02-20-18 M1N[JTES OF A
REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING CONIMISSION
OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
FEBRUARY 20, 2018
CALL MEETING TO ORDER
A regular meeting of the Planning Commission of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by
Chairman Chelf at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, February 20, 2018 in the City Council Chamber, at City
Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Cardenas, Cooley, Seaburn and Chairman Chelf.
Commissioners Absent: Kirkpatrick.
Others Present: Yolanta Schwartz, Interim City Manager.
Julia Stewart, Interim Planning Director.
Jane Abzeg, Assistant City Attorney.
Yvette Hall, City Clerk.
Leah Mirsch, 4 Cinchring Road.
John Resich, 8 Outrider Road.
Daniel Rentsch, Belzberg Architects.
Gary Wynn, Wynn Engineering, Inc.
Jill Smith, Stable Ad Hoc Committee.
Jack Smith, Stable Ad Hoc Committee.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON NIINUTES AND ANY ITEM_NOT.ON THE AGENDA
John Resich, 8 Outrider Road, expressed concern with the length of time it has taken to complete a
residence on Eastfield Drive that backs up to Outrider Road. Mr. Resich commented on various
concerns related to construction at the subject property including debris, dirt, traffic, infi-ingement and
encroachment on trails and easements, and disturbance.
In response to Chairman Chelf's inquiry on this matter, Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that a
report on the status of the subject project could be provided at the next Planning Commission (PC)
meeting.
Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to agendize a project update
on 40 Eastfield Drive to the March 20, 2018 Planning Commission meeting. Commissioner Seaburn
seconded the motion. By consensus, the motion carried without objection(Kirkpatrick absent).
APPROVAL OF MINIJTES
January 16, 2018 Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Seaburn moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the regular
meeting of the Planning Commission held on January 16, 2018 as presented. Commissioner Cardenas
seconded the motion, which carried without objection (Kirkpatrick absent).
January 16, 2018 Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Cooley moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the adjourned
regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on January 16, 2018 as presented. Commissioner
Seaburn seconded the motion,which carried without objection(Kirkpatrick absent).
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RESOLUTIONS
RESOLUTION NO. 2018-02. RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW AND
VARIANCE TO LEGALIZE AND RETAIN PREVIOUSLY GRADED PATH AT THE
REAR OF THE PROPERTY AND TO EXCEED THE MAXIMITM PERMITTED
DISTURBANCE OF THE LOT IN ZONING CASE NO. 935, 1 MIDDLERIDGE LANE
NORTH (LOT 15, 16, 17-MR), ROLLING HILLS, CA. (CIPOLLA). THE PROJECT IS
CATEGORICALLY EXEMPT PURSUANT TO THE CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL
QUALITY ACT(CEQA) GUIDELINES, SECTION 15303.
Commissioner Cardenas recused himself from consideration of Zoning Case No. 935 at 1 Middleridge
Lane North due to the proximity of his residence.
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Interim City Manager Schwartz
reviewed the applicant's request for a Site Plan Review to legalize a previously graded path, consisting
of 15,250 square feet, which resulted in a code enforcement matter. She stated that the PC requested
that a Resolution of Approval be prepared with conditions. She explained one condition was to
prepare a landscaping plan below the path up to the 3-rail fence and above the path, up to the 3-rail
fence. She reviewed the proposed landscaping plan.. She indicated that there is a ten foot easement
line and a 3-rail fence which the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA) approved. Interirn
City Manager Schwartz stated that staff feels that the proposed landscaping is adequate. She reviewed
the additional conditions as follows: 1) Applicant must deposit a financial obligation with the City for
the cost of the proposed landscaping; 2) Animals are to be kept in corrals; 3) The landscaping is to be
completed within six months; and 4) Commencement of a winterization/erosion control plan.
Chairman Chelf indicated that he received comments from the neighbors that there is a lot of debris on
the property.
Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that the PC could add a condition to the Resolution, for
example, that states that within two weeks of approval of the Resolution, the applicant must clean up
the site of all debris.
