08-16-16FT MINUTES OF AN
ADJOURi'�TED REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANN�NG COMMISSION
AUGUST 16, 2016
FIELD TRIP
PRESENT:
Chairman Chelf, Commissioners Cardenas,Gray, and Kirkpatrick
Cosnmissione� Kfrkpatrick recused himseIf due to proximft� of his residence to
subject site
Raymond Cruz,City Manager
Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director
Wendy Starks, Associate Planner
ZONING CASE NO. 909. Requesf for a Site Plan Review to canstruct a 630
square £oot covered porch with an out-of-grade condition, with a tr�llis and
accessory structures, and a Variance from the requirement to provide a set-aside
area for a stable and corral at 7 South�ield Drive (Lot 4-SF) Rolling Hills, CA,
(Klerman}.
A1so present at this field trip were:
Mr. IQerman, Property Owner
Criss Gunderson, Architect
Leah Mirsch,Resident
Carole Hoffman, Resident
Jack Smith,R�si.dent
Planning Director Yolanta Schwartz reviewed the applican�s proposal including the
request for a variance to not to set aside an area for a future stable and corral. She also
stated that following submittal of the application, staff noticed the storage shed on the
property, that was not depicted on the plans and that building permit would be
required for the structure. Everyone present toured the projec�. Criss Gunderson
explained the proposed construction af the trellis and the patio area. In response to
questions about the proposed 2.�' high wa11 at the above grade deck and the architect
explained that caissons wi111ikely be required, that soils and geology testing were done
and it was determined to be safe, that an engineering firm wi11 be brought on board as
the Civil Engineer and that the proposed project wi11 in fact make the hi.11side sa�er than
it is now as caissons wi11 stabilize the hillside. Mr. Gunderson pointed out that the
praposed project will not take away area that could otherwi.se be used for equestrian
uses because the project is praposed adjacent to tlze ho�.se and equestrian uses must be
at least 35' from livxng areas. The group discussed options for the p�acement o£ a
stable/corrai, rather than requesting a variance. Questions were raised about the
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existing shed near the north setback, and whether that area could be set aside for the
sta.ble and corral. Direetor Schwartz stated that the a:rea considered would be in the
side setback and it is not clear at this time if the shed is in setback or not. Chairman
Chelf indicated that encroachment into the easement is not preferred, but a Variance to
encraach into the setback is an option that can be discussed at the evening meeting
along with allowance to provide less than ].,000 square feet for stable/corral if it is not
possible to provide 1,000 square feet on this steep lot. Dis�ussion en�ued about options
for the existing storage shed and its possible use as a stable/corral. Mr. Gunderson
explained that the applicants considered differenf locations for a stable and corral set
aside but that access to a stable would be very challenging on this lot and unsafe for hay
deliveries dtze to the steep and curving driveway and that retaining wa1ls would be
required. Mr. Gunderson and Mr. Klerman said �hey would consader merging the
adjacent lot north of the shed area that Mr. IQerman also owns if that is determined to
be necessary. In respanse to Jack Smith Directo� Schwartz stated that in the past 15
years variances to waive the requirement for a stable and corral were granted for 3 or 4
properties. Chairman Chelf and Leah Mirsch advised there are a few lots in the city �hat
are not compatible with equestrian uses. Mr. Gunderson reminded the group �hat if a
stable was to be constructed, not only will they have to comply with City zoning
requirements and Rolling Hills Communify Association requirements, but also with the
County's requirements for stables which may be even mare prohibitive.
Planning Director Schwartz advised that if a set aside area for the stable and
corral is praposed to be located in the setback, a new public hearing needs to be
held and a no�ice for the variance published and neighbors notified.
There being no further discussion, the public hearing was continued to the
evening meeting of the Planning Commission beginning at 6:3Q PM.
Respectfully Submitted,
� ���l�
Yo1 ta Schwar�z Date
Planning Directox
Approv •
�
ra Che , Chaixman Date
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