09-20-16 MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
SEPTEMBER 20,201b
CALL MEETTNG TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commissian of the City of Ro�ling Hills was called to order by
Chairman Chelf at b:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 20, 201fi in the City Cauncil Chamber, at City
Hall, 2 Portuguese Ber�d Road, Rolling Hi11s, California.
Chairman Chelf introduced and welcomed the new Planni.ng Commissioner, Matt Seaburn wha was
recently appointed to replace Jill Smith who stepped down.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Cardenas, Gray,Kirkpatrick, Seaburn and Chairman Chelf.
Commissioners Absent: None.
Others Present: Yolanta Schwartz,Planning Director.
Natalie Karpeles,Assistant City Attorney.
Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Criss Gunderson, Architect.
Alan McGregor, Landscape Architect.
Tony Inferrera,Architect.
Leah Mirsch,4 Cinchring Road.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MTNUTES AND ANY ITEM N4T ON THE AGENDA
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
August 16, 2016,Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the adjourned
regular rneeting of the Planning Commission held on July 19, 2016 as presented. Vice Chairman Gray
second�d the motian,which carried without objection.
August 16, 20�6,Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Vice Chairman Gray moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the regular meeting
of the Planning Commission held on July 19, 2016 as presented. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded
the modon,which carried withaut objection.
RESOLUTIONS
See Item Below
-- PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
ZON�NG CASE NO. 909. R�qu�st for a Site Plan Review to construct a 700 square foot
covered porch with an out-of-grade condition and accessory structures and for a Variance to
encroach with a set aside area for a stabie and corral into the side setback, including witk� an
existing shed that is part of the area for the stable set aside in Zoning Case No. 949 at 7
Southfield Drive (Lot 4-SF) Rolling Hills, CA, (KIerman). The project has been determined to
be categarically exempt from the California Enviranmenta� Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines,
Section 15303.
AND
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FIanning Commission Regular Meeting
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CONSIDER.ATION OF A RESOLUTION NO. 2016-21. A RESOLUTI�N OF THE
PLANNING COINIlVIISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL
OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW FOR A COVERED PORCH WITH AN OUT-OF-GR.ADE
CONDIT'�ON AND ACCESSORY STRUCTURES, AND A VARIANCE TO ENCROACH
WITH A SET ASIDE AREA FOR A STABLE AND CORRAL INTO THE SIDE SETBACK,
INCLUDING WITH A PORTION OF AN EXISTING SHED IN ZONTNG CASE NO. 909 AT
7 SOUTHFIELD DRIVE, (LOT 4-SF),ROLLING HILLS, CA(KLERMAN).
Commissioner Kirkpatrick recused himself from consideration af this case due to the proxirnity of his
property to the subject property and left the dais. Chairrnan Chelf introduced the item and asked for
staff's comments. Planning Director Schwartz reviewed the applicant's request to construct a 700 sq. ft.
covered porch with an out of grade condition and accessory structures in Zoning Case No. 909 at 7
Southfield Drive. She stated that this case began with a field trip to the site in August a�which time it
was noted that there were some conditions present that required this case to be renoticed and
readvertised. She fiutlier sta#ed that since the last meeting, at the Planning Commission's suggestion,
the applicant has withdrawn their request far a variance to be relieved from the requirement to have a
setaside area for a future stable and corral. She stated that there is an existing flat area in the side setback
that is now proposed as the seta.side area for a future stable and corral. She noted that a shed currently
exits in that area. She stated that the area next to the proposed setaside area, which is also owned by the
Klermans, is very steep and unlikely to be developed.
She stated that at the last meeting, pending all of tYie modification ta the project, th� Planning
Commission directed staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval of the applicant's request as
modified and a Resolution has been prepared for the Pianning Commission's consideratian.
Chairman Chelf called far public comment.
Criss G�xnderson, Architect addressed the Planning Commission offering to answer any questions.
