09-16-14 MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
SEPTEMBER 16, 2014
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Vice
Chairperson Smith at 630 p.m. on Tuesday, September 16, 2014 in the City Council Chamber, at City
Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Gray, Kirkpatrick, Mirsch and Vice Chairperson Smith.
Commissioners Absent: Chairman Chelf(excused).
Others Present: Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Raymond R Cruz, City Manager.
Shahiedah Coates, Assistant City Attorney.
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Dan Bolton, Bolton Engineering.
Nicholas Tonsich, 40 Eastfield Drive.
Doug Morris, Contractor.
Kristen Raig, Manager, Rolling Hills Community Association.
Roger Hawkins, 37 Crest Road West.
Jim Aichele, 14 Crest Road West.
Ken Johnson, 2 Middleridge Lane South.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
August 19, 2014 Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Gray moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the adjourned regular
meeting of the Planning Commission heid on August 19, 2014 as corrected to clarify Ms. Frykman's
comment. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion, which carried without objection.
August 19, 2014 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Mirsch moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the regular meeting
of the Planning Commission held on August 19, 2014 as presented. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded
the motion, which carried without objection.
RESOLUTIONS
None.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
09-16-14 - 1 -
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
ZONING CASE NO. 858-APPLICANTS REOUESTED CONTINUANCE. Request for a
Site Plan Review for grading and construction of a new residence and other miscellaneous
outdoor amenities consisting of a swimming pool/spa, water features, barbeque areas, fire places
and fire pits, at 8 Crest Road East, (Lot 192-A-2-MS), Rolling Hills, CA, (Tu).
Consideration of this case was continued at the request of the applicant.
ZONING CASE NO. 860 - APPLICANTS REOUESTED CONTINUANCE. Request for a
Conditional Use Permit, Site Plan Review and Variances to construct a stable, corral and
swimming pool that would encroach inCo setbacks, at 10 Crest Road West, (Lot 2-CH), Rolling
Hills, CA. (Frykman).
Consideration of this case was continued at the request of the applicant.
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 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 Environmentai Quality Act(CEQA).
Vice Chairperson Smith introduced the item and asked for staffls comments. Planning Director
Schwartz stated that the Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She then reviewed the
applicanYs request for several modifications to a previously approved project. She reviewed the lot
configuration wmmenting that access to this property is taken from 38 Eastfield Drive. She stated that
the applicant is requesting Variances for disturbance in the amount of 79.7% which exceeds the
maximum allow and to exceed the maximum permitted slopes with 1.5:1 slopes. She stated that the
access road/driveway is proposed to be lowered by 2 ft. and the gazage is also proposed to be lowered by
2 ft. to eliminate the steps from the garage to the house. Also proposed is a modification to construct
two porches between the garage and entryway and between the entry way and the proposed logia. She
stated that to accommodate the porches, the swimming pool was reduced from 750 sq. ft. to 458 sq. ft.
so as not to exceed the structura] coverage maximum of 20%. She stated that the applicant is also
requesting approval of an as constructed condition to deepen the wine cellar by 3 ft. She further
reviewed the proposed stairs for access to a 48 sq. ft. utility room located in the basement but outside the
footprint of the residence and a second set of stairs proposed from the middle light well of the basement
down to the lower portion of the property. She stated that also requested is Variance for a small wall in
the setback along the back of the property to create a flat area for access to the loggia. She further
reviewed the proposed location for the septic tank and the set aside area for a future stable and corral as
well as the proposed area for access to the stable off of Outrider Road that was previously approved for
access to the construction site.
In response to Commissioner Mirsch, it was noted that the proposed wall is located at the rear of
property on the side opposite the driveway. It was noted that the Planning Commission did not visit that
area at today's field trip.
In response to Commissioner Gray, Planning Director Schwartz stated that the Zoning Ordinance states
that driveways shall be no more than a 12% steep but that the Planning Commission has authority to
approve other configurations. She further noted that there are other driveways in the community steeper
than 12% and in this case the applicant is proposing 20%but only for a portion of the driveway.
