06-20-17 MINUTES OF A
REGULAR MEETIldG
OF THE PLANNfNG COMMTSSION
OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
JLTNE 20,2017
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the Ci�ty of Rolling Hills was called to order by Vice
Chairman Kirkpatrick at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, June 20, 2Q17 in the City Council Chamber, at City
Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hi12s, California.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Cardenas, Coaley, Seaburn and Vice Chairman Kirkpatrick.
Commissioners Absent: Chairman Chelf(excused).
Others Present: Raymond Cniz, City Manager.
Yoianta Schwartz, Planning Director.
Natalie Karpeles, Assistant City Attorney.
Julia Stewart,Assistant Planner.
� Heidi Luce, City Clerk.
Ky1e Clinton,26 Eastfield Drive.
Dan Bolton,Bolton Engineering.
Lori Wheeler, 38 Portuguese Bend Road.
Tavisha Ales,Bolton E;ngineering.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MIl�TUTES AND ANY iTEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
APPROVAL OF MiNUTES
May 16, 2017 Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission apprave the minutes of the adjourned
regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on May 16, 2017 as presented. Commissioner
Seaburn secanded the motion, which carried without objection.
March 21,2017 Reg�lar Meeting a£the Planning Commission
Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the regular
meeting of the Planning Commission held on March 21, 20I7 as presented. Commissioner Seaburn
seconded the mation, which carried without objection.
April 1$, 2017 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
--- Commissioner Cooley moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the regular meeting
of the Planning Commission held on Apri1 18, 2017 as presented. Commissioner Cardenas seconded the
motion, which carried without abjection.
Minutes -
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
06-20-17 - 1 -
RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION N�. 2017-09. A RESOLUTIQN OF TI� PLANNING COMMISSION OF
TI� CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING A MQDIFICATiON TO A PREVIOUSLY
APPROVED PROJECT FOR A SITE PLAN REVIEW, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, AND
VARIANCES FOR GRADING, FOR WALLS OVER 3' IN HEIGHT, AND WHICH WILL
NOT AVERAGE OUT TO 2.5' IN HEIGHT, A POOLISPA, TRELLIS, C�NSTRUCTION OF'
AN 800 SQUARE F�OT RECREAT'I�N RD�M, TO LOCATE THE STRUCTURES IN THE
FRONT YARU OF THE LOT AND TO EXCEED THE PERMITTED
DTSTURBANCE OF THE LOT IN ZONING CASE NO. 897- MODIFICATION, AT 2
HII.LSIDE LANE, (LQT 60-RI�, (ELKIN).
Vice Chairman Kirkpatrick introduced the item and asked for staffs comments. Planning Director
Schwartz briefly reviewed the applicant's req�xest to modify a previously approved project in Zoning
Case No. 897-Modification at 2 Hillside Lane. She stated that at the last meeting after a site visit, the
Planning Commission directed stafF to prepare a resolution granting approval of the applicant's request.
Vice Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Hearing none, he asked for comments from the
Planx�ing Commission.
Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commissinn adapt Resalution No. 2017-09 granting
approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 897-Modification at 2 Hillside Lane.
Commissioner Cooley seconded the motion,which carried without objection.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS C�NTiNUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
ZONING CASE NO. 921,Reques#for Variances to construct, on a substandard sized lot, a new
swimming poollspa,pool deck,pool equipment area,barbeque and patio,new planters and stairs,
and �egalize an existixig fire pit, chicken coop and shed. The nature of variances include
exceeding the maximtun pe2mitted total lot coverage, structural coverage and disturbance of the
lot; ta encroach with an existing shed, fire pit, chicken coop and the proposed swimming pool,
spa and related developmerit into setbacks and lack of abi�ity to reach mirumu�n dis�ance fox
animal keeping in Zoning Case No. 921 at 26 Eastfield Drive (Lot 86-A-EF} Rolling Hills, CA,
{Clinton). The project has been determined to be categorically exempt (Class 3) pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) Cruidelines.
Vice Chairman Kirkpatrick introduced the item which was continued from a site visit earlier in the day
and asked for staffs comments. Assistant Planner Stewart reviewed the applicant's request to conshuct
a pool, spa and other outdoor amenities in Zoning Case No. 921 at 26 Eastfieid Drive. She stated that the
applicant also proposes to legalize three as built structures including a chicken coop, shed and fire pit.
