcroppings, and historic
buildings within a state scenic highway?
c) Substantially degrade the existing visual
character and quality of the site and its
surroundings?
d) Create a new source of substantial
light or glare which would adversely
affect day or nighttime views in the
area?
Less than
Significant No Impact
Impact
X
X
X
X
I. a), b), c), d). No Impact The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need and promotes
affordable housing. Any development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element policies will be consistent with
City planning, engineering and building requirements. No impacts relative to aesthetics are expected to occur as
a result of the Housing Element.
Il. AGRICULTURAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Convert Prime Farmland, Unique
Farmland, or Farmland of Statewide
Importance (Farmland), as shown on
the maps prepared pursuant to the
Farmland Mapping and Monitoring
Program of the California Resources
Agency, to non-agricultural use?
b) Conflict with existing zoning for
agricultural use, or a Williamson Act
contract?
c) Conflict with existing zoning for, or
cause rezoning of, forest land (as
defined in Public Resources Code
section 12220(g)) or timberland (as
defined in Public Resources Code
section 4526)
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d) Result in loss of forest land or
conversion of forest land to non -forest
use?
e) Involve other changes in the existing
environment which, due to their
location or nature, could result in
conversion of Farmland, to non-
agricultural use or conversion of forest
land to non -forest use?
Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
Potentially Significant With Significant No Impact
Significant Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
KI
Il. a), b), c), d), e). No Impact The City of Rolling Hills is an urbanized community. Policies and programs of the
Housing Element Update promote infill housing. There are no designated agricultural lands or forest lands within
the City. The Update will not impact any existing farmland or land zoned or contracted for farming.
111111. AIR QUALITY. Would the project:
a) Conflict with or obstruct
X
implementation of the applicable air
quality plan?
b) Violate any air quality standard or
X
contribute to an existing or projected
air quality violation?
c) Result in a cumulatively considerable
X
net increase of any criteria pollutant for
which the project region is non -
attainment under an applicable federal
or state ambient air quality standard
(including releasing emissions with
exceed quantitative thresholds for
ozone precursors)?
d) Expose sensitive receptors to
X
substantial pollutant concentrations?
e) Create objectionable odors affecting a
X
substantial number of people?
III. a), b), c), d), e). No Impact Rolling Hills is within the South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD),
established to implement the California Clean Air Act of 1988 and protect air quality in California. SCAQMD's
jurisdiction encompasses the counties of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and Orange. The SCAQMD has
developed the CEQA Air Quality Guidelines to assist local jurisdictions determine if a potential project may emit
significant air quality impacts. Any development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element Update policies will be
reviewed and processed in accordance with City planning policies and the SCAQMD CEQA Air Quality
Guidelines. No impacts to air quality are expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element.
City of Rolling Hills
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Resolution No. 1158 16
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IV. BIOLOGICAL RESOURCES. Would
the project:
a) Have a substantial adverse effect,
either directly or through habitat
modification, on any species identified
as candidate, sensitive or special status
species in local or regional plans,
policies or regulations, or by the
California Department of Fish and
Game or U.S. Fish and Wildlife?
b) Have a substantial adverse effect on
any riparian habitat or other sensitive
natural community identified in local
or regional plans, policies or
regulations, or by the California
Department of Fish and Game or U.S.
Fish and Wildlife?
c) Have a substantial adverse effect on
federally protected wetlands as
defined by Section 404 of the Clean
Water Act (including but not limited
to marsh, vernal pool, coastal, etc.)
through direct removal, filling
hydrological interruption, or other
means?
d) Interfere substantially with the
movement of any native resident or
migratory fish or wildlife species or
with established native resident or
migratory wildlife corridors, or
impede the use of native wildlife
nursery sites?
e) Conflict with any local policies or
ordinances protecting biological
resources, such as a tree preservation
policy or ordinance?
f) Conflict with the provisions of an
adopted Habitat Conservation Plan,
Natural Conservancy Conservation
Plan, or other approved local, regional,
or state habitat conservation plan?
Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
Potentially Significant With Significant No Impact
Significant Impact Mitigation
Incorporation Impact
Q
X
X_
X
X
IV. a), b), c), d), e), f). No Impact. Policies and programs of the Housing Element Update promote infill housing.
Any development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element policies will occur in already urbanized areas of the
community, and will be reviewed and processed in accordance with City planning policies. No impacts to
biological resources are expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element Update.
City of Rolling Hills
Initial Study
Resolution No. 1158 17
Page 11
Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
Potentially Significant With Significant No Impact
Significant Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
V. CULTURAL AND RESOURCES.
Would the project:
a) Cause a substantial adverse change in X
the significant of a historical resource
as defined in § 15064.5?
b) Cause a substantial adverse change in X
the significance of an archaeological
resource pursuant to § 15064.5?
c) Directly or indirectly destroy a unique X
paleontological resource or site or
unique geologic feature?
d) Disturb any human remains including X
those interred outside of formal
cemeteries?
V. a), b), c), d). No Impact. Policies and programs of the Housing Element Update promote infill housing. Any
development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element policies will occur in already urbanized areas of the
community, and will be reviewed and processed in accordance with City planning policies. No impacts to cultural
resources are expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element Update.
VI. GEOLOGY AND SOILS. Would the
project:
a) Expose people or structures to X
potential substantial adverse effects,
including the risk of loss, injury, or
death involving:
i) Rupture of a known earthquake
fault, as delineated on the most
recent Alquist-Priolo Earthquake
Fault Zoning Map issued by the
State Geologist for the area or
based on other substantial
evidence of a known fault? Refer
to Division of Mines and Geology
Special Publication 42.
ii) Strong seismic ground shaking? I I X
iii) Seismic -related ground failure, I X
including liquefaction?
iv) Landslides? I I X
b) Result in substantial soil erosion or the I I X
loss of topsoil?
c) Be located on a geologic unit or soil X
that is unstable, or that would become
unstable as a result of the project, and
City of Rolling Hills Page 12
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potentially result in on- or off-site
landslide, lateral spreading, subsidence,
liquefaction or collapse?
d) Be located on expansive soil, as
defined in Table 18-1-B of the Uniform
Building Code (1994), creating
substantial risks to life or property?
Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
Potentially Significant With Significant No Impact
Significant Impact Mitigation
Incorporation Impact
X
e) Have soils incapable of adequately X
supporting the use of septic tanks or
alternative wastewater disposal
systems where sewers are not
available for the disposal of
wastewater?
VI. a), b), c), d), e). No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need and
promotes affordable housing. Any development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element Update policies will be
subject to City planning, engineering and building requirements. No impacts to geological conditions are
expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element Update.
VII. GREENHOUSE GAS EMISSIONS. Would the Project
a) Generate greenhouse gas emissions, X
either directly or indirectly, that may
have a significant impact on the
environment?
b) Conflict with any applicable plan,
policy or regulation of an agency
adopted for the purpose of reducing
the emissions of greenhouse gases?
Al. a), b). No Impact. In 2005, in recognition of California's vulnerability to the effects of climate change,
Governor Schwarzenegger established Executive Order S-3-05, which sets forth a series of target dates by which
statewide emission of greenhouse gas would be progressively reduced, as follows:
■ By 2010, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 2000 levels;
■ By 2020, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 1990 levels; and
■ By 2050, reduce greenhouse gas emissions to 80 percent below 1990 levels.
Policies and programs of the Housing Element Update promote infill housing. Any development that occurs
pursuant to Housing Element policies will occur in already urbanized areas of the community, and will be
reviewed and processed in accordance with City planning policies. The Housing Element Update is a policy
document consistent with the City General Plan. It will not result in changes that will increase greenhouse gas
emissions or conflict with applicable policies.
City of Rolling Hills
Initial Study
Resolution No. 1158
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Page 13
Housing Element Update
Resolution No. 1158 20
Potentially
Less Than Less than
Significant With
Significant Impact
Significant No Impact
Mitigation
Impact
Incorporation
VI11. HAZARDS AND HAZARDOUS
MATERIALS. Would the project:
a)
Create a significant hazard to the
X
public or the environment through the
routine transport:, use, or disposal of
hazardous materials?
b)
Create a significant hazard to the public-
X
or the environment through
reasonably foreseeable upset and
accident conditions involving the
release of hazardous materials into the
environment?
c)
Emit hazardous emissions or handle
X
hazardous or acutely hazardous
materials, substances, or waste within
one-quarter mile of an existing or
proposed school?
d)
Be located on a site which is included
X
on a list of hazardous materials sites
compiled pursuant to Government
Code Section 65962.5 and, as a result,
would it create a significant hazard to
the public or the environment?
e)
For a project located within an airport
X
land use plan or, where such a plan has
not been adopted, within two miles of
a public airport or public use airport:,
would the project result in a safety
hazard for people residing or working
in the Project area?
f)
For a project within the vicinity of a
X
private airstrip, would the project
result in a safety hazard for people
residing or working in the Project
area?
g)
Impair implementation of or physically
X
interfere with an adopted emergency
response plan or emergency
evacuation plan?
h)
Expose people or structures to a
X
significant risk of loss, injury or death
involving wildland fires, including
where wildlands are adjacent to
urbanized areas or where residences
are intermixed with wildlands?
City of Rolling Hills
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Initial Study
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Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
Potentially Significant With Significant No Impact
Significant Impact Mitigation
Incorporation Impact
VIII. a), b), c), d), e), f), g), h). No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need
and promotes affordable housing. The City is not within an airport or airfield safety hazard zone. Any
development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element Update policies will be subject to state and local
regulations regarding the transport, use and disposal of hazardous materials, and to City planning, engineering and
building requirements. No impacts relative to hazards are expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element
Update.
IX. HYDROLOGY AND WATER
QUALITY. Would the project:
a) Violate any water quality standards or X
waste discharge requirements?
b) Substantially deplete groundwater X
supplies or interfere substantially with
groundwater recharge such that there
would be a net deficit in aquifer volume
or a lowering of the local groundwater
table level (e.g., the production rate of
pre-existing nearby wells would drop to
a level which would not support existing
land uses or planned uses for which
permits have been granted)?
c) Substantially alter the existing drainage X
pattern of the site or area, including
through the alteration of the course of a
stream or river, in a manner which
would result in substantial erosion or
siltation on- or off-site?
d) Substantially alter the existing drainage
pattern of the site or area, including
through the alteration of the course of
stream or river, or substantially increase
the rate or amount of surface runoff in a
manner which would result in flooding
on- or off-site?
e) Create or contribute runoff water which X
would exceed the capacity of existing or
planned stormwater drainage systems or
provide substantial additional sources of
polluted runoff?
f) Otherwise substantially degrade water X
quality?
g) Place housing within a 100 -year flood X
hazard area as mapped on a federal
Flood Hazard Boundary or Flood
Insurance Rate Map or other flood
hazard delineation map?
City of Rolling Hills Page 15
Initial Study
Resolution No. 1158 21
Housing Element Update
j) Inundation by seiche or mudflow? I X
IX. a), b), c), d), e), 0, g), h), i), j). No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing
need and promotes affordable housing. Any development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element Update
policies will be subject to state and local regulations regarding water quality, run-off and hydrology, and to City
planning, engineering and building requirements. No impacts relative to water quality or hydrology are expected
to occur as a result of the Housing Element Update.
X. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established I X
community?
b) Conflict with any applicable land use X
plan, policy, or regulation of an agency
with jurisdiction over the project
(including, but not limited to the
general plan, specific plan, local coastal
program, or zoning ordinance)
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat X
conservation plan or natural
community conservation plan?
X. a), b), c). No Impact The City of Rolling Hills has prepared its Housing Element Update in accordance with
Section 65580 et. al. of the Government Code. The Housing Element Update also has been prepared consistent
with the City of Rolling Hills General Plan and the community's vision of its housing needs and objectives.
Accordingly, this Housing Element examines Rolling Hills's housing needs as they exist today, and projects future
housing needs. It sets forth statements of community goals, objectives and policies concerning those needs. It
includes a housing program responsive to current and future needs, consistent with available resources. ,Any
subsequent discretionary actions or development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element policies will be
reviewed and processed in accordance with City planning policies. The Element has been prepared in full
compliance with the State housing law, and no potential adverse impacts relative to land use are expected to
occur.
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a X
known mineral resource that would be
of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a I X
locally important mineral resource
City of Rolling Hills Page 16
Initial Study
Resolution No. 1158 22
Less Than Less than
Potentially Significant With
Significant No Impact
Significant Impact Mitigation
Impact
Incorporation
h) Place within a 100 -year flood hazard
X
area structures that would impede or
redirect flood flows?
i) Expose people or structures to a
X
significant risk of loss, injury or death
involving flooding, including flooding as a
result of the failure of a levee or dam?
j) Inundation by seiche or mudflow? I X
IX. a), b), c), d), e), 0, g), h), i), j). No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing
need and promotes affordable housing. Any development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element Update
policies will be subject to state and local regulations regarding water quality, run-off and hydrology, and to City
planning, engineering and building requirements. No impacts relative to water quality or hydrology are expected
to occur as a result of the Housing Element Update.
X. LAND USE AND PLANNING. Would the project:
a) Physically divide an established I X
community?
b) Conflict with any applicable land use X
plan, policy, or regulation of an agency
with jurisdiction over the project
(including, but not limited to the
general plan, specific plan, local coastal
program, or zoning ordinance)
adopted for the purpose of avoiding or
mitigating an environmental effect?
c) Conflict with any applicable habitat X
conservation plan or natural
community conservation plan?
X. a), b), c). No Impact The City of Rolling Hills has prepared its Housing Element Update in accordance with
Section 65580 et. al. of the Government Code. The Housing Element Update also has been prepared consistent
with the City of Rolling Hills General Plan and the community's vision of its housing needs and objectives.
Accordingly, this Housing Element examines Rolling Hills's housing needs as they exist today, and projects future
housing needs. It sets forth statements of community goals, objectives and policies concerning those needs. It
includes a housing program responsive to current and future needs, consistent with available resources. ,Any
subsequent discretionary actions or development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element policies will be
reviewed and processed in accordance with City planning policies. The Element has been prepared in full
compliance with the State housing law, and no potential adverse impacts relative to land use are expected to
occur.
XI. MINERAL RESOURCES. Would the project:
a) Result in the loss of availability of a X
known mineral resource that would be
of value to the region and the
residents of the state?
b) Result in the loss of availability of a I X
locally important mineral resource
City of Rolling Hills Page 16
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Resolution No. 1158 22
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Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
Potentially Significant With Significant No Impact
Significant Impact Mitigation
Incorporation Impact
recovery site delineated on a local
general plan, specific plan or other
land use plan?
Xl. a), b). No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need and promotes affordable
housing. Any development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element policies will be subject to City planning,
engineering and building requirements. No impacts relative to mineral resources are expected to occur as a result of
the Housing Element Update.
XII. NOISE. Would the project:
a)
Exposure of persons to or generation X
of noise levels in excess of standards
established in the local general plan or
noise ordinance, or applicable
standards of other agencies?
b)
Exposure of persons to or generation X
of excessive groundborne vibration or
groundborne noise levels?
c)
A substantial permanent increase in X
ambient noise levels in the project
vicinity above levels existing without
the project?
d)
A substantial temporary or periodic X
increase in ambient noise levels in the
project vicinity above levels existing
without the project?
e)
For a project located within an airport X
land use plan or, where such a plan has
not been adopted, within two miles of
a public airport or public use airport,
would the project expose people
residing or working in the Project area
to excessive noise levels?
f)
For a project within the vicinity of a X
private airstrip, would the project
expose people residing or working in
the Project area to excessive noise
levels?
XI. a), b), c), d), e), 0. No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need and promotes
affordable housing. Any development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element policies will be subject to City
planning, engineering and building requirements. No impacts relative to noise are expected to occur as a result of
the Housing Element Update.
City of Rolling Hills
Initial Study
Resolution No. 1158
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Page 17
Potentially
Significant Impact
X111. POPULATION AND HOUSING. Would the project:
a) Induce substantial population growth in
an area, either directly (for example, by
proposing new homes and businesses)
or indirectly (for example, through
extension of roads or other
infrastructure)?
b) Displace substantial numbers of existing
housing, necessitating the construction
of replacement housing elsewhere?
c) Displace substantial numbers of people,
necessitating the construction of
replacement housing elsewhere?
Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
Significant With Significant No Impact
Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
91
X
XIII. a), b), c). No Impact Policies and programs of the Housing Element Update promote infill housing in order
to meet the State and regionally mandated RHNA obligation for affordable housing. Any subsequent
development accomplished pursuant to the Housing Element Update will be consistent with State and regional
growth mandates. The Update will not displace housing or people, but conversely, is intended to increase
affordability of the planned housing supply, which can support retention of households in all income categories.
No significant impacts relative to population or housing are expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element
Update.
XIV. PUBLIC SERVICES. Would the project: result in substantial adverse physical impacts associated with
the provision of new or physically altered governmental facilities, need for new or physically altered
governmental facilities, the construction of which could cause significant environmental impacts, in order to
maintain acceptable service ratios, response times or other performance objectives for any of the public
services:
a)
Fire protection?
X
b)
Police protection?
X
c)
Schools?
X
d)
Parks? I
X
e)
Other public facilities? I
X
XIV. a), b), c), d), e). No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need and
promotes affordable housing. As noted under response #XII, above, any subsequent development accomplished
pursuant to the Housing Element Update will be consistent with State and regional growth mandates. Subsequent
development also will be subject to City planning, engineering and building requirements. No impacts to public
services are expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element Update.
City of Rolling Hills
Initial Study
Resolution No. 1158 24
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XV. RECREATION:
a) Would the project increase the use of
existing neighborhood and regional
parks or other recreational facilities such
that substantial physical deterioration of
the facility would occur or be
accelerated?
b) Does the project include recreational
facilities or require the construction or
expansion of recreational facilities that
might have an adverse physical effect on
the environment?
Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
Potentially Significant With Significant No Impact
Significant Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
X
M
XV. a), b. No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need and promotes
affordable housing. As noted under response #XII, above, any subsequent development accomplished pursuant
to the Housing Element Update will be consistent with State and regional growth mandates. Subsequent
development also will be subject to City planning, engineering and building requirements. No impacts to
recreation are expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element Update.
