04-17-18.pdf REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
6:30 PM
TUESDAY,APRIL 17, 2018
ROLLING HILLS CITY HALL
2 PORTUGUESE BEND ROAD,ROLLING HILLS, CA 90274
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 6:37 p.m. on Tuesday, April 17, 2018 in the City Council Chamber, at Ciry Hall, 2
Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Cooley, Seaburn and Chairman Chelf.
Commissioners Absent: Kirkpatrick.
Cardenas.
Others Present: Yolanta Schwartz, Interim City Manager.
Jane Abzug,Assistant City Attorney.
Julia Stewart, Acting Planning Director.
Yvette Hall, City Clerk.
Tavisha Ales, Bolton Engineering.
Rumel Itchon, 36 Portuguese Bend.
Joseph Johnson, 1 Ranchero Road.
John Mackenbach, 56 Portuguese Bend Road.
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Approved as presented.
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
March 21, 2018, Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission
Commissioner Seaburn moved that the Planning Commission (PC) approve the minutes of the
Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission held on March 21, 2018 as presented.
Commissioner Cooley seconded the motion, which carried without objection (Kirkpatrick and
Cardenas absent).
OLD BUSINESS
None.
RESOLUTIONS
None.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM A PREUIOUS MEETING
None.
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Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting
04-17-18
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
ZONING CASE NO. 940. Request for Site Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit, and
Variance to construct a new approximately 1,325 square foot detached garage, to be
located in the front yard, with.some grading, to exceed the maximum disturbance
allowed at 38 Portuguese Bend Road (Lot 118-RH) Rolling Hills, CA, (Steve and Lori
Wheeler).
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Acting Planning Director Stewart
introduced Contract Planner John Signo and indicated that he would be temporarily assisting the
Planning Department. Acting Planning Director Stewart reviewed the applicant's request at 38
Portuguese Bend Road. She stated that the project is a conversion of an existing garage, residential
remodel and a new detached garage, which requires a Site Plan Review, a Conditional Use Permit and
Variances. She reviewed the plans for the driveway, new proposed garage and other improvements
including stairs, hardscape and a previously approved covered patio, pool and pool house. Acting
Planning Director Stewart indicated that the project requires a Site Plan Review that includes
conversion of the existing 761 square foot garage. She stated that the applicant is proposing to install a
30 square foot addition on the front of the existing garage for a farade improvement and a 75 square
foot addition that will connect the currently deta.ched existing garage to the e�sting residence. She
stated the applicant is also proposing an attached covered porch that will be placed in front of the
entryway of the residence. Acting Planning Director Stewart reviewed the grading plan for the project
and indicated that it falls under a Site Plan Review. She indicated that the maximum out of grade wall
surrounding the garage will be two and a half(2'/2) feet in height. She reviewed a photograph of the
proposed covered entryway and the proposed additions to the garage that the applicant will make into a
gym. Acting Planning Director Stewart stated the project also requires a Conditional Use Permit for
the new detached garage, which is 1,325 square feet,with an open floor plan and is one story. She
stated the maximum ridgeline of the garage is 15 feet high with the side sections of the garage where
the storage is located being 13 feet high. She stated the project also requires two variances because the
project is located in the front yard area. Acting Planning Director Stewart explained that the zoning
code requires a variance whenever there is any structuxe located in the front yard area, which is
between the leading edge of the house and where the roadway easement is located. She indicated that
the front setback line curvature follows the alignment of the roadway easement. She stated the project
is also over the 40% maximum disturbance as the project is appro�mately 42%. She noted that other
than the disturbance exceeding 40%, the lot coverage and the grading for the project falls within all of
the coverage allowances in the code. Acting Planning Director Stewart also noted that the project had
two illegal nonconforming conditions on the property, one of which consisted of a hardscape that was
previously reviewed as a code enforcement case by the PC and approved. She explained the second
code enforcement matter was a pool pad that was enlarged illegally. She further explained that the
pool hardscape is not complete and that the pool pad has not been remediated back to its approved size;
therefore, it is the intention of staff to ensure that these illegal conditions are resolved prior to any sign
off for future development, including the new garage. She stated that this was based on a request from
the City Council that there not be illegal conditions on properties when future permits are signed off.
She reported that one neighbor inquired if screening would be provided for the garage and project.
Acting Planning Director Stewart stated that the project is categorically exempt pursuant to the
California Environmental Quality Act(CEQA).
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Rumel Itchon, 36 Portuguese Bend, commented that he is a neighbor to the applicant and has no issues
with the project. Mr. Itchon stated that there has been a.lot of construction on the property that has
taken a long time. He requested that the amount of dust coming from the project be minimized as it
blows onto his property.
Tavisha Ales, Bolton Engineering, commented that the staking of the project will address any
questions the PC has. Ms. Ales stated that they are required, as part of the erosion control plan, to
comply with dust monitoring and errant piles of dirt.
Chairman Chelf closed public comments.
Following public comment and discussion, the Planning Commission, by consensus, continued Zoning
Case No. 940 at 38 Portuguese Bend Road to a field trip meeting (Kirkpatrick and Cardenas absent).
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Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting
04-17-18
ZONING CASE NO. 941. Request for a Lot Line adjustment to merge two properties,
making a combined 2.49 gross acre single lot, at 51 Portuguese Bend Road (Lot 7-FT)
and 1 Ranchero Road (Lot 6-FT) Rolling Hills, CA, (Joseph and Erna Johnson).