She noted that the lot is an existing, nan-conforming sub-standard size lot, which is likely the reason that
many of the items proposed are located in setbacks.
In response to Commissioner Cardenas, Assistant Planner Stewart stated that the pool equipment will be
located next to the proposed addition to the garage outside of the setback. Given tl�e small size of the
lot, Commissioner Cardenas expressed concern regarding the naise impact of the pool ec�uipment on the
neighbors. Planning Director Schwartz stated that there is a s�andard condition to address noise from
pool equipm�nt.
Vice Chairman Kirkpatrick called for public comfnent. Hearing none, he asked for comments from the
Planning Commission.
Commissioner Cardenas commented that given the unique conditians of the iot and#he small lot size,he
believes the project is well layed-out on the lot. Comrnissioner Cooley and Commissioner Seaburn
concurred. Brief discussion ensued concerning the chicken coop and its impact on the neighboring
proper�Y•
Kyle Clinton, 2G Eastfield Drive addressed the Planning Commission stating that he worked with the
neighbor to address any concerns regarding the chicken coop.
Minutes-
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
06-20-17 -2 -
Following brief discussion, Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to
prepare a Resolution granting approva� of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 921 at 26 Eastfield
Drive with the standard findings of fact and conditions of approval. Commissioner �eaburn seconded
the motion, which carried witl�out objectian.
ZOI�TING CASE NO. 923. Request to modify a previously approved project and request for a
Site Plan Review for gxading to enlarge the swimming pool building pad and Variances to allow
the use of non-pezmitted imported dirt, to construct slapes steeper than 2:1 gradient and to export
dirt, in Zoning Case No. 923 at 38 Portuguese Bend Road, (Lot 118-RH), Rolling Hills, CA.
�-- (Wheeler). The project has been determined to be categorically exempt (Class 3}pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA) Guidelines.
Vice Chairman Kirkpatrick int�oduced the item and asked far staff s comments. Planning Director
Schwartz stated that the Planning Commissian visited the �ite earlier in the day to view the applicant's
praposal for modification to a previously approved project in Zoning Case No. 923 at 38 Portuguese
Bend Road. She reviewed the lot configuration and stated that the applicant proposes to enlarge the
previous�y approved swimming pooZ building pad, to relocate the previously approved 860 sq. ft.
covered patio, to efiminate the spa and reta,ining walls o� the border of the building pad; and is also
requesting variances to allow for the use of non-permitted imported dirt to construct steeper than 2:1
slopes. She further reviewed the previous�y approved project as compared to what is currently proposed
stating that the revised proposal shows the covered patio to be relocated approxirnately 20 ft. to the
�North so as not to interfere with the seepage pit and the septic tank; and the enlarged building pad
eliminates the walls around it but results in steeper slopes. She stated that this case is before the
Plannirig Co�n�ission as the result o£a code enforcement case that was taken to the City Council as a
nuisance abatement matter.
She stated that an e-mail inquuy was received today fram a neighboring property expressing concern
that this praject rnay infringe on their properiy; and another neighbor inquired regarding the large size of
the covered patio.
�Uice Chairman Kirkpatrick called for public comment.
Dan Boltan, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission stating that in response to concern
raised during the site visit, the covered patio cott�d be moved s�ightly north to address the visibility
issues raised. He further explained the grading and proposed slopes. Discussion ensued concerning the
disturbance and grading; and the view of the covered patio from the neighboring praperties.
Hearing no further comments from the public, Vice Chairman Kirkpatrick asked for comments from the
Planning Cominission.
Commissioner Cardenas commented that he dislik�s the new proposal even if it were to be proposed
from the beginning because the structures are being pushed into the view cor�ridors for Wagon Lane, El
Concho a.nd Portuguese Bend Road. He suggested reducing the size of the covered patio and moving it
claser to the poot so that the previously approved swimming pool building pad can be used without
interfering with the septic tank and seepage pit. Commissioner Cooley, Commissioner Seaburn and Vice
Chairman Kirkpatrick cancurred with Cammissioner Cardenas. Discussion ensued concerni�g the
options for addressing the concerns raised including allowing the imported dirt to be used to create
steeper slopes in order to eliminate the previously approved walls.