XVI. TRANSPORTATION/ TRAFFIC. Would the project:
a) Exceed the capacity of the existing
circulation system, based on an applicable
measure of effectiveness (as designated in a
general plan policy, ordinance, etc.) taking
into account all relevant components of the
circulation system, including but not limited
to intersections, streets, highways and
freeways, pedestrian and bicycle paths, and
mass transit?
b) Conflict with an applicable congestion
management program, including, but not
limited to level of service standards and
travel demand measures, or other standards
established by the county congestion
management agency for designated roads or
highways?
c) Result in a change in air traffic patterns,
including either an increase in traffic levels
or a change in location that results in
substantial safety risks?
d) Substantially increase hazards due to a
design feature (e.g., sharp curves or
dangerous intersections) or incompatible
uses (e.g., farm equipment)?
e) Result in inadequate emergency access?
City of Rolling Hills
Initial Study
Resolution No. 1158
25
EI
X
X
V
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Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
Potentially Significant With Significant No Impact
Significant Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
f) Conflict with adopted policies, plans, or
programs supporting alternative
transportation (e.g., bus turnouts, bicycle
racks)?
XVI. a), b),c), d), e), 0. No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need and
promotes affordable housing. As noted under response #XII, above, any subsequent development accomplished
pursuant to the Housing Element Update will be consistent with State and regional growth mandates. Subsequent
development also will be subject to City planning, engineering and building requirements. No impacts to
transportation or traffic are expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element Update.
XVII. UTILITIES AND SERVICE SYSTEMS. Would the project:
a) Exceed wastewater treatment
requirements of the applicable
Regional Water Quality Control
Board?
b) Require or result in the construction
of new water or wastewater
treatment facilities or expansion of
existing facilities, the construction of
which could cause significant
environmental effects?
c) Result in a determination by the
wastewater treatment provider which
serves or may serve the Project that it
has adequate capacity to serve the
Project as projected demand in
addition to the provider's existing
commitments?
d) Require or result in the construction
of new storm water drainage facilities
or expansion of existing facilities, the
construction of which could cause
significant environmental effects?
e) Have sufficient water supplies available
to serve the project from existing
entitlements and resources, or new or
expanded entitlements needed?
f) Be served by a landfill with sufficient
permitted capacity to accommodate
the project's solid waste disposal
needs?
g) Comply with federal, state and local
statutes and regulations related to
solid waste?
City of Rolling Hills
Initial Study
Resolution No. 1158 26
X
X
X
X
X
X
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Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
Potentially Significant With Significant No Impact
Significant Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
XVII. a), b),c), d), e), 0, g). No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need and
promotes affordable housing. As noted under response #XII, above, any subsequent development accomplished
pursuant to the Housing Element Update will be consistent with State and regional growth mandates. Subsequent
development also will be subject to City planning, engineering and building requirements. No impacts to utilities
are expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element Update.
XVIII. MANDATORY FINDINGS OF SIGNIFICANCE
A. Does the project have the potential to X
substantially degrade the quality of the
environment, substantially reduce the
habitat of a fish or wildlife species, cause a
fish or wildlife population to drop below
self-sustaining levels, threaten to eliminate
a plant or animal community, reduce the
number or restrict the range of a rare or
an endangered threatened species, or
eliminate important examples of the major
periods of California history or prehistory?
XVIII. A. No Impact. As discussed in Items # IV and V, policies and programs of the Housing Element Update
promote infill housing. Any development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element policies will occur in already
urbanized areas of the community, and will be reviewed and processed in accordance with City planning policies.
No impacts that will cause substantial degradation of biological or cultural resources are expected to occur as a
result of the Housing Element Update.
B. Does the project have impacts that are X
individually limited, but cumulatively
considerable? ('Cumulatively considerable'
means that the incremental effects of a
project are considerable when viewed in
connection with the effects of past
projects, the effects of other current
projects, and the effects of probable future
projects)?
XVIII. B. No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need and promotes
affordable housing. As noted under response #XII, above, any subsequent development accomplished pursuant to
the Housing Element Update will be consistent with State and regional growth mandates. Subsequent
development also will be subject to City planning, engineering and building requirements. No cumulative impacts
are expected to occur as a result of the Housing Element Update.
C. Does the project have environmental X
effects which will cause substantial adverse
effects on human beings, either directly or
indirectly?
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Initial Study
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Housing Element Update
Less Than Less than
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Significant Impact Mitigation Impact
Incorporation
XVII. C. No Impact. The Housing Element is a policy document that analyzes housing need and promotes
affordable housing. Any development that occurs pursuant to Housing Element Update policies will be subject to
state and local regulations, and to City planning, engineering and building requirements. No impacts that will
cause substantial adverse effects on human beings, either directly or indirectly are expected to occur as a result
of the Housing Element Update.
SOURCES CITED IN EVALUATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS:
Section 15150 of the State CEQA Guidelines permits an environmental document to incorporate by reference other
documents that provide relevant data. The documents outlined below are hereby incorporated by reference, and
the pertinent material is summarized throughout this Initial Study where that information is relevant to the
analysis of impacts of the proposed project. All documents incorporated by reference are available for review at
the City of Rolling Hills Community Development Department, No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, CA
90274. The office hours are Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
1. City of Rolling Hills, General Plan (current)
2. City of Rolling Hills Zoning Code (current)
LIST BELOW THE PERSON OR PERSONS WHO PREPARED OR PARTICIPATED IN THE
PREPARATION OF THE INITIAL STUDY:
PreDarer: Joann Lombardo, Consultant.
Technical Review/City of Rolling Hills Staff:
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director
City of Rolling Hills
Initial Study
Resolution No. 1158 28
Page 22
1
2014-2021 UPDATE
' OF THE
HOUSING ELEMENT
OF THE
GENERAL PLAN
D
OF ROLLING HILLS
City of Rolling Hills
No. 2 Portuguese Bend Road
Rolling Hills, CA 90274
Contact: Yolanta Schwartz
tel: (310) 377-1521; email: ys@cityofrh.net
October 1, 2013 (first draft)
February 10, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 29
EXHIBIT B
2014-2021 UPDATE
2014-2021 Update of the Housing Element of the General Plan
City of Rolling Hills
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section
Page
EXECUTIVESUMMARY.....................................................................................I
1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................... I
A.
Community Overview................................................................................................
B.
Purpose of the Element.............................................................................................. 4
C.
Legislative Requirements........................................................................................... 5
D.
Scope and Content..................................................................................................... 5
E.
Relationship to other General Plan Elements....................................................... 5
F.
Relationship to Private Land Use Restrictions..................................................... 6
G.
Public Participation...................................................................................................... 6
H.
Sources of Information............................................................................................... 7
11. HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT..........................................................8
A.
Population Characteristics........................................................................................ 8
1. Population Change..............................................................................................................8
2. Age Characteristics..........................................................................................................10
3. Race and Ethnicity...........................................................................................................11
4. Employment......................................................................................................................12
B.
Household Characteristics......................................................................................
12
1. Household Type...............................................................................................................13
2. Overcrowding ....................................................................................................................13
3. Household Income...........................................................................................................14
4. Special Needs Groups....................................................................................................
16
C.
Housing Characteristics...........................................................................................25
1. Housing Growth...............................................................................................................
25
2. Housing Type....................................................................................................................25
3. Age and Condition of Housing Stock..........................................................................26
4. Housing Cost.....................................................................................................................
27
D.
Assisted Housing.......................................................................................................
30
L
Resolution No. 1158 30
1
Section Page
III. CONSTRAINTS ON HOUSING PRODUCTION...............................31
A. Market Constraints................................................................................................... 31
1. Land Costs......................................................................................................................... 31
2. Construction Costs...........................................................................................................32
3. Financing............................................................................................................................32
B. Governmental Constraints...................................................................................... 32
I. Land Use Controls........................................................................................................... 32
2. Fees and Improvements..................................................................................................35
3. Processing Times...............................................................................:..............................36
4. Fire Safety Standards................................................................................:................:....36
C. Contractual Constraints......:................................................................................... 37
D. Infrastructure Constraints.......................................................................................37
I. Streets.................................................................................................................................37
2. Wastewater Disposal......................................................................................................38
3. Storm Water Run-off:..................................................................................................... 38
4. Fire Flow Requirements..................................................................................................38
E. Geologic Constraints................................................................................................39
F. Environmental Constraints......................................................................................44
G. Constraints to Housing for Persons with Disabilities.......................................44
IV. HOUSING ASSESSMENT SUMMARY.................................................45
A. Local Housing Assessment......................................................................................45
B. Regional Housing Assessment................................................................................45
V. HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES...............................................................46
A. Availability of Sites for Housing..............................................................................46
B. Ability to Meet RHNA Allocation.........................................................................49
I. Housing Supply.................................................................................................................49
2. Housing Affordability ....................................................................................................... 49
3. Availability of Public Services and Facilities...............................................................50
C. Opportunities for Energy Conservation.............................................................. 50
D. Financial Resources...................................................................................................52
VI. HOUSING PLAN....................................................................................56
A. Review of Housing Element Performance........................................................... 56
I. Progress in Implementing Existing Housing Element............................................56
B. Goals, Policies and Programs..................................................................................58
C. Housing Implementation Plan................................................................................. 59
Resolution No. 1158 31
Figures Page
I. Vicinity Map.......................................................................................................................2
2. Seismic Hazards................................................................................................................. 41
3. Liquefaction and EQ -Induced Landslide Zones — Northern...................................42
4. Liquefaction and EQ=Induced Landslide Zones — Southern .................................... 43
S. Vacant Land Inventory Map.............................................................................................48
Tables
Page
1.
Population in City, 1970, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010 ........................................................9
2.
Population by Age Group, Rolling Hills, 2010............................................................
10
3.
Population by Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin, 2010 ........................................
12
4.
Household Type, Rolling Hills and Los Angeles County ..........................................
13
S.
Los Angeles County 2010 Area Median Income and Income ................................
15
6.
2010 Rolling Hills, Surrounding Cities, County -Household Income .....................
15
7.
2010 Rolling Hills Household Income......................................:...................................
16
8.
Special Needs Groups in Rolling Hills and County ...................................................
19
9.
City of Rolling Hills Age of Housing Stock..................................................................
26
10.
Median Housing Costs, Rolling Hills, Neighboring Cities ........................................
27
11.
Affordable Housing Prices and Rents by Income Group .........................................
30
12.
City of Rolling Hills Development Standards..............................................................
33
13.
City of Rolling Hills Development Fees.......................................................................
35
14.
RHNA New Housing Construction Needs by Income Group..............................46
15.
City of Rolling Hills Future Residential Development Potential .............................47
16.
Federal and State Housing Programs............................................................................53
17.
City Progress toward Implementing 2006-2014 Element ........................................
56
18.
Quantified Objectives.....................................................................65
Resolution No. 1158 32
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Housing Element Update addresses the planning period from 2014-2021 in
accordance with applicable state law, and consistent with the City of Rolling Hills
General Plan and the community's vision of its housing needs and objectives. As a
hillside community, Rolling Hills' ability to provide housing is limited by its serious
geologic, topographic and environmental constraints. Within the framework of these
constraints, the City endeavors to promote housing opportunities for all households.
This Housing Element Update reflects the City's continuing efforts to retain and expand
housing opportunities in the community. for the duration of this planning period, the
City of Rolling Hills commits to a series of actions to support affordable housing. These
actions continue from the last planning period and strive toward the following
accomplishments:
I. Provide housing service information to community senior citizens
2. Enforce code violations within residential neighborhoods
3. Facilitate new construction by working closely with housing developers and builders
4. Monitor the City land supply
5. Promote reasonable accommodations for the disabled
6. Support energy conservation and sustainable development measures
7. Support fair housing counseling and monitoring.
I. INTRODUCTION
A. COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
The City of Rolling Hills is a rural, equestrian residential community, consisting entirely
of large lot residential parcels of one acre or more. Physically, the community
encompasses 2.98 square miles of land on the Palos Verdes Peninsula in the County of
Los Angeles. (Refer to Figure 1, Vicinity Map.) The land use pattern was established
with the original subdivision and sale of parcels that began in 1936. The community is
comprised of single -story California ranch style homes with three -rail fences and
equestrian facilities in a wooded setting, developed around the hilly terrain and deep
canyons of the City.
Resolution No. 1158 33
Page 1
Figure I. Vicinity Map
From its inception in 1936, the emphasis in Rolling Hills has been to create and maintain
a residential community that would respect its unique land form constraints. The City's
minimum lot size requirements were established in recognition of these constraints,
which include:
I . Steeply sloping hillsides
2. Landslide hazards
3. Lack of urban infrastructure, specifically sewer
4. Danger of wildland fires
S. Sensitive animal habitats and species
6. Restrictions of enforceable covenants, conditions, and restrictions of the Rolling
Hills Community Association (RHCA), which existed prior to the City's
incorporation.
Geologic Constraints:
Expansive soils and geologic hazard conditions continue to place constraints on
development within the City. Portions of the City are located over ancient landslide,
which from time to time reactivate and affect the land. It is impossible to predict when
and if a property will be affected. One of the reasons the City insists on minimal grading
is to minimize land disturbance and exacerbation of soils instability. Because of these
geologic conditions, the City has experienced recent major landslides, further limiting
the developable area within its boundaries.
In the past 7 years, three private properties experienced earth movement where a
portion of their slope slid, requiring the property owners to do extensive and expensive
slope restoration work. Last year, geological exploration on an 8 acre vacant property,
where a home was being proposed, revealed unstable conditions and an ancient
landslide. Pursuant to the Los Angeles County Building Code, before the property
January 2, 2014 Page 2
Resolution No. 1158 34
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owner could be allowed to proceed with construction, extensive remediation of over 4
of the 8 acre lot was required.
Fire Safety Constraints:
According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, effective July I,
2008, all land in the City of Rolling Hills was upgraded one level to "Very High Fire
Hazard Severity Zone" (VHFHSZ) (Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone). As a result,
several more restrictive fire safety standards were adopted in the City Building Code
that apply to all new development in the City. Examples of the new fire safety building
standards include requirements to box in eave projections (common to all ranch style
homes in Rolling Hills), to install double paned windows, heavy timber construction
materials and other construction materials approved by the California Fire Marshall
only. Professionally designed landscaping meeting the Fire Department fuel modification
zones requirements including fire -resistive plants around structures are also required.
The new fire zone designation and related standards are placing additional constraints
on new development, especially resulting in higher design and building costs.
In addition to the higher fire hazard rating, current firefighting capabilities in the City are
limited by the California Water Company due to their distribution system and aging
infrastructure and the City's topography.
Infrastructure Constraints:
Only a few homes on the western periphery of the City are served by a sewer system.
Consequently, any new development must utilize septic tanks for disposal of sanitary
waste. Recent engineering studies indicate that due to the terrain and unstable
geological conditions of the City, the cost of a sewer system would be prohibitive for
such a small city with limited financial resources. In 2013, there was an attempt to form
a sewer assessment district pursuant to Proposition 218 (Cal Const. art. XIIID, § 4) for
properties abutting Johns Canyon Road in the City, but the effort failed due to the high
cost of installing the sewer line. The prohibitive cost of sewer line installation, in
conjunction with recent active landslide activity, continues to constrain development
densities in the City.
Environmental Constraints:
Environmental constraints that limit development in Rolling Hills include sensitive
animal habitats and species either listed or considered for listing by the U.S.
Department of Fish and Wildlife and/or the California Department of Fish and Game.
These species include the Palos Verdes Blue butterfly, the California Gnatcatcher, the
Pacific Pocket Mouse, the San Diego Horned Lizard, and Brackishwater Snail. The
community is also underlain with blue -line streams that are under the jurisdiction of
the Army Corps of Engineers.
Topographic Constraints:
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 35
Page 3
The Rolling Hills landscape is comprised of a system of rolling hills, steep canyons and
blue -line streams. It has been described as having the most severe terrain of any
jurisdiction in Los Angeles County. Slopes of 25 to 50 percent are present on virtually
every remaining undeveloped parcel in the City.
Contractual Constraints:
Rolling Hills has been largely built -out for the past thirty years. All of the developable
property in the City is subject to RHCA, a non-profit California Corporation,
enforceable covenants, conditions, and restrictions (CC&Rs) that run with the property
in perpetuity. These CC&Rs were in place prior to the City's incorporation, and
continue to restrict development based on the community's unique constraints.
Within the context of these overwhelming constraints, the City has actively pursued
avenues to support residential development and facilitate affordable housing
opportunities. Specifically, the City has adopted amendments to its Zoning Ordinance to
allow for manufactured housing units and has reached out to adjacent communities to
address its regional affordable housing needs. The City has conducted these efforts in
compliance with State Housing Element Law as summarized below.
B. PURPOSE OF THE ELEMENT
The provision of adequate housing for families and individuals of all economic levels is an
important public goal. It has been a main focus for state and local governments. The
issue has grown in complexity due to rising land and construction costs, as well as
increasing competition for physical and financial resources in both the public and the
private sectors.
In response to this concern, the California Legislature amended the Government Code
in 1980. The amendment instituted the requirement that each local community include
a specific analysis of its housing needs and a realistic set of programs designed to meet
those needs. This analysis is to be set forth in a Housing Element and incorporated in
the General Plan of each municipality.
The requirements of the law are prefaced by several statements of State policy set forth
in Section 65580 of the Government Code:
"... The availability of housing is of vital statewide importance, and the early
attainment of decent housing and a suitable living environment for every
California family is a priority of the highest order."
"... Local and State governments have a responsibility to use the powers vested
in them to facilitate the improvement and development of housing to make
adequate provision for the housing needs of all economic segments of the
community."
"... The legislature recognizes that in carrying out this responsibility, each local
January 2, 2014 Page 4
Resolution No. 1158 36
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government also has the responsibility to consider economic, environmental, and
fiscal factors and community goals set forth in the general plan and to cooperate
with other local governments and the State in addressing regional housing
needs."
C. LEGISLATIVE REQUIREMENTS
State law requires each municipality to accomplish the following tasks:
■ To identify and analyze the current and projected housing needs of all economic
segments of the community.
■ To evaluate the current and potential constraints to meeting those needs, including
identifying the constraints that are due to the marketplace and those imposed by the
government.
