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10-21-14 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS OCTOBER 21, 2014 CALL MEETING TO ORDER A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Chairman Chelf at 633 p.m. on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 in the City Council Chamber, at City Hall, 2 Poriuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Kirkpatrick, Mirsch, Smith and Chairman Chelf. Commissioners Absent: Commissioner Gray(excused). Others Present: Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director. Raymond R. Cruz, City Manager. Shahiedah Coates, Assistant City Attorney. Heidi Luce, City Clerk. Steve and Lori Wheeler, 38 Porhxguese Bend Road. Ross Bolton, Bolton Engineering. Tavisha Nicolson, Bolton Engineering. Nicholas Tonsich, 40 Eastfield Drive. Doug Monis, Contractor. Dan Baer, 38 Eastfield Drive. Olympia Greer, Greer&Associates. Hagy Belzberg, Belzberg Architects. Criss Gunderson, Architect. Steve Lewis, 2 Ringbit Road East. APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Approved as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES September 16, 2014 Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Commissioner Mirsch noted one correction on page three item F to remove the word "the" in the first sentence. Vice Chairperson Smith moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on September 16, 2014 as conected. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion, which carried without objection. September 16, 2014 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Commissioner Mirsch noted one correction on page four to remove the statement "concurred that the access to the utility room is acceptable" from the last sentence. Following brief discussion, Commissioner Kirkpatrick moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on September 16, 2014 as corrected. Commissioner Mirsch seconded the motion, which carried without objection. Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting ]0-21-14 - 1 - RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2014-14. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION OF A SWIMMING POOL AND A SPA AND A VARIANCE TO EXCEED THE MAXIMi.JM PERMITTED DISTURBANCE OF THE LOT IN ZONING CASE NO. 861, AT 2 MIDDLERIDGE LANE SOUTH, LOT 168-RH, (JOHNSON). Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated that at the last Planning Commission meeting staff was directed to prepare a Resolution of Approval in Zoning Case No. 861 at 2 Middleridge Lane South. She stated that the Resolution contains the standard findings of fact and conditions of approval; and, at the request of the Planning Commission the conditions that any future development be reviewed by the Planning Commission and that the deck and swimming pool be screened from view from Middleridge Lane are also incorporated in the Resolution. Commissioner Mirsch moved that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 2014-14 granting approval of the applicanYs request in Zoning Case No. 861 at 2 Middieridge Lane South. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion which carried without objection. RESOLUTION NO. 2014-15. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS DENYING A REQUEST FOR A VARIANCE AND PARTIALLY APPROVING AND PARTIALLY DENYING A REQUEST FOR SITE PLAN REVIEW REGARDING STAIRS, WALLS AND RELATED IMPROVEMENTS AT 38 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD, LOT 118-RH, (WHEELER). Vice Chairperson Smith recused herself from consideration of this case due to the proximity of her property to the subject property and left the dais. Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staffs comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated that at the last Planning Commission meeting staff was directed to prepare a Resolution to partially approve and partially deny the applicanYs request to retain as built construction that exceeds wbat was approved administratively in Zoning Case No. 863 at 38 Portuguese Bend Road. She reviewed the table included in the Resolution outlining what was approved and not approved. She stated that a letter was received from an attorney representing the Wheelers and that letter has been provided to the Planning Commission. She stated that the letter requests approval of the as built project. In response to Commissioner Kirkpatrick regarding the attomey's justification for approval, Planning Director Schwartz commented that the Zoning Ordinance does allow fountains and other miscellaneous items to be approved over the counter, but this feature is a wall, not a fountain and any wall over 3 ft. in height requires Planning Commission review. Discussion ensued concerning the height of the walls. Commissioner Mirsch commented that the statement in the letter that the wall heights were changed by the engineer to allow for over the counter approval is confusing. Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Tavisha Nicholson, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission to offer to answer any questions the Planning Commission may have regarding the project. Steve Wheeler, 38 Portuguese Bend Road addressed the Planning Commission stating that they would like to move past these problems and obtain approval for their request. Chairman Chelf suggested that the applicant look for ways that the appearance of the walls can be softened. In response, Mr. Wheeler commented that they are open to additional suggestions. Discussion ensued concerning ways to soften the appearance of the large wall. Lori Wheeler, 38 Por[uguese Bend Road addressed the Planning Commission stating that the original plans prepared by Deborah Richie-Bray show the walls at 7 ft. tall but when the engineer prepared the plans they were changed. She commented that there are two sets of stamped plans and the Plans prepared by Bolton Engineering don't match the plans prepared by Deborah Richie-Bray. In response to Commissioner Mirsch regarding the statement in the attorney's letter regarding personal bias, Mrs. Wheeler stated that they fee] that the way their project has been handled and the anguish they have endured isn't fair. She further commented that given all they have conceded to during this process, they don't feel they have been treated fairly. In response, Assistant City Attorney Coates commented Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting 10-21-14 - 2 - that the