06-16-15 MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMII�IISSION
OF THE
CITY OF ROLLIl�IG HYL,LS
JUNE 16, 20 i 5
C.ALL MEETIlVG TO QRDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Carnmission of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by
Chairman Chelf at 6:32 p.m. or� Tuesday, June 16, 2015 in the City Council Chamber, at City Hall, 2
Portuguese Bend Raad,Rolling Hi11s, Califomia.
ROLL CALL
Carnrnissio�ers Fresent: Cardenas, Smith and Chairman Chelf.
Commissioners Absent: Gray and Ki�kpatrick(excused}.
Others Preserit: Yolanta Schwartz,Planning Director.
Raymoz�d R. Cruz, City Manager.
Shahiedah Coates,Assistant City Attorney.
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Deb Thoren-Peden, 6 Maverick Lane.
Russ Barto,Architect.
Ralph Black, 36 Saddleback Road.
Tina Greenberg, 32 Poriuguese Bend Road.
Arvel Witte, 5 Quail Ridge Road South.
Marcia Schoettle, 24 Eastfield Drive.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Approved as presented.
Chairman Cheif recognized and welcorned Sean Cardenas as the most �ec�nt appointinent �o the
Planning Cc��nmission. City Manager Cruz introduced Commissioner Cardenas.
PLJ�3LIC COMN�NTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
�ane. �
APPROVAL, OF MINUTES
May 19, 20 i S Adjoxuned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Smith moved that the Planning Commission appro�e the minutes af t1�e adjourned
regu�ar mee#ing o� the Planning Commission held on May 19, 2015 as presented. Commissioner
Cardenas seconded the motion, which carried vv�thout objection.
May 19, 2415 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Srnith moved that �he Planning Commission approve the minutes of the regular meeting
of the Plaxu�ing Commission held on May 19, 2015 as preser�ted. Commissioner Cardenas seconded the
motion, wh�ch carried without objection.
RESGI'.UT'iONS
RESOLUTIUN NO. 2015-14. A RESOLUTION OP THE PLANNING CONIlI�IISSION OF THE
CiTY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW FQR
GR.��UlI�G, SWIMMING POOL WITH A SPA, .ABOVE GR.ADE DECK, AND A
RE�AINING WALL; AND VARIANCES TO ENCROACH WTTH A POR'TION OF THE
P0�3L, ON GRADE DECK AND RETA.INING WALLS iNTO THE SIDE YARD SETBACK,
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IN Z�1VING CASE NO. �82 AT 63 CREST R()AD EAST, (LOT 70��2-IViS), (�C'!i'�'ER}. '�'HE
PROJECT HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE CATEGORIC 4LLY E.�EMPT F�JRSUANT
TO THE CALIF�RNIA ENVIlt4NMENTAI�QUALITY AC'�{CEQAj.
Chairman Che�f recu�e�. hi�.nself from consideration o�this case due to the proximity of his prop�zty to
the subject prop�rty and left the dais. Due fo lack of a quorum, considerat�on of this case was continu�,�
to an adjourned regular rneeting of the P�anning Com�nission scheduled to be held on Tuesc�ay, Jul`: 7�
2015 beginning_ut G:?n p.m. Chairman Chelf rehu-ned to the dais. ' ,
PUBLIC HEARINGS Oldi ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
ZONING CASE NO. 883. Request far V�riances to constnFct a 65 square �foot ad�itio� to an
existing sing�� fam.yly residence which will encroach within the front yard setback ��r.d to �etain
an existing 140 �q�a�re foot pond within the westerly side yard setback on the prop��� �ockted at
G M�verick L::.�;e; (Lot 25-SK), Rol�ing Hills, CA, (Tho��n-Peden). The prv���.t has been
determi�ed to �z�categarically exempt p�arsuant to the California Environ�n�n`.�.y f�:a'4ity Act
(CEQA).
Chairman Chelf introd• �ed the item and asked for staff s comments. Planining Direc*.�ar Schwartz
reviewed the applicant''.,.*equest to encic�se a 65 sq. t�. porch and retain an exi�tin;� pont' �:: f� Maverick
Lane. She state�#hat the Planning Commissian visited the site exrlier ira the day and did`nc��express any
concerns or questions; and no neighbors have exgressed objection to propos��. She stated that the
development standards �r� within the requiremerits of#�ie Zoning Ordinance; and wt�h xegard to the
question about the ��-�� tir�,� pizza oven �1 the front setback, the applicant inciicated .t�a�a� it will be
demolished.