■ To inventory and assess the availability of land suitable for residential use.
■ To establish a series of goals, objectives, policies and programs aimed at responding
to the identified housing needs, the market and governmental constraints, and the
housing opportunities.
D. SCOPE AND CONTENT
The Housing Element consists of five major components:
■ An analysis of the City's demographic and housing characteristics and trends.
■ A summary of the existing and projected housing needs of the City's households.
■ A review of the potential market, governmental, and environmental constraints to
meeting the City's identified housing needs.
■ An evaluation of the resources available to achieve the City's housing goals.
■ A statement of the Housing Plan for the years 2014 through 2021 to address the
City's identified housing needs, including the housing goals, policies and programs.
E. RELATIONSHIP TO OTHER GENERAL PLAN ELEMENTS
The Government Code requires internal consistency among the various elements of a
General Plan. Section 65300.5 of the Government Code states that the General Plan
and the parts and elements thereof shall comprise an integrated and an internally
consistent and compatible statement of policies.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 37
Page 5
The Rolling Hills General Plan contains the following six elements: 1) Land Use; 2)
Housing; 3) Circulation; 4) Open Space and Conservation; 5) Safety; and 6) Noise. The
City General Plan is internally consistent. Policy direction introduced in one element is
reflected in other plan elements. For example, residential development capacities
established in the Land Use Element and constraints to development identified in the
Safety Element and Open Space and Conservation Element are incorporated into the
Housing Element. This Housing Element builds upon the other General Plan elements
and is entirely consistent with the policies and proposals set forth by the Plan.
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65400, the City will annually review its progress
in implementing this Housing Element and ensuring consistency between this and the
City's other General Plan Elements.
F. RELATIONSHIP TO PRIVATE LAND USE RESTRICTIONS
CC&Rs (covenants, conditions and restrictions) represent private contractual
obligations between homeowners and are usually established at the time a subdivision
or community is built. Development in Rolling Hills has been governed by CC&Rs since
the community was planned out in the 1930's. Rolling Hills Community Association
(RHCA), composed of elected Rolling Hills community residents, oversees and enforces
implementation of the CC&Rs. The RHCA and the CC&Rs existed and were in force
prior to the City incorporation, which occurred in 1957.
These CC&Rs strictly limit development in the City, restricting residential density to
one residence per one -acre and two -acre lots. Any construction, remodel, and grading
for a building, fence or structure is required under the CC&Rs to adhere to traditional
or California ranch and equestrian architectural styles and aesthetics. The uses and
purposes of all perimeter easements around each property are required to be dedicated
to the RHCA and maintained for the purposes of ingress, egress, construction and
maintenance of all infrastructure constructed as roadways, bridle trials, storm drains,
utility access and drainage.
The City of Rolling Hills has no jurisdiction over the RHCA or the content or
implementation of the CC&Rs.
G. PUBLIC PARTICIPATION
Section 65583(c)(5) of the Government Code states that "[t]he local government shall
make a diligent effort to achieve public participation of all the economic segments of the
community in the development of the housing element, and the program shall describe
this effort." For purposes of the Housing Element law, "community" means a city (Gov.
Code § 65582(a)).
To gain public input to its Housing Element Update, the City of Rolling Hills conducted a
public workshop before the Planning Commission on September 26, 2013 which was
open to all members of the community. At that meeting, the Commission with
January 2, 2014 Page 6
Resolution No. 1158 38
assistance from City staff and the housing consultant, discussed the Housing Element
Update. The public was invited to comment, and offer suggestions for new housing
programs. Public comments received included questions from the Planning Commission
regarding feasibility of meeting the affordable housing goal given the City's topographic
and infrastructure goals. The Commission also commented on the two new market
rate houses currently being proposed. These two units would satisfy the City's RHNA
requirement for above moderate income housing. No members from the public
attended.
Notice of the September 26th public meeting was posted at City Hall and published in
the Palos Verdes Peninsula News and in the City bi-weekly newsletter. In addition, the
agenda for the City Council meetings is published in the bi-weekly Newsletter, posted
on City's web -site and copy is emailed to those residents who registered for the
agendas. Rolling Hills is a relatively small community and its residents are accustomed to
the City's noticing procedures. The City's notices are made equally available to all
residents of all income levels, in full compliance with Government Code Section
65583(c)(5). In addition, notices regarding the Housing Element update were provided
to the cities of Rancho Palos Verdes, Rolling Hills Estates and Lomita, the County of Los
Angeles, the Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School district, the Palos Verdes Peninsula
Center Library District and the Los Angeles County Local Agency Formation
Commission.
Additionally, the City of Rolling Hills will conduct public hearings before the Planning
Commission and City Council which will be open to all members of the community. At
these meetings, additional public comment from the community will be sought relative
to the Housing Element Update and the need for new housing programs. Notices of
these meetings will be distributed similar to the September 26th public meeting.
H. SOURCES OF INFORMATION
A number of data sources were used to create the Rolling Hills Housing Element.
These resources include:
■ City of Rolling Hills General Plan, current.
■ City of Rolling Hills Municipal Code, current.
■ City of Rolling Hills Revised Final Environmental Impact Report, General Plan
Update and Zoning Ordinance Revision; April 1990.
■ City of Rolling Hills Planning Department building permit records; August 2013.
■ Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) Final Regional Housing
Needs Assessment (RHNA), adopted November 26, 2012.
■ Department of Finance Population and Housing data, January 2013.
■ 1990, 2000, 2010 U.S. Census Reports.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 39
Page 7
■ City of Rolling Hills Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Various other informational sources were also referenced where appropriate.
References to these informational sources are cited where they appear within the text.
II. HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT
A successful strategy for improving housing conditions must be preceded by an
assessment of the housing needs of the community and region. This section of the
Housing Element reviews the major components of housing needs including trends in
Rolling Hills' population, households, and the type of housing available. These changes
reflect both local and regional conditions. Consequently, the regional context is also
presented.
The analysis that follows is broken down into four major subsections:
■ Section A, Population Characteristics, analyzes the City of Rolling Hills in terms of
individual persons and attempts to identify any population trends that may affect
future housing needs.
■ Section B, Household Characteristics, analyzes Rolling Hills in terms of households,
or living groups, to see how past and expected household changes will affect housing
needs.
■ Section C, Housing Stock, analyzes the housing units in Rolling Hills in terms of
availability, affordability, and condition.
■ Section D, Assisted Housing At Risk of Conversion, analyzes housing units that have
expiring use restrictions, such as project -based Section 8 contracts and early tax -
credit financing contracts. Such projects are at risk of losing those rent restrictions
within the next few years, which can result in significant rent increases for their
tenants.
This assessment of Rolling Hills' housing needs is used as the basis for identifying
appropriate policies and programs in this Element.
A. POPULATION CHARACTERISTICS
Rolling Hills' population characteristics are important factors affecting the type and
extent of housing needs in the City. Population growth, age, race/ethnicity and
employment characteristics are discussed in this section.
I. Population Change
Rolling Hills had a resident population of 1,860 according to the 2010 Census, and a
population of 1,884, according to the State of California Department of Finance,
City/County Population and Housing Estimates, January 2013. In terms of
January 2, 2014 Page 8
Resolution No. 1158 40
population, Rolling Hills is the fourth smallest in Los Angeles County'. The City has
been largely built -out for the past forty years.
As illustrated in Table I, the City had a 1970 population of 2,050 and a 1980
population of 2,049. By 1990, according to the Census, the City population had
dropped to 1,871. This decrease from 1980 to 1990 includes some population lost
as a result of the damage from previous landslides and fires, including the Flying
Triangle Landslide, in which ten homes were destroyed by fire in or near the Flying
Triangle Active Landslide Area in the southern portion of the City.
The City population remained stagnant from 1990 to 2000, and decreasing by 0.6
percent according to the 2010 census. The 2013 state of California Department of
Finance estimates a slight increase of 1.3 percent. By comparison, the County of
Los Angeles population increased from 9,519,330 in 2000 to 9,818,605 in 2010, by
3.0 percent.
Limited growth in the City's population demonstrates the diminishing supply of
parcels available for development. Opportunities for new residents to move into
Rolling Hills have occurred primarily through redevelopment of the City's original
housing stock and changes in ownership
Table 1
City of Rolling Hills
Population: 1970,1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2013
Year Population
Percent Change from
Previous Year
1970 (a) 2050
1980 (a) 2049
0
1990 (b) 1871
-8.7
2000 (c) 1,871
0.0
2010 (d) 1,860
-0.6
2013 (e) 1,884
1.3
Source: (a) City General Plan
(b) 1990 Census
(c) 2000 Census
(d) 2010 Census
(e) State of California Department of Finance, City/County Population and Housing
Estimates, January 01, 2013
1
' State of California Department of Finance, City/County Population and Housing Estimates, January 01,
2013.
January 2, 2014 Page 9
Resolution No. 1158 41
2. Age Characteristics
The age structure of a population is an important factor in evaluating housing needs and
planning future housing development. For example, if a city is experiencing an
outmigration of young adults (ages 25-34), there may be a shortage of first-time
homebuyer opportunities and/or well -paying employment opportunities. If a city has a
substantial elderly population, special housing types or services may be needed, such as
assisted living facilities, housing rehabilitation programs, paratransit, meals on wheels,
and home health care services, in order to enable seniors to remain in the community.
Table 2 shows the number and percentages of Rolling Hills residents in each age group
according to data from the Census 2010. The table also shows the median age for the
City and County of Los Angeles.
Rolling Hills is a maturing community. During the past 20 years, its median age has
increased from a 1980 median age of 38.2 years, to a 1990 median age of 45.5 years to a
2010 median age of 53 years. By comparison, the 2010 Los Angeles County median age
was 35.9 years.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 42
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Table 2
Population
by Age Group: City of
Rolling Hills,
and Median Age for City and Los Angeles County
Census 2010
City of Rolling Hills
Age Range
# of Persons I
o of Population
Under 5 years
44 I
2.4
5 to 9 years
100
5.4
10 to 14 years
I 143
7.7
15 to 19 years
I 165 I
8.9
20 to 24 years
61 I
3.3
25 to 29 years
39 I
2.1
30 to 34 years
I 21 I
1.1
35 to 39 years
I 39 I
2.1
40 to 44 years
I 92 I
4.9
45 to 49 years
168 I
,
9
50 to 54 years
162
8.7
55 to 59 years
I 156 I
8.4
60 to 64 years
I 157 I
8.4
65 to 69 years
I 138 I
7.4
70 to 74 years
I 117 I
6.3
75 to 79 years
I 105 I
5.6
80 to 84 years
I 84 I
4.5
85 years and over
69
3.7
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 42
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Table 2
Population by Age Group: City of Rolling Hills,
and Median Age for City and Los Angeles County
Census 2010
City of Rolling Hills
Age Range # of Persons
of Population
Ar
C;itXM`edian;A
.Countji-Media'n`Age
3. Race and Ethnicity
As shown in Table 3, the 2010 Census reported that 77.3 percent of Rolling Hills'
population was white, which compared to 50.3 percent for the County overall. Rolling
Hills' Black or African American population at 1.6 percent was lower than the County
Black or African American population at 8.7 percent. American Indian orAlaskan Native
comprised very small percentages of both the City and County population, 0.3 percent
and 0.7 percent, respectively. Asians comprised 16.3 percent of Rolling Hills'
population, compared to 13.7 percent for the County. Native Hawaiian or other Pacific
Islander also comprised very small percentages of the City and County population, 0.1
percent and 0.3, respectively. An estimated 1.3 percent of Rolling Hills' residents
indicated that they are of "other race"; for the County, the percentage of people
identifying themselves as "other race" was notable larger, 21.8 percent. Rolling Hills'
residents who identified themselves as Hispanic or Latino comprised 5.5 percent of the
City population. For the County, this percentage was much larger, with 47.7 percent of
the population identifying themselves as Hispanic or Latino.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 43
Page 11
Table 3
Population by Race and Hispanic or Latino Origin, for City and County
Census 2010
One Race
City of'Rolling Hills Los Angeles County
Race No. Y of No. % of Total
Persons Total Persons
1,800 96:&- 9,379,892 95.5
White I
1,437
77.3 I
4,936,599
Black or African American I
29
1.6 I
856,874
American Indian and Alaska Native I
5 I
0.3, I
72,828
Asian I
303 I
16.3 I
1,346,865
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander I
2 I
0.1 I
26,094
Other Race I
24 11:3
I
2,140,632
Two or More Races I
60 I
3.2 I
438,713
Hispanic or Latino (of any race)
4. Employment
102 1 5.5 1 4,687,889
50.3
8.7
0.7
13.7
0.3
21.8
4.5
47.7
The 2010 Census shows that 54 percent of Rolling Hills' residents were in the labor
force. Of these workers, 89.1 percent commuted outside the City to work, while 10.9
percent worked from their homes.
Most of Rolling Hills' workers (72.1 percent) were employed in management,
professional and related occupations. An estimated 16.6 percent worked in sales; 10.3
percent in service industries; 0.6 percent in natural resources, construction and
maintenance; and 0.4 percent in production transportation, and material moving
occupations.
There is no commercial or industrially zoned land in the City. City Hall is located on the
only institutionally zoned land in the City. Consequently, employment in the City is
limited to home-based occupations and jobs at City Hall and the Rolling Hills
Community Association office. No significant change in the number of jobs in Rolling
Hills is expected since no new source of employment is expected in the future.
B. HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
Information on household characteristics is an important indicator of housing needs in a
community. Income and affordability is best measured at the household level, as are the
special housing needs of certain groups such as large families and female -headed
households. As an example, if a community has a substantial number of young family
households whose incomes combined with local housing costs preclude the option of
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 44
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home purchase, the city may wish to initiate a home -buyer assistance program or
participate in or publicize the programs that are available elsewhere.
The Bureau of the Census defines a "household" as "all persons who occupy a housing
unit, which may include families, singles, or other." Boarders are included as part of the
primary household by the Census. Families are households related through marriage or
blood, and a single household refers to individuals living alone. "Other" households
reflect unrelated individuals living together (e.g., roommates). Persons living in
retirement or convalescent homes, dormitories, or other group living situations are not
considered households.
1. Household Type
As shown in Table 4, there were a total of 663 households in Rolling Hills according to
the 2010 US Census Report. Most of these households (81.3 percent) are family
households, compared to 67.7 percent family households for the County.
Rolling Hills' average household size is 2.81 persons per household, and slightly lower
than the 2.98 persons per household for the County. Family households are somewhat
larger, 3.08 persons per household for the City and 3.58 persons per household for the
County.
Table 4
Household Type
City of Rolling Hills and Los Angeles County
(2010 Census)
City of. Rolling Hills Los Angeles County
Household Type No. of % of No. of % of
Households Total- Households Total
Families 539 81.3% 2,136,977 68.2%
Other Non -family .124 18.7% 224,943 7:2%
Total -663' 100:0% 3,133,774 100%
Average Household Size (all 2.81 2.98
households)
Average Family Household 3.08. 3.58
Size
2. Overcrowding
Overcrowding is another indicator of housing affordability. Unit overcrowding is caused
by the combined effect of low earnings and high housing costs in a community, and
reflects the inability of households to buy or rent housing that provides sufficient living
space for their needs. The Census defines overcrowded households as units with
greater than 1.01 persons per room, excluding bathrooms, hallways and porches.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158
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According to the 2010 Census, there is no overcrowding in Rolling Hills, with no
households reporting more than one person per room. By comparison, 4.9 percent of
Los Angeles County households reported incidences of overcrowding (more than 1.5
persons per room). A low incidence of overcrowding in Rolling Hills is expected to
continue through the current planning period.
3. Household Income
An important factor in housing affordability is household income. While upper income
households have more discretionary income to spend on housing, low and moderate -
income households are more limited in the range of housing they can afford.
State -Defined Income Categories
According to the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and
the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the area
median income for a four -person household in Los Angeles County was $64,800 in
2013.' California law and some federal housing programs define several income
categories based on a percentage of the area median income (AMI) determined by
HUD and HCD, as follows:
■ Extremely Low Income - 30 percent of the area median income and below
■ Very Low Income - between 31 percent and 50 percent of the area median
income
■ Lower Income - between 51 and 80 percent of the area median income
■ Moderate Income - between 81 and 120 percent of the area median income.
These income ranges are used to determine eligibility for various subsidized housing
programs. The 2013 income limits for these categories by household size are presented
in Table 5, as follows:
2 Correspondence from Lisa Bates, Deputy Director, Division of Housing Policy Development, State of
California Department of Community Development, February 25, 2013.
January 2, 2014 Page 14
Resolution No. 1158 46
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Table 5
Los Angeles County 2013 Area Median Incomes and Income Limits
Adjusted by Household Size
Maximum Income by Household Size
Income Category
L .Person 2 -Person , I
3 Pers6n.Person
Househdld-- Household-
Household: _
:;Household
Extremely Low Income
$17,950 $20,500 I
$23,050
$27,650
Very Low Income
$29,900 $34,200
$38,450
$42,700
Lower Income
$47,850 $54,650
$61,500
$68,300
Median Income *
$45,350 $51,850
$58,300
$64,800
Moderate Income
$54,450 $62,200
$70,000
$77,750
* Income limits for extremely, very low and lower income levels are set by HUD based on historical income information;
median and moderate income levels are set by HCD based on mathematical averages of County income. Consequently,
numbers presented for lower income are higher than median income numbers.
Source: CA Dept. of Housing and Community Development, February 25, 2013.
Census 2010 Estimates of Household Income
According to Census 2010 estimates, median household income in Rolling Hills was
$223,750, compared to $56,226 for the County. Rolling Hills' higher median household
income reflects the single family, large lot nature of the community. Table 6 shows the
median income for Rolling Hills, neighboring cities and the County as reported by the
2010 Census.
Table 6
City of Rolling Hills, Los Angeles County, and Surrounding Cities -
2010 Census Median Household Income
Median Household Income - all households
Rolling Hills $223,750
Rolling Hills Estates $151,757
Palos Verdes Estates $159,038
Rancho Palos Verdes $116,643
Lomita $61,327
Los Angeles County $56,226
Table 7, below, shows the percent of Rolling Hills' households by income range.