Chairman Chelf requested that all construction debris and flags be removed from the site within two
weeks of approval of the Resolution. There were no objections from the PC.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Hearing none, he closed public comments.
Following discussion, Commissioner Seaburn moved that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution
2018-02 granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case 935 at 1 Middleridge Lane North
and to include an amendment to add a condition to the Resolution that all debris and construction
material be removed within two weeks of the adoption of the Resolution. Commissioner Cooley
seconded the motion, which carried without objection (Cardenas recused, Kirkpatrick absent).
Commissioner Cardenas returned to the dais at this time.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING
ZONING CASE NO. 934-REVISED LOCATION. Request for a Site Plan Review and
Conditional Use Permit to construct a detached 2,210 square foot mixed use structure including
a garage and grading of 779 cubic yards of dirt for the structure at 8 Crest Road East, (Lot
192-A-2-MS), Rolling Hills, CA, (John Tu). Currently the property is being developed with a
new single-family residence and accessory amenities. The project has been determined to be
categorically exempt pursuant to the California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA).
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Interim City Manager Schwartz
indicated that this item is a public hearing regarding a request to construct a 2,210 square foot mixed
use structure at 8 Crest Road East consisting of a garage and storage area in the rear. She stated that at
the field visit the PC provided direction to the applicant to relocate the structure and lower it to reduce
the visibility from Georgeff Road. She indicated that the applicants did move the structure
approximately 30 feet and tucked it into the hillside. Interim City Manager Schwartz stated the
applicants are also proposing to install additional landscaping to screen the structure from Georgeff
Road. She noted that the PC requested additional landscaping of the stxucture. Interim City Manager
Schwartz stated that the applicant this evening will present changes they made to the landscaping and
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to the structure that were submitted after the staff report was completed. She stated the height of the
mixed use structure will be 19 feet and one inch and that additional trees are proposed. She reviewed
the elevation and monitor roof. She indicated that the property is in a R2 Zone, is a large lot consisting
of 5 acres and that all development standards are within the zoning code. She noted that a Variance
was previously granted for this project for the disturbance of the lot. Interim City Manager Schwartz
indicated that correspondence was received from the surrounding neighbors indicating support of the
proposed project and thanking the PC for their efforts on the placement of the mixed use structure.
Chairman Chelf opened the public hearing.
Dan Rentsch, Belzberg Architects, showed landscaping plans to the PC, made a PowerPoint
presentation, and spoke on the following items: 1) New trees were added to block the view from
Georgeff Road; 2) The structure was moved directly up the hill from where it was before; 3) The
structure was moved up 31 feet and the applicant's kept the same ridge height; 4) The structure was
sunken into the ground more than it was before; and 5) In the earlier sketch that was provided to the
PC there was a small retaining wall; however, Mr. Rentsch believes this wall can be avoided by
adjusting some of the contours. Mr. Rentsch concluded that the only change in the structure between
the previous submittal and the current submittal is the addition of the stairs on the side because they are
sinking the structure into the ground so much that clearance is needed for the eave on the south side.
Commissioner Seaburn commented on the project being sunken into the ground.
Commissioner Cardenas asked for the measurement of the cut on the hillside.
Mr. Rentsch stated that the cut is approximately three feet.
Commissioner Seaburn expressed concern with walls being built.
Mr. Rentsch responded that the walls are attached to the structure to allow for space that is needed for
access around it.
In response to Chairman Chelf's question, Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that the walls on the
stairs are allowed and are not in the setback.
In response to Commissioner Seaburn's question, Interim City Manager Schwartz stated that no other
comments were received this evening aside from resident Clint Patterson's letter.
Chairman Chelf commented that the landscape plan does not appear to provide adequate shielding for
Georgeff Road and would like to see more trees.
Mr. Rentsch indicated that the tree canopies on the landscape plan are not representational of the actual
tree canopies.
Chairman Chelf commented that he would like the updated landscape plan to be brought back to the
PC before final approval and thanked Mr. Rentsch for moving the structure and modifying the roofline.
Leah Mirsch, 4 Cinchring Road, thanked the PC for making their recommendations as the changes
make a difference on the overall project. She indicated that even though the structure is more visible,
she feels there is nothing wrong with seeing a beautiful barn and thanked the applicants for making the
changes for a better project.
