10-20-15 MIN[JTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMM�SSION
OF TI�
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
OCTOBER 2Q, 2015
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
-- A regular meeting af #he Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills was called to orde�r by
Chairman Chelf at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Octob�r 2d, 2015 in the City Cot�ncil Chamber, at City Ha11, 2
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, Cali�ornia.
ROLL CALL
Cammissianers Present: Cardez�as, K.�rkpairick, Smith and Chairman Chelf.
Commissioners Absent: Vice Chairman Gray(excused.}
Others Present: Yolanta Schwartz,Planning Director.
Rayrnond R. Cruz, City Manager.
Shahiedah Coates,Assistant City Attorney.
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Tavisha Nicholson,Balton Engineering.
Matt McConaughy, 15 Middleridge Lane North.
Steve Johnsan, 19 Middle�dge Lane North.
Jol�n Post, 17 Middleridge Land North.
Myung Chung, CMC Architects.
Crreg Popovich, 1 Middleridge Land South.
Ga�y Wynn,Wynn Engineering.
Carole Hoffinan, 3 Hillside Lane.
^ Bob Gaudenti, 5 Hil�side Lane.
APPROVAL OF THE AGEND�#
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMII�NTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 15, 2015,Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Smith noted one punctuation error to be corrected in the minutes. Follawing brief
discussian, Commissianer Smith moved that the Planning Cominission approve the minutes of the
x�egular meeting of the Planning Commission held on September 15, 2015 as corrected. Cammissioner
Cardenas seconded the motion,which carried without objection.
October 7, 2015,Meeting of the Committee on Trees &Views (HassoldtlNuccion}
-- Committee Member Smith moved that the Committee on Trees and Views approve the minutes of the
Committee on Trees and Views meeting he�d on October 7, 2015 as presented. Cammittee Membex
Chelf seconded the motion, which carried without objection.
RESOLUTIONS
Nane.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
10-20-15 - 1 -
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
ZONIlVG CASE NO. 889. {APPLICANTS REQUESTED CONTINUANCE TO
DECEMBER i5, 2015). Request for a Site �lan Review far grading and structural additions
(guest house and 3-foot retaining wall) on a property with a restricted develaprnent condition,
and a Conditiona� Use Permit to construct a quest house in Zoning Case No. $89, at 38
Portugues� Bend Road (Lot 118-RH), Rolling Hills,.CA, {Wheeler). The project is exempt
fram the Califarnia Environmental Quality Act {CEQA) pursuant to Section 15303, Class 3
exemption Guidelines.
Chairman Chelf called for pubiic cotnn�ent on this matt�r. Hearing none and at the request of #he
applicant, consideratian of this case was continued to a Field Trip scheduled for Tuesday, December 15,
20i5 at 7:30 a.m.
ZONING CASE NO. S$8. Rec�ues� for a Si�e Plan Review for additions, grading, and retaining
wa�ls and request for Variances ta encroach with a portion of the additions, with a light well and
retaining walls into the required front and side yard setbacks; for higher than allowed average
height re�aining walls and to exceed the maximum permitted disturbance of the lot, an a property
with a restricted development condinor�, in Zoning Case No. 888, at 17 Middleridge Lane
North, (Lot 5-MR},Rolling Hills, CA, (Post). The project i�located in the RAS-1 Overlay Zone.
The project is exempt from the Califomia Environmental Qualiry Act (CEQA} pursuant to
Section 1530�, Class 1 exemption.
Chairman Che�f introduced the item and asked for staf�s comments. Planning Director Schwartz
reviewed the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 888 at 17 Middleridge Lane North stating that the
Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She reviewed the configuration of the lot stating
that Middleridge Lane North cuts through the property wi#h 40% of the lot located on the West side and
the remainder on the East side. She stated that the lot is in the OZD Overlay Zone, which has reduced
front yard setbacks. She stating that the applicant is proposing a 395 sq. ft. addition to the frant of the
house which will encmach 16 ft. into the setback as well as a 660 sq. f�. addition to the side of the house
of which 190 sq. ft. encroaches into the side yard setback. She stated that the applicant is also proposing
a basement under the addition, which also encroaches into the side yard setback. She stated that the
applicant is proposing a 492 sq. ft. swimrning pool in the rear of the property. She further reviewed the
lot canfiguration stating that there is a steep slope at the rear of the property. She stated that many of the
ho�es on the street encroach into the front and side yard setbacks given the uniqu� characteristics af the
lots. She stated that grading is proposed at 1,485 cu. yds. of cut and fiil inc�uding the grading for the
future stable of which 585 cu. yds. is proposed to be exported from the excavation of the basement and
swirnming pool. She stated that the applicant is also prosing terraced walls with a walkway that will be
located in the easement. She stated that with the additions, the house is proposed to be 4,16Q sq. ft. She
reviewed the deve�op�nent standards stating that it meets the development standards with structural lot
coverage at 16.1%, tota� structural lot coverage at 32.G°/a. She stated that the pad area is propased at
7,920 sq. ft. with coverage at 68.35%. She further stated that at the site visit, it was learned that the
applicant is also propasing a trellis but it does not appear that it will affect the s�uctural co�erage.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Tavisha Nicholson, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission to further explain the
applicant's request stating that given the unique circumstances of the lot, the proposal fits with the rest
af the street. In response to Commissianer Smith regarding the sta.bility of the slope, Ms. Nicholson
statet�that the soils engineer will review the soils and geology once tl�e scope of the project is finalized.
