06-21-16 MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
QF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
7UNE 2�, 2016
CALL MEETTNG TO ORDER
A regu2ar rneeting of the Planning Cammission of the City of Rolling Hills was cailed to order by
� Chairman Chelf at 6:33 p.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2016 in the City Council Chamber, at City Ha11, 2
Portuguese Bend Road,Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL C.ALL
Commissioners Presen�: Cardenas, Gray, Smith and Chairman Chelf.
Commission�rs Absent: Commissioner Kirkpatrick(excused).
Others Present: Yolanta Schwar�, Planning Director.
Natalie Katpeles,Assistant City Attorney.
Wendy Starks,Associate Planner.
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Lauren Sharng, 5 Pine Tree Lane.
Criss Gunderson,Architect.
Ross Smifh, 4 Bowie Road.
V'Etta Virtue, 4 Maverick Lane.
Tavisha Nicholson, Boltan Engineering.
Charlie Raine, 4 Pinto Raad.
Carmen Schaye, 58 Poriuguese Bend Road.
Tom,Hynes, 23 Crest Road East(praperty owner).
Edddy De�gado, 38 Saddleback Road.
--- Caro�e Haffman, 3 Hillside Lane.
APPROV.AL OF THE AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC C4NIMENTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
APPR�VAL OF MINUTES
May 17, 2016,Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Cornmissioner Smith rnoved that the PIanning Commissian approve the rninutes of the adjourned
regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on May 17, 2016 as presented. Co�nrriissioner
Cardenas seconded the motion, which carried without objection.
May 17, 2016,Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Smith moved that#he Planning Commission approve the minutes of the regular meeting
of the Planning Commission held on May 17, 2016 as presented. Commissioner Cardenas seconded the
motian, which carried without objection.
�v REORGAIVIZATION
CONSIDERATION QF REORGANIZATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
The Planning Commission continued this matter to a�uture meeting.
CONSIDERATION OF REORGANIZATION OF THE CONIlVIITTEE ON TREES
AND VfEWS
Tlie P�anning Commission continued tl�is matter to a future meeting.
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Planning Commission RegUlar Meeting
OG-21-�b _ 1 _
RE UEST FOR TIME EXTENSION
REQUEST FOR TTME EXTENSION TO CONIMENCE WORK IN ZONING CASE NO. 863,
38 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD.
Commissioner Srnith recused herself from consideration of this case due to the proximity a�her property
to the subject property and left the dais. Chairman Che1f introduced this item and asked for staff's
comments. Planning D�rector Schwartz stated the applicant in Zoning Case No. 863 at 38 Portuguese
Bend Raad submitted a request for a two-year tirne extension to commence construction on the praject.
Following br�ef discussion, Vice Chairman Gray moved that the Planning Commission adopt Resolutian
No. 2016-1b granting two-year�ime extension to commence construction in Zoning Case No. 863 at 38
Porhxguese Bend Road. Commissioner Cardenas seconded the motian, which carried without objection.
Commissioner Smith returned to the dais.
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-15. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMFSSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL FOR A STTE PLAN REVIEW,
FOR GRADING AND C�NSTRUCTION O�' A NEW RESIDENCE WITH A BASEMENT,
DETACHED GARAGES, COVERED PORCHES, STABLE, SWIMMING POOL WITH A
SPA, RETAINING WALLS, NEW DRNEWAY; A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
C�NSTRUCT A GUEST HOUSE, DETACHED GARAGES, AND STABLE WITH LOFT;
AND VARIANCES TO EXCEED MA��IMUM PERMITTED AVERAGE HEIGHT QF
RETAINING WALLS AND TO EXCEED THE PERMITTED LOT
DISTi7RBANCE IN Z�NING CASE NO. 9Q1 AT 5 PINE TREE LANE, {LOT 94-RH),
(SHARNG).