Approximately 15.0 percent of Rolling Hills' households report income below $50,000
per year, an income level usually associated with low income households. Approximately
6.0 percent of Rolling Hills households report income below $25,000 per year, an
income level usually associated with extremely low income households. Based on the
2010 Census estimate of 663 households, this could mean that as many as 41 Rolling
Hills households are extremely low income.
Government Code Section 65583(a) requires jurisdictions to analyze the housing need
for its extremely low income population. According to the 2010 Census, 90.8 percent. of
houses in Rolling Hills are valued at over $1,000,000, with about 5 percent valued at
under $200,000. Recent for sales data for September 2013 shows a median for -sale
housing price of about $5,500,000, with the lowest for sale price at $2,225,000.
January 2, 2014 Page 15
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Because of the very high value of houses in Rolling Hills, it is likely that the
approximately 40 households with declared incomes under $25,000 have other financial
assets that allow them to continue to live in Rolling Hills. Consequently, these
households are likely not extremely low income and do not have a need for affordable
housing options such as single -room occupancy housing or rental vouchers. This
conclusion is further supported by the poverty status information for the City. No
Rolling Hills families had incomes at or below the 2009 federal poverty level; for Los
Angeles County, this percentage was 13.0 percent.
Table 7
Rolling Hills Household Income
2010 Census
2010 Income j Percent of Households I Cumulative Percent
less than $10,000
2.3%
2.3%
$10,000 to $14,999
0.7%)
3.0%
1$15,000 to $24,999
2.9%
5.9%
$25,000 to $34,999 f
5.9%,
11.8%
1$35,000 to $49,999
3.1%
14.9%
1$50,000 to $74,999
2.6%
17.5%
$75,000 to $99,999
4.9%
22.4%
$100,000 to $149,999
14.4%1
36.8%
$150,000 to $199,999
9.3%1
46.1
$200,000 or more (
53.9%1
100.0%
4. Special Needs Groups
Certain segments of the population may have more difficulty finding decent, affordable
housing due to special circumstances. These "special needs" groups include the elderly,
large families, disabled persons, female -headed households, farm workers, and the
homeless. Under State law, the housing needs of each group are required to be
addressed in the Housing Element. This information is summarized in Table 8. The
identified special needs groups are defined below:
Elderly and Frail Elderly
The special needs of many elderly households result from their fixed incomes, higher
rate of physical disabilities and common need for assistance from others. Elderly is
defined as age 65 or older. In 2010, 513 or 27.9 percent of Rolling Hills' population
were 65 or older. As shown in Table 8, households with elderly persons comprised 340
or 51.3 percent of all Rolling Hills households. By comparison, countywide, 10.9 percent
of County persons were 65 or older households were headed by a person 65 years or
older, and 24.4 percent of County households had members 65 years or older.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 48
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Senior households are likely to be on fixed low incomes and at a greater risk of housing
over payment. In terms of housing, seniors typically require smaller, more affordable
housing options and/or assistance with accessibility and home maintenance. They often
require ramps, handrails, lower cupboards and counters to allow greater access and
mobility for wheelchairs or walkers. Because of their limited mobility, the elderly also
often need to live close or have transportation assistance to shopping and medical
facilities.
According to the 2000 Census, of those Rolling Hills residents that are elderly, 19.1
percent have disabilities, which include sensory, physical and mental disabilities.
As discussed above, the median age for the City is much higher than the County, 53.0
years compared to 35.9 years. Although most of Rolling Hills elderly are expected to be
upper income, there is expected to be a continued need for accessible housing and
senior related services throughout the planning period.
City Approach to Meeting Elderly Needs: In previous years, the City of
Rolling Hills has assigned a portion of its Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) allocation to the adjacent city of Lomita to support its senior center and senior
housing developmnets. In recent years, the City of Lomita has not requested Rolling
Hills' funds for senior housing. Most recently, due to the administrative burden
associated with maintaining a CDBG program, the City no longer participates in the
program. To continue to assist its elderly residents find needed services, the City has
available at City Hall a list of local senior facilities. These facilities are listed below.
SENIOR FACILITIES NEAR ROLLING HILLS
Organization
CARSON
■ Carson Senior Assisted Living
■ Carson Senior Center
■ Samoan American Senior Citizen
TORRANCE
■ Keep Safe Coalition
■ Bartlett Senior Center
■ Torrance YMCA Senior Center
■ Herman Tillim
■ Torrance Memorial Advantage Program
■ Vistas Innovative Hospice Care
■ RSVP
■ Torrance South Bay YMCA Senior Program
South Bay Senior Service
South Bay Senior Service
H.E.L.P.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158
49
Street Address
345 E. Carson Street
801 East Carson Street
23742 Main
4733 Torrance Blvd
1318 Cravens Avenue
2900 W. Sepulveda
3614 W. Artesia Blvd
3330 W. Lomita Blvd
990 W. 190th
1339 Post Avenue
1900 Crenshaw
3246 Sepulveda Blvd
2510 W. 237th Street #
1404 Cravens Avenue
Page 17
SENIOR FACILITIES NEAR ROLLING HILLS
Organization
Street Address
WILMINGTON
14112 S Kingsley Dr
■ Wilmington Senior Center
1 148 N. Avalon
■ Mahar House Community Center
I 115 Mahar Avenue
■ Harbor Area Senior Center
1371 Eubank Avenue
■ Wilmington Jaycees Foundation
1371 Eubank Avenue
HARBOR CITY
■ Harbor City Senior Center 24901 Frampton
SAN PEDRO
■ Anderson Memorial Senior Center 828 S. Mesa Street
■ San Pedro Service Center 769 W. Third
■ Salvation Army Sage House 138 S. Bandini Street
■ Japanese Community Pioneer Center 1964 W. 162nd Street
■ Toberman Senior Club 131 N. Grand Avenue
REDONDO BEACH
■ RB Community Center 200 N. Pacific Coast
■ Meals on Wheels 32 Knob Hill Avenue
■ Beach Cities Health Group 514 N. Prospect
■ Redondo Beach Senior Center 3007 Vail Avenue
MANHATTAN BEACH
■ Joslyn Center 1601 Valley Drive
■ Manhattan Beach Senior Center Same as above
■ Manhattan Heights Senior Same as above
HAWTHORNE
■ Hawthorne Senior Center 3901 EI Segundo Blvd
GARDENA
■ Behavioral Health Services, Medicine Education
Program
15519 Crenshaw Blvd
■ Special Services Group Care Project
14112 S Kingsley Dr
■ Asian Community Service Center
same as above
■ Gardena Service Center
1670 162nd Street
■ Second Time Around
13220 Van Ness
■ Sociable Seniors
1957 W. Redondo Bch
RANCHO PALOS VERDES
■ Peninsula Seniors 30928 Hawthorne Blvd
January 2, 2014 Page 18
Resolution No. 1158 50
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1
SENIOR FACILITIES NEAR ROLLING HILLS
Organization Street Address
PALOS VERDES ESTATES
■ St. Margaret Mary Church Senior Club 25511 Eshelman
EL SEGUNDO
■ EI Segundo Senior Center 3339 Sheldon Street
The City's continued commitment to meeting these needs is summarized in Section
V.C., Housing Implementation Plan (2014-2021).
Table 8
Estimated Population of Special Needs Households in Rolling Hills and Los
Angeles County
2010 Census
City of Rolling Hills County of Los Angeles
Special Needs Group Number Percent Percent
Elderly (65 years +) 513'
Persons
Elderly - Disabled Not Reported
Disabled Persons Not.Reported
Female -Headed 3
Households with
Children under 18
Below Poverty Level
Disabled Persons
27.6 10.9
Not.Reported Not Reported
Not Reported Not Reported
I A 8.0
0 14.5
Physical and mental disabilities can hinder access to housing units of conventional design
as well as limit the ability of the disabled individuals to earn an adequate income. The
proportion of physically disabled individuals is increasing nationwide due to overall
increased longevity and lower fatality rates. Mentally disabled individuals include those
disabled by a psychiatric illness or injury, including schizophrenia, Alzheimer's disease,
AIDS-related infections and conditions related to brain trauma. Disabilities tabulated by
the Census include sensory, physical and mental limitations.
A tabulation of disabled persons in Rolling Hills is not included in the 2010 Census.
However, according to the 2000 Census, 152 of all Rolling Hills residents (8.1 percent
of the City population) were identified as disabled. Disabilities of these residents
included each of the categories tabulated by the Census, with most persons having
physical disabilities.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158
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Of Rolling Hills' disabled residents (152 total), 15 (or 9.9 percent) were aged 5 to 20
years old, 58 (or 38.1 percent) were aged 21 to 64 years old, and 79 (or 52.0 percent)
were aged 65 years or older. Of the disabled adults aged 21 to 64, 88 percent were
employed outside the home, compared to 65 percent of non -disabled adults.
Countywide, 18 percent of the population is identified as disabled. Of these disabled
County residents, 10 percent were aged 5 to 20 years old, 67 percent were aged 21 to
64 years old, and 23 percent were aged 65 years or older. Of the disabled County
adults aged 21 to 64, 54 percent were employed outside the home, compared to 69
percent of non -disabled adults aged 21 to 64.
Rolling Hills disabled residents are generally more active (employed) and older (elderly)
than County residents as a whole. However with the large percentage of City disabled
adults working (88 percent) and the upper income character of the community suggest
that disabled persons in Rolling Hills can afford to modify their housing to accommodate
special needs. This information indicates that in Rolling Hills disabled do not represent a
special needs group.
Pursuant to SB 812 (Lanterman Act), cities must include in their Housing Elements an
analysis of the special housing needs of the disabled including persons with
developmental disabilities. The Harbor Regional Center, located in Torrance, provides
services to Rolling Hills' residents with developmental disabilities pursuant to the
Lanterman Act. The Harbor Regional Center is a private, not-for-profit corporation that
serves over 10,000 people with developmental disabilities, and their families, who reside
in the South Bay, Harbor, Long Beach, and southeast areas of Los Angeles County.
Within Rolling Hills, the Harbor Regional Center served I child aged 3 -years old, I child
aged 4 -years old, I child aged 5 -years old, 3 children aged 7 -years old, I child aged 8 -
years old, 2 children aged 9 -years old, 2 children 10 -years old, I child aged I I -years old,
3 children aged 12 -years old, and 2 children aged 13 -years old.3
City Approach to Meeting Disabled Needs: Although disabled persons are
not an identified special needs group in the Rolling Hills, the City recognizes that
regardless of income, disability can block adequate access to housing. The City has
adopted Resolution 699 that certifies its recognition of the American with Disabilities
Act and adopts necessary mitigation efforts to assist its disabled residents.
The City's continued commitment to meeting the needs of the disabled is summarized
in Section V.C. Housing Implementation Plan (2014-2021).
3 Nancy Spiegel, Director of Information and Development, Harbor Regional Center, 21231 Hawthorne
Blvd.,
Torrance CA 90503; September 5, 2013.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 52
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Female -Headed Households
Single -parent households require special consideration and assistance because of their
greater needs for day care, health care, and other facilities. Female -headed households
with children in particular tend to have lower incomes, thus limiting housing availability
for this group.
According to the 2010 US Census Report, Rolling Hills has 3 female -headed households
with children 18 years or younger. These 3 households, which comprise I percent of all
Rolling Hills households, are expected to be upper income. Countywide, female -headed
households with children 18 years or younger also comprise 8 percent of total
households. Of these County households, 13 percent live in poverty.
Because the female -headed households in Rolling Hills are expected to be
predominately upper income, they are not expected to be constrained by the needs for
day care, health care or housing. This information suggests that in Rolling Hills female -
headed households do not represent a special needs group.
City Approach to Meeting Female -Headed Households Needs: Because
female headed households are not an identified need in the Rolling Hills, the City does
not have active programs or policies to address this need.
Large Households
Large households are identified in State housing law as a "group with special housing
needs based on the generally limited availability of adequately sized, affordable housing
units." Large households are defined as those with five or more members. As noted in
Table 4 above, Rolling Hills has a smaller average household and family size than the
County. Also, no City housing units meet the definition of overcrowded.
Rolling Hills has the housing stock to accommodate large households. According to the
2010 Census, the average number of rooms per housing unit in the City is 6.9
compared to 4.6 for the County. Large family households in Rolling Hills are expected
to be predominately upper income and adequately housed in the City's larger single-
family homes. This information indicates that in Rolling Hills large households do not
represent a special needs group.
City Approach to Meeting Large Households Needs: Because large
households are not an identified need in the Rolling Hills, the City does not have active
programs or policies to address this need.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 53
Page 21
Farm Workers
The special housing needs of many agricultural workers stem from their low wages and
seasonal nature of their employment. An estimate of the "farm worker" population in
the City is extrapolated from individuals who categorize their employment as "farming,
fishing or forestry" in the 2010 Census.
Based on this estimate, there is one Rolling Hills' worker who identified him/herself as
employed in this farming category. Because of the high median income in the City, this
worker is expected to be of above moderate income. There are no designated
agricultural uses in or adjacent to Rolling Hills. Consequently, farm workers are not a
special housing needs group in Rolling Hills.
City Approach to Meeting Farmworker Needs: Because farm workers are
not an identified need in the Rolling Hills, the City does not have active programs or
policies to address this need.
Homeless
During the past decades, homelessness had become an increasingly reported problem
throughout the state. Factors contributing to the rise in homelessness include the
general lack of housing affordable to low and very low income persons, increases in the
number of persons whose incomes fall below the poverty level, reductions in public
subsidies to the poor, and the de -institutionalization of the mentally ill.
According to the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) 2013 Greater Los
Angeles Homeless Count Executive Summary, there are 59,233 homeless persons in
Los Angeles County. There are currently over 80 homeless shelters and numerous
other emergency shelters, transitional housing facilities, hospital emergency rooms,
motels that assist Los Angeles County homeless.4 The homeless facilities closest to
Rolling Hills include Beacon Light Mission in Wilmington that currently provides 7
temporary beds for homeless men plus meals' While no one has been turned away
from the dining tables in over a year, the beds are usually full. The Mission finds that
the majority of its clients are people searching for work in the harbor area.
Other nearby homeless facilities include the American Family Housing (AFH), a
nonprofit organization that provides emergency, transitional and permanent housing.
AFH operates in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Bernardino counties and is currently
helping 1,170 persons each day with shelter.' In the South Bay area of Los Angeles, it
operates a 20 -unit two-story apartment complex that features an outdoor play area and
indoor children's recreation room. Occupants can stay at the shelter for up to 90 -days.
During that stay, the occupants meet with caseworkers and attend workshops on
4 http://www.homelessshelterdirectory.org/cgi-bin/id/city.cgi?city=Los Angeles&state=CA; accessed
September 22, 2013.
s httt)://www.beaconliahtmission.or2/: accessed September 22, 2013.
' httn://www.shelterforthehomeless.ore/: accessed September 22, 2013.
January 2, 2014 Page 22
Resolution No. 1158 54
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various topics, including budgeting, parenting and nutrition. They receive assistance on
building a resume and seeking employment as well as free and reduced -cost childcare.
Harbor Interfaith Shelter in San Pedro provides housing to people each day in its
emergency, transitional and low-income permanent housing. In 2012, it provided
housing services to 18,000 persons! The shelter also provides meals, personal
counseling, and educational and vocational services. Toberman Settlement House is a
non-profit neighborhood center providing services to low-income residents of Los
Angeles. Its efforts are aimed at helping individuals and families move from poverty to
self-sufficiency. Founded in 1903 in the name of two -term Mayor James R. Toberman,
Toberman House is the oldest charity in the city of Los Angeles, and the oldest United
Methodist mission. project in the Western U.S. It was originally located in Echo Park,
but moved to Boyle Heights in 1917, then San Pedro in 1937. Toberman House offers a
wide range of social services, ranging from state -licensed K through 5 childcare, and
afterschool care, to a senior's club.
Recent contacts with each of these agencies indicate that they are fully occupied, but
have no record of patrons who have listed Rolling Hills as their previous place of
residence. Part of the reason for this is that the City is not located along a major
street, with other services or businesses, which would attract transient and homeless
persons. Additionally, Rolling Hills' gated entries, which are monitored by the Rolling
Hills Community Association and the rugged terrain provide a difficult environment for
the homeless.
City Approach to Meeting Needs of Homelessness: Senate Bill 2 of 2007 (SB
2) requires that jurisdictions quantify the need for emergency shelters and determine
whether existing facilities are adequate to serve the need. If adequate existing facilities
are not available, the law requires jurisdictions to identify areas where new facilities are
permitted "by -right" (i.e., without requiring discretionary approval such as a use
permit), or to accommodate the need through a multi -jurisdictional agreement. No
homeless persons have been identified in or being from Rolling Hills. Consequently,
there is no quantified need for emergency shelters in Rolling Hills.
As discussed in Section III of this Element, numerous constraints make the rezoning of
property in Rolling Hills to accommodate emergency shelters infeasible. Physical
limitations of the City include:
■ Steeply sloping hillsides;
■ Landslide hazards;
■ Lack of urban infrastructure, specifically sewer;
■ Danger of wildland fires; and
■ Sensitive animal habitats and species.
Contractual limitations further prohibit rezoning opportunities in the City. The RHCA
has enforceable CC&Rs that run with the property in perpetuity. These CC&Rs have
httD://www.harborinterfaith.org/about.html: accessed September 22, 2013.
January 2, 2014 Page 23
Resolution No. 1158 55
been in place prior to the City's incorporation, and continue to restrict development to
low density single family based on the community's unique constraints.
Although Rolling Hills has no feasible or suitable sites for permanent emergency
shelters or transitional housing, there are over 80 emergency shelters plus numerous
other facilities assisting homeless persons in the Los Angeles area, with the Beacon
Light Mission in Wilmington being the closest to Rolling Hills.
Despite the lack of a quantified need for emergency shelters in Rolling Hills, the City is
committed to addressing homelessness in the region and to complying with SB 2.
Toward this end, the City is committed to coordinating with and directing any
homeless person(s) to local social service providers if the need arises in the future. A
list of nearby social service agencies and shelters is shown in the Housing Element and
is maintained by the City Clerk. In addition, the Sheriff Department directs homeless
individuals to local shelters.