Hearing no �urther p�blic comment, Chairman Chelf asked for comments from the Planning
Commission.
Vice Chairman Gray commented#hat he is pleased that the applicant eliminated the variance request to
nat have a stable and he daes not hav� any objections to the project. Commissioner Cardenas concurred.
Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission adopt Resolutian No. 2016-21 granting
approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 909 at 7 Southfield Dri�e. Vice Chairman Crray
seconded the motion, which carried without objection and with Commissianer Seaburn abstaining.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick returned to the dais.
ZONING CASE NO. 910. Request for a 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� perznitted disturbance of the lot in Zoning Case No. 910, at $5 Crest
Ro�d East, (Lot 69 C-1-MS), Rolling Hills, CA (Zee). The project has been determined to be
categorically exempt (Class 3} pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines, Seetion 153Q3.
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 Chauman Gray and left the dais. Vice Chairman Gray
introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Plannin� Director Schwartz reviewed the
applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 910 at 85 Crest Road East. She stated that the applicant is
requesring a site plan review for 2,296 cu. yds. of grading and ta construct a 1,3Q0 square foat
swimming pool, a pool equipment area, a 135 square foot attached trelli�, a 383 square foot room
addition, to demolish an existing 792 square foot garage and canstruct a new 960 square faot garage
attached to the �ain residence by a 510 s�uarre �oot breezeway, and associated sttuctures, a new
driveway and 1,024 square feet of poal decking. She stated that a Variance is requested #o exceed the
maximum permitted disturbance of the net lot, from�he existing 32.7%to 55.1%. She further stated that
the applicant currently take access to the property through the rear of the property via a common
driveway that serves five other properties and the applicant is propasing to construct a new 20 ft. wide
dri�eway along the front of the properiy to serve only this property with a wall along a portion of the
front side of#he driveway.
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09-20-16 -2 -
Ms. Schwartz stated that the Planning Commission visited this site earlier in the day and at that time,
there were some concerns expressed by neighbors, which were expressed previously and that
correspor�dence is included with the staff report. She noted that the resident at 87 Crest Road East
expressed concern regarding the proximity of the driveway to his property and upon explanation, the
property orvner seemed satisfied. She further commented that the neighbor across the street expressed
concern regarding aesthetics of the driveway and the Planning Commissian visited the property to vievv
the concern and found that issue may be resoived with some screening subject ta Rolling Hills
Community Association approval of plariting in the roadway easement. She stated that the resident at 63
Crest Road East also expressed concern regarding the stability of the existing driveway area should the
asphalt be removed. in response to that concern, she reviewed the applicant's proposal for that area and
stated that the entire lot will be studied for hydrology and reviewed by the City's engineer and any
issues found will have to be addressed with site-specif c hydrology design. She stated that the other
developxnent standards for this project are a11 within the Zon.ing Code rEquirements.
Alan McGregor, Architect addressed the Planning Commission offering to answer any questions.
Hearing no further public comment, Chairman Chelf asked for comments from the Planning
Commission.
In response to Vice Chauman Gray, Mr. McGregor commented that the applicant would be wiIling to
wark with the neighbor and the Rolling Hills Community Association to screen the wa11 along the
driveway. Also in response to Vice Chairman Gray with regard to the issue raised about#1ie praxirr�ity
of the driveway to the property to the east,Mr. McGregor commented that there is landscaping proposed
in that area to buffer the noise.
Bz�ad Chelf, 59 Crest Road East addressed the Planning Commission in support of the project, including
the new driveway.
Vice Chairman Gray asked for comments from the Plarining Cornmi,ssion.
In response to Commissioner Cardenas, if the Planning Commission were to suggest screening af the
wa11 along the driveway, Planning Director Schwartz responded that any planting wovld be subject to
RHCA approval.
Discussion ensued concerning the impact of the driveway on the property to the east. The Planning
Commission concurred that the issue would be best addressed through cooperatian by the two neighbors
and it would be desirable for both neighbors to came to an agreement.