Matt McConaughy, 15 Middleridge Lane North addressed the Planning Commission stating the he has
reviewed the plans and is in support of the a}�plicant's request.
Steve Johnson, I9 Middleridge Lane North addressed the Planning Commission stating that he is in
suppart of the project.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick commented tha# this is a cornplicated project but he understands what they
are �oing given the unique constraints on the lot . Commissioner Kirkpahick commented that an issue
was raised in the field regarding the stairs in the easement and suggested that the applicant consider
adjusting the project so they can be remaved them from the easement.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
10-20-15 -2 -
John Post, 17 Middleridge Lane North (applicant} addressed the Planning Commission in respanse to
Commissioner Kirkpatrick's comments stating the they are cansidering removing the staus campletely
and l�aving the natural slope as a pathway, but they don't want to make the house flush because they
would like to retain the distinction in the front of the hause.
Commissioner Kirkpat�ick moved that the Planni.ng Commission direct staff ta prepare a Resolution
granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 888 at 17 Middleridge Lane North with
�the standard findings af fact and conditions of approval. Commissioner Cardenas seconded the motion,
which carried with Commissioner Smith opposed. The applicant was asked ta address the issue
— regarding the sta.irs in the side easement and to provide a landscaping plan.
Commissioner Smith expzessed concern regarding the project stating that she understands the unique
characteristics of the lot but she is concerned about the nunnbe�r o£Variances and that fhe project does
not meet the objectives of the General Plan. She further expressed concern regarding the stability of the
slope in the rear with the project pushing so far toward the edge of the slope.
Commissioner Cardenas commented that he echoes Comnr�issioner Srnith's concerns but having visited
the site to visualize the project; and after reviewing the doc�ment that compares the other properties in
the vicinity which are a�so in the revised setbacks, he understands i�he unique situation on Midd�eridge
and the need for the Va:riances.
Chairman Chelf commented that he understands the unique characteristics and chalienges of
Middleridge Lane having owned a property on that street. He stated that it is very difficult to develop the
lots given the roadway running trough them and the steep slopes.
Commissioner Smith commented that she does not feel that the project is compatible with General P1an
and she is concerned about the direction the City may be going. She fiuther expressed cancern regarding
the stability of the slope. Discussion ensued concerning the soil stability.
Following further discussion, Cammissioner Kirl�patrick moved that the Planning Commission direct
staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 888 at 17
Middleridge Lane North with the standard findings af fact and conditions of approval. Commissioner
Cardenas seconded the motion, which carried with Commissioner Srnith opposed. The applicant was
asked ta address the issue regarding the stairs in the side easeme�t and to pro�ide a landscaping plan to
screen the wa11s in the easemen�.
ZONTNG CASE NO. 884. Request for a Si�e P�an Review for the proposed remadel and
additifln, and construction of a pool equipment enclasure on a property with restricted
development condition, and for grading an existing driveway and adjoining areas and Variances
to locate said equipment enclosure within the front yard area of the site, to exceed the ailowed
amoun# af lot disturbance resulting from grading; and to construct a reta.ining wall, a portion of
which will be within the side yard for an existing residenc� tocated at 13 Oatrider Road, (Lot
94-A-EF), Rolling Hills, CA, (Hang da Yoo). The praject is exempt fram the California
Environmental Quality Act(CEQA}ptirsuant to Section 153Q3, Class 3 exemptian Gui�delines.
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz stated
that this is a public hearing that started in the field earlier in tl�e day �n Zoning Case No. 884 at 13
Outrider Road. She stated that the applicant is proposing to widen the driveway an the property, which
is located at the end of the cul-de-sac on �utrider Road and is a through Iot with frontage on Outrider
Road as we11 as Eastfield Drive in�he rear. She further reviewed the applicant's request stating#hat they
are proposing to create a parkuig area by demolishing an existing wall and constructing a Q-2.5 ft. wall
located 5 ft. into the setback. She stated that the applicant is also propasing to relocate the pool
equipment into the front yard area. She stated that at the site visit, the Planning Cornmission expressed
concern regarding the driveway opening at the street and reviewed the revised drawing that was
submitted to address tha.t concern. She further reviewed the applicant's request including the disturbaYce
and grading; as well as the proposed stairs and the addition to the ho�xse.
Discussion ensued concerning the widening of the dxiveway and the parking area. Commissioner Smith
expressed concem regarding the huge expanse flat area at the entrance of the properry. Further
disc�xssion ensued concerning other options ta make it look iess expansive.