Transitional and Supportive Housing
SB 2 requires jurisdictions to allow transitonal and supportive housing in all residential
zones only subject to those restrictions that apply to other residential dewellings of the
same type in the same zone. Transitional and supportive housing are allowed in the two
residential zones within Rolling Hills consistent with state law. As discussed in Section
V.B of this Element, none of the reasonably available properties in the City of Rolling
Hills could realistically develop at a density greater than I unit per acre, making
development of multifamily transitional or supportive housing infeasible.
City Approach to Meeting Transitional and Supportive Housing Needs:
The City is committed to addressing transitional and supportive housing needs within
its residential zones consistent with state law. The City also is committed to
coordinating with and directing any person seeking transitional or supportive housing to
local social service providers if the need arises in the future. A list of nearby social
service agencies and shelters is shown in the Housing Element and is maintained by the
City Clerk.
Single -Room Occupancy (SRO) Units
SB 2 also requires that a jurisdiction describe whether zoning is available to allow SROs.
An SRO unit usually is small, between 200 to 350 square feet. These units provide a
valuable source of affordable housing for individuals and can serve as an entry point into
the housing market for formerly homeless people. HCD's website notes that many
older SROs have been lost due to deterioration, hotel conversions, and demolition e
HCD recommends that jurisdictions both identify zoning and development standards
that will allow and encourage the construction of new SROs, and commit to preserving
and rehabilitating existing residential hotels and other buildings suitable for SROs.
a htti)://www.hcd.ca.eov/hr)d/housine element2/SIA variety_ aft; accessed January 2, 2014.
January 2, 2014 Page 24
Resolution No. 1158 56
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As discussed above, numerous constraints make the rezoning of property in Rolling
Hills infeasible and continue to restrict development to low density single family. No
hotels exist in Rolling Hills.
City Approach to Meeting SRO Housing Needs: Although Rolling Hills has
no feasible or suitable sites for SRO zoning or development, there are over 80
emergency shelters plus numerous other facilities assisting homeless and persons
needing minimal housing in the Los Angeles area. The City is committed to coordinating
with and directing any person seeking assisted housing local social service providers if
the need arises in the future. A list of nearby social service agencies and shelters is
shown in the Housing Element and is maintained by the City Clerk.
C. HOUSING CHARACTERISTICS
A housing unit is defined as a house, apartment, mobile home, or a single room
occupied as a separate living quarter or, if vacant, intended for occupancy as a separate
living quarter. Separate living quarters are those in which the occupants live and eat
separately from any other persons in the building and which have direct access from the
outside of the building or through a common hall. A community's housing stock is the
compilation of all its housing units.
I. Housing Growth
Rolling Hills has been largely built out for the last thirty years. The supply of buildable
land has become increasingly constrained by fires, landslides and identification of
biologically sensitive species. Since 1990, the City has gained a net of 10 units. Rolling
Hills' housing supply has grown from a 1990 Census count of 674 units, to a 2000
Census count of 675 to a 2010 census count of 693 units. This represents an average
growth rate of 2 percent per year.
While the limited availability of land suitable for residential development has resulted in
only nominal increases in the City's housing stock, additional residential development
has been occurring through redevelopment of existing units. Much of the City's housing
stock was built in the 1950s, and is typified by 3,000 to 4,000 square -foot ranch style
homes. As in many communities with a strong market for residential development and
limited available land, Rolling Hills' older housing stock is being replaced with much
larger, expansive units averaging 6,000 to 9,000 square feet in size, according to City
building permit records. This trend of residential recycling can be expected to continue
and potentially increase as less vacant land is available for development.
2. Housing Type
Rolling Hills is a community of single family houses. Some of these homes are expected
to include guest units. According to the 2010 Census, there are 693 single family units.
The RCHA prohibits renting such guest units because of the community's'limited sewer
and water capacity.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 57
Page 25
3. Age and Condition of Housing Stock
Most homes begin to exhibit signs of decay when they approach thirty years of age.
Common repairs needed include new roofs, wall plaster and stucco. Homes thirty years
or over with deferred maintenance require more substantial repairs, such as new siding,
plumbing or multiple repairs to the roof, walls, etc. As illustrated in' Table 9, the
majority of Rolling Hills' housing (51 percent) was constructed before 1960. Due to a
diminishing supply of available land, development in Rolling Hills slowed significantly in
the past two decades.
Table 9
City of Rolling Hills
Age of Housing Stock
2010 Census
Cumulative % of
Years # of Units % of Total Units Total Units
1939 or earlier 33 4.8% 4.8%
1 1940-1959
324
46.7%
51.5%
1960-1969
I 115
16.6%
I
68.1
1970-1979
I 110
I 15.9%
I
84.0%
1980-1989
I 40
I 5.8%
I
89.8%
1990-1999
I 30
I 4.3%
I
94.1%
12000-2004
I 18
I 2.6% I
96.7%
12005+
I 23
I 3.3%
I
100.0%
Total
I 693
I 100%
The fact that the large majority of the City's housing stock is owner -occupied, combined
with the high quality of residential construction, has resulted in excellent upkeep of the
City's units. According to the City code enforcement files, no significant housing
condition problems have been identified.
Code enforcement in the City is the responsibility of the Planning Department. In
response to complaints, the City Planning Director makes site inspections in the
community. Any code enforcement violations noted by the Director or called in by a
resident is typically handled by a site inspection and phone call to the resident causing
the violation. If the phone call fails to resolve the violation, the Director will follow-up
with a letter. There are very few code violations regarding residential structural
deficiencies in the City of Rolling Hills, and during this planning period, all noted
violations have been resolved with a phone call or a letter.
City Housing Maintenance Efforts: forts: Because housing maintenance is
not an identified need in the Rolling Hills, the City does not have active programs or
policies to address this need.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 58
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1
i
1
1
1
4. Housing Costs
Housing costs are driven by the price of raw land, infrastructure costs (e.g. sewer and
water), construction costs, supply relative to demand, and financing costs. The
diminishing supply of developable land in Rolling Hills and the recent rapid rise in
residential real estate prices that has occurred throughout the southern California
region, have driven up the cost of both ownership and rental housing in Rolling Hills.
Ownership Housing
All ownership housing in Rolling Hills is single family homes. Minimum lot size as
established by the RHCA is one acre. The value of these homes varies based on the
type, size and location.
According to the 2010 Census, 90.8 percent of houses in Rolling Hills are valued at over
$1,000,000. Recent for sales data for September 2013 shows a median for -sale housing
price of about $5,500,000.9
As shown in Table 10 below, Rolling Hills' housing prices are similar to most of its
neighboring communities.
Table 10
City of Rolling Hills
Median Housing Values
2010 Census
City'Median salesPace?2010
Rolling Hills
Lomita $495,0000
Rental Housing
The rental housing market in Rolling Hills is comprised only of single family homes.
Because of the large estate lots and limited supply of available housing in the community,
rental rates are currently between $3,500 per month and $9,900 per month.10 At these
prices, only upper income households could afford to rent in Rolling Hills.
Vacancy Rates
9 Zillow.com; accessed 9/30/2013.
10 Ibid.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158
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$1,000,000+
Rolling Hills Estate
$1,000,000+
Palos Verdes Estates
$1,000,000+
Rancho Palos Verdes
$ 950,000
Lomita $495,0000
Rental Housing
The rental housing market in Rolling Hills is comprised only of single family homes.
Because of the large estate lots and limited supply of available housing in the community,
rental rates are currently between $3,500 per month and $9,900 per month.10 At these
prices, only upper income households could afford to rent in Rolling Hills.
Vacancy Rates
9 Zillow.com; accessed 9/30/2013.
10 Ibid.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158
59
Page 27
The residential vacancy rate, a translation of the number of unoccupied housing units on
the market, is a good indicator of the balance between housing supply and demand in a
community. When the demand for housing exceeds the available supply, the vacancy
rate will be low. Concurrently, a low vacancy rate drives the cost of housing upward to
the disadvantage of prospective buyers or renters.
In a healthy housing market, the vacancy rate would be between 5.0 and 8.0 percent.
These vacant units should be distributed across a variety of housing types, sizes, price
ranges and locations within the City. This allows adequate selection opportunities for
households seeking new residences.
According to the 2010 Census, Rolling Hills' owner -occupied housing units have a
vacancy rate of 5 percent. This rate indicates that the housing market is relatively
healthy with some room for buyers to find a suitable unit or negotiate a lower purchase
price.
Household Tenure
According to the 2010 Census, 97.5 percent of the City's housing units were owner -
occupied, with 2.5 percent renter -occupied.
Housing Affordability and Overpayment
Federal and state guidelines specify that households should not spend more than 30
percent of their gross income on housing. Census information provided by HCD
indicates that 2 of 15 (13.0 percent) of Rolling Hills' renter households and 206 of 598
(34.0 percent) of owner households paid more that 30 percent of their income on
housing.
Table 11, below, estimates the maximum housing costs affordable to Very Low Income,
Low Income and Moderate Income households based on HCD established income
criteria. In the case of rent, the 30 percent assumes utilities are included in the monthly
rental cost. Utilities may include water, sewer, trash pickup, electric and gas, and may
add $100 to the monthly cost of a rental unit, exclusive of heating and cooling.
In the case of purchase, the 30 percent includes payment on mortgage principal and
interest, plus property tax, homeowner insurance and utilities. To purchase a home, the
buyer typically needs to put 20 percent of the housing cost down at the time of
purchase.
As indicated in Table 11, maximum housing costs affordable to an Extremely Low
Income four -person household are $136,015 to purchase a home and $691 per month
to rent a home. For a Very Low Income four -person household, maximum costs are
$210,048 to purchase a home and $1,068 per month to rent a home. For a Low Income
four -person household, the maximum affordable housing costs are $335,979 to
purchase a home and $1,708 per month to rent a home. For a Median Income four -
person household, the maximum affordable housing costs are $318,762 to purchase a
January 2, 2014 Page 28
Resolution No. 1158 60
1
1
home and $1,620 per month to rent a home. For a Moderate Income four -person
household, the maximum affordable housing costs are $382,465 to purchase a home and
$1,944.00 per month to rent a home.
As presented above, the current cost to purchase a home in the City currently begins at
about $2,225,000. With a 20 percent down, this price would require a $399,800 down
payment and a monthly payment of about $8,350. These costs, as indicated in Table 11,
are certainly well above the reach of the Extremely Low and Very Low, Low, Median
and Moderate Income households.
Rental housing in Rolling Hills starts at $3,500 per month. These rents are certainly well
above the reach of the Extremely Low and Very Low, Low, Median and Moderate
Income households.
As discussed under Section B.3 above, because of the very high value of houses in
Rolling Hills, it is likely that households with declared incomes in the lower income
ranges have other financial assets that allow them to continue to live in Rolling Hills.
Consequently, it is unlikely that Rolling Hills' households are lower income. Rolling Hills
households that report paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing are
unlikely to qualify for federal or state sponsored housing programs or have a need -for
other affordable housing options.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 61
Page 29
Table I I
County of Los Angeles
Affordable Housing Prices and Rents by Income Group: 2013
I Person 2 Person
Household Household
Extremely Low
Income (per $1,496 $1,708
month)
Maximum HomeI
$88 299
$100,843
Purchase Price
Maximum HomeI
$449
I $513
Rental Rate
Very Low IncomeI
$2,492
I $2,850
(per month)
Maximum HomeI
$147,083
I $168,236
Purchase Price
Maximum HomeI
$748
I $855
Rental Rate
Low Income (perI
$3,988 I
$4,554
month)
Maximum HomeJ
$235,382 I
$268,832
Purchase Price
I
Maximum Home
Rental Rate
$1,196 I
$1,366
Median Income
I
$3,779
$4,321
(per month)
Maximum HomeI
$223,084 I
$255,059
Purchase Price
Maximum HomeI $1,134 I $1,296
Rental Rate
Moderate IncomeI $4,538 I $5,183
(per month)
Maximum HomeI $267,849 I $305,972
Purchase Price
Maximum HomeI $1,361 I $1,555
Rental Rate
Source: Incomes per month derived from HCD, reference Table 6 above.
3 Person
Household
$1,921
$113,387
$576
$3,204
$189,142
$961
$5,125
$302,529
$1,538
$4,858
$286,787
$1,458
$5,833
$344,342
$1,750
4 Person
Household
$2,304
$136,015
$691
$3,558
$210,048
$1,068
$5,692
$335,979
$1,708
$5,400
$318,762
$1,620
$6,479
$382,465
$1,944
1) Rental affordability based on 30% of income. Assumes utilities included
2) Home purchase based on monthly payment of 30% of income, with 20% down, 4.75% interest rate for 30 years. Assumes tax,
insurance and utilities are included.
D. ASSISTED HOUSING
State law requires the City to identify, analyze and propose programs to preserve
housing units that are currently deed restricted to low income housing use and will
possibly be lost as low-income housing as these deed restrictions expire. There are no
identified at risk housing units in the City. No low income housing units in the City
have been constructed with the use of federal assistance programs, state or local
mortgage revenue bonds, redevelopment tax increments, in -lieu fees, or inclusionary
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 62
Page 30
1
1
1
housing ordinance or density bonuses. As a result, there is no housing at risk of losing
its subsidized status, and no further discussion of at risk units is required.
111. CONSTRAINTS ON HOUSING PRODUCTION
A variety of factors adds to the cost of housing in Rolling Hills and constrains the
provision of affordable units. These include market, governmental, contractual,
infrastructure, topographic, geologic and environmental constraints. Potential and actual
constraints to the development, maintenance and improvement of housing for persons
with disabilities also impact housing production and availability.
The extent to which these constraints are affecting the supply and affordability of
housing in the City of Rolling Hills is discussed below.
A. MARKET CONSTRAINTS
The most significant factor affecting the affordability of housing within the City of Rolling
Hills is the market. With the desirability and limited supply of hillside land, houses in a
hillside community like Rolling Hills are highly valued. These costs are further driven by
high construction costs, labor costs, and construction liability concerns.
I. Land Costs
The single largest cost associated with building a new house in Rolling Hills is the cost of
land. Land costs include the cost of raw land, site improvements, and all costs associated
with obtaining government approvals. Like the entire Palos Verdes Peninsula, land costs
are extremely high in Rolling Hills due to its proximity to the Pacific coast, dramatic
rolling hills topography that tends to yield large lots, and opportunities for canyon,
ocean and city views. Average cost for an undeveloped, unimproved parcel of residential
land in the City is $544,000 per acre''
In addition to raw land costs, site improvements contribute to the cost of land in the
City. The remaining vacant parcels in the City have severe topographic and/or geologic
constraints that would necessitate significant grading to accommodate development. The
extremely high land costs would make construction of lower income housing in the City
impossible without government subsidy. The City has very limited resources because it
is not eligible for state or federal funds. There are no commercial enterprises in the
City, therefore the City does not receive any sales tax income.
11 httt)://www.zillbw.com/rollinR-hills-ca/#/homes/for sale/Rolline-Hills-
CA/nmf,pf ot/6822 rid/33.902336,-117.647095,33.356915,-118.670197 rect/9 zm/; accessed September
22, 2013.
January 2, 2014 Page 31
Resolution No. 1158 63
2. Construction Costs
A major cost associated with building a new house is the cost of building materials,
which typically comprise between 50 to 60 percent of the for -sale price of a home.
According to construction industry indicators, overall construction costs rose over 30
percent during the past decade, with rising energy costs and competition for building
materials from oversees markets significant contributors. Typical residential
construction costs for high quality homes like those found in Rolling Hills are
approximately $330-500 per square foot. Construction of septic tanks adds
tremendous cost to the construction of homes. Additionally, residential amenities (e.g.,
pools, fire places, porches) and high end construction materials further increase the cost
of construction.
Labor is another major cost component in building a house, constituting an estimated 17
percent of the costs of constructing a single-family dwelling.
Construction costs are generally controlled by the market, and types of amenities and
construction materials are generally selected at the discretion of the property owner
and/or developer. However, the City Zoning Ordinance allows for manufactured
housing units that can help to reduce residential construction costs.
3. Financing
Home mortgage interest rates have been at historic lows during the past ten years.
However during the past year, there has been a sharp rise in foreclosures in the
subprime mortgage market. Recent increases in interest rates coupled with declining
property values in the Los Angeles region has caused many home owners to default on
the mortgages. Unable to recoup their investments, a number of lenders have had to
shut down or file for bankruptcy.
This mortgage crisis had made qualifying for a home loan more difficult. Although 30 -
year fixed rate mortgages are still available at about 5.0 percent, the income and down
payment requirements are more stringent. There are also fewer flexible loan programs
to bridge the gap between the amount of a required down payment and a potential
homeowner's available funds.
B. GOVERNMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
Housing affordability is affected by factors in both the private and public sectors. Actions
by the City can have an impact on the price and availability of housing in the City. Land
use controls, site improvement requirements, building codes, fees and other local
programs intended to improve the overall quality of housing may have the unintended
consequence of serving as a constraint to housing development.
1. Land Use Controls
January 2, 2014 Page 32
Resolution No. 1158 64
Land Use Controls are established by the City's General Plan Land Use Element, Zoning
Ordinance, and Community Association Building Regulations. The Rolling Hills Land
Use Element provides for two residential categories: Residential Agricultural Suburban -
one acre minimum (RA -S-1) and Residential Agricultural Suburban - two acre minimum
(RA -S=2). As summarized in Table 12, building coverage is limited to twenty percent of
the net lot area. Total lot coverage (structures and hardscape) is limited to thirty-five
percent of the net lot area; maximum disturbed area is limited to forty percent of the
net lot area; and building height is restricted to one-story. These development
standards reflect the requirements of the CC&Rs and therefore do not themselves
constrain housing supply.
A minimum of two covered parking spaces are required for each dwelling unit. This
parking requirement can easily be met on the City's large residential parcels. The
parking standard is appropriate given the high number of automobiles per household in
Rolling Hills, and the fact that there are no sidewalks, curbs or gutters on the private
streets, which are too narrow to permit on -street parking. The City has implemented
in its Zoning Ordinance standards to allow the development of manufactured homes in
its residential zones.