Interim City Manager Schwartz clarified that the structure is not a barn but a mixed use structure that is
going to be used as a garage and storage area, but will look like a barn.
There being no further comments, Chairman Chelf closed the public hearing.
The Planning Commissioners each expressed support of the project.
Following public comment and discussion, Commissioner Seaburn moved that the Planning
Commission direct staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning
Case No. 934 at 8 Crest Road East with the standard findings of fact and conditions of approval with
an amendment to add a condition to the Resolution to include an updated landscape plan.
Commissioner Cardenas seconded the motion, which carried without objection(Kirkpatrick absent).
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ZONING CASE NO. 937. Request for a Variance to construct a new retaining wall with a
maximum height of up to 4 1/2 feet located within a setback area, and allow an as-built portion
of a riding arena located in the front yard setback. The request is related to two previous zoning
cases on the site and will allow for completio� of those approved projects. The subject property
is 11 Saddleback Road (Lot 48-1-RH 48-2=RH) Rolling Hills, CA, (Warren). 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 the item and asked for staff's comments. Acting Planning Director Stewart
stated that this was a request for two Variances at 11 Saddleback Road for a wall and dressage arena.
She indicated that both structures are located in setbacl� areas. She stated that because the property has
roadway easement frontage on three sides, this enlaxges the setback area, thus it is more likely that
structures would be located in the setback. She stated that the Variances are to allow completion of the
dressage arena which was part of a previous project. She stated that there was a proposed residence
remodel, swimming pool, stable, and arena that were.previously approved, including a retaining wall
that was in the rear setback just off the bridle trail. She explained that in the previous approval a
portion of the dressage arena was allowed in the front.yard area; however, at that time it was not
located in the setback. Acting Planning Director Stewart stated that the retaining wall that is proposed
is a maximum of four and a half feet high and the portion of the dressage arena that encroaches into the
setback is 700 square feet. She s#ated that the�PC visited the site this morning and a comment was
made concerning the rear portion of the dressage arena being visible without adequate screening. She
stated that that there were questions from the PC regarding any landscape that was proposed from the
previous approval. She reviewed the landscaping from the previous approval, most of which was to
provide ground cover for where the grading was done. She noted that there is no landscaping bond
from the previous approval and that if the PC ware to direct staff to prepaxe a Resolution of Approval,
they could include stipulations for any landscaping enhancement in the rear and for a landscaping
bond. Acting Planning Director Stewart stated that the project is categorically exempt from the
California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA).
Chairman Chelf opened the public hearing.
Gary Wynn, Wynn Engineering Inc., commented that his clients have been grading for nine months
which was discussed with the PC at the site visit. Mr. Wynn indicated there is a lot of vegetation
covering some of the slopes and that the rear retaining wall was eliminated.
There being no further comments, Chairman Chelf closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Seaburn stated that he would Iike to see the project covered up better with additional
landscaping but supports the project overall.
Chairman Chelf commented that the applicant should provide an updated landscape plan.
Commissioner Cardenas expressed support of the project; however, he stated that the applicant should
add additional trees around the backside of the arena.
Commissioner Cooley concurred with the aforementioned comments made by Commissioners Seaburn
and Cardenas.
Following public comment and discussion, "Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning
Commission direct staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning
Case 937 at 11 Saddleback Road with the standard findings of fact and conditions of approval with an
amendment to add a condition to the Resolution to include an updated landscaping plan for the
installation of mature trees on the west end of the arena. Commissioner Cooley seconded the motion,
which carried without objection(Kirkpatrick absent),
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
None.
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NEW BUSINESS
PRESENTATION AND DISCUSSION OF DRAFT EQUESTRIAN FACILITY
GUIDELINES FOR STABLE AND CORRAL CONSTRUCTION.