City Attorney's office does not believe there is any evidence of personal bias against the applicants. Ms. Nicholson asked for a wntinuance to look further into possible landscaping and bring back renderings of options that may solve the issues. Commissioner Kirkpatrick asked Ms. Nicholson if it would be possible to determine where the conflict lies between the plans prepared by Debarah Richie- Bray and Bolton Engineering. Further discussion ensued concerning the walls. Ross Boiton, Bolton Engineering commented that they would like to hear any further input from the Planning Commission with regard to the project. Planning Director Schwartz commented that the project is not yet under time constraints due to the Permit Streamlining Act and if the applicant would like to continue consideration of this case, they can sign a letter consenting to a 90-day extension. Discussion ensued concerning landscaping and how it may affect the appearance of the project. Commissioner Mirsch commented that the difficult part of this project is that it is an as built condition but looking at the project, she doesn't feel it would have been approved if it were part of the original project. Chairman Chelf suggested that the applicant try to come up with a solution to soften the appearance of the walls. Commissioner Mirsch moved that the Planning Commission not adopt Resolution No. 2014-15 and reopen the public hearing on this application pending submittal of a revised proposal and upon receiving written consent from the applicant for a 90-day extension. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion which carried without objection. Vice Chairperson Smith reriuned to the dais. PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINLIED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING ZONING CASE NO. 862, Request for modifications to a previously approved project consisting of a Site Plan Review for additional grading, Variances to exceed the maximum permitted disturbance of the lot, walls exceeding 5' in height and to reconstruct slopes that would be steeper than the maximum permitted and request for other various modifications to the residence, garage and driveway in Zoning Case No. 862 at 40 Eastfield Drive, (Lot 91-EF), Rolling Hills, CA, (Tonsich). ). It has been determined that the project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for stafPs comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated that the Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day and she briefly reviewed the improvements that were considered today including the proposed lowering of the driveway, lowering the garage, the additional proposed porches, the new location of the service yard, the proposed staircase to the basement area and the area where the utility room is located. She further reviewed the revised configuration of the staircase from the lightwell that was narrowed from 6 ft. to 4 ft. and the proposed 3 ft. wall in the setback to wrap around the residence and provide a flat area. She further reviewed the details of the applicant's request. Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Ross Bolton, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission to offer to answer any questions. In response to Commissioner Mirsch, Mr. Bolton commented that Bolton Engineering has been the engineering firm associated with the project since 2007. Dan Baer, 38 Eastfield Drive addressed the Planning Commission stating that they are opposed to moving the location for the future stable to the North and would like to request that it remain as originally approved. He further expressed concern that a fence is on his property. The Planning Commission began its deliberation on the case taking each item one by one. The Planning Commission concurred that they do not have an issue with lowering the wine room or the two proposed porches. Discussion ensued concerning the stairway off the lightwell. Vice Chairperson Smith commented that she does not feel that portion of the project meets this finding that the project maintains the natural undeveloped state of the lot. Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting 10-21-14 - 3 - Discussion ensued concerning the stairway to the electrical room with the Commission concurring that they do not object to that stairway. Discussion ensued concerning the location of the electrical room. Vice Chairperson Smith expressed concern regarding the fact that the project was not built to the specifications in the original approval. Discussion ensued concerning the 1.5:1 slope with the Commission concurring that they do not have an issue with the slope. Discussion ensued concerning the location of the future stable. Chairman Chelf commented that the wnfiguration of the lot makes it challenging to place it elsewhere. Commissioner Mirsch noted that it was originally placed on the other side but had to be moved for some reason. Mr. Bolton commented that the reason for the stabte being moved to the other side was because when doing the percolation test for the septic tank, the original area proposed was not feasible so the location for the stable and the septic tank had to be switched. Following further discussion, the Planning Commission wncurred that the proposed location is acceptable. Discussion ensued concerning the location of the electrical room. Commissioner Kirkpatrick commented that he feels it is the best place for it. Following further discussion, the Planning Commission concurred that they are not opposed to the location of the electrical room. Discussion ensued concerning the stairway from the center lightwelL Commissioner Kirkpatrick commented that since it has been placed at an angle, it is better than originally proposed and suggested that the stairs be constructed with material other than cement. In response, Mr. Bolton commented that they could use railroad ties in conjunction with cement and decomposed granite to soften the appearance and the slope will be filled against the wall to lessen the appeazance of a second story. Further discussion ensued concerning the appearance from Outrider Road. Vice Chairperson Smith suggested that a landscaping plan be required to screen the project. Following further discussion, the Planning Commission concurred that they are not opposed to the revised stairway. Discussion ensued concerning the revised slope of the driveway and moving the location of the service