TABLE 12
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
SUMMARY OF DEVELOPMENT STANDARDS
1
Source: City of Rolling Hills
The City defines a "second unit" as a detached or attached dwelling unit which provides
complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons including permanent
provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation, on the same parcel as the primary
residential structure. State law encourages the development of second units on single-
family lots. The City of Rolling Hills permits guest houses, attached or detached to the
main residence that may have separate living and bath quarters, but not separate kitchen
and dining facilities.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 65
Page 33
Setbacks:
Front yard:
50 feet from front easement line* in RA -S- I and RA -S-2 Zones
Side yards:
20 feet from properly line in RA -S -I Zone
35 feet from property line in RA -S-2 Zone
Rear yard:
50 feet from property line in RA -S- I and RA -S-2 Zones
Density
RA -S- 1: one -acre minimum
RA -S-2: two -acre minimum
Structural Lot Coverage
20% of net lot area maximum
Total Lot Coverage
35% of net lot area maximum
Building Pad Coverage
30% of coverage
Maximum Disturbed Area
40% of net lot area
Maximum Height
Single -story
*Note: All property is Rolling
Hills is subject to perimeter easements varying in width around each property boundary and road
easements, granted by the property owner to the RHCA, a private corporation, or another person or entity for the purpose of
construction and/or maintenance and use of streets, driveways, trails, utility lines, drainage facilities, open space, and/or a
combination of these uses.
The RHCA requires that all easements must be kept free of buildings, fences, plantings or other
obstructions.
1
Source: City of Rolling Hills
The City defines a "second unit" as a detached or attached dwelling unit which provides
complete, independent living facilities for one or more persons including permanent
provisions for living, sleeping, cooking, and sanitation, on the same parcel as the primary
residential structure. State law encourages the development of second units on single-
family lots. The City of Rolling Hills permits guest houses, attached or detached to the
main residence that may have separate living and bath quarters, but not separate kitchen
and dining facilities.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 65
Page 33
Because of the unique infrastructure, geologic and fire safety constraints within Rolling
Hills, second units may pose adverse impacts on public health, safety and welfare. The
City of Rolling Hills has adopted an ordinance that prohibits second units on single-
family lots. The ordinance makes the following findings that specify the adverse impacts
on public health, safety and welfare that would result from allowing second units, and
which justify their preclusion in Rolling Hills:
• Lack of Sewers - Development of second units could potentially double the
amount of sewage effluent currently entering the soil thereby exacerbating soil
stability problems. As noted previously, recent engineering studies indicate that
due to the terrain and unstable geological conditions of the City, the cost of a
sewer system would be prohibitive for such a small city with limited financial
resources. Indeed, a recent attempt to form a sewer assessment district for
properties abutting Johns Canyon Road in the City failed due to the high cost of
installing the sewer line.
■ Geologic Setting - Numerous active landslides in Rolling Hills greatly diminish
development potential and call for caution in increasing densities.
■ Rural Design and Community Roadway Character - The current capacity, design,
and topographic constraints of the City roadways indicate increased residential
densities would compromise road safety.
• Fire Flow Requirements - The introduction of second units in Rolling Hills would
change the infrastructure requirements on water facilities in the City. The
California Water Company owns and maintains water lines in the City and the
Utility has no plans to upgrade the aging water system. Therefore, fire -fighting
capabilities could be compromised due to aging system, which could result in
reduction in water pressure.
The existing zoning standards respond to the unique physical, health, and safety aspects
of the City. Based on infrastructure, geologic and environmental constraints, most land
in the City has developed at a density less than that permitted by City zoning.
City land use controls respond to Rolling Hills' unique topographic, geologic,
infrastructure and contractual constraints. The City General Plan and zoning standards
are considered appropriate to protect the health and welfare of the community, while
complying with Government Code Section 65883(c)(3) to remove or limit where
appropriate and legally possible, governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing. City land use controls do not represent a
governmental constraint to the provision of housing.
January 2, 2014 Page 34 1
Resolution No. 115 8 66
1
1
To modify the City existing zoning standards as requested by HCD's December 11,
2013 correspondence12 would put future residential structures at risk of geologic failure
and would compromise the function and safety . of the City's wastewater and street
systems.
2. Fees and Improvements
Various fees and assessments are charged by the City and other agencies to cover the
costs of processing permits and providing services and facilities, such as utilities, schools,
and infrastructure. Almost all of these fees are assessed through a pro rata share
system based on the magnitude of the residence's impact or on the extent of the benefit
that will be derived.
A summary of residential development fees in the City is presented in Table 1.3. Costs
required for all residential development projects are indicated. These costs include
various City fees, school impact fees, water service fees, environmental review fees and
a RHCA fee. Costs required for special circumstances apply to residential
developments requiring greater discretionary reviews.
TABLE 13
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
SUMMARY OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FEES
(February 2013)
Type of Fee
All new residential development
Building Permit
Plan Check Fees
Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Permits
Park and Recreation Fund Fee
School Fee
Site Plan Review
Water Service
Geotechnical fee
RHCA
Special circumstance fees
Traffic Commission Review
Zone Change/Amendment
View Impairment Committee Review
Cost
2-1/2 times the amount set in the County Building Code.
Based upon building valuation. Assessed by County of Los
Angeles.
County assessment based upon the number of fixtures, outlets,
switches, and panels. City fee is 2-1/2 times the amount set forth
by the County.
Each new residence pays 2% of the first $100,000 in building
valuation, plus an additional .5% for the remaining balance.
$2.63 per square foot of habitable living space.
$1,500.
Option I: $600 Hydrant Meter Deposit, plus service charge for
the amount of water used during construction.
Option 2: No hook-up fee. Meter fees determined by the size of
meter and the number of fixtures. Does not include service
charge for amount of water used during construction.
0.42% of valuation of proposed structure, up to $3588
$.20 per $100 of assessed valuation
$300
$2,000
$500
12 Correspondence from Glen A. Campora Assistant Deputy Director, Department of Housing and
Community Development, to Yolanta Schwartz, City of Rolling Hills Planning Director, dated December
11, 2013. Letter is available at City of Rolling Hills City Hall.
January 2, 2014 Page 35
Resolution No. 1158
67
TABLE 13
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
SUMMARY OF RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT FEES
(February 2013)
Type of Fee Cost
Variance $1,250
Tentative Parcel Map $1,500 + County fees plus 20%
Tentative Tract Map 1 $1,500 + County fees plus 20%
Negative Declaration $1,300
Environmental Impact Report 1 City Consultant fee plus 20%
Source: City of Rolling Hills, September 2013
Fees for City's review under the Site Plan Review process for a typical new house in
Rolling Hills averages between $1,700 and $2,450. The plan check and building permits
for the actual construction are based on the Los Angeles County adopted schedule of
fees, plus City's administrative costs. The majority of City fees have remained unchanged
for the past fifteen years, and are in line with or lower than development fees of Los
Angeles County and other local communities. For example, the Los Angeles County
2013 fee schedule indicates that the cost for a Negative Declaration is $3,022
(compared to $1,000 for Rolling Hills), the cost for a tentative tract map is $21,436
(compared to $1,500 for Rolling Hills), and the cost for a zone change is $12,844
(compared to $2,000 for Rolling Hills).13 This information demonstrates that Rolling
Hills' development fees do not present an excessive constraint to development.
3. Processing Times
Single family residential development is permitted "by -right" (i.e., without requiring
discretionary approval such as a use permit) in both the RA -S- I Zone and RA -S-2 Zone.
Multifamily residential development is not permitted for the public health and safety
reasons stated in Section 111.6.1, above.
The City typically requires two to three months to complete the processing of a
residential development application in both the RA -S- I Zone and RA -S-2 Zone. This
timing complies with the time limit requirements established by Sections 65943 and
65950 of the Government Code, and does not present an excessive constraint to
development.
4. Fire Safety Standards
As discussed above, effective July 1, 2008, all land . in the City of Rolling Hills was
upgraded one level to "Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone" (VHFHSZ). As a result,
several more restrictive fire safety standards have been adopted in the City Building
Code that apply to all new development in the City. The new fire zone designation and
related standards are expected to place additional constraints on new development,
13 httD://viannin2.lacounty_ .eov/assets/uDI/eeneraUfee_20130301.ndf, accessed January 2, 2014.
January 2, 2014 Page 36
Resolution No. 1158 68
1
especially higher building costs. However, these standards are mandated by the State,
and were not self imposed by the City.
C. CONTRACTUAL CONSTRAINTS
Development in Rolling Hills is controlled through both City enforced zoning and
privately enforced CC&Rs. City zoning does not in itself constrain housing
development. Reducing zoning standards or increasing densities would not modify the
development limitations dictated by the CC&Rs, which control density.
Virtually all of the land in Rolling Hills is subject to the CC&Rs established in 1936 by
the Palos Verdes Corporation. Exceptions to CC&R controlled. land include the civic
center, fire station site and scattered public open space sites. These CC&Rs set forth
two classifications of property and restrict the development and use of property within
each classification to either only single family or single family and limited public use.
Neither classification allows for the development of multi -family housing or for
commercial, office or industrial activity. The CC&Rs establish minimum. parcel and
dwelling unit sizes, and require approval by the RHCA Architecture Committee of all
new development.
D. INFRASTRUCTURE CONSTRAINTS
Another factor adding to the cost of new construction is the limited availability of
infrastructure, specifically streets, sewer, storm water and water facilities.
I. Streets
Rolling Hills has no public roads or streets. Use of privately owned roadways requires
approval of the RHCA. The City's privately owned road network is typified by winding
roads with a 15 to 25 foot paved cross-section lacking in curbs, gutters and sidewalks.
Narrow road width, coupled with steep grades and private roadways, effectively
precludes public transit within the City. The City's circulation infrastructure is not
conducive to higher density housing.
Because of the steep terrain and geotechnical issues of the Rolling Hills land form, this
constraint is unlikely to be reduced during the current planning period.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 69
Page 37
2. Wastewater Disposal
With the exception of thirteen residences that have individually or through the creation
of a small sewer district hooked in with adjacent jurisdiction's sewer systems, there is
no sanitary sewer system in Rolling Hills. Residences are served by individual septic
tanks and leach lines. Insofar as the City remains on a septic system, this will prevent
the development of higher density housing, including the construction of second units.
Because of its concern that septic systems hinder development and create potential
water quality issues, the City has retained an engineering firm to assess the feasibility of
a city-wide sewer system. The engineering firm determined that a conventional gravity
sewer system is not feasible in the City and had studied a hybrid approach consisting of
low pressure sewer system and gravity sewer system. The study determined that due to
the terrain and unstable geological conditions of the City the cost of such a system
would be prohibitive for such a small city with limited financial resources. The study was
presented to the residents, and due to the high cost of construction of such a system,
the residents were not interested in funding such a project through an Assessment
District or any other method. Therefore, based on the feasibility study it is very unlikely
that the development constraints associated with wastewater disposal will be removed
during the current planning period.
3. Storm Water Run-off
To comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for
Municipal Storm Water and Urban Runoff Discharges Within the County of Los AngleS14, the
City has retained an engineering firm to assist the City control run-off from domestic
and construction activities, to implement best Management practices (BMPs), and to
reduce waste. These activities are intended to reduce development constraints
associated with storm water quality.
4. Fire Flow Requirements
As noted above, water infrastructure is owned and maintained by the CA. Water Co.
Additional development beyond that anticipated by the City General Plan would reduce
water pressure and compromise fire fighting capabilities. Because of Rolling Hills' steep
and varied terrain and aging infrastructure, this constraint is unlikely to be reduced
during the current planning period.
E. TOPOGRAPHIC CONSTRAINTS
Slopes of 25 to 50 percent are present on virtually every remaining undeveloped parcel
in the City. Development on such severely sloped parcels requires substantial
modification to the natural terrain that significantly adds to the cost of development.
14 Order No. 01-182 of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board as amended by Order R4-
2006-0074.
January 2, 2014 Page 38
Resolution No. 1158 70
1
The extreme topography present in Rolling Hills serves as a significant constraint to the
development of affordable housing
F. GEOLOGIC CONSTRAINTS
Expansive soils and geologic hazard conditions continue to place constraints on
development within the City. As depicted in Figure 2, Seismic Hazards, the majority of
land in the City is located in earthquake -induced landslide areas. These are areas where
previous landslide movement has resulted in permanent ground displacement. The
California Division of Mines and Geology designates these areas as seismic hazards
requiring mitigation.
As summarized in the City of Rolling Hills Hazard Mitigation Plan, Rolling Hills is located
very near to the Palos Verdes Fault. In the case of a seismic event on that fault, Rolling
Hills is expected to experience very strong shaking that could be devastating to the City
and the nearby region that provides essential and critical services to the community.
The Newport -Inglewood Fault is located a few miles east of the City of Rolling Hills.
Although not as violent as the Palos Verdes Fault scenario, the shaking in the Newport -
Inglewood Magnitude seismic event would be strong. Due to the proximity of this fault
to the urbanized area of Los Angeles and Long Beach, the City's essential and critical
service providers could experience long term impacts.
Liquefaction is a secondary effect of earthquake hazards. Liquefaction occurs when
ground shaking causes wet granular soils to change from a solid state to a liquid state.
This results in the loss of soil strength and the soil's ability to support weight. Buildings
and their occupants are at risk when the ground can no longer support these buildings
and structures.
The California Geological Survey has identified areas most vulnerable to liquefaction. In
the City of Rolling Hills, there are numerous identified liquefaction zones and areas
subject to earthquake -induced landslides, as shown on Figures 3 and 4.
Building at the head of a landslide can decrease the bedrock strength along an existing
or potential rupture surface and "drive" the landslide down slope. Improper grading
practices can also trigger existing landslides. Because of these geologic hazards, the City
insists on minimal grading to minimize land disturbance and exacerbation of soils
instability. The danger of increased soil instability, particularly if higher density
development is constructed, would contribute to potential risk to human life as well as
to physical structures. The Safety Element of the General Plan sets forth policies to
restrict new development and expansion of existing development in areas susceptible to
landslides.
The City has developed a Site Plan Review Process by which most development must be
reviewed and approved by the City to prevent erosion and landslides and preserve
Rolling Hills' natural hillside topography. The City's grading requirements prohibit
extensive grading and recontouring of existing terrain. The City has adopted the County
of Los Angeles grading standards with some modifications necessary to ensure slope
January 2, 2014 Page 39
Resolution No. 1158 71
stability. The City requires that all soil from grading be balanced on-site, which is
necessary because export of materials is not practical due to the narrow roadways and
fragile road surfaces. The RHCA also restricts the use of the streets for soil export due
to potential impacts on street condition and public safety. However, export of soil from
excavation activities, such as pools or basements is allowed.
Because of the public safety concerns associated with these geologic conditions, this
constraint is unlikely to be reduced during the current planning period.
January 2, 2014 Page 40
Resolution No. 1158 72
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January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158
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landslides following earthquakes)
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 74
Page 42
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Resolution No. 1158
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EQ -Induced Landslide Zones in the City of Rolling Hills — San Pedro
Quadrangle (Key. Green indicates area prone to liquefaction following earthquakes, Blue indicates area prone to
landslides following earthquakes)
January 2, 2014 Page 43
Resolution No. 1158
75
G. ENVIRONMENTAL CONSTRAINTS
Rolling Hills supports a wide variety of plant and wildlife. Many of these species are
either listed or considered for listing by the U.S. Department of Fish and Wildlife and/or
the California Department of Fish and Game. These species include the Palos Verdes
Blue butterfly, the California Gnatcatcher, the Pacific Pocket Mouse, the San Diego
Horned Lizard, and Brackishwater snail. The community is also underlain with blue -line
streams that are under the jurisdiction of the Army Corps of Engineers.
Development that intrudes on these environmental constraints must provide mitigation
satisfactory to the overseeing federal and state agencies. Typical mitigation is the
preservation of habitat area, further restricting the potential land available for
development.
Because of the federal and state regulations restricting development in Rolling Hills, this
constraint is unlikely to be reduced during the current planning period.
H. CONSTRAINTS TO HOUSING FOR PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES
Constraints to the development, maintenance and improvement of housing for persons
with disabilities impact housing production and availability. Recent changes to state law,
including Government Code Sections 65583(a)(4) and 65583(c)(3), address the
provision of accessible housing for disabled persons. These changes require that the
Housing Element include an analysis of potential and actual governmental constraints
upon the maintenance, improvement, or development of housing for all income levels
and for persons with disabilities, including land use controls, building codes and their
enforcement, site improvements, fees and other exactions required of developers, and
local processing and permit procedures. These changes also require that the Housing
Element address methods for removing governmental constraints to the maintenance,
improvement, and development of housing, including housing for all income levels and
housing for persons with disabilities.
As evidenced by its adoption of Resolution 699, Rolling Hills accommodates disabled
access and complies with the recent changes to state law. Resolution 699 certifies the
City's recognition of the American with Disabilities Act and adopts necessary mitigation
efforts to assist its disabled residents. The City has adopted the Los Angeles County
Building Code. As long as construction is consistent with the Building Code, residents
are permitted to provide any disabled access or amenity improvements necessary to
reduce barriers. Access to homes via ramps is permitted. These disabled
accommodations are processed administratively in conjunction with the building permit
process and are permitted in both of the City's residential zones.
Residential Care Facilities: According to the Rolling Hills Municipal Code, "family"
means:
January 2, 2014 Page 44
Resolution No. 1158 76
1
"Family" means one or more persons living as a single housekeeping unit, as
distinguished from a group occupying a boarding, rooming or lodging house,
hotel or club. Family may include domestic servants.
The City permits small residential care facilities that serve 6 or fewer clients in every
residential zone. Regarding business licenses, the City follows California Health and
Safety Code Section 1566.2, for residential facilities with six or fewer persons. The
code says that they shall not be subject to any business taxes, local registration fees, use
permits, fees, or other fees.
IV. HOUSING ASSESSMENT SUMMARY
Housing Element law requires cities to meet both local and regional housing needs.
Rolling Hills' local housing needs are discussed in Sections 11 and III above. Rolling Hills'
regional housing needs are established by the Southern California Association of
Governments (SCAG), and are summarized below.
The Housing Plan, presented in Section VI that follows, establishes specific policies and
programs to address these identified housing needs.
