01-20-15.pdf MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
JANLTARY 20, 2Q1S
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by
Chairman Ch�lf at 6:39 p.m. on Tuesda,y, Janua�y 20, 2015 in the City Couricil Chamber, at City HaII, 2
Poriuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Gray, Kirkpatrick, Mirsch'� and Chairman Chelf.
*arrtved at 6:43 p.rn.
Commissioners Absent: Smith(excused).
Others P�resent: Yolanta Schwartz,Planning Director.
Raymond R. Cruz, City Manager.
Shahiedah Coates,Assistant City Attomey.
Heidi L�xce, City Clerk.
Russ Barto,Architect.
Charlie Raine, 4 Pinto Road.
Jahn Mackenbach, 56 Portuguese Bend Road.
Dan Bolton,Bolton Engineering.
Roger North, Architect.
Bruce Bornemann,IWS Surveying.
APPRQVAL QF THE AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC C�MMENTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON TI�AGENDA
None.
APPROVAL OF NIINUTES
December 16,2014 Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Gray moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the adjourned reguIar
meeting of the Planning Commission held on December 16, 2014 as presented. Commissioner
Kirkpatrick seconded the motion,which carried without objection.
December 16, 2014 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Crray moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the regular meeting of
the Planning Commission held on December 16, 2014 as presented. Commissioner Kiz�kpatrick seconded
the motion, which carried without objection.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 2015-01. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING CONIMISSION OF
THE CITY QF RQLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR
CONSTRUCTION OF ABOVE GR.ADE DECKS, PLANTER WALLS AND A GARAGE
ADDITION TO THE RESIDENCE; AND REQUEST FOR VARIANCES FOR PLANTER
WALLS TO EXCEED ON 'THE AVERAGE 2.5 FEET IN HEIGHT AND FQR AN OUT OF
GRADE �ONDITION FOR TI� GARAGE ADDITION IN ZONING CASE NO. 867, AT 1
PINE T1aEE LANE, ROLLING HILLS, CA, LOT 102-RH, (DELGADO). THE PROJECT
HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORIVIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALTTY ACT, (CEQA).
Minutes
Planning Commission Regvlar Meeting
ai-2o-is - 1 -
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staf�s comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated
that at its last meeting, the Planning Commissian asked staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval
of the applicant's xequest in Zoning Case No. 867 however, since that time, the applicant has slightly
revised the application twice. She reviewed the applicant's original request and stated that the first
revision was to add a 300 sq. ft. trellis. She stated that the trellis could normally be approved over-the-
counter so the Resolution that was prepared and clistrib�ted with the agenda packet inclrxded that
revision. She further stated that since that Resoludon was prepared, the applicant came back with
additional revisions after the project was reviewed by the RHCA Architectural Committee. She stated
that based on those changes, a new staff report and Resolution have been prepared for the Planning
Commission's review and consideration. She stated that if the Planning Commissian do�s not object to
the changed, the revised Resolution could be adopted tonight; altematively, the Planning Commission
could continue the matter for further consideration and schedule a field trip to review the proposed
changes if necessary. She further reviewed the changes which include changing the detached garage
with a breezeway to an attached garage so the entire structure will now be attached. She stated that the
out of grade candition continues to exis�but it is closer to #he existing garage than it was before and the
service yard was moved. The revised Resolution would approve a 770 sq. ft. attached garage, a variance
for the out of grade construction, the planter walls behind the decks and the decks. She stated that with
these changes,the structural coverage changes to 10.4% from 10.5% and total lot coverage is 1b.5%.
Chairman Chelf cailed for public comment.
Russ Barto, Architect addressed the Planning Commission to review the praposed changes. He stated
that the changes were made based on suggestions made by the Rolling Hills Community Association's
Architectural Committee.
Following brief discussion, Commissioner Gray moved that the Planning Cammission adopt Resolution
No. 2Q15-01 as amended, granting appraval of the applicant's revised request in Zoning Case No. 867 at
1 Pine Tree Lane. Cammissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion which carried withaut objection.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
ZONING CA5E NO. 869 SUBDIVISION NO. 94 VESTING TENTATIVE PA,RCEL
MAP NO. 72775,a request to subdivide an existing Iot totaling 7.d5 acres gross into 2 parcels as
follows: Pazcel i: 3.70 gross acres, 3.0 net acres; Parcel2. 3.34 gross acres, 2.67 net acres. The
property is currently vacant and is located on the south side of Crest Road East, between 17
Crest Road E. and 29 Crest Road E. (Lot 32-A-MS), Parcel No.: 7567-011-U20 in the RA-S-2
Zone, Residential Agricultural-Suburban 2-Acre minimum net lot area, to be implemented by
Mr. Jim Hynes. It has been determined that this project with mitigation measures will not have a
significant effect on the environment. Accordingly, a DRAFT MITIGATED NEGATIVE
DECLARAT�ON has been prepazed.
