08-16-16 MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANIVING COMMISSION
OF THE
CITY�F ROLLING HILLS
AUGUST 16, 2016
CALL MEETING T� ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of RoIling Hills was calted to order by
Cha.irman Chelf at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, August 16, 2016 in the City Council Chamber, at City Hall, 2
Portuguese Bend Road,Roiling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Carrimissioners Present: Cardenas,Kirkpatrick, Gray and Chairman Chelf.
Commissioners Absent: None.
Others P:resent: Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Raymond R. Cruz, City Manager
Natalie Karpeles, Assistant City Attorney.
Wendy 5tarks,Associate Planner.
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
TavZsha Nicholson, Bolton Engineering.
Gordon Schaye, 58 Porluguese Bend Road.
Charlie Raine,4 Pinto Road.
Jim Partridge, 67 Partuguese Bend Road.
Criss Gunderson,Architect.
Carole Hoffman, 3 Hillside Lane.
Alan McGregor, Landscape Architec�.
Tony Wang, 86 Crest Road East.
APPRQVAL OF THE AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC CONIlV�NTS ON NIINiJTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON T'HE AGENDA
None.
APPROVAL 4F MINUTES
July 19, 2016,Adjourned I�egular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes af the adjourned
regular meeting of the Pianning Commissian held on July 19, 2016 as presented. Vice Chairman Gray
seconded the motion,which carried without objection.
July 19, 2016,Regular Meeting of tl�e Planning Commission
Vice Chairman Gray moved that the Planning Commisszon apprave the minutes of the regular meeting
of the Planning Commission held an July 19, 2016 as presented. Commissioner Cardenas seconded the
motian, which carried wi�out objection.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
08-16-16 - 1 -
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 2016-19. A RE50LUTYON OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION �F
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL FOR A SITE PLAN REVIEW,
C�NDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND VARIANCE FOR GRADING AND CONSTRUCTION
OF A STABLE WITH COVERED PORCHES, CORRAL, AND A RIDING RTNG, TO
ENCROACH WITH THE RIDING RING INTO THE FRONT SETBACK, AND TO EXCEED
THE PERMITTED DISTURBANCE OF THE LOT IN ZONING CASE NO. 904 AT 34
SADDLEBACK ROAD, (DELGADO}. THE PROJECT HAS BEEN DETERMINED TO BE
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT FROM THE CALIF�RNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALTfY
ACT, {CEQA)PURSUANT TO SECTION 15303 OF TI�CEQA GUIDELINES.
Chairman Chelf in�oduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Associate Planner Starks reviewed
the applicant's request to construct a 1,14Q sq. ft. stable, corral and riding ring in Zoning Case No. 904
at 34 Saddieback Road and stated that at it last meeting, the Planning Commission reviewed the revised
project, visited the site and directed staffto prepare a Resolution granting approval of the project.
Chair�nan Chelf called for public comment. Hearing none, he asked for comments from the Planning
Cammission.
Following brief discussion, Commissioner Cazdenas rnoved tiiat the Planning Commission adopt
Resolution No. 2016-19 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 904 at 34
Saddleback Road. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion, which carried withaut objectian.
RESOLUTION NO. 20�6-20. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING CONIMISSION OF
THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL FOR A SITE PLAN REVIEW
FOR GRADING AND CONSTRUCTIQN OF A NEW RESIDENCE WITH BASEMENT,
GARA.GES, COVERED PORCHES, SWIMMING POOL WITH A SPA,RETAINING WALLS
AND NEW DRIVEWAY; AND REQUEST FOR CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO
CONSTRUCT A GUEST HOUSE AND STABLE WITH LOFT AND CQRRAL IN ZONING
CASE NO. 902 AT 23 CREST ROAD EAST, (LOT 132A-MS), (HYNES). THE PROJECT IS
EXEMPT FROM THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA)
PURSUANT TO SECTION 15303, CLASS 3 EXEMPTION GUIDELINES.
Chairman Chelf introduced th.e itern and asked for staf�s comments. Planning Director Schwartz
reviewed the applicant's request to construct a new residence and other ancillary structures in Zoning
Case No. 902 at 23 Crest Road East stating that at its last meeting, aft�;r several public hearings and field
trips, the Planning Comrnission directed staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval of the
applicant's request. She stated that included with the staff report are the two correspondences that were
received at the last meeting. She reviewed the conditions of approval including that the Los Angeles
County be the reviewing agency far this project, that landscaping be planted in an affset manner so as
not to create a screen along Crest Road that would obstruct views. She stated that after agenda packet
was distxibuted, staff added a condition that requires that any trees and shrubs that are planted, do not
block the view of the ocean for pedestrians and equesmians traveling along Crest Road. Discussion
ensued concerning the added condition with the Cornrnission expressing support for �he intent of the
condition; but concern that the way the condition is phrased, it may not accomplish the objective.
Further discussion ensued concerning the ridge height of the house campared to the street and options
for vvording the condition that may better achieve the intent o� the condition that the views not be
blocked from Crest Road.