A. LOCAL HOUSING ASSESSMENT
Local housing needs, as discussed in Section 11, have been identified based on input from
available federal Census and state data, City Planning and Building Department records,
and community input.
Based on this information, Rolling Hills is an affluent community with no affordable
housing needs. However, data regarding special housing needs indicate that the City has
a large elderly population. Although available data suggests that the City's elderly
population has no housing affordability needs, members of Rolling Hills' elderly
population may require senior assisted living arrangements. Section II.B.4 of this Element
presents programs for addressing these senior housing needs.
B. REGIONAL HOUSING ASSESSMENT
State law requires jurisdictions to provide for their share of regional housing needs. As
part of the Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA), the Southern California
Association of Governments (SCAG) determines the housing growth needs by income
category for cities within its jurisdiction, which includes the City of Rolling Hills. RHNA
determinations for the City of Rolling Hills during this planning period are presented in
Table 14.
As illustrated in Table 14, Rolling Hills is required to provide adequate sites for the
construction of 6 new dwelling units during this planning period. Of these new units, I
should be affordable to Extremely Low Income households, I to Very Low Income
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 77
Page 45
households, I to Low Income households, I to Moderate income households, and 2 to
above moderate income households.
Table 14
RHNA New Housing Construction Needs by Income Group
for the City of Rol ing Hills (2014-2021)
Income Category Housing Unit Percent of Need by
Construction Need by Income Group
Income Group
Extremely Low (0-30% County median income) 1 17%
[I]
Very Low (31-50% County median income) 1 17%
Low (50-80% County median income) 1 I 17%
Moderate (80-120% County median income) 1 I 17%
Above Moderate (over 120% County median
income) 2 33%
Total Housing Unit Construction Need 6 I 100%
Source: SCAG Adopted Regional Housing Needs Determinations (November 2012)
[11 Extremely Low contains half (or 3) of the City Very Low Income allocation, which is 6 units.
V. HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES
This section of the Housing Element evaluates the potential additional residential
development that could occur in Rolling Hills pursuant to the General Plan and Zoning
Ordinance. This section also discusses opportunities for energy conservation in resi-
dential development. Potential financial resources available to support the provision of
affordable housing are also summarized.
A. AVAILABILITY OF SITES FOR HOUSING
Consistent with Government Code Sections 65583(a)(3) and 66683.2(h), to assess
future residential development potential in Rolling Hills, an inventory of vacant parcels
has been prepared and evaluated in terms of the actual capability of parcels to
accommodate residential development. In addition, large parcels which are currently
developed but which have the potential for further subdivision have also been evaluated.
With the majority of the City's developable acreage already built out, many of the
remaining vacant parcels are characterized by physical constraints, which preclude their
development. These constraints are primarily related to severe topography and/or
existing landslides.
Figure 5 illustrates the vacant parcels in the City. However, about half of these parcels
have been identified as inappropriate for residential or any other development because
January 2, 2014 Page 46
Resolution No. 1158 78
1
of geologic constraints. Twelve of the vacant parcels in the southern portion of the City
are located in the Flying Triangle area, where new development is prohibited by Los
Angeles County Building Code. Three of the vacant parcels, located in the western
portion of the City, have extreme geological constraints and are developable with single
family residence only. The buildable pad on these lots is very small and could not
accommodate larger developments. All of these parcels are subject to CC&Rs.
Aggregating the development potential on available vacant lots, there are 38 vacant sites
in the City of an average size of one to two acres, with 16 of the sites having geological
or environmental constraints that make development during this planning period
unlikely. Consequently, there are currently 16 vacant parcels available for development.
Some of those also have extreme slopes and only portion of the lots could potentially
be developed. Table 15 quantifies the number of dwelling units which could be
accommodated on these parcels.
Non-residential properties in Rolling Hills are limited to City Hall and a school district
site that contains a school bus maintenance facility, continuation high school and Palos
Verdes Transit parking facility. Both sites are fully developed as institutional uses.
Neither of these properties are anticipated to be redeveloped within the time frame of
this element. Other governmental owned properties are developed with recreational
uses, and some are located on steeply sloping properties, most without adequate road
access.
Table 15
City of Rolling Hills
Future Residential Development Potential
MAXIMUM POTENTIAL INCREASE IN DWELLING
UNITS
Zone Total
KA -S-1 4
RA -S-2 12
TOTAL 16
Source: City of Rolling Hills, August 2013.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 79
Page 47
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B. ABILITY TO MEET RHNA ALLOCATION
1. Housing Supply
As indicated in Table 14 above, the RHNA prepared by SCAG identifies a future
housing need for Rolling Hills of 6 units to be developed over the 2014-2021 planning
period. The residential land inventory for Rolling Hills (Table 15 above) identifies the
potential for a maximum development of 16 additional single-family dwelling units,
indicating the City is able to accommodate its designated share of above moderate
income housing. However, with its limited land and serious geological, infrastructure
and environmental constraints, Rolling Hills is unable to identify suitable sites to
accommodate its regional allocation of Extremely Low, Very Low, Low or Moderate
Income housing.
Section III of this Element describes the numerous constraints that make the rezoning of
property in Rolling Hills to multifamily infeasible. Physical limitations of the City include:
■ Steeply sloping hillsides;
■ Landslide hazards;
■ Lack of urban infrastructure, specifically sewer;
■ Danger of wildland fires; and
■ Sensitive animal habitats and species.
Contractual limitations further prohibit rezoning opportunities in the City. The RHCA
has enforceable CC&Rs that run with the property in perpetuity. These CC&Rs have
been in place prior to the City's incorporation, and continue to restrict development to
low density single family based on the community's unique constraints.
2. Housing Affordability
HCD, pursuant to AB 2348 and recent amendments to Housing Element Law,
established a new default methodology to determine the affordability of a housing site or
housing development. Although development in Rolling Hills is severely limited by
geologic, topographic and environmental constraints, HCD placed Rolling Hills in the
same category of cities as much larger urban cities and categorized it as a metropolitan
city. The amendments require that in metropolitan cities a site be zoned to permit at
least 20 dwelling units per acre in order to qualify as a housing site potentially affordable
to households in the Extremely Low, Very Low or Low Income ranges. Alternately, a
city can present market information or provide subsidies to demonstrate the
affordability of a housing site or new development.
Growth in the City of Rolling Hills is limited, and high-density development is severely
constrained by its physical and environmental constraints, as well the RHCA CC&Rs.
The adopted City zoning densities of one or two acre lots is based on infrastructure,
geologic and environmental constraints. In many instances, only a small portion of the
one and two acre lots is buildable, with the majority of the land constrained by steep
slopes and canyons.
January 2, 2014 Page 49
Resolution No. 1158 81
None of the reasonably available properties in the City of Rolling Hills could realistically
develop at a density greater than I unit per acre. Consequently, having completed an
inventory of land that could be suitable for residential development, including vacant
sites and sites having the potential for redevelopment, and an analysis of the relationship
of zoning and public facilities and services to those sites (Section 85683(a)(3)), the City
of Rolling Hills finds no potential sites that could achieve the HCD default affordability
density of 20 dwelling units per acre.
3. Availability of Public Services and Facilities
As discussed in Section III.D above, infrastructure in the City is limited. New
construction of many of the 16 sites available may not be feasible due to the inability to
construct streets, sewer and water systems to accommodate additional development.
Expansion of these infrastructure systems also is not feasible because topographic and
geologic constraints make such improvements cost prohibitive. In addition, expansion of
infrastructure systems may cause the following adverse impacts on public health, safety
and welfare:
■ Geologic Setting - Numerous active landslides in Rolling Hills greatly diminish
development potential and call for caution in expanding infrastructure and
increasing densities.
■ Rural Design and Community Roadway Character - The current capacity, design, and
topographic constraints of the City roadways indicate increased residential
densities would compromise road safety and traffic.
■ Fire Flow Requirements — The California Water Company owns and maintains
water lines in the City and the Utility has no plans to upgrade the aging water
system. Therefore, fire -fighting capabilities could be compromised due to aging
system, which could result in reduction in water pressure.
■ Lack of Sewer — Most areas of the City are unserved by sewer. Unstable soils
make the extension of the sewer system extremely challenging.
■ Very High Fire Hazard Severity Zone — The entire City has been designated by the
State Fire Marshal as being located in the VHFHSZ. As a result, several more
restrictive fire safety standards have been adopted in the City Building Code that
apply to all new development in the City, making housing construction more
expensive.
C. OPPORTUNITIES FOR ENERGY CONSERVATION
Under current law, this Rolling Hills Housing Element must include the following:
Analysis of opportunities for energy conservation with respect to residential
development. Government Code Section 65583(a)(7).
January 2, 2014 Page 50
Resolution No. 1158 82
J
The California state legislature in 1974 created the California Energy Commission to
deal with the issue of energy conservation. Since that time, the Energy Commission has
set conservation standards for new residential and nonresidential construction. These
standards, known as Title 24, were most recently updated by the Energy Commission
and will be effective January 2014. The new standards, implemented by the City as part
of the recently adopted California Green Building Code, specify energy saving design for
walls, ceilings and floor installations, as well as heating and cooling equipment and
systems, gas cooling devices, conservation standards, and the use of nondepleting energy
sources, such as solar energy or wind power.
Through the Site Plan Review process and the building code for new development or
additions, the City requires energy conservation in buildings and water conservation in
the landscaping areas. The City has adopted a Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance that
requires landscaping be water wise and plants be drought tolerant.
In addition, the Rolling Hills Open Space and Conservation Element establishes a policy
to permit the use of solar panels to maximize energy efficiency. In the past few years,
the City of Rolling Hills has approved 42 solar, panel requests from residents. Other
residential energy design standards can be applied to reduce energy costs, including:
■ Glazing - Glazing on south facing exterior walls allows for winter sunrays to
warm the structure. Avoidance of this technique on the west side of the unit
prevents afternoon sunrays from overheating the unit.
■ Landscaping - Strategically placed vegetation reduces the amount, of direct
sunlight on the windows. Incorporation of deciduous trees in the landscaping
plans along the southern area of units reduces summer sunrays, while
allowing penetration of winter rays to warm the units.
■ Building Design - The implementation of roof overhangs above southerly
facing windows shield the structure from solar rays during the summer
months.
■ Cooling/Heating Systems - The use of attic ventilation systems reduces attic
temperatures .during summer months. Solar heating systems for swimming
pool facilities save on energy costs. Natural gas is conserved with the use of
flow restrictors on all hot water faucets and showerheads.
■ Weatherization Techniques - Weatherization techniques such as insulation,
caulking, and weatherstripping can reduce energy use for air-conditioning up
to 55 percent and for heating as much as 40 percent. Weatherization
measures seal a dwelling unit to guard against heat gain in the summer and
prevent heat loss in the winter.
■ Efficient Use of Appliances - Each household contains a different mixture of
appliances. Regardless of the mix of appliances present, appliances can be
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 83
Page 51
used in ways that increase their energy efficiency. Unnecessary appliances
can be eliminated, proper maintenance and use of the stove, oven, clothes
dryer, clothes washer, dishwasher, and refrigerator can also reduce energy
consumption. New appliance purchases of air-conditioning units and
refrigerators can be made on the basis of efficiency ratings. The State
prepares a list of air-conditioning and refrigerator models that detail the
energy efficiency ratings of the product on the market.
■ Outdoor Lighting Ordinance — Requires most energy efficient lighting for all
outdoor lighting.
■ Efficient Use of Lighting - Costs of lighting a home can be reduced through
purchase of light bulbs, which produce the most lumens per watt, avoidance
of multi -bulb mixtures and use of long life bulbs and clock timers on security
buildings.
In 2008, the City had adopted Resolution No. 1040, providing for a City of Rolling Hills
Natural Environment and Sustainability Committee. The committee was composed of
nine resident members, appointed by the City Council with the purpose to assess and
track the City's flora and fauna; to develop and recommend environmentally sustainable
policies, practices and programs for Rolling Hills and to provide outreach to residents
and bring in educational programs to the City. However, because Rolling Hills' residents
are already environmentally conscientious, the Council disbanded the Committee,
finding it was not needed.
As a member of SCAG, the City also participates in the Regional Comprehensive Plan
to achieve a sustainable future. The City is a member of the South Bay Council of
Governments Green Task Force and the City joined ICLEI, which is a membership
association of local governments. committed to advancing climate protection and
sustainable development.
The City's commitment to energy efficiency is carried forward in Section V.C., Housing
Implementation Plan (2014-2021).
D. FINANCIAL RESOURCES
Development of affordable housing in Rolling Hills would require extraordinary financial
assistance. Assuming the other constraints previously discussed could be eliminated,
potential sources of such assistance and the applicability to Rolling Hills must be
examined.
The availability of Federal and State funding sources is subject to many limitations. Many
types of government assistance are conditioned upon the existence of populations in
need of assistance or housing stock conditions requiring repair or rehabilitation. The
absence of in need populations and deteriorated housing in Rolling Hills renders the
City ineligible for many types of assistance. In addition, high housing values in the City
preclude the use of the Section 8, Housing Voucher Assistance Payments Program.
January 2, 2014 Page 52
Resolution No. 1158 84
1
Under that program, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
provides subsidies to landlords under certain conditions. Only housing units with rents
at or below maximum rent levels set by HUD for each county are eligible to receive
subsidies. Rents in the City far exceed maximum allowable levels payable under the
Section 8 Program.
One source of housing assistance used by many local governments is money derived
from redevelopment project tax increment. This source is unavailable, however,
because the City has no redevelopment areas and the absence of blight in the City
precludes the formation of a redevelopment area. The City's limited financial resources
further preclude the use of City General Fund monies for housing assistance.
The absence of federal, state and local funding sources for affordable housing in Rolling
Hills, coupled with the high cost of land and construction, act as a significant constraint
to the provision of affordable housing in the City. Private financing of affordable housing
is also unlikely given the low densities required by the CC&Rs and by the topography of
the City.
Since inception of the CDBG program in 1979, the City of Rolling Hills has used its
CDBG funds to provide over $225,000 to local communities for housing rehab
programs and for construction of Section 8 housing. Between 2008 and 2011, Rolling
Hills received a total of $25,331 in CDBG funds, an average of $6,333 per year. The
City transferred these funds to the City of Rancho Palos Verdes for their Senior
Citizens Home repair program. However, the cost of administering the CDBG, program
has made it infeasible for the City of Rolling Hills to continue in the program.
Although many available funding sources would not be available to Rolling Hills at this
time, Table 16 summarizes potentially available funding sources as a reference to City
staff and potential developers:
Table 16
Federal And State, Housing Programs
And Their Applicability In Rolling Hills
Program
Federal Programs
Section 8
Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation
Section 8 New Construction
January 2, 2014
Comments
Provides rent subsidies to low-income renters. This
source cannot be used in Rolling Hills because rents on
housing in the City far exceed maximum rent levels
required for participation in the program.
Provides for payment contracts on units needing
substantial rehabilitation. This source is inapplicable in
Rolling Hills because no housing in the City has been
identified as in need of rehabilitation.
Provides funding for the construction of housing
affordable to lower-income persons. High land costs and
legal and environmental constraints preclude the
Page 53
Resolution No. 1158 85
Table 16
Federal And State, Housing Programs
And Their Applicability In Rolling Hills
Program
Section 202
Section 106(b) — Seed Money Loans
State Programs
SB 99 -Redevelopment Construction Loans
California Housing Finance Agency
California Housing Finance Agency (CHFA)
California Self -Help Housing Program
Mobile Home Park Assistance
Emergency Shelter
Special User Housing Rehabilitation
Predevelopment Loans
January 2, 2014
Comments
development of projects in Rolling Hills that would be
eligible for such funding.
Provides private/non-profit funding for senior housing
supported services. High land costs and legal and
environmental constraints make the development of
projects that would be eligible for such funding infeasible
in Rolling Hills.
Provides interest free loans to non-profit housing
sponsors for preconstruction costs. Currently used only
in connection with Section 202 above.
Authorizes issuance of bonds by redevelopment
agencies. Rolling Hills does not have a redevelopment
agency, or any areas that could be defined as blighted.
Provides loans to housing sponsors for construction
(CHFA) -Direct Lending or rehabilitation of housing
projects containing over five units. Program could be
applied for by Rolling Hills' developers but projects of
the five -unit minimum cannot be built in the City because
of legal and environmental constraints.
Provides financing for rehabilitation and purchase of
Home Ownership and Home Improvement housing by
low and moderate -income persons for (HOHI) Program
housing in areas that are in need of rehabilitation.
Absence of housing in need of rehabilitation precludes
use in Rolling Hills.
Provides grants and loans to assist low and moderate
income families to build and rehabilitate their own
homes. High land costs and home values make use of
this program in Rolling Hills unlikely.
Provides Financial and technical assistance to mobile
home park residents. No mobile home parks exist in
Rolling Hills.
Provides grants for homeless shelters. No population in
need of homeless shelter exists in Rolling Hills.
Program targeted towards substandard housing. No
substandard housing exists in Rolling Hills.
Provides predevelopment loans for low-income housing
Page 54
Resolution No. 1158 86
1
Table 16
Federal And State, Housing Programs
And Their Applicability In Rolling Hills
Program
Senior Citizen Shared Housing
Rental Housing Construction
Deferred Payment Rehabilitation Loans
Marks Foran Rehabilitation Loans
Government Code Section 65915 -Density Bonuses
AB 655 -Multi -Family Revenue Bonds
Single -Family Mortgage Revenue Bonds
Redevelopment -Tax Increment Financing
January 2, 2014
Comments
projects. . This source could be used by nonprofit
developers in the City. However, high land costs, and
environmental and legal constraints render infeasible the
development of eligible projects in the City.
Provides grants to assist seniors find shared housing
arrangements. Rolling Hills provides informational
brochures on shared housing referral services offered at
neighboring cities. Rolling Hills provides the brochures
using local funds.
Provides cash grants for the construction of housing
developments containing at least five units with 30
percent of the units affordable to lower income
households. Environmental and legal constraints on the
development of multi -family housing in the City render
this program inapplicable.
Provides loans for the rehabilitation of low and
moderate -income housing. Not applicable in Rolling
Hills because of absence of targeted housing.
Allows revenue bonds for housing rehabilitation. The
City does not have housing in need of rehabilitation.