Following brief discussion, Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to
prepare a Resolution granfing approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 91Q at 85 Crest
Road East with the standard findings of fact and conditions of approval plus a condition that a
laz�dscaping pIan be submitted showing how the driveway and the retaining wall will be screened from
Crest Road E. and that any iandscaping in an easement be approved by t1�e RHCA. Commissioner
Kirkpatrick seconded the motion, which carried without objection. Chairman Chelf returned to the dais.
ZONING CASE NO. 911. Request for a Site Plan Review to iegalize a 140 square foot
addition and to construct a 565 syuare feet of attached covered porches to main residence on a
property with a restrictive development condition and a Variance for one af the covered porches
to be located in the front yard setback at 3 Poppy Trail (Lot 8-PT) Rolling Hills, CA, (Jonas}.
The project has been determined to be categorically exempt (Class 3)pursuant to the California
Env�ironmental Quality Act(CEQA) Guidelin�s, Section 15303.
Chairman Chelf introduced the itern and asked for stafPs comments. Planning Directar Schwartz
- reviewed the applicant's request for a Site Plar� Review to legalize a 140 square foot addition and to
construct twa attached covered porches totaling 705 square feet. She s#ated that the applicant is also
requesting a Variance for one of them to be located in the frant yard setback. She noted that this project
is before#1ie Planning Commission because there is a restrictive de�elopment condition on this property
that any furtlier development be brought before the Planning Commission far review. She noted that the
applicant submitted revised plans today to accurately depict the proposal and what was seen at the field
trip. She further commented that the applicant would also need to provide a 4ft. walkway around the
new addition and the applicant's representatives have determin�d that it can be done within the existing
condition of t1�e area. She stated that the other development standards far this project are all within the
Zoning Code requirements.
Minutes
Planning Commission ReguIar Meeting
09-20-1b � 3 -
Chaurnan Chelf called for public comment.
Tony Inferrera, Architect addressed the Planning Carnmission stating that he spoke to he applicant and
they are willing to inci�xde a 4 ft. walkway around the addition.
Leah Mirsch, 4 Cinchring Raad addressed the Planning Cornmission to ask for clarificatian with regard
to the required 4 ft. walkway. In response, Planning Director Schwartz stated that the 4 ft. is measured
from the wall of the house.
Vice Chairman Gray expressed his support for the project and commented that he believes the proposal
is a good solution on a difficult lot. The other Planning Commissioners concurred.
Fallowing brief discussion, Commissioner Cardenas maved that the Planning Commission direct staff to
prepare a Resolution granting approval of the applican#'s request in Zoning Case No. 911 at 3 Poppy
Trail with the standard findings of fact and conditions of approval plus a condition that a 4 ft. wa�kway
be provided around the house and if a wall is necessary that it be constructed no higher than 5 ft. Vice
Chairma�Gray seconded the motion,which car�ied without objection.
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS
The Planning Commission scheduled a field trip to the following properties ta b� conducted on Tuesday,
October 18, 201b beginning at 7:30 a.m.
10, 12 & 14 Pine Tree Lan� {Lot Line Adjustment)
2950 Palos Verdes Drive North(slope repair)
ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING C4MMISSION
None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
Planning Director Schwartz reported that the City Council taok Zoning Case No. 902 at 23 Crest Road
East under jurisdiction and scheduled a field trip for Octaber 4`".
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the Commission, Chairman Chelf adjourned the meeting at 7:11 p.m.
to an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October
18, 2016 beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting field trips to lU Pine Tree Lane (Lot Lines
Adjustment) and 2950 Palas Verdes Drive North {slope repair.) The next regular meeting of the Planning
Commission is scheduled to be held on Tuesclay, October 18, 2016 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the City
Council Chamber,Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Respectfull�submitted,
Heidi Luce `
City Clerk
Appra�ed,
d f {
hairman
Minutes
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