Chairman Chelf introduced this item and asked far staf�s comments. Planning Director Schwartz
briefly reviewed the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 901 at S Pine Tree Lane stating that at its
last meeting, the Planning Commission directed staff to prepare a Resolution approving this project and
that resolution is presented for consideration with the standard findings of fact and conditions o�
appro�al as well as certain conditions specific to this project. She noted that the proposed driveway
was reviewed by the Traffic Commission and recammended for approval but the applicant has since
revised the driveway location to address concerns raised. She re�zewed the new dri�eway configuration
stating that it will be moved 20 ft. to the North so that the Pine trees can be retained. She stated that this
char�ge will k�e re�iewed by the Traffic Commission at its July meeting and the resolution contains a
condition that the driveway is subject to Traffic Commission re�iew and approval. She stated that
today, an e-mail was received from the new properry owner at 3 Pine Tree Lane requesting that that the
Planning Commission defer its decision on this matter to give him an opportunity to review the plans.
Discussion ensued concerning this request and it was noted that there are no specific objection presented
in the correspondence.
Chairman Chelf called for public comments.
Lauren Sharng, 5 Pine Tree Lane addressed the Planning Commission regarding the rec}uest to defer
stating that she met the new owners at the RHCA office recently and offered to show them the plans and
review the project. She stated that the new owners were aware of the project when they purchased the
property and reques�ed that the decision not be deferred.
Tavisha Nicholsan, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission to further explain the
revised driveway configuration.
Following brief discussion, Vice Chairman Gray moved tliat the Planning Cammission adopt Resolution
No. 2016-15 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 401 at 5 Pine Tree Lane.
Commissioner Smith seconded the motion,which carried without objecnon.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVI�US MEETING
ZONING CASE NO. 895-REVISED. Request for a Site Plan Re�iew to construct a new 5,270
square foot single family residence, 848 square foot garage, 6,000 square foot basement,
swimming poo1, several not to exceed 5' high retaining walls, a new driveway and grading of
8,500 cubic yards of dirt which includes excavation frorn basement and pool; Variances are
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P�anning Commission Regular Meeting
06-21-16 -2 '
requested to encroach with the residence into the rear �etback, to locate the set aside area for a
fixture sta.ble and portion of the corral in frant yard and a portion of the corral within front
setback, to exceed the maximum permitted total lot coverage and disturbed area of the lot, to
encroach with retaining walls and basement light wells into setbacks,to construct retaining walls
that do not average out to 2.5' in height, ta exceed the m�imum permitted coverage with a
driveway of the fron�se#back and to export the dirt off site, in Zonirig Case No. 895, at 10 Bowie
Road, (Lot 4-CRA}, Rolling Hills, CA (Pang Jui Yiu). The project has been determined to be
categorically exempt (Class 3) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines, Section 15303.
Chairman Chelf introduced this item and asked For staffs cornments. Planning Director Schwartz
reviewed the applicant's revised request stating that the revisions were rnade based on the concerns
raised by the Planning Commission and neighbors when the project was previously considered regarding
the size of the hause, the grading, and the amaunt of fi11, the driveway and the walls. She reviewed the
revisions stating that the size of the house was reduced from 6,269 sq. ft. to 5,270 sq. ft. resul�ing in less
encroachrnent into the yard setback; the number of lightweils was reduced; the pad was lowered by 5�6
ft.; the size of the building pad was reduced and the retaining walls were revised and reduced. She sta.ted
that today, the applicant's representative submitted fEarfher revisions to the pool and the location of the
paol equipment based on concerns raxsed by a neighbor. She stated that by mo�ing the paol, it is now in
front of the leading edge of the house, which requixes a variance and will have ta be noticed and
advertised as such. She noted that the grading quantities also changed. She further provided an overview
of the applicant's request including the grading, disturbance and variances requested. She stated that the
driveway appraach was reviewed by the Traffic Commission and recommended for approval.
In response to Commissioner Cardenas regarding the size of the building pad getting sma�ler, Planning
Director Schwartz stated that it was a result of the pad being lowered and there being less fill.