Minutes
Planning Comrnission Regular Meeting
10-20-15 • 3 -
Myung Chung, Architect addressed the Planning Commission stating that they are proposing to use
decomposed granite with resin.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Hearing none, he asked far comrnents from the
Commissioners.
Commissioner Cardenas expressed concern regarding the size apening of the driveway at the street
stating that it is larger than the other driveway aror.u�d it. He further commented that he is not opposed to
the parking area with a pervious s�rface and is alsv not opposed to the stairs, the pool equipment, or the
addition. He suggested that the opening of�he driveway be maintained at its current widtl�.
Commissioner Smith echo�d Cornmissioner Cardenas' concems about the wid#h of opening of #he
driveway at the street.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick co�nmented that he is okay with everything at the top of the property but he
is concerned with the parking area and the width of the driveway where it meets the street. He
commented that he is having difficulty with the scale and picturing what it wil� laok like from the street.
Chairman Chelf commented that he does not feel the scale of the driveway fits in�with the remainder of
tlie driveways on the cul-d�-sac. He stated that he feels it is too large �or the area.
Following further discussion the applicant was asked to submit a re�vised plan to address the Planning
Commission's cancerns regarding the driveway and parking area, including reducing the width of the
driveway where it intersects the raadway.
ZONING CASE $90. Request for a Site Plan Review and a Conditional Use Permit for grading
and constructian of a reg�ation dressage azena and a lunging ring and request for a Variance to
locate the arena and an existing gazebo in the front yard area of the lot at 1 Middleridge La�e
South, {Lot 167UR}, Rolling Hills, CA, (Papavich}. The project is exempt from the California
Environtnental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15303{e) (accessary structures) and
Section 15061(b)(3) (Cammon Sense Exemption) ofthe CEQA Guidelines.
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staffls cornments. Planning Director Schwartz
reviewed the appiicant's request in Zoning Case No. 890 at 1 Middleridge Lane South and stated that the
Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She stated that the applicant is proposing to
constnxct a 13,068 sq. ft. regulation arena and a riding ring both of which are located in the front yard
area and to retain an existing gazeba also in the front yard area. She further reviewed the configuration
of the lot and the details of the applicant's rec�uest stating that there are also some additianal accessory
sttuchues that will have ta be permitted in order to be retained. She reviewed the distance o�the riding
ring from the neighboring properties and stated that the applicant will also submit a landscaping plan as
required. She further reviewed the praposed grading,the disturbance and the lot coverage percentages.
Chairman Che�f called for public comment.
Greg Popovich, 1 Middleridge Lane South addressed the Planning Commission to further explain their
request stating that they feel the dressage arena will enhance the equestrian nature of the community in a
positive way.
Gary Wynn, Wynn Engineering addressed the Planning Cornmission to further explain the propasal and
offering to answer any question the Cammission may have.
Caroie Hoffman, 3 Hillside Lane addressed the Planning Commission in support of the project.
Bob Gaudenti, 5 Hillside Lane addressed the Planning Commission in support of the project.
Chairman Chelf asked for camments fram the Commissioners.
Commiss�oner Smi�h expressed her support for the project and her appreciation for the fact that there are
no retaining walls proposed but rather landscaping wili be used to soften the project.
Comxnissioner Carderias also expressed support for the project stating that he feels fihe property and
si�rrounding area will benefit.
Minu#es
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
10-20-15 _4 _
Commissioner K�rkpatrick echoed �ie other Commissioner's comments and stated that he is also in
support of the project including the gazebo and other items.
Chairtnan Chelf comrnented the he also supports the project and he feels that ha�ing the riding ring in
the front yard area adds to the character of the Community.
Commissioner Srnith moved that the Planning Cammission direct staff to prepare a Resolution granting
approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 890 at 1 Middleridge Lane South with the
�' standard fmdings of fact and conditians of approval. Commissioner Cardenas seconded the motion,
which carried witl�out objection.
SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRT:PS
The Planning Cammission scheduled a field trip to the following property to be conducted on Tuesday,
November 17, 20l 5 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
7 Crest Rd E. {enclose an open cabana and miscellaneous landscaping)
ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING C�MII�IISS�ON
None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
Staff reported that the City Councii took Zoning Case No. $80 at 15 Portuguese Bend Road under
jurisdiction. Staff also clarified that the Public Hearing in Zoning Case No. 889 at 38 Portuguese Bend
Road is continued to a Field Trip scheduled far Tuesday, December 15, 2015 at 7:30 a.m.
ADJOURNMENT
� Hearir�g no further business before the Commission, Chairman Chelf adjourned the meeting at 7:52 p.rn.
ta an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled to be held on Tuesday,
November 17, 2015 beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting a field trip to 7 Crest Road
East. The next regular rneeting of the Planning Cammission is scheduled to be held on Tuesday,
November 17, 2015 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Rolling Hills City Hall, 2
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Respectfizlly submitted,
Heidi Ltxce
City Clerk
Approved,
Brad elf
Cha' an
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
1fl-20-15 - 5 -