Cha.irman Chelf called for p�ublic comment. �
Deb Thoren-Peden, a�=�iicant addressed the Planning Cvmmissian stating that th�gond existea wher�.:���
purchased the property an�f�trther explaining the reason for the need£or t�e add'ation.
The Planning Commission discussed the project briefly and did not express any ob3ec�ion.
Commissioner Smith m�:>::d that the Planning Commission direct sta�f to prspare a Resolution gr�.nting
approval of the applic,;:ht's request in Zoning Case No. 883 at 6 Maverick Lane wi�i� 'S:Ia� s�andard
findir�gs of fac�t and coi.�;tiuns c�f approval. Corximissioner Caarde�nas seconded the motic�r ����icl� �arried
without objection.
ZONNINNG CASE 1oT��879. ltet�u�est for a Site Plan Resriew and a Condi�ional �.Tse Permit to
canstrtact a 2,74�• �quare foot stable with a 1,74� square foo� 1oft, for a total of 4,���3 square foot
stable stxuc'ture, 4,500 square foat corral, 2,825 square fco�t turn-out, ane�9,�50 s��u�xe faot riding
ring on the lot at 1 Pine Tree Lane (Lot 1�2-RI�} Ralling�iills, CA, (Delgado). The�roject has
been determined to be categorically �xempt purs�a,nt to th� Cal�fornia En.vironmental Quality
Act(CEQA).
Chairman Chelf in.;x�d�ce� the item and asked for stafPs comments. Plat�ning D'arec#or Schwartz
reviewed the applicant's r�quesf to cons�uct a new 4,480 sq. i�. sta�ble wi#h a 4,5(}0 sq. ft. E,orral afi i
Pine Tree Lane an� stat�3 that the Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She sta.b�s'�
that the applica�t is proposing a 6-stail sta.ble along the rear yard area with a fe�d room, stt;rage rcrtr}li,
tack roorn and a vehie�e/agric�ltural stor�ge area. She sta�ed that a portion of the stabl�wili enrroach 4
ft. into the rear setb�.ck and the paddocks anc� porch will also encroach into th� rear set ba�l� ���hich is
allowed under the current Zoning Regulations. She stated that the size of the riding ring was r�duced in
size to 8,965 sq. ft. and the turn aut was reduced to 1,965 sq. ft. She stated that the stabie m.�ets the use
requirements af the �oning Regulations with 18% being used as a tack room and the rest t�eing used as
agricultural space. Sh•. further stated that the stable wiil be accessed from a pathway aff th� existing
driveway and the heigr:t is�Sroposed at 2l.' 10". She stated that in response �o concern rai�e�. at tk�e field
trip and at the request of the Planning Commission, staff prepared a comparisan ta���; of recently
approved sta,bles which has been distributed to the Planning Commission. She sta�ed tP�at #he highest
stable recently approved�ras 20i�in height. She stated tha�grading is proposed at l5fl cu. yds. of cut and
15U cu. yds. of fill to b€; balanced on site and the applicant's archi�ect indicated that this location was
selected because it was relativeiy flat and wauid require mininnal gradin�. �he fi�ri-her �tat+ed that there
have been no xa�ighbors that inquired ar expressed abjection to or in favar of the praject. She stated that
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the developrraent standards are being met with this project with 12.8% structur�llot coverage, 23% total
lat coverage and disturbance at 54.8% which is allowed because they are creating gentler slopes (3:1)
and as�such�ire given an allawance to exceed the tnaacimums without requiring a Variance.
Chairnian.Chelf called for public cornments.
Russ Barto, Architect addressed the Planning Commission on behal£af the applicant stating that they
attempted�o design a project that met all of the requirements af the Zoning Code. He explained that the
stable is for a family where everyone in the family rides and this is an equestrian faculty that will be
used as�an equestrian facility. With regard to the height, Mr. Barta stated that the one neighbar that may
be affected by the height has not objected to it, and that Mr. and Mrs. Delgado have spoken with hirn.
He furkher stated that much of it is shielded from view by existing landscaping and they wvuld be
agreeable to installing additional landscaping if necessary.