Vice Chairperson Smith commented that it would be helpful if the applicant provided drawings showing
elevations. Planning Director Schwartz commented that it was requested that the applicant provide
elevations, but they have not yet been provided. Commissioner Gray commented that it would be helpful
to see the elevations and that he would like to see the area where the wall is proposed.
In response to Commissioner Gray regarding the stairway access to the basement, Planning Director
Schwartz commented that she does not recall a similar access having been approved in the past.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
09-16-l4 -2 -
DRAFT
Vice Chairperson Smith called for public comment.
Nick Tonsich, 40 Eastfield Drive addressed the Planning Commission and distributed a document
summarizing the requested changes. He further reviewed each of the proposed changes.
The Planning Commission reviewed each of the items on the summary list provided by Mr. Tonsich.
Discussion ensued concerning adjusting the grade on the driveway and depressing the garage by 2 ft.,
Commissioner Kirkpatrick commented that he is okay with the proposed driveway. Commissioner Gray
expressed concern regarding the steepness of the driveway. Discussion ensued concerning Fire Dept.
access with Planning Director Schwartz commenting the Planning Commission could require it to be
submitted to the Fire Dept. for their review. Commissioner Gray further expressed concern regarding all
of the changes that have occurred during the course of this project. He suggested the driveway be left as
it was originally approved given that the contractor indicated that it could be left either way.
Commissioner Mirsch commented that she feels the driveway is acceptable as currently proposed.
Doug Morris, Contractor addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the applicant concerning the
driveway and the entry. He stated that the only change is to eliminate the hump and blend the driveway
with the entryway. Further discussion ensued concerning the discrepancy between the site plan and the
rendering. The Planning Commission asked the applicant to provide elevations to eliminate the
confusion.
Discussion ensued conceming the additional covered porches. Commissioner Kirkpatrick suggested that
the applicant properly stake the parches. Further discussion ensued concerning the utility room.
Commissioner Gray expressed concern that there isn't a need for this feature. Commissioner
Kirkpatrick commented that he is not opposed to the utility room and it is a good use for the space.
Commissioner Gray expressed further concern that the area won't be used for the proposed purpose.
Commissioner Mirsch commented that she is not opposed to the utility room. Commissioner Gray
suggested that the applicant provide proof that Edison approved this location for the electrical panel.
The Planning Commission then discussed the proposed stairway from the driveway to the utility room
and the landing and stairs from the center lightwell. Commissioner Gray expressed concern that the
result will be a two-story structure. Commissioner Kirkpatrick commented that it makes sense to have
access to the utility room from the driveway but he doesn't feel there is a need for the center stairway.
Commissioner Mirsch concurred with regazd to the access to the utility room as long at it is properly
landscaped so that it doesn't appear to be a two-story shucture but also expressed concern that the
stairway from the center lightwell makes the structure appear to be a two-story structure. Vice
Chairperson Smith concurred. Following further discussion, the Planning Commission suggested that
the center stairway be eliminated.
Discussion ensued concerning replacing the slope below the house at 1.5:1 instead of 2:1 as originally
approved. Planning Director Schwartz commented that the applicant contends that the slope was
originally 1.5:1 and is just being replaced as it existed before construction but according to how she read
the plans it appeared to be 2:1 originally. Dan Bolton from Bolton Engineering commented that
according to how he read the original plans, he believes the slope was originally 1.5:1. The Planning
Commission concurred that their only option at this point is to approve the steeper slope.
Further discussion ensued concerning the additional excavation in the basement far the wine room.
Commissioner Mirsch expressed concern that this was done priar to receiving approval. Following
discussion, the Commission concurred that this change is acceptable.
Regarding the extension of the wall at the rear of the residence, the Planning Commission asked the
applicant to stake that area for the Planning Commission's review. Regarding the placement of the
service yard, the applicant was asked to show the location on the site plan. The Planning Commission
concurred that they aze not opposed to stable access or the location of the fixture stable and corral but
noted that the stable access will require Community Association approval because it is in an easement.