Chairman Chelf called far public comment.
Criss Gundersan, Architect addressed the Planning Commission to further explain the changes that were
made ta the project sta�ing that in addition to addressing the concerns raised by the Planning
Commission, he met with several neighbors to hear their concerns and the revisions were based on those
concerns as well. With regard to moving the pool and the pool equipment, he stated that change was in
response to concern raised by a neighbor regarding noise the pool equipment and the pool itself.
Chairman Chel� expressed his appxeciation ta Mr. Gunderson for his responsiveness to the concerns
raised.
Ross Smith, 4 Bowie Road addressed the Planning Commission stating that he and other neighbors met
with Mr. Gunderson to express th�ir concerns regarding the project and the revised p�ans were reviewed
by neighbors. He stated that averal7 they are happy with what has been achieved so far. He commented
that Mr. Gunderson also ag;reed to landscape the area between his property and the subject property.
V'Etta Virt�e, 4 Maverick Lane addressed the Planning Commissian to express concern regarding the
soil stability in the area.
Chairman Che�f asked th� Planning Commissianers if they feel a second field trip is necessary. Vice
Chauman Gray commer�t�d that his concerns have been addressed and he does not feel it is necessary to
visit the site again. Commissioner Cardenas concurred. Comrriission Smith commented that she would
l�ke to see the project.
In response ta Chauman Chelf r�garding the concern raised by Mrs. Virtue, Mr. Gundersor� stated that
-� the soils ar�d geology reports have been done and there were issues of concern. Discussion ensued
concerning the grading and the fill. Mr. Gunderson commented that there is no fill on the northexly
slopes.
Following discussion, Vice Chairman Gray moved t,�iat the Planniug Commission direct staff to prepare
a Resolution granting approval. of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 895-REVISED at 10
Bowie Road with the standard findings of fact and conditions of approval. Commissioner Cardenas
seconded the motion. Planning Director Schwartz cornmented that based on the latest revisions made,
the request for variance will be re-noticed/advertised and it will come back before the Planning
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Commission as a public hearing with a resolution of approval for consideration. Following brief
discussion,the motion carried with Commissioner Smith opposed.
ZONING CASE NO. 902. Request for a Site Plan Review for the cons�ction of a new 11,100
square foot residence, with 11,1 QO square foot basement, 1,540 square feet attached garages,
2,654 square feet covered porches, 864 squaxe foot swirnming pool and spa, trellises, driveway
and an outdoor kitchen and grading for a total of 63,25Q cubic yards of dirt, which includes over-
excavation and re-compaction; Conditional Use Permits to construct an 80U square foot guest
house, and a 1,300 square foot stable with a 792 square foot loft; in Zoning Case No. 902, at 23
Crest Raad E�st, (Lot 132A-MS), Rolling Hills, CA (Hynes). T'�e project is exempt fram the
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15303, Class 3 exemption
Guidelines.
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz
reviewed the applicant's request stating that the Planning Cammission visited the site and held a public
hearing in May. She stated at the last meeting, the Planning Comrnission expressed concem regarding
the size of the house, the configuration of the lawer pad, and the tennis court and the amount of fill
required for the tennis court and neighboring resident expressed concern regarding the grading and
drainage and the impact the de�elopment will have an the properties below in the Flying Triangle
landslide area. She further stated that in response to the concerns regarding drainage, the County
Engineer was present at the last meeting ta address the drainage questions and the applicant has prepared
a hydralogy study that was deemed adequate for this project by Willdan Engineering. She stated that in
response to the concerns raised previously, the applicant has revised the project in several aspects. She
reviewed the revisions, which include reducing the size of the house and basement to 11,100 sq. ft.;
relocating the driveway 20 ft. to the east and 4 ft. south ta lessen the impact of the driveway; modifying
the garages; reducing the size of the pool; removing some of the parking pads and outdoor amenities and
eliminating the tennis court. She stated that a 1,3Q0 sq. ft. stable and 800 sq. ft. guesthouse are now
proposed on the lower pad instead of the tennis court. She further reviewed the grading for the lower pad
noting that the amount of cut and fill has been revised. She stated that as recommended by the Planning
Commission, the applicant is proposing cisterns to handle the water rathex than the infiltration unit
previausly proposed. She further reviewed the proposed drainage. She stated thaf the revised driveway
apron will be presented to the Traffic Commission for consideration at its July rneeting. She further
reviewed the grading, which is proposed at 63,250 c�t. yds. with 19,000 cu. yds. of overexcavation and
19,540 cu. yds. af recompaction. She stated that no variances are requested with this application since
the tennis court was eliminated and the driveway was reconfigured. She further reviewed the coverage
and grading percentages which are all below the Code requirements.