Commissioner Smrth stated that it is a beautiful stable and she understands why it is placed where it is
placed. She stated that she appreciates that it will be used as a stable but she waul�l like to hear what the
other Commissianer's think.
Commissioner Cardenas stated that he recognizes that the applicant went to great lengths to make sure
the proposed stab7e conforms to the Zoning Ordinance, but it is significant in size and when loaking at it
from the driverx+ay below it seems towering. He stated that he feels it is a well-designed barn, but at 21
ft. in height it may stand out.
Chairman Chelf asked if it is necessary for the stable to be pushed sa far back on the property, close to
the nei�hbor's property. He suggested continuing this matter until the other two Planning
Cam�issioners are present given the concerns raised regarding the size and location of the stable.
Comr�issioners Cardenas and Smith concurred.
A member af the public speaking on behalf of the applicant expressed concern that continuing the matter
without some direction to the applicant would delay the proceedings. Following brief discussion
concerning �the Planning Commission's cpncerns regard.ing #he project, consideration of this item was
� continued to an adjourned regu�ar meeting of the Plannit�g Commission schedu�ed to be heid on
Tuesday, July 7, 2015 beginning at 6:30 p.m. to give #he applicant an opportunity to address the
co�cerns raised by the Planning Commission regarding the size, location and height of the stable. It was
ai� the request of a representative present on behalf of the applicant that the item was continued to July
7�'rather than JuZy 21 S`
ZONING CASE NO. 880. Request for a Variance to encroach with 61 square feet of mostly
completed additians and with two, not to exceed 3' high retaining walls into the side yard
setback in Zoning Case No. 880, at 15 Portuguese Bend Ro�d (Lot 78-RH), Rolling Hills, CA,
(Hassoidt). Project has been determined to be exempt fram the Califarnia Enviranmental Quality
Act:{CEQA).
Commissioner Cardenas recused himself from consideration of this case du� to the proximity of his
property to�e subject properry and left the da.is. Due to lack af a quorum, consideration of this case was
continued to an adjourned regular rneeting oF the Planning Cornmission, scheduled to be held on
Tuesday,July 7, 2015 beginning at b:30 p.m. Cammissioner Cardenas returne�to the dais.
�ON1NG CASE NO. 88I. ZONING C4DE AMENDMENT NO. 20�5-03.
�ONSIDERATION OF AND DISCUSSION REGARDING Z4NING C4DE AMENDMENT,
��IAPTER 17.26, RELATING TO VIEW PRESERVATION AND ADMINISTRATIVE
RECBULATIONS INTERPRETING MEASURE B RELATIlVG TO VIEW PRESERVATION.
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and stated that this item wiil be continued to allow all of the
Planning Commissioners to be present for the discussion given the importance af the topic. Recognizing
that there were rnembers of the public present that may wish to address this i�sue, Chairman Chelf called
for public comment.
Ralph Black, 3G Saddleback Road addressed the Planning Commission to provide k�is history and
pexspective with regard to the City and the Associatian view regulations. He suggested tliat the
ardina�ce should pratect the taxpayers and vagueness should be eliminated. He further stated tha.t he
likes�rees buY Y�e is in favor of a s�rong View Ordinance.
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Tina Greenberg, 32 Port°,aguese Bend Road addressed the Planning Commission to pro�id:w;�a.��c�.y on
her view case and state��'-,�at she does not feel that view should be created vvhere no viev�,:��:i��st�:�i. She
also stated with regard=t�t�ae de�mition of mature that she feels there is onl� one relevan� ���'��ii�:�.�n and
that is wher�a tree reac;:;�:;� i°�s species height. � . .
Arvel Witte, 5 Quail Ridg� Road South addressed the Planning Commission to pravide h?story on his
view case and stated that he does not feel that the pre�ious views cases should be disregard�d due to the
retroactivity portion of'��.easure$.
In response to llr. Witte, Chairman Chelf provided a brief over`+iev�r of wha� the Planning Comrnission
and City Council Ad Hoc Go�unittee have discussed yaith regard to amenciing/cla.rifying the View
Ordinance and statec� th�t+.hP background info�ation is availabl�with the staff report.
Marcia Schoettle, ?4 East�eld Drive addressed the Planning Commission stating that t?�erc� are som�
blurred areas in Measura B but�he feels that the realtors doing business in the City have an obligation .�
inform buyers of t��e vie�r regula#ions and that views should be documented.