Following further discussion it was suggested that the applicant return with a revised plan to address the
Planning Commission's concerns regarding the proposal and to include cross sections and elevations on
the site plan. The public hearing was continued to a field trip scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October
21, 2014.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
09-16-14 _ 3 _
DRAFT
ZONING CASE NO. 864. Request for a Site Plan Review for grading to create a parking area
adjacent to the existing Crest Road W. gate house drive-in-lane, at 38 Crest Road West and
request for Variances to locate a retaining wall in the front setback, to export dirt and to exceed
the maximum permitted disturbance on the lot, (Rolling Hills Community Association, RHCA).
The project has been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act(CEQA).
Vice Chairperson Smith introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director
Schwartz reviewed the applicanYs request and stated that the Planning Commission visited the site
earlier in the day. She stated that the applicant is requesting to create a parking area near the Crest Road
gate house to provide a waiting area in instances where approval for entry to the City is being obtained.
She commented that at the field trip it was suggested that the applicant revise the proposal and a revised
plan has been placed on the dais showing an overlay to the original proposal of two spaces at a 30
degree angle instead of three at a 45 degree angle. She further reviewed the applicanYs proposal and
commented that the matter will be presented to the Traffic Commission for its review with regard to
functionality. Discussion ensued concerning the Planning Commission's purview over this matter and it
was noted that the Planning Commission should consider this matter just as any case befare the
Commission with regard to compliance with the Zoning Code and should not consider the merits of the
proposal.
Roger Hawkins, 37 Crest Road West addressed the Planning Commission commenting that he does not
feel there has been a demonstrated need for the tum out area and suggested that the Community
Association should demonstrate a need before pursuing this any further.
Jim Aichele, 14 Crest Road West addressed the Planning Commission commented that he does not feel
there is a need to create a pazking space there and expressed concern regarding the trees that will need to
be removed to accommodate the parking area.
Commissioner Gray suggested that the Planning Commission continue consideration of this item until
the Traffic Commission and the other entities have given their input. Commissioner Kirkpatrick
suggested that the applicant may consider adding another lane rather than parking spots to eliminate the
need for backing. Commissioner Mirsch expressed concern regarding the proposed removal of the lazge
Pepper Tree and commented that adding another lane may be a good option. Commissioner Gray
expressed further concern reguding the workability of the parking spots.
Kristen Raig, Association Manager addressed the Planning Commission to provide further explanation
as to how the parking spaces would work and the need for the pazking area.
Discussion ensued concerning the proposal. Commissioner Gray commented that he would like to
minimize the number of trees that will be affected by this project. Following discussion it was
suggested that the applicant return with a revised plan to address the Planning Commission's concerns
regarding the proposal specifically, to retain the large Pepper Tree and to obtain the Traffic
Commission's input on the project. The public hearing was continued.
ZONING CASE NO. 863. Site Plan Review and a Variance to retain as graded and as built
stairs, retaining walls and water feature, construction of which exceed the scope of work
approved administratively, at 38 Portuguese Bend Road (Lot 118-RH, Wheeler). The project
has been determined to be categorically exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA).
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. Commissioner Mirsch introduced the item and asked
for staffls comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated that the Planning Commission visited the site
eazlier in the day and then reviewed the applicant's request for modification to a plan that was approved
over-the-counter that now exceeds the scope of what may be approved over the counter. She stated that
the applicant is proposing several levels of stairs and patios to gain access from the upper level of the
property to the lower level of the property. She commented that what staff approved is very similar to
what is currently constructed except that the walls are taller than approved and now exceed what may be
approved over-the-counter. She further reviewed the applicanYs request including the new items which
include a flat area for a hose bib and an as built 4 ft. wall to enlarge the patio next to the guest house and
two 4 ft. walls on the other side of the stairs with a bench/storage area. She stated the coverages are
within the amount allowed and the disturbance is increased slightly. Planning Director Schwartz further
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
09-16-14 -4 -
commented that the RHCA Architectural Committee reviewed the revised proposal but did not approve
it in its entirety and the matter is being appealed to the Boazd of Directors.