Brief discussion ensued conceming the proposed cisterns.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Tavisha Nichalson, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission to further explain how the
cisterns were designed to work stating that ali of the water from the upper area will be going the cistems
and discharged in�o the outlet structure. Further discussion ensued concerning the proposed drainage
plan. Ms.Nichalson further explained the other revisions that were made to the project stating that all of
the variances were eliminated.
Charlie Raine, 4 Pinto Road addressed the Planning Commission to express concern that the drainage
and grading associated with this project will affect the stability of the properties below. He reviewed a
map/aerial image of the area showing the canyons and neighboring properties, pointing out the canyons
that flank praperty. He further commented that he believes the hydrology report shauld be further
reviewed.
Carmen Schaye, 58 Portuguese Bend Road adc�essed the Planning Commission to express concern
regarding the stability of property and the size of the house. She expressed further concern regarding the
drainage from the property and its affect on the properties below.
Tom Hynes, Properry Owr�er addressed the Planning Commission stating that�his property has been in
farnily many years and they should be able to develap it as long as the applicable laws and engineer's
recommendations are followed.
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Planning Commission Regular Meetir�g
05-21-16 -4 -
Comrnissioner Caxdenas cammented that he believes a site visit should be scheduled. Commissioner
Smith expressed concern regarding the large amount of cut and fil� and the stability of the area, Vice
Chairman Gray commented that he is pieased with the addition of the cisterns for water retention and
also expressed concern regarding the amount of f ll on the lower pad and suggested that maybe the
guesthause could be lowered to reduce the fill.
Chairman Chelf expressed appreciation to the applicant for tlae efforts that have been made in attempt to
address the concerris raised. He suggested the applicant provide an axplanation of the water retention
system and how it affects the outflow. Commissioner Cardenas suggested that the applicant provide
more informarion regarding the affect the cisterns have on the amount of water coming off the
developed property as compared to the undeveloped site.
Xn response to Commissioner Smith, Mr. Hynes explained the history behind his family's purchase of
the property and stated that it was simply due to personal family reasons that the property was not
developed.
Following st$ff's presentation, public testimony and discussion, the members of the Planning
Cornmission determined that a site visit should be scheduled to provide the members of the P�anning
Commission with further understanding of the applicant's revised request iz�Zoning Case No. 9U2 at 23
Crest Road East. The public hearing was cantinued.
ZONING CASE NO. 904, Request for a Site PIan Review and a Conditional Use Permit to
construct a 976 square foot stabie with 767 square feet of covered porches, and a maximum 5'
high retaining wa11, and grading at 34 S�ddleback Raad (Lot 102-RH) Rolling Hills, CA,
(Delgado). T'he project has been determined to be categorically exempt from the Califamia
Environmental Quality Act, (CEQA)pursuant to Section 153Q3 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff s comments. Associate Planner Starks reviewed
the applicant's request and stated that the Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She
stated that grading is proposed at 250 cu. yds. af cu� and 250 cu. yds. of fill. She stated that as staff was
reviewing the staking, it was realized that there wasn't the required 35 ft. distance between the
-� guesthouse and the sfable so the applicant will need to request a Variance if they wish to l�ave i# as
currently proposed and the project will have to be renoticed/advertised. She reviewed the coverage
percentages stating that the stnicturallot coverage is 9.7%,total lot coverage is 22.9% and disturbance is
53%. She further stated that since the field�ip staff received a letter from a neighbor regarding a utili�y
pole noting that the applicant will be required to underground the utilities to the structure, but there wi�l
be no requirement that the pole be removed.