Criven the direction that the Planning Commission is leaning witl� xegard to the project, Vice Chauman
Kirkpatrick asked for comments from the applicant.
-- Lori Wheeler, 38 Portuguese Bend Road addressed the Planning Commission ta furkher explain the
proposal and why it is proposed as it is.
Following brief discussion, the P�anning CoFnmission asked the applicant to revise the proposal to
address the concerns raised regarding the size and configuration of the swimming pool building pad. The
public hearing was continued.
Minutes-
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
as-2o-1� - 3 -
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
ZONING CASE NO. 922, Request for a Si#e Plan Review ta construct a new approxirnately
4,$59 square foot residenc� and 1,232 square foot garage, a 560 square foot swimming pool and
spa, with additional amenities such as a gatehouse and outdoor covered kitchen; and Canditianal
Use Permit for an approximately 688 square foot guest house. The applicant is also requesting a
Variance to allow for partial construction in the front yard area. The subject property is located a�
0 Poppy Trail{Lot 90-B1-RH}Rolling Hills, CA, (Serpa). The project has been determined to be
categorically exempt (Class 3) pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
Guidelines.
Vice Chairman Kirkpatrick introduced the item and asked for stai�s comrnents. Assistant Planner
Stewart reviewed the history on this vacant lot located at 0 Poppy Trail stating that it was originally one
lot that suffered a landslide in 2005, and as a result of the landslide remediation; two vacant lots were
created for future development. She reviewed the applicant's request to construct a new residence,
garage, guesthouse, pool and other outdoor amenities in Zoning Case No. 922 sta.ting that everything
proposed is new constructian. She further re�iewed the variance being requested ta allow far partial
construction in the front yard area due to the unique configuration of the lot. She noted that one ofiher
variance may need to be requested for the disturbance because the disturbance was approved at 65%
during the development of the lot, but he applicant's representatives estimated that the disturbance was
actually at 78-79%. She commented that since the applicant is not working outside the existing
disturbance, staff is working on resolving why there is a difference and will report back to the Planning
Commission at the nex� meeting. She further commented that this issue may alsa affect the required
environmental review and staff will advise the Planning Commission as to that matter at the next
meeting as well.
Vice Chairman Kirkpatrick called for public comment.
Tavisha Ales, Bolton Engineering addressed the Planning Commission to further explain the difference
in the disturbance.
Hearing no further comments from the public, Vice Chairman Kirkpatrick asked for comments from the
P�anning Commission.
Following discussion, Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to
prepare a draft Resolutian granting approval of the app�icant's request in Zoning Case No. 922 at 0
Poppy Txial wi�h the standard fmdings of fact and conditions of appraval for consideration at the next
Planning Commission meeting subject to a site visit to the property and pro�ided that the issues raised
regarding the disturbance of tl�e lot and the required environmenta.l review are resolved. Commissioner
Seaburn seconded the motion which carried without objection.
SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS
The Planning Commission scheduled a field trip to t1�e following properties to be held on Tuesday, July
l8, 2017 beginning at 7:30 a.m.
0 Poppy Trail
7 Portuguese Bend Road
6 Meadowlark Lane
OLD BUSINESS
None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
None.
ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
None.
Minutes -
Planning Commission Regular Meeting
06-20-17 -4 -
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no further business before the Planning Commission, Vice Chairman Kirkpatrick adjourned the
meeting at 7:28 p.m. to an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled to be held
on Tuesday, Ju�y 18, 2017 beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting a site vxsit to 0 Poppy
Trail, 7 Poriuguese Bend Road and 6 Meadowlark Lane. The next regular meeting of the Planning
Commission is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, ruly 1 S, 2017 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the Ciiy
Council Chamber, Rolling Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road,Rolling Hills, California.
Respectf�aily submitted,
_ - �
, ; ' ;.
«�� � � s
Heidi Luce
City Clerk
Approved,
Brad Che�f
Chairman
Minutes T
Planning Comrnission Regular Meeting
06-20-17 -5 -