Dan Bolton, Bolton Engineering addressed the Ptanning Commission on behalf of the applicant and
offered to answer any questions the Planning Commission may have regarding the project. In response
to Commissioner Kirkpatrick regarding the options available, Mr. Bolton commented that he would
suggest to his client to consider constructing it per the approved plans or something under that rubric.
In response to Commissioner Kirkpatrick regarding when a lot is split by a roadway, Planning Director
Schwartz stated that the lot is considered one lot and the roadway easements are deducted from the net
lot area. Discussion ensued regarding how railings are calculated in the height of the walls and what
was built as compared to what was approved over-the-counter.
Commissioner Gray commented that he feels the original proposal as approved with shorter walls is a
better option. He further commented that he is not opposed to the newly proposed walls next to the
guesthouse and in the area of the proposed bench/storage area. Commissioner Mirsch commented that
she also suggests that the walls go back to what was ariginally approved. Discussion ensued concerning
taller walls in the area of the fountain and fire pit. The Planning Commission concurred that the walls
should be shorter to create a terraced effect. Following further discussion, the Planning Commission
concurred that the 4 ft. walls near the guesthouse and the bench/storage area near the covered patio
should be approved and the remainder of the request including the taller walls and the hose bib area
should be denied.
Following public testimony Commissioner Gray moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to
prepare a Resolution to partially approve and partially deny the applicanYs request as in Zoning Case
No. 863 at 38 Portuguese Bend Road as noted above with the standard findings of fact and conditions.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion which carried without objection. The public hearing
was continued. Vice Chairperson Smith retumed to the dais.
ZONING CASE NO. 861. Request for a Site Plan Review and a Variance for grading to
construct a pool, spa and associated planters, stairs, walls and decking and to exceed the
maximum permitted disturbance of the lot as a result of the grading at 2 Middleridge Lane S.,
(Lot 168-RH, Johnson). It has been determined that the project is categoricaliy exempt from the
requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA).
Vice Chairperson Smith introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director
Schwartz reviewed the applicanYs request and stated that the Planning Commission visited the site
earlier in the day. She stated that the applicant is proposing to construct an 800 sq. ft. swimming pool, a
59 sq. ft. spa, a 2,910 sq. ft. patio and decking to be stepped down from the residence. She commented
that a Variance is also being requested because the proposed grading will exceed the maximum 40% of
the net lot area that is allowed to be disturbed.
Ken Johnson, 2 Middleridge Lane South addressed the Planning Commission to ask if they have any
concerns.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick commented that he feels the project is symmetrical and scaled correctly and
he is okay with the project. Commissioner Gray concurred and stated that he feels that given the
constraints of the lot, a Variance for the slight exceedance of the maximum disturbance is justified.
Commissioner Mirsch and Vice Chairperson Smith also concurred.
Following brief discussion, Commissioner Mirsch moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to
prepare a Resolution granting approval of the applicanYs request in Zoning Case No. 861 at 2
Middleridge Lane South with the standard findings of fact and conditions of approval plus a condition
that any further development on the property be brought before the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Gray seconded the motion which carried without objection.
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
09-16-14 _ 5 _
SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS
The Planning Commission scheduled field trips to the following properties to be conducted on Tuesday,
October 21, 2014 beginning at 730 a.m.
40 Eastfield Drive
Storm Hill Lane
ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the Commission, Vice Chairperson Smith adjourned the meeting at
9:35 p.m. to an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for Tuesday,
September 30, 2014 at 4:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Poriuguese
Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California for the purpose of conducting a workshop. An adjourned regular
meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for Tuesday, October 21, 2014 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
far the purpose of conducting field trips to 40 Eastfield Drive and Storm Hill Lane. The next regular
meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 21, 2014 at 6:30 p.m.
in the City Council Chamber, Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills,
California.
Respectfully submitted,
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Heidi Luce
City Clerk
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Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
09-16-14 - 6 -