In response to Commissioner Cardenas, Planning Director Schwartz stated that the Zoning Ordinance
requires undezgrounding to the structure under consideration, but does not require that the pale be
removed because other property awners may be receiving service farm the pale.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Eddy Delgado addressed the Planning Commission stating that she is working with her cor�tractors to
determine the best way to address the cancerns raised during the field trip but it is proving to be a
challenge because either the traiI or tne riding arena wiXl be impacted. Ms. Delgado expressed
frustration over the challenges she's faced attempting to construct this stable. Disc�xssion ensued
cancerning options for addressing the concems raised. It was suggested that applicant consider lacating
the sta.ble where the arena is proposed, the corral where stable is praposed and requesting a variance to
locate the riding area in the front yard area.
Carole Hoffman, 3 Hillside Lane addressed the Planning Commission suggesting that the barn be re-
located to an area with more open space around it to provide the bes#ufilization for equestrian uses.
Fol�owing staff s presentation, pubIic testimony and discussion, tt�e members of the P1az�ning
Commission asked the applicant to submit revised plans to address t1�e Planning Commission's concerns
regarding the project. The pubiic hearing was continued.
ZONING CASE NO. 906, Request for a Site Plan Re�view for gra.ding and a 1,375 square foat
poollspa, pool equipment, and a Variance to exceed 2.5' high average for associated retaining
wa11s at 27 Crest Road West (Lot i74-B-MS) Ralling Hills, CA, (Goldenberg). The project has
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Planning Commission Regular Meeting
06�21-16 � 5 _
been determined to be categorically exempt from the Califarnia Environmental Quality Act,
(CEQA)pursuant to Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines.
Chairman Chelf introduced the itern and asked for staffls comments. Planning Director Schwartz
reported that at the field trip earlier in the day, the Planning Cornmissian directed staff to prepare a
Resoluhon granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 906 at 27 Crest Road West
with t�ie standard findings of fact and conditions of appro�al which will be presented to the Planning
Commission for consideration at its July meeting.
Chairman Chelf called for public comrnent. Hearing none, he closed the public hearing.
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS
The Planning Cornmission scheduled a field trip to the following properties to be conducted on Tuesday,
Iuly 19, 2016 beginning at 7:3Q a.m.
7 Ringbit Rd. E (�entative)
23 Crest Rd. East
10 Pine Tree Lane (Lot Line Adjustment}
295a Palas Verdes Drive North- slope repair
ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Commissioner Smith expressed her appreciation to the other Planning Commissioners and stated that
she has enjoyed working with thern and serving on the Planning Commission. Chairman Chelf thanked
Commissioner Smith far her years of service stating at he appreciates the balance she brought to the
Pianning Commission.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
Topics and dates for joint meeting between the Planning Cornmission and City Council.
Planning Directar Schwartz reviewed potential dates and topics for the joint meeting between the
Planning Carnmission and City Council. Recognizing that the August dates were not convenient for
everyone, staff was asked to look for dates in September for the meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the Comrnission, Chairman Chelf adjourned�he meeting at 8:31 p.m.
to an adjourned regular rneeting of the Planning Cornmission sched�,iled to be held on Tuesday, July 14,
2016 beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting field trips to 7 Ringbit Road East; 23 Crest
Road East; 10 Pine Tree Lane and 2950 Palos Verdes Drive North. The next regular meeting of the
P�anning Commission is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, July 19, 2016 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the
City Council Chamber,Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Porluguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Respectfully submitted,
Heidi Luce
City Clerk
Approved,
Bra C
C irman
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Planning Commission Regular Meeting
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