Tina Greenberg, 32 Partr.iguese Bend Road stated that there are ways to docurrient vgew�, 9nr.luc�.���, =
website that dQctur.ents views. Chairman Chelf asked Mrs. Greenb�rg to pro��id�, th�: ;-r�i� s�:�:
information to staff for future reference.
Following pub!ic comme�i�, the mernbers of the Planning Commission continued the publii: ��a�ig on
this itern tU trie next re�..ila�: meetang of the Planning Comrnission scheduled to be held or ';''���d�:rY�, July
21, 2015 beginning at f;�'4 y�.m. �
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
NONE.
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SCHEDULE O�FIELD TRIPS
The Planning Commissi�� scheduled field trips to the ft�ilowing pro��rties to be conducted on Tuesday,
July 21,2015 begin�ins'�:7�?� a.m.
r
15 Caba��ero�Road
29 Crest R.oad East
s �u���Whip Drive
NEW BUSINESS � '
Discussion relati�ig to demolition af large portions of structures during major r�r�s,�l��s of
residences �::� rec�nstruct�on of same be considered N�w Gonstru.ction for plar�:ing',eview
purposes.
Chairman Chelf introd.tccrd the item an asked for staffs comments. Plannir;g Dire�tor 6��:'�w'a�-t� stated
that this matter is being �rought b�fore the Planning Commission for discussion a� �i�e dixdction of the
City Co�ncil ta determi�-�e i�i�he current proce�s for approving l,.rge additions��Tith nr.►ajor r�m�dels aver
the counter needs to b� reassessed or better defined. She reviewed th� current �roces� stating thaf
additions up Yo 999 sc�. i$. where there is na g�ariing and all of the ot��er dewelopz���:�t standards,
including covexage and setback requirernents are met, can be appro�ed ov�r-the-counter witt�the caveat
tha� was approved in 2012 where no more thati SO% of the lineal foatage of the �xistin� home is being
demolished. She stated that i# the demolition is greater ihan 50%, it caYz still be apgroved over-the-
counter,but it involv�: ��a: �4i�itianal process where the applicant is reqi.aired to stake ths addit�on and the
neighbors within 1,000 ft. radius are norified. If rnore than two of the noticed neighbars object to the
proposal, then the �rc;:.ct is taken to the Planning Commission for 5ite P�an Reviev��. If tvao or fewer
abject, the applicant can wark with the neighbars to address the issues and it still can be ap�pr.nved o��er
the counter.
Planning Director S�hwartz further stated that where the issue arises is when a projec# is ap�rn����r�r��e�
less than 50% demoiition but during the cours� of the constructian du�to unforeseera circu���a�g��.es, th�
majority of t17e house is demolished,but#he praject did nat get staked or go tl�rough the site pl�n�r��i�w
process. She sugg�ested that ir� the futu�e #he Planning Comrnission might lilce �o get input &om
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cantractors or building officials as to how prevalen� this problem is and if there are ways it can be
addressed.
Following staf�s presentation and brief discussion, the members af the Planning Commission continued
the discussion on this item to the next regular meet�ng of the Planning Commiss.ion scheduled to be held
on Tuesday,July 21, 2Q15 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
ITEMS FROM THE PLANrTING COMMISSION
Chairman Chelf suggested that a discussion regarding the size af stables be agendized for a discussion at
a future meeting of the Planning Comr�ission. Commissioners Cardenas and Smith concurred.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
None.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no�further business before the Cornmission, Chairman Chelf adjourned the meeting aY 7:43 p.m.
to an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Cammission scheduled f�r Tuesday, July 7, 2015
beginning at 6:30 p.m. An adjourned regular meeting af the Plarining Commission is scheduled for
Tuesday, July 21, 2015 beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting field trips to 1S Caballeros
Road, 29 Crest Road East and 5 Buggy Whip Dri�e. Th� next regular meeting af the Planning
Commission is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, July 21, 2015 at 6:30 p.m, in the City Council
Chamber, Ralling Hil1s City Hali, 2 Porluguese Bend Road,Rolling Hi11s, California.
Respectfi�Ily submitted,
�
�# ��, ����� �.�`�:� 1
�
Heidi Luce �
City Clerk
Approved
Brad he f
Chairman
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