Chairman Chelf called far public comment.
Tavisha Nicholson, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission stating that the ridge height
is at 1338 and the center of the road is at 1335. She provided a brief overview of the proposal stating that
the project includes four cisterns far stormwater management,that are designed for the 25 year and up ta
1 OU year storms. Ms.Nicholson offered to answer any questions.
Gordon Schaye, S$ Portizguese Bend Road addressed the Planning Commission ta ask for an
explanation as to how the water will be discharged frorn the proposed cisterris.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
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Charlie Raine, 4 Pinto Road addressed the Planning Commission in objection to the project expressing
concern regarding the size of the project and it's praximity to the fragile landslide area below.
Jim Partridge addressed the Plarr.ning Cammission stating that he just purchased a praperty belaw the
prpposed project. He expressed concern regaxding �he water that travels thraugh the adjacent storm
drains on Crest Road down to the landslide area.
Criss Gunderson, Architect aadressed the Planning Commission in response to the Planning
Commission's discussion regarding the conciition to protect the views from Crest Road suggesting that
the Commission might consider establishing a data point 3 ft, above Crest Road and projecting a sight
line down tY�e highest ridge.
Ms. Nicholson addressed the Planning Commission in response to Dr. Schay�'s comments regarding
discharge of the water fram the cisterns. She explained that cisterns are designed to co�lect the water
from around the site a,nd has surge tar�ks that can handle the 100 year storm with any excess water going
out through the dissipaters and with the water in fhe tanks being held until the storm passes to be used
for irrigation or other measures. In response to Commissioner Kirkpatrick, Ms. Nicholson furthex
explained the discharge process stating that the proposed system will be re�iewed by the County
Building Dept. for compliance wi�h the requirernents for stormwater management.
Hearing no further public comments, Chairman Chelf closed the public hearing. He commented that the
Planning Commission has diligently reviewed this projEct and several modifications have been made to
the project since it was ariginally proposed to address the concerns raised. The Planning Commission
concurred with Chairman Che1Ps comments.
Fu�rther discussion ensued concerning the language of the condition that the �iews not be blocked from
Crest Road that will achieve the intent of the condi�ion and incarporating Mr. Gunderson's suggestion in
the wording of the condition.
FoIlowing discussion, Commissioner Kirkpatrick moved that the Plannirig Commission adopt
Resolution No. 2Q 16-20 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 902 a�23 Crest
Road East as amended to add the following to condition S on page 7 of Resolution:In order to preserve
the sightlarae of the view from Crest Road, the hefght of any dandscaping planted on the property along
the Crest Road roadway easement shald be mafntained so as not to exceed three (3)feet from the road
elevation. Cammissioner Cardenas seconded the motion, which carried hy roll call vate without
objection.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON TTEMS CONTINUED FROM PREV�OUS MEETING
ZONING CASE NO. 909. Request for a Site Plan Review to construct a 630 square foot
covered parch with an out-of-grade condition, with a �elZis and accessory structures, and a
Variance from the requirement to provide a set-aside area for a stable and corral at 7 5out�field
D�rive {Lot 4-SF) Rolling Hilis, CA, (Klerman). The project has been determined to be
categoricaily exempt {Class 3) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA}
Guidelines, Section 15303.
Cammissioner Kirkpatrick recused himself from consideration of this case due to the proximity af his
property to the subject property and left the dais. Chauman Chelf introduced the item and asked for
staffls comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed the applicant's request in Zoning Case Na. 909
at 7 Southfield Drive stating that the Planning Commission visited the site earlier in the day. She stated
that the applicant proposes a 630 sq. ft. deck of which a portion is out of grade and requires a Variance
and that the applicant is also requesting a Variance from the requirement to provide a set-aside area for a
stable and corral. She stated that during the site visit it was noticed that there is an existing structure on
the side of the driveway that was nof shown on the site plan and after discussion, it was determined that
it could possibly be a stable but would need to be permztted. Following fiu-ther research of the RoIling
Hills Cammunity Association's records, it was determined that a stable was approved in that location in
1968. 5he stated that at the field trip, the Planning Cornmission discussed rather than g;ranting a
Variance from the requirement to provide a set-aside area for a stable and corral, would it be possible to
work with the existing structure and use the area around it for the stab�e/corral area. She stated that if
the appiicant wishes to pursue that option, the applicant will have to request a Variance to locate the
stable and corral in the side-yard setback which would have to be readvertised and pub�icly naticed.
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P�anning Commission Regular Meeting
08-16-16 -3 -
Chair�nan Cheif called for public comment.
Criss Gunderson, Architect addressed the Planning Commission to confirm his clienYs intent to proceed
with the project to include a set aside area for the stable and corral in the side-yard setback and provided
a site plan showing the proposed s�t aside area.
Charlie Raine, � Pinto Road addressed the Planning Commission stating that he has no objections to the
project.
Carole HofFinan, 3 Hillside Lane addressed the Planning Commission in support of the project given
that if now will have a set aside area for a stable and corral.