Chairman Chelf introduced the item and asked for staff's comments. Acting Planning Director Stewart
reviewed the applicant's request for a Lot Line Adjustment to allow for a merger at 51 Portuguese
Bend Road and 1 Ranchero Road. Acting Planning Director Stewart stated that the property is located
on the southern side of the City in the Flying Triangle tract. She stated that this proposed adjustment is
a merger between both properties for a total property of 2.49 gross acres. She reviewed the original
survey of record showing the two individual lots. She explained that a lot line adjustment also fa11s
under a Site Plan Review and this is what makes them discretionary; therefore, the review is both a
Site Plan Review and a Lot Line Adjustment. Acting Planner Director Stewart indicated that the
applicant merged the two properties with the Los Angeles County Assessors (Assessors) Office in
October of 2017 and then requested a similar merger with the City. She stated that the City is not
obligated to merge the lots if they do meet the criteria; however, the lots are merged in the Assessors
Office records. She stated that the applicant also received approval from the Rolling Hills Communiry
Association to vacate easements that existed between the two lots that would have divided the lots.
She indicated the vacation of easements has been completed but not yet recorded. She indicated the
property, as previously stated, is located in the Flying Triangle area of the City and that 51 Portuguese
Bend Road was improved previously with a residence; however, the residence was destroyed in 1987
by an active landslide. Acting Planning Director Stewart discussed indemnification language provided
by the City Attorney to be added to any proposals for development of this site or other sites in the
Flying Triangle axea that address the concerns of the City. She further stated that there is a fairly
extensive process for consideration of a future development through the Los Angeles County Building
Department to address soil stability, or based on previous development of these lots and other elements
such as square footage that are proposed. She indicated that these items would not be addressed under
the City's process, as the City is not authorized to condition the lot line adjustment. She explained that
the City's review is based on whether or not the project meets the criteria for merging the two lots and
that any development conditions would be included under a future application. She stated that no
comments were received from the surrounding residents. Acting Planning Director Stewart stated that
the project is categorically exempt pursuant to CEQA.
In response to Chairman Chelf's question, Acting Planning Director Stewart stated that any proposed
development is based on the assessment of soil stability and type of project that is being proposed due
to the active landslide and there is no moratorium on development in the Flying Triangle area.
In response to Chairman Chelf's question, Acting Planning Director Stewart explained that the
property that was formerly 51 Portuguese Bend Road is vacant; therefore, by merging the two lots it
does create more opportunity for development because it is now a single lot with a residence. She
stated that when there is a vacant lot, a residence must be built prior to any other development on the
lot because residential land use has to be the primary land use and a11 other structures will be
secondary.
Chairman Chelf called for public comment.
Joseph Johnson, 1 Ranchero Road, commented that he is the owner of the project and plans on
building the equivalent to a three-car garage and workshop on the lower section of the property
consisting of concrete. Mr. Johnson further stated that he would like to move his horses from an
outside stable to his property in Rolling Hills and needs a place to store his tractor and truck.
John Mackenbach, 56 Portuguese Bend Road, commented that he is a neighbor of Mr. Johnson's and
expressed support of the project. Mr. Mackenbach feels that any improvements made by Mr. Johnson
will be an asset to the City.
Chairman Chelf closed public comments.
Following public comment and discussion, the Planning Commission, by consensus, continued Zoning
Case No. 941 at 51 Portuguese Bend Road and 1 Ranchero Road to a field trip meeting (Kirkpatrick
and Cardenas absent).
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Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting
04-17-18
NEW BUSINESS
None.
SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS (MAY 15, 2018�
The Planning Commission scheduled a field trip to the following properties to be held on May 15,
2018 beginning at 7:30 a.m.:
1 Ranchero Road
38 Portuguese Bend Road
3 Poppy Trail
ITEMS FROM STAFF �
Direction to include condition(s) in resolutions of approval regarding the location and
use of storage containers and office trailers on construction sites, (ORAL).
Interim City Manager Schwartz presented an oral report for the Planning Commission's discussion on
whether to include conditions in Resolutions of Approval regarding the location and use of storage
containers and office trailers on construction sites. Interim City Manager Schwartz provided the
background on the topic and indicated that the City is receiving more requests for storage containers
for construction projects. She stated there have been some issues in the City with regard to storage
containers and office trailers during construction. She indicated that she prefers not to amend the
City's code as this is a unique situation and would not be applicable to all residents. She suggested
that a standard condition of approval be added to the Resolution of Approval.
Commissioner Seaburn commented if adding a condition of approval limiting storage containers was
practical. He felt that limiting a construction project to one storage container or office trailer is not
enough for a large project.
Chairman Chelf commented that some houses take years to build and, as a result, will have temporary
trailers and sheds.
Coinmissioner Seaburn suggested not designating an arbitrary figure.
Interim City Manager Schwartz suggested that each request be taken on a case-by-case basis.
Commissioner Cooley commented that she is not clear on the function of containers such as "'PODs"
and asked if any complaints have been received.
Interim City Manager Schwartz confirmed that a complaint was received regarding a large storage
container.
Commissioner Seaburn recommended that two containers and one office trailer be allowed on
construction sites.
Discussion followed concerning the time limit that storage containers are allowed to remain on a
property.
Following discussion, the Planning Commission, by consensus, directed staff to bring back the topic
for discussion at a future meeting with the fu11 Planning Commission (Kirkpatrick and Cardenas
absent). No action was taken.
ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION
None.
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Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting
04-17-18
ADJOURNMENT
Hearing no fiuther business before the Planning Commission, Chairman Chelf adjourned the meeting
at 7:07 p.m. to an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled to be held on
Tuesday, May 15, 2018 beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting a site visit to 1 Ranchero
Road, 38 Portuguese Bend Road and 3 Poppy Trail. The next regular meeting of the Planning
Commission is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 15, 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,
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Yvette Ha11
, City Clerk
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Minutes
Planning Commission Meeting
04-17-18