Requires local governments to offer density bonuses or
other incentives in exchange for the development of
low-income housing. The City has not adopted its own
density bonus program but will follow state
requirements on a case-by-case basis.
Allows for participation in a Countywide bond program
for low-income multi -family housing. Legal and
environmental constraints on multi -family housing in
Rolling Hills would make it very difficult to build housing
meeting the low -rent requirements of this program.
Allows for the issuance of bonds for below market loans
for low and moderate -income homebuyers. The high
costs of homes in the City make them unaffordable to
persons targeted in this program.
Allows local agencies to keep increases in taxes for
redevelopment areas. This is inapplicable to Rolling Hills
because there are no blighted areas, which could qualify
for redevelopment.
Resolution No. 1158 87
Page 55
VI. HOUSING PLAN
Chapters 11 to V establish the housing needs, opportunities, and constraints in Rolling
Hills. The Housing Plan evaluates the accomplishments of the last adopted housing
element, and then presents the City's eight-year Housing Plan. The Plan sets forth the
goals, policies, and programs to address Rolling Hills' identified housing needs.
A. REVIEW OF HOUSING ELEMENT PERFORMANCE TO
DATE
State Housing Element law requires communities to assess the achievements of adopted
housing programs as part of the five-year update to their housing elements. These
results should be quantified where possible, but may be qualitative where necessary.
These results need to be compared with what was projected or planned in the previous
element. Where significant shortfalls exist between what was planned and what was
achieved, the reasons for such difference must be discussed.
I. Progress Toward Implementing the 2006-2014 (4th Cycle)
Housing Element Programs
The 2006-2014 Rolling Hills Housing Element established programs to address the
following primary housing goals:
■ Provide for housing which meets the needs of existing and future Rolling
Hills' residents.
■ Maintain and enhance the quality of residential neighborhoods in Rolling Hills.
■ Provide housing services to address the needs of the City's senior citizen
population.
■ Promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race, religion,
sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin or color.
The following section examines the progress made towards implementing the City's
housing programs as set forth in the 2006-2014 Housing Element. As summarized in
Table 17, the City has actively pursued avenues for supporting residential development
and facilitating affordable housing opportunities, despite the overwhelming constraints
that limit development opportunities in Rolling Hills.
Programs
Table 17
City Of Rolling Hills Progress Toward Implementing
the 2006-2014 Housing Element Programs
I Accomplishments
Goal I: Provide for housing which meets the needs of existing and future Rolling Hills' residents.
Manufactured Home Program: Permit manufactured The City has amended its Zoning Ordinance to provide for manufactured
homes on all buildable, single family lou in the City. homes, and continues to permit this program. No request for a
manufactured home was submitted to the City during the past planning
period.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 88
Page 56
1
117
1
1
Table 17
City Of Rolling Hills Progress Toward Implementing
the 2006-2014 Housing Element Programs
Programs Accomplishments
Facilitate New Construction: The City will continue to The City has continued to work with and assist developers and builders.
work with and assist housing developers and builders to Five new units and seven replacement units have been constructed during
enable new housing to be built in the City. the past planning period.
Goal 2: Maintain and enhance the quality of residential neighborhoods in Rolling Hills.
Code Enforcement In the event that a violation of City
codes or regulations is discovered, the City works with
the County and the Association to remediate the
violation.
Ground Instability: Continue to explore possible
solutions to ground instability problems.
Neighborhood Sponsored Sewer Districts: Promote and
facilitate the development of homeowner sponsored
sewer districts.
Housing Repair on Landslide Sites: Continue to allow the
repair of damaged structures and remedial grading in
landslide areas.
The City continues to promote code enforcement in cases of violations. An
educational program including information brochures has been implemented
to discourage violations. A program to accomplish compliance also has been
implemented. Approximately thirty violations have occurred in the City and
only six of them consisted of residential structural deficiencies, which have
been corrected during the past planning period. Code enforcement is
intended to protect the public health, safety and welfare, and is not
considered a constraint to the development of affordable housing.
The City has continued to work with property owners and geotechnical
consultants to establish construction regulations and to explore other
potential solutions to the problem. However, despite these continued
efforts, certain property in high-risk landslide areas remains unbuildable.
The City has retained a consulting engineer to assess the feasibility of
establishing a citywide sewer system. Because of the geologic and
topographic constraints, the cost of installing sewer citywide makes
installation of a sewer system infeasible.
The City continues to allow repair of damaged structures and remedial
grading in landslide areas with special permits.
Home Improvement Program for eligible low and In keeping with its commitment to support housing element objectives and
moderate -income residents. low income housing needs, Rolling Hills assigned its CDBG funds to the City
of Rancho Palos Verdes Home Improvement Programs for eligible low and
moderate income residents to provide grants and zero percent deferred
loans to correct hazardous structural conditions, eliminate blight, and
improve disabled access.
Goal 3: Provide housing services to address the needs of the City's senior citizen population.
Shared Housing Program: Actively market the two area Informational brochures advertising existing shared housing programs are
shared housing programs — Focal Point at the South Bay available at the public counter. Records on the number of matches that have
Senior Services in Torrance and Anderson Senior Center occurred during the planning period are not available.
in San Pedro - which assist seniors in locating roommates
to share existing housing in the community.
Reverse Mortgage Program: Inform residents about the The City offers referral services to seniors interested in pursuing a reverse
advantages of reverse mortgages. A reverse mortgage is mortgage.
a deferred payment loan or a series of such loans for
which a home is pledged as security, and can offer a
viable financing alternative to many of Rolling Hills'
elderly homeowners.
Elderly Services: Rolling Hills will continue to provide In keeping with its commitment to assist its elderly residents find needed
information to its elderly residents concerning available services, the City maintains a list of local senior facilities at City Hall.
senior services.
Goal 4: Promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national
origin or color.
January 2, 2014
Resolution No. 1158 89
Page 57
Table 17
City Of Rolling Hills Progress Toward Implementing
the 2006-2014 Housing Element Programs
Programs
Fair Housing Program: As a means of increasing public
awareness of legal rights under fair housing laws, the City
will advertise services offered by the Fair Housing
Foundation, including housing discrimination response,
landlord -tenant relations, housing information and
counseling, and community education programs.
B. GOALS AND POLICIES
Accomplishments
As a past participating city in the Community Development Block Grant
Program, Rolling Hills cooperated with the Los Angeles office of the Fair
Housing Foundation to enforce fair housing laws. Informational brochures
about the Foundation are available at the City of Rolling Hills public counter
and local library.
As part of this General Plan update, the goals and policies of the past Housing Element
were reviewed as to their appropriateness in addressing the community's housing needs.
The following goals and policies reflect the City's continued commitment to actively
support residential development and avenues for facilitating affordable housing
opportunities, despite the overwhelming constraints that limit development
opportunities in Rolling Hills. These policies will serve as a guide to City officials in daily
decision making.
GOAL I: Provide for housing which meets the needs of existing and future
Rolling Hills' residents.
Policy 1.1: Evaluate ways in which the City can assist in providing housing to meet
special community needs.
Policy 1.2: Work with governmental entities to explore the possibility of providing
affordable housing for low and moderate income and senior citizen households in the
South Bay region.
Policy 1.3: Encourage the development of residential units that are accessible to the
disabled or are adaptable for conversion to residential use by disabled persons.
Policy 1.4: Encourage the use of energy conservation devices and passive design
concepts that make use of the natural climate to increase energy efficiency and reduce
energy costs.
Policy 1.5: Continue to facilitate the development of housing in the City, taking into
account existing financial, legal, and environmental constraints.
GOAL 2: Maintain and enhance the quality of residential neighborhoods in
Rolling Hills.
Policy 2.1: Encourage and assist in the maintenance and improvement of existing
neighborhoods to maintain optimum standards of housing quality and design.
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Policy 2.2: Require the design of housing to comply with the City's building code
requirements.
Policy 2.3: Require compatible design to minimize the impact of residential
redevelopment on existing residences.
Policy 2.4: Enforce City housing codes to assure the upkeep and maintenance of
housing in the City.
GOAL 3: Provide housing services to address the needs of the City's senior
citizen population.
Policy 3.1: Provide reference and referral services for seniors, such as in-home care
and counseling for housing -related issues, to allow seniors to remain independent in the
community.
Policy 3.2: Maintain information regarding shared housing programs in nearby cities as
an option for seniors to share existing housing in the community.
Policy 3.3: Coordinate with lending companies and institutions to educate the City's
elderly homeowners as to the availability of reverse mortgage loans, which allow
income -poor seniors to remain in their homes.
GOAL 4: Promote housing opportunities for all persons regardless of race
religion, sex, marital status, ancestry, national origin or color.
Policy 4.1: Affirm a positive action posture, which will assure that unrestricted housing
opportunities are available to the community, and enforce all applicable laws and policies
pertaining to equal housing opportunity.
Policy 4.2: Make information on fair housing laws available to residents and realtors in
the City by distributing at the City Hall public counter and on request.
Policy 4.3: Investigate any allegations of violations of fair housing laws.
C. HOUSING IMPLEMENTATION PLAN (2014-2021)
The goals and policies set forth in the Housing Element to address the City's housing
needs are implemented through a series of housing programs. The Housing Element
program strategy consists of both programs currently in use in the City and additional
programs to provide the opportunity to adequately address the City's housing needs.
The following section provides a brief description of each program, planning period
quantified objectives, funding source, responsible agency and implementation time frame.
Each of these programs have been developed consistent with HCD guidelines for
developing effective programs and are responsive to the unique constraints facing
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Rolling Hills." These programs are currently on-going and will continue through the
current planning period.
Shared Housing:
Many seniors who prefer to live independently resort to institutionalized living
arrangements because of security problems, loneliness, or an inability to live entirely
independently. Seniors in Rolling Hills have access to two nearby shared housing
programs: Focal Point at the South Bay Senior Services Center in Torrance and the
Anderson Senior Center in San Pedro. Both these centers offer resources to assist
seniors locate roommates interested in sharing housing. These programs make
roommate matches between seniors based on telephone requests. Records on the
number of matches that have occurred during the planning period are not available. The
City will continue to actively market the availability of these shared housing programs by
providing informational brochures at the public counter.
■ Quantified Objective: Continue to provide informational brochures advertising
existing shared housing programs to increase the number of roommate matches
over the 2014-2021 period.
■ Funding Source: City General Fund
■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently`on-going (2014-2021).
Reverse Mortgage Program:
The most substantial asset of most elderly homeowners is their home, which in Rolling
Hills has increased significantly in value in the past years. But while owning a home in
Rolling Hills may provide a rich asset base, the onslaught of retirement and a fixed
income can cause many elderly homeowners to quickly become income poor. Home
maintenance repairs multiply as the home ages, and with rising costs in home utilities,
insurance, and taxes, housing maintenance often gets deferred.
An alternative option for elderly homeowners is to draw needed income from the
accumulated equity in their homes through a reverse mortgage. A reverse mortgage is
a deferred payment loan or a series of such loans for which a home is pledged as
security. Qualification for the loan is based primarily on property value rather than
income, allowing the elderly homeowner on a fixed income to receive a loan for which
he or she would not otherwise qualify. Most reverse mortgage programs permit
homeowners to borrow up to 80 percent of the assessed value of their property, to
receive needed principal of up to 25 percent of the loan, and then to receive monthly
annuity payments for the life of the loan.
15 httv://www.hcd.ca.gov/hvd/housina element2/PRO overviewaft; accessed January 2, 2014.
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Reverse mortgages may offer a viable financing alternative to many of Rolling Hills'
elderly homeowners. The City provides information to its senior population interested
in pursuing a reverse mortgage.
■ Quantified Objective: Continue to offer referral services to seniors interested in
pursuing a reverse mortgage.
■ Funding Source: None necessary.
■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently On-going (2014-2021).
Sewer Feasibility:
Because of its concern that septic systems hinder development and create potential
water quality issues, the City has retained an engineering firm to assess the feasibility of
a city-wide low pressure sewer system. The study determined that due to the terrain
and unstable geological conditions of the City the cost of such a system would be
prohibitive for such a small city with limited financial resources. Therefore, based on the
feasibility study it is very unlikely that the development constraints associated with
wastewater disposal will be removed during the current planning period.
■ Quantified Objective: Continue to consider sewer systems as new technology
becomes available.
■ Funding Source: City General Fund/ Private Assessment District
■ Responsible Agency: City Manager's Office.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently on-going (2014-2021).
Storm Water Runoff:
To comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) for
Municipal Storm Water and Urban Runoff J` Discharges Within the County of Los Angeles", 6, the
City has retained an engineering firm to assist the City control run-off from domestic
and construction activities, and to reduce waste. These activities are intended to reduce
development constraints associated with storm water quality.
■ Quantified Objective: Continue to implement Best Management Practices (BMPs)
pursuant to NPDES requirements.
■ Funding Source: City General Fund.
16 Order No. 01-182 of the Los Angeles Regional Water Quality Control Board as amended by Order R4-
2006-0074.
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Resolution No. 1158 93
■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently on-going (2014-2021).
Code and CC&R Enforcement:
One factor contributing to the high levels of maintenance of Rolling Hills' homes and
neighborhoods is the high pride of ownership by its residents. City staff and Los
Angeles County Building Officials continuously assure that relevant City Codes and
regulations are being adhered to. The Architectural Committee of the Association,
under a separate process, also assures consistency with their CC&Rs. In the event that
a violation of City codes or regulations is discovered, City staff works to cure the
violation.
■ Quantified Objective: Continue code enforcement efforts.
■ Funding Source: General Fund.
■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently Ongoing (2014-2021).
Reasonable Accommodation:
Pursuant to Government Code Section 65583(c)(3), the City is committed to providing
reasonable accommodations for housing.
■ Quantified Objective: Permission of residents to construct modifications as
required to reduce barriers consistent with the Building Code.
■ Funding Source: General Fund.
■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently on-going (2014-2021).
Ener
Zy Conservation:
The City commits to following sustainable development and energy conservation
recommendations of its past Natural Environment and Sustainability Committee and
SCAG. The City has adopted the Green Building Code.
■ Quantified Objective: Follow sustainable development and energy conservation
recommendations of SCAG and the Green Building Code.
■ Funding Source: General Fund.
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■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently Ongoing (2014-2021).
Facilitate New Construction:
The City will continue to work with and assist housing developers and builders to
enable new housing to be built in the City. The steep hillsides, deep canyons, geologic
hazards and CC&Rs create constraints in the City that require high levels of
cooperation between City staff, developers and builders. Continued cooperation will
facilitate the construction of new housing and to allow the City to attain a feasible
portion of its regional share allotment of new housing.
■ Quantified Objective: The development of Rolling Hills' buildout potential of up to
16 housing units during this planning period. These potential units satisfy Rolling
Hills' 2014-2021 regional share of Above Moderate Income housing.
■ Funding Source: General Fund.
■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently On-going (2014-2021).
Facilitate Repair and Remodeling Activities:
Landslide damaged homes may continue to conduct remedial repair work on damaged
homes and hillsides in the City. In addition, many homeowners have instigated
extensive home remodeling which has lead to significant increases in the value and
quality of existing housing stock. Both repair and remodeling activities are expected to
continue." City staff has been active in facilitating the permitting process for remodeling
and remedial repair work and will continue to provide this assistance.
■ Quantified Objective: Continue to assist all applicants for remodeling and remedial
repair permits.
■ Funding Source: General Fund.
■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently On-going (2014-2021).
Ground Instability:
Continue to explore possible solutions to ground instability problems. Any grading, new
structures and additions require a soils and geology report that proves stability along
with City and County permits. Also, any grading, new structure and additions of more
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than one thousand square feet or where the size of the structure increases by more
than 25% in any 36 -month period requires a Site Plan Review and approval by the
Planning Commission and concurrence by the City Council. The City has developed
strict grading practices that limit lot grading to no more than 40 percent of the lot, and
require maintenance of natural slopes. These practices are necessary to safeguard the
public health and safety against ground instability problems.
■ Quantified Objective: Continue to require geologic studies for each new
development to ensure that land is suitable for construction and that construction
will not negatively impact adjacent properties.
■ Funding Source: City General Fund.
■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department and City Manager's Office.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently On-going (2014-2021).
Housing Reaair on Landslide Sites:
The City will continue to allow the remedial repair of damaged structures and remedial
grading in landslide areas with special permits.
■ Quantified Objective: Continue to assist all persons qualified.
• Funding Source: General Fund.
■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department.
■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently On-going (2014-2021).
Fair Housing Program:
As a means of increasing public awareness of legal rights under fair housing laws, the
City provides at its public counter brochures for the Fair Housing Foundation that
advertise services offered by the Foundation, including housing discrimination response,
landlord -tenant relations, housing information and counseling, and community education
programs.
■ Quantified Objective: Continue to provide informational brochures at the City Hall
public counter and on request; and provide information regarding the Fair Housing
Foundation and services they provide in the citywide newsletter. This information is
available for distribution at community events.
■ Funding Source: General Fund.
■ Responsible Agency: City Planning Department.
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■ Implementation Time Frame: Currently On-going (2014-2021).
Summary of 2014-2021 Quantified Objectives:
■ Number of Units to be Constructed: 16 single-family units
• Number of Units to be Rehabilitated: 0 rehabilitation need
■ Number of Units to be Conserved/Preserved: 693 single-family housing units.
Table. 18 disaggregates these objectives by income group. Because of the high median
value of homes in Rolling Hills, each of the potential 16 additional houses are expected
to be available to only households in the above moderate income range. The City's
conservation/preservation objective includes all of the existing 693 housing units. These
units are disaggregated by income group according to the percent of household income
as reported in the 2010 Census (reference Table 7).
Table 18
Quantified Objectives by Income Group
for the City of Rolling Hills (2014-2021)
Income Category New Construction Rehabilitation Conservation/
Preservation
Extremely Low 0 0 40
Very Low 0 0 60
Low 0 0 9
Moderate 0 0 12
ile Moderate 16 0 543
Total Housing Unit Construction Need I 16 0 663
Source: SCAG Adopted Regional Housing Needs Determinations (November 2012)
E I I Extremely Low contains haff (or 3) of the City Very Low Income allocation, which is 6 units.
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