Gregg Kirkpatrick, 11 Southfield Drive addressed the Planning Cornmission in suppart of the project in
that it will stabilize the area and improve drainage.
Following brief discussion, Cornmissioner Cardenas moved tl�at the Planning Commission direct staff to
prepare a Resalution granting approval of the applican.t's request in Zoning Case No. 909 at 7 Southfield
Drive as modified to eliminate the Variance from the requirement to provide a set-aside area for a stable
and corral and include a Variance to locate the set aside area for the stab�e and corral in the side-yard
setback with the standaxd findings of fact and conditions of approval. Vice Chairman Gray seconded the
motion, which carried without objection, The public hearing was continued. Commissioner Kirkpatrick
returried to the dais.
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
ZONING CASE NO. 910. Request for t� Site Plan Review for room addition and to reconstruct
an existing garage, for a swimming pool, new driveway and grading and request for a Variance to
exceEd the maximum permitted disturbance of the lot in Zoning Case No. 910, at 85 Crest Road
East, {Lot 69 C-1-MS), Rolling Hills, CA (Zee). The project has been determined ta be
categorically exempt (Class 3) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines, Section 15303.
Chairman Chelf recused himself from consideration of this case due to the proximity of his property to
the subject property, turned the gavel over to Vice Chairman Cxray and left the dais. Vice Chairman Gray
introduced the item and asked for sta.ffls comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed the
applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 910 at 85 Crest Road East. She reviewed the layout and current
developrnent on the property stating that the applicant proposes to construct a new swimming pool to
replace the existing swimming pool currently Iocated in the front yard area of the property. She stated
the applicant also proposes to demolish and reconfigure the existing garage as well as canstruct a new
20 ft, wide driveway and eliminate the access from the current shared driveway that servers several
properties below this property. She stated �that the Traffic Commission reviewed and recammended
approval of the new proposed�veway apron. She furtl�er stated that the proposed driveway goes along
the front of the pro�erty and also proposes a new parking pad. She stated that grading is proposed at
2,296 cu. yds. with a small amount being e�parted.
Planning Director Schwartz s#ated that included with the staff report is correspondence from
neighboring properties, including one from the resident at 63 Crest Road East expressing concern
regarding the visibility from the proposed driveway due to its proximity to the existing driveway as well
as the drainage and slope stability; and another expressing concern regarding the look of the area. She
further reviewed the other concerns raised by neighboring property owners including the impact of the
trash trucks on the new driveway.
Ms. 5chwartz further reviewed the development standards and stated that the applicant is also requesting
a variance for the grading.
Vice Chairman Gray caZled for public comment.
Alan McGregor, Landscape Architect addressed the Planning Commission to furrher explain the
applicant's request and to briefly address the concerns raised regarding the driveway and drainage. He
suggested that the Planning Commission and those expressing concern, drive the existing driveway to
see the challenges associated with the existing driveway that�ed to the new proposed driveway.
Minutes
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
08-16-16 -4 -
Tony Wang, 86 Crest Road East addressed the Planning Commission to ask for clarification on the
applicant's request. Mr. McGregor provided clarification.
Brad Chelf, 59 Crest Road East addressed the Planning Commission in support of the project.
FolIowing staf�s presentation and public testimony, the members of the Planning Cammission
determined that a site visit should be scheduled to pro�ide the �nembers of the Planning Commissian
with further understanding of the applicant's revised request in Zoning Case No. 910 at $5 Crest Road
East. The public heaz�ing was continued. Chairman Chelf returned to the dais.
�CHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS
The Planning Commission schedu�ed a fie�d trip to the following properties to be conducted an Tuesday,
Septernber 20, 2Q16 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
85 Crest Road East
3 Poppy Trail (porch addition in setback)
ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMIVIISSION
None.
I'TEMS FROM STAFF
City Cierk Luce reported that the proposed dates #'or the joint meeting between the Planning
Cammission and City Council are November lst and 2nd �t 6:30 p.m. and asked the Commissioners to let
her know their availability for those dates.
Planning Director Schwartz reparted that Wendy Starks is leaving the City to accept another position �n
Rancha Santa Margarita.
y" City Manager Cruz reported that the City Council Personnel Committee is interviewing candidates for
the current Planning Commission vacancy and will be making a recomrnendation to the City Cauzicil at
its August 22°d meeting to filt that vacancy sa that the new Comrnissioner will be in place for the
September Planning Commission meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business befare the Commission, Chairman Chelf adjourned the meeting at 8:02 p.rn.
to an adjourned regular meeting of the PIanning Commissian scheduled ta be held on Tuesday,
Septe�nber 20, 2U16 beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting field trips to 85 Crest Road
East and 3 Poppy Trail (porch addi�tion in setback.} The next regular meeting of the Planning
Commission is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, September 20, 2Q16 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the City
Council Chamber,Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Porluguese Bend Road, RoIling Hills, California.
Respectfully submitted,
fr�
�
Heidi Luce
City Clerk
Approved,
Brad C el
Chairman
Minutes
Plan�ing Commission Regular Meeting
08-16-16 - 5 -