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for stafPs comments. Planning Director Schwartz
reviewed the applicant's request for a two-lot subdivisian of a vacant lot over 7 acres in size on Crest
Road East and stated that the Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She stated that Lot
1 is proposed to be 3.7 acres gross and 3 acres net and Lot 2 is proposed to be 3.34 acres gross and 2.67
acres net. She further reviewed the proposed driveways including access ta the stables and stated that the
Traffic Commission will review the proposed driveway aprons at their next meeting. She stated that the
application meet#he requirements for design based on the City's subdivision ordinance except that they
are requesting madifica�ion for the parcels width to be less than the required �SOft. width at the bottom
of the lats in the area in the canyon furthest from the roadway. She stated that the applicant has done
geological, soils and percolation tests indicating that the two lots are feasible for development and those
�ests have been submitted to the City Engineer for review. She further stated that the applicant was
required ta cornple�e a Biological Resources Assessment Study and that study will be submitted,
reviewed by staff and provided to the Planning Commission for review. She stated that letters were
received from residents in the area objecting to the sub-division over concern for density in the area and
effect on the appearance of the area. She stated that a report froFn the California Dept. of Fish and
Wildlife was also rece�ved and the applicant will be requir�d to address tl�e issues raised in the report.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
01-20-�5 -2 -
Dan Bolton, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commissian on behalf of #he applicant ta
address the concern raised regarding density. He stated that the proposed subdivision is not out of
characte7r with the lots in the vicinity. He also addressed the concern raised regarding dra.inage stating
that those issues would be addressed when the properties are developed.
Charlie Ra.ine, 4 Pinto Road addressed the Planning Commission to express cancem regarding the
drainage given that both lots would feed into Litt1e Klondike Canyon which is blocked off at the top of
the slide area and catastrophic rain events may result in mud flow.
�_ 3ohn Mackenbach, 56 Partuguese Bend Road alsa expressed concern regarding the drainage and
requested that at the time the properties are developed that the water coming down the canyon be
handled safely.
In response to Chairman Chelf, Pianning Director Schwartz stated that with regard to subdivision, the
Planning Cammission is an advisory body to the City Council and the subdivision ordinance req�xires the
Planning Commission to test the proposed subdivision against certain criteria specified in the ordinance.
She further stated that the Pianning Commissian can not reject an application unless any of the
foZlowing are found: the praposed map is not consisten# with the applieable general and specific plans;
the site is not physically suita.ble for the type of de�elopment proposed; the site is not physically suitable
for the proposed density; the design of the subdivision and proposed improvements is like�y to cause
substantial enviranmentaf damage or substantially and unavoidably injure wildlife or their habitat; the
design of the subdivision and proposed improvements are likely to cause serious public he$Ith or safety
problems; the design of the subdivision ar the type of unprovements will canflict with easements. She
stated that the P�anning Commission may place conditions on the subdivision to ensure any issues are
addressed. Assistant City Attorney Coates clarified that because the Planning Commission would be
recommending certain action, it could recommend that the City Council approve with certa.in conditions
ox modifications to the subdivision ordinance requirements.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick suggested that the Planning Commission may want to recommend a
condition that would address the hydrology and dra.inag� concerns.
Commissioner Gray also suggested that the Planning Commission consider recommending a condition
that deals with the expected water flaw.
CoFnmissioner Mirsch suggested that the drainage issues rnay need to be addressed during the
subdivision process rather than waiting until a development project is brought forward and expressed
concern that there may be an environmental and safety issue on the property.
Jim Hynes, applicant addressed the Planning Commission regarding the size of the lats stat�ng that they
are comparable in size to the lats in the vicinity.
Fallowing brief discussion, consideration of this case was continued to allow the Planning Commission
ta review the reports that have been submitted and to allow the applicant to assess the hydrology and
drainage issues.
ZONING CASE NO. 852 SUBDIVISION NO. 93 VESTING TENTATIVE PARCEL
MAP N�. 72232, a request to subdivide an existing lot totaling 7.051 acres gross into 2�arce�s
as follows: Parcel 1: 2.40 acres gross, 1.96 acres net; Parcel2: 4.64 acres gross, 3.71 acres net.
The property is current�y vacant and is addressed as 80 Saddleb�ck Road (Lot 67-RH), in the
RA-S-1 Zane, Residential Agricultwral-Suburban 1-Acre minimum n� lat area, to be
implemented by Mr. Jercy Turpanjian. It has been determined that this praject with mitigation
measures will not ha�e a significant effect on the environment. Accordingly, a DRAFT
._ MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION has been prepared.
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staffls comments. Planning Director Schwartz briefly
reviewed the app�icant's request for a 2-1ot subdivision at SO Saddl�back Road and stated that the
Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She further reviewed the proposed driveways
including access to the stables and stated that the Traffic Engineer reviewed the proposed tlriveway and
did not express any objection and the Traffic Commission will review the proposed driveway aprons at
their next meeting. She stated that the pxoposed subdivision meets the criteria axid design standards of
the stxbdivision ordinance. She briefly re�iewed the results of the biological survey stating that there has
been some envirviunentally sensitive vegetation identified and fiurther commented that the applicant has
Minutes
planning Commission Regular Meeting
oi-2a-is _3 -
abandoned the request for the access road to the future stable. She nated that the Cali�ornia Dept. of
Fish and Wildlife did not submit a response. She s#a#ed that based an the comments from the biologist
and the City of Rancho Palos Verdes, a mitigation plan will be prepared and #he initial study was
amended to include alt the environrnental comments that were submitted.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Dan Bolton, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the applicant to offer
to answer any questions the Planning Commission may have.