Acting Planning Director Stewart presented a summary of the draft Equestrian Facility Guidelines
(Guidelines) for Stable and Corral Construction as follows: 1) At the request of the City Council in
2016, a Stable Ad Hoc Committee (Committee) was formed consisting of two members of the PC and
three members of the Caballeros Club; 2) The Committee received input from the RHCA; 3) The
Committee reviewed industry standards and current issues within the City such as height; 4) The
Committee reviewed exceptional stable examples and attended a field visit to a stable site that they felt
was a good example of a healthy stable; 5) All of the information that was provided to the Committee
is provided in the Guideline appendices; and 6) The Committee came up with the 60/40 guideline
related to the size of the stable which states that the stable should only make up 40% of the total area
designated for equestrian uses and 60% for the corral area. Acting Planning Director Stewart reviewed
the recommended Guideline categories as follows: Location of stables; size of stables; size of corrals;
building design and materials; stable access; location of corrals; height of stables; non-equestrian uses
of stables; and stable and corral `set asides.' Acting Planning Director Stewart thanked the Committee
members for participating in the process.
Chairman Chelf thanked Acting Planning Director Stewart for her efforts and that the Committee came
up with great recommendations.
Commissioner Cooley thanked staff and the Committee members for creating a consolidated and
useful document.
Commissioner Cardenas commented that there was a lot of healthy discussion from the community and
he is happy with the outcome.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
John Resitch, 8 Outrider Road, commented that the Committee did a good job on drafting the
Guidelines; however, he feels that they did not address small lots and lots that are not flat which have
limited space. He expressed concern that a Conditional Use Permit (CUP)would have to be requested
for a small stable and that a CUP is an expensive and time consuming process. Mr. Resitch expressed
concern with the turnout requirement being 60% or greater and felt the Guidelines are not encouraging
residents to have horses.
Commissioner Cooley commented that it was not the PC's intention to require a turnout.
Acting Planning Director Stewart clarified that Mr. Resitch was using the terms corral and turnout
interchangeably.
Chairman Chelf responded that he feels the CUP process is not difficult.
Discussion ensued among the PC and staff regarding the CUP process, small lots and streamlining the
process.
Jill Smith, 10 Georgeff Road, commented that she has three horses and a small lot. Ms. Smith stated
that she is a member of the Committee that came up with the 60/40 percent ratio. She stated that the
Committee tried hard to draft guidelines that will encourage residents to have horses and to build
barns.
Jack Smith, 12 Johns Canyon, commented that he is the retired President of the Caballeros Club and a
Committee member. He thanked the PC for their efforts and expressed that he feels the guidelines are
great and much improved.
There being no further comments, Chairman Chelf closed the public hearing.
There was concurrence by the PC that the Committee did an excellent job and they expressed their
support of the Guidelines.
Commissioner Cooley inquired if a run-in-shed that is under 200 square feet would still be allowed and
if the zoning code needs to be amended.
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Assistant City Attorney Abzug commented that it would be useful to keep any proposed zoning
changes separate from the Guidelines.
Following public comment and discussion, Commissioner Seaburn moved that the Planning
Cornrnission forward the draft Equestrian Facility Guidelines for Stable and Corral Construction to the
City Council for their review and consideration at a future City Council Meeting. Chairman Chelf
seconded the motion,which carried without objection(Kirkpatrick absent).
SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS {March 20., 2018) �
The Planning Commission scheduled a field trip to the following property to be held on Tuesday,
March 20, 2018 beginning at 7:30 a.m.:
2910 Palos Verdes Drive N.
OLD BUSINESS: �
None.
ITEMS FROM STAFF
None.
ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING CONIMISSION
None.
ADJOURNMF,NT
Hearing no further business before the Planning Commission, Chairman Chelf adjourned the meeting
at 7:43 p.m. to an adjourned regular meeting of�the Planning Commission scheduled to be held on
Tuesday, March 20, 2018 beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting a site visit to 2910
Palos Verdes Drive North. The next regular meeting of-the Planning Commission is scheduled to be
held on Tuesday, March 20, 2018 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Rolling Hills
City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Respectfully submitted,
--�
Y ette Hal
City Clerk
__ ,
Approved, �' �' `
�, ��
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,..__,._ .. � __
Brad Cl�elf ��
Chairman
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