yard. Following discussion, the Planning Commission concurred that the location of the service yard is acceptable. Further discussion ensued concerning the revised slope of the driveway and the lowering of the garage with the Planning Commission concurring that both aze acceptable. Discussion ensued concerning the proposed wall that wraps around the reaz of the property that provides access to the deck. Planning Director Schwartz commented that this wall was on the original plan but it is proposed to be extended. The Planning Commission concurred that they are okay with the wall. Further discussion ensued concerning pool and the pool decking. Planning Director Schwartz commented that if the Planning Commission approves the proposed location for the future stable, it should also approve the proposed access off Outrider Road subject to RHCA approval in the easement. The Planning Commission concuned. Following public testimony and discussion, Commissioner Mirsch moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval of the applicanYs request in Zoning Case No. 862 at 40 Eastfield Drive with the standard findings of fact and conditions of approval plus conditions that a landscaping plan be submitted and that there be no further development without Planning Commission review. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion which carried without objection. ZONING CASE NO. 866. Request for a Site Plan Review and Variance to construct a 60 square foot addition and 98 square foot covered porch at an existing residence, which would encroach into the front setback and construct above grade decks and outdoor amenities including children's pool, spa, pool equipment area, water fall and related stairs at 4 Hackamore Road, Rolling Hills, CA, Lot 26-EF, (Brown). It has been determined that the project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA). Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated the Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She reviewed the applicanYs request to construct a 60 sq. ft. addition and a 98 sq. ft. covered porch as well as several patios and outdoor amenities. She further commented that a letter was received from the property owner at 8 Hackamore Road expressing objection regarding the porch because it is close to the easement line. She stated that the applicanYs representative provided a revised plan correcting an error and showing that the house is not parallel with the easement line resulting in a lesser distance ftom the easement line in the azea of Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting 10-21-14 -4 - concern. Planning Director Schwartz further commented that the project, as viewed in the field today was not staked according to the originally submitted plans, but revised plans were submitted today that match how the project was staked and reflect what the applicant would like to construct. She stated that as currently proposed, the structural lot coverage is 11.8% and total lot coverage is 14.4% with disturbance at 26.6%. Commissioner Mirsch noted that the trash service yard on this property was not enclosed. Planning Director Schwartz suggested that the applicant put a gate in front of the trash area. Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Olympia Greer, Greer & Associates addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the applicant to further review the applicant's request and provided background as to the changes that were made during the silhouette preparation. In response to Commissioner Mirsch regarding the parking issues raised in the letter from the resident at 8 Hackamore Road, Ms. Greer commented that a portion of the area will be landscaped to discourage parking. Discussion ensued concerning parking. Planning Director Schwartz commented that any landscaping proposed in the roadway easement will require Rolling Hills Community Association approval. Following public testimony and discussion, Vice Chairperson Smith moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval of the applicanYs request in Zoning Case No. 866 at 4 Hackamore Road with the standazd findings of fact and conditions of approval plus conditions that a landscaping plan be submitted and that the trash azea be enclosed. Commissioner Mirsch seconded the motion which carried without objection. ZONING CASE NO. 858-REVISED. Request for a Site Plan Review for grading of 2,344 cubic yards of cut and 1,900 cubic yards of fill to construct a new 12,927 square foot single family residence, 1,349 square foot garage 4,639 square foot basement, 1,206 square foot swimming pool and other miscellaneous outdoor amenities including 2,836 square feet of water features, barbeque areas and fire places, at 8 Crest Road East, (Lot 192-A-2-MS), Rolling Hills, CA, (Tu). It has been determined that the project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmenta] Quality Act. Commissioner Mirsch recused herself from consideration of this case due to the proximity of her property to the subject property and left the dais. Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed the appiicanYs revised request for a new residence at 8 Crest Road East and stated the Planning Commission also visited the site earlier in the day. She stated that the Planning Commission has reviewed this project several times and this revised application proposes to maintain the existing building pad and to retain some of the large trees on the property as well as moves the house 8 ft. toward the rear yard setback and decreases the grading. The house is currently proposed at 12,927 sq. ft. with at 1,349 sq. ft. garage and 4,639 sq. ft. basement. She further reviewed the additional revisions that were made since the previous proposal including the driveway. Planning Director Schwartz commented that due to the Permit Streamlining Act, the Planning Commission must take action on this case tonight unless the applicant chooses to withdraw the application. Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Hagy Belzberg, Belzberg Architects addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the applicant to further explain the changes that were made to the applicanYs request. He stated that the main objectives were to reduce the building in size, reduce the grading and not change the topography by using the existing pad. In response to Commissioner Kirkpatrick regarding the use of the basement space, Mr. Belzberg stated the it will be used for storage. Vice Chairman Smith commented that she is still concerned about the size of the house and the amount of water features and fire pits but she appreciates the efforts that were made to preserve the more natural state of the property. Commissioner Kirkpatrick commented that he also appreciates the efforts made. Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting 10-21-14 - 5 - Mr. Belzberg commented that in an effort to eliminate the concerns raised he would be wiling to reduce the water features. Chairman Chelf commented that he feels the architect has done a nice job and he does not have an issue with the project. Discussion ensued concerning the visibility of the house from the Georgeff Trail. Following public testimony and discussion, Commissioner Kirkpatrick moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to prepaze a Resolution granting approval of the applicanYs request in Zoning Case No. 858-Revised at 8 Crest Road East with the standard findings of fact and conditions of approval plus a condition that a landscaping plan be submimed. Chairman Chelf seconded the motion which carried without objection. Commissioner Mirsch returned to the dais. ZONING CASE NO. 860. (APPLICANTS REQUESTED CONTINUANCE TO PLANNING COMMISSION FIELD TRIP MEETING IN NOVEMBER). Request for a Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan Review and Variances at 10 Crest Road West, (Lot 2-CH), Rolling Hills, CA. (Frykman). Consideration of this case was continued at the request of the applicant. NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS ZONING CASE NO. 865. Mr. and Mrs. Steve Lewis, 2 Ringbit Road East, (Lot 44-SF) Rolling Hills, CA. Request for a Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan Review and Variances to construct an 1,800 square foot stable with corral that requires grading and a portion of which would be located in the front yard area of the lot; exceedance of the maximum permitted disturbance of the lot; construction of retaining walls the average height of which would exceed 2.5 feet, and construction of 5 foot maximum retaining walls required to enlazge an existing motor court. The applicants also request a change of the orientation of the "front yard" of the lot, which would result in the existing garage to be located in the rear setback, necessitating the submittal of a Variance request to encroach with the existing garage into the rear setback. It has been determined that the project is categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA). Commissioner Kirkpatrick recused himself from consideration of this case due to the proximity of his property to the subject property and left the dais. Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed the applicant's request to construct an 1,800 sq. ft. stable at 2 Ringbit Road East. She further reviewed the configuration of the lot which is on the wrner of Ringbit Road East and Southfield Drive and provided details on the applicanYs request including a request to change the orientation of the lot and to change the address from Ringbit Road East to Southfield Drive. She stated that the driveway is currently on Southfield Drive and if this were a new parcel the address would be on Southfield because it is the narrower of the two frontages. She stated that the applicant is also proposing grading for the stable and to widen the driveway and construct a wall not to exceed 3 fr. along the driveway. She stated that the stable is proposed at 20 ft. in height with no loft proposed; and that the stable meets the requirements for stabie usage based on the City's Ordinance. She stated that a neighbor on Ringbit Road East expressed concern regarding the visibility of the stable and asked that if it is approved that it be screened from both streets. She further reviewed the grading and disturbance. Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Criss Gunderson, Architect addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the applicant to further review the applicanYs request and offering to answer any questions. In response to Vice Chairperson Smith, Mr. Gunderson stated that the stable has the capacity for horses. Gregg Kirkpatrick, 11 Southfield Drive addressed the Planning Commission to express concern regarding the visibility of the stable and to suggest that it be screened. Steve Lewis, 2 Ringbit Road East addressed the Planning Commission stating that the placement of the stable in relationship to the slope should address the issues regarding visibility from the street and they intent to provide suitable landscaping. Following staff's presentation and public testimony, the members of the Planning Commission determined that a site visit should be scheduled to provide the members of the Planning Commission Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting 10-21-14 -6 - with further understanding of the applicant's request. The public hearing was continued. Commissioner Kirkpatrick retumed to the dais. SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS The Planning Commission scheduled field trips to the following properties to be conducted on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 beginning at 730 a.m. 2 Ringbit Road East 10 Crest Road West ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION In response to Commissioner Mirsch regazding a statement in the Rolling Hills Community Association Board Meeting minutes regarding easements, City Manager Cruz stated that this matter was previously discussed and resolved with the RHCA. Staff was directed to discuss the matter with the RHCA staff to determine if the issue still exists. ITEMS FROM STAFF None. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further business before the Commission, Chairman Chelf adjourned the meeting at 9:05 p.m. to an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for Tuesday, November 18, 2014 beginning at 730 a.m. for the purpose of conducting field trips to 2 Ringbit Road East and 10 Crest Road West. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, November 18, 2014 at 630 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Poriuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California. Respectfitlly submitted, �( , . , I /`4"' "�� � Il/�/ J.� Heidi Luce � �� � City Clerk Approved�� �� , , � '% � � , i � �S� /1 � ��. -�'� .�/ Br d Chelf' Chairman Minutes Planning Commission Regular Meeting ]0-21-14 _ 7 -