Roger Narth, Arcl�itect addressed the Planning Commission on behalf of the applicant stating that the
issues regarding development of the property will be addressed when the lots are proposed for
development.
Following brief discussian, Commissioner Gray moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to
prepare a Resolution recommending appro�al of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 852,
Subdivision No. 93, Vesting Tentatave Parcel Map No. 72232 to subdivide a vacant lot current�y
addressed as 8Q Sadd�eback Road with the standard fmdings of fact and conditions. Commissioner
Kirkpatrick seconded the motion which car�ried with out ab�ection.
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
ZONING CASE NO. 870-871. Request for a Certificate of Compliance for Lot Line
Adjustments between four parcels of land located at 1 Buckboard Lane, 1 Georgeff Road,
vacant lat known as 3 Georgeff Road and 8 Crest Road East, Rolling Hills, CA; a Variance
for less than minimum required frantage of a parcel in Zoning Case No.870 and a request for a
Zoning Map Amendment and General P1an Amendment ta change the zoning classification of
the adjusted area of the property at 1 Buckboard Lane from RAS-2 (Residential Agricultural
Suburban, two acre minunum Iot size) to RAS-1 {Residential Agricultural Suburban, one acre
minimum 1ot size) zoning district, and the adjusted area of the vacant lot at 3 Georgeff Road
from RAS-1 to RAS-2 and to reclassify the land use categories of the adjusted areas in Zoning
Case No. 871, Zonir�g Map and General P1an Amendment 2015-01. (Rabinson}. The Project has
been determined to be exempt from the Califorr�ia Environmental Quality Act, (CEQA) under
the Class 5 Exemption,Minor Alterations in Land Use Limitations.
Commissioner Mirsch recused herself from consideration of this case due to the proximity of her
property to the subject �roperty. Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staffs comments.
Planning Director Schwartz reviewed the applicant's request for a lot line adjustment and Zoning Map
and General Plan amendment. She stated that the applicant is proposing a lot line adjustment between
four properties located at 1 Buckboard Lane, 3 Georgeff Road (vacant lot), 1 Georgeff Raad and $ Crest
Raad East (Tu) and the praposed subdivision will result in the parcels each having their own access to a
fuliy dedicated street and will alleviate a non-confoxming condition on one of the lots. She further
explained the reason for the need to change to the Zoning Map amendment and General Plan
amendment and stated that these changes will be arnended by an Ordnance and will req�ire a public
hearing before the City Council.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Bruce Bornernann, IWS Surveying addressed the Planning Cornmission on behalf of the applicant to
offer ta answer any questians the Planning Commission may have.
Foilowing stafPs presentation and public testimony, the members of the Planning Commission
determined that a site visit should be scheduled to provid.e the members of the Planning Commission
with further understanding of the applicant's request. The public hearing was continued. Commissioner
Mirsch retumed to the dais.
SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS
The Planning Comrnission scheduled field trips to the following properties to be conducted an Tuesday,
February 17,2015 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
1 Buckboard, 1 & 3 Georgeff Road and 8 Cres#Road East
5 Lower Blackwater Canyon Road
Minutes
Planning Commission Reg�lar Meeting
01-20-15 _4 -
ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING CONIlVIISSION
Commissioner Mirsch apologized to the Commissioners,public and staff for being late.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
Planning Director Schwartz informed the Planning Commission that the City Council toak�he cases at
40 Eastfield Drive and 38 Portuguese Bend Road under jurisdiction and scheduled a field trip to both
�.,. properties for February 9, 2015 at 7:30 a.m.
MATTER FQR THE C�MMIT'TEE ON TREES AND VIEWS
Set a date for a public hearing for a view obstnxction complaint case filed by Mr. and Mrs.
Nuccion, 18 Portuguese Bend Road, against t�ees located at 15 Portuguese Bend Road, Mr. and
Mrs. Hassoldt.
The Committee scheduled the public hearing da.te for Tuesday, February 17, 20i5 beginning at 5:00
p.m. in the Council Chamber, Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills,
California.
ADJOURNIV�NT
Hearing no further business before the Commissian, Chairman Chelf adjourned the meeting at 8:01 �.m.
to an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled for Tuesday, February 17, 2015
beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting field trips 5 Lower Blackwater Canyan Road and
the properties involved in the lot Iine ad�ustment{1 Buckboard Lane, 1 GeorgeffRoad,vacant lot known
as 3 Georgeff Road and 8 Crest Road East.) The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is
scheduled to be held on Tuesday, Febntary 17, 2015 at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Rolling
Hills City Ha11, 2 Portuguese Bend Road,Rolling Hills, Califarnia.
Respectfully submitted,
�
£° s
{ y 6� P �
d��� �����'�� � ..
Heidi Luce
City Clerk
Approve, �
„
�`,
�r
Br d elf
Chauman
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
01-20-15 - 5 -