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09-25-18.pdf MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS SEPTEMBER 25, 201 S 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 6:31 p.m. on Tuesday, September, 25, 2018 in the City Council Chamber, at City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Cardenas, Cooley,Kirkpatrick, Seaburn, and Chairman Chelf. Commissioners Absent: None. Others Present: Elaine Jeng, P.E., City Manager. Yolanta Schwartz,Planning Director. Jane Abzug, Assistant City Attorney. Julia Stewart, Senior Planner. Yvette Hall, City Clerk. Karla Rangel, Administrative Clerk APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA Approved as presented. PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA None. APPROVAL OF MINUTES August 21, 2018 Adjourned Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on August 21, 2018. Commissioner Seaburn seconded the motion, which carried without objection. August 21, 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 August 21, 2018. Commissioner Cardenas seconded the motion,which carried without objection. RESOLUTIONS RESOLUTION NO. 2018-12. A RESOLUTION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF ° THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS GRANTING APPROVAL FOR A CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO CONVERT AN EXISTING 1,560 SQUARE FOOT STABLE TO A MIXED-USE STRUCTURE (RECREATION ROOM AND STORAGE); AND VARIANCES FOR MULTIPLE ENCROACHMENTS OF STRUCTURES INTO THE FRONT YARD SETBACI� AREA IN ZONING CASE NO. 939 AT 9 JOHNS CANYON ROAD, LOT 170-A-1-MS, (DAVID STONE). Minutes Planning Commission Meeting o9-zs-is 1 of 5 Chairman Chelf introduced the Item. Senior Planner Stewart stated that the project in Zoning Case No. 939 at 9 Johns Canyon Road includes a Site Plan Review, Conditional Use Permit and Variances for an addition to the house, an as built legalization that was previously done, a change from a stable to a mixed used recreational room and storage space, demolition of a pool and flat work area and variances that go along with it. She indicated that the addition is 385 square feet. She showed the encroachment for the addition, and she stated that there is an approximate 350 square feet encroachment from the mixed used structure. She also showed the as built addition, and the structure that was converted. She indicated that the mixed use consists of 800 square feet recreation room, and 760 square feet storage area. She stated that the loft from the previous stable will remain but the staircase to it will be removed, and that was included as a special condition of approval within the Resolution. Senior Planner Stewart indicated that there were no public inquiries regarding this project. She stated that the project is categorically exempt, and that the findings for the Resolution are identified in the staff report. Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Hearing none,he closed the public comment segment. Vice Chair Kirkpatrick indicated that he deliberated on the project the first time the project was presented to the PC; however, he did not attend the field trip. Vice Chair Kirkpatrick stated that he would abstain from voting on the project based on this reason. Planning Director Schwartz stated that standard Condition Q, pertaining to keeping perimeter easements clear, was removed from the Resolution based on direction from the City Council at their last meeting. She stated that the City Council determined that.matters related to easements fall under the purview of the Rolling Hills Homeowners Association. Assistant City Attorney Abzug stated that one Councilmember raised this issue and that her office is researching the matter. Commissioner Cardenas moved to approve the Resolution as presented in Zoning Case No. 939 at 9 Johns Canyon Road, excluding Condition Q of the Resolution. Commissioner Cooley seconded the motion, which carried without objection. (Kirkpatrick abstained) PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM A PREVIOUS MEETING ZONING CASE NO. 946, REQUEST FOR A SITE PLAN REVIEW AND VARIANCES TO ALLOW A RESIDENTIAL ADDITION AND REMODEL, A NEW PORTE COCHERE, A NEW ELEVATED DECK, AND WAIVING THE REQUIREMENT FOR A STABLE AND CORRAL SET ASIDE AREA. NO GRADING IS PROPOSED FOR THE PROJECT. THE SUBJECT PROPERTY IS LOCATED AT 2 EL CONCHO LANE (LOT 7-GF) ROLLING HILLS, CA, (BOOS/PATTERSON). Chairman Chelf introduced the item. Senior Planner Stewart stated that the project in Zoning Case No. 946 at 2 El Concho Lane consists of a residential addition and remodel, porte cochere, entryway, and outdoor deck. Senior Planner Stewart indicated that Variances are required for the construction. She reviewed the site plan and indicated that it requires a Site Plan review and Variances. Senior Planner Stewart stated that the Site Plan review involves a 685 square foot residential addition and remodel of the existing residence. She indicated that the existing residence is 2,708 square feet, the porte cochere is 290 square feet, the new entryway will be smaller than the existing one, and that there will be a new raised deck of 190 square feet. She stated that the raised deck is located in the rear of the addition. She reviewed the site plan and stated that the variances are for the front yard setback encroachment and the side yard set back, for the deck. She indicated that the applicant has requested waving of the set aside area for a stable and corral. Senior Planner Stewart stated that at the last meeting, the Planning Commission requested some additional information regarding the topography of the site. She reviewed the topography of the site. She indicated that there is a trail and what is thought to be a blue line stream on the site. She stated that the concern is that there will be extensive grading required in order to put a stable and corral area on the lower rear portion of the site. She sta.ted that there is difficulty with access, because it cannot be accessed off the trail without bridging over the stream and to access the area from the upper portion of the location would require a lot of grading. Senior Planner Stewart indicated that the applicant is proposing a contingency should the Plazuling Commission deny the waiver, so they are proposing that they place their set aside area to the front of the property. Senior Planner Stewart stated that this option would also require a variance, because it is to be placed in the front yaxd area and the front yard set back. She stated that the concern is that it slightly exceeds the 35-foot minimum distance to a residence and there is also concern with noise and odor. She indicated that there is also concern with visual issues and noise for the horses from the vehicles passing by. Minutes Planning Commission Meeting 09-25-18 2 of 5 Senior Planner Stewart stated that the coverage for the site is well within the allowable limits of the code. She indicated that they are over the disturbance, but it is existing legal non-conforming and there is no grading proposed. She indicated that there was written and verbal communication in support of the project. She stated that the individual who wrote and phoned in support for the project is very excited that the house is being improved. Senior Planner Stewart stated that the project is categorically exempt, and that the findings for the Resolution axe identified in the staff report. Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Hearing none, he closed the public comment segment. Commissioner Cardenas commented that he has no issue and agrees with the back steps in the set back, and the front yard set back for the porte cochere. He stated that he was apposed to removing the requirement for a stable set aside, but after looking at it today and the fact that it would require a --- variance for the set aside to be in the front yaxd or a variance for additional grading for the barn to be at the bottom of the hill he is no longer apposed to waving the requirement. Commissioner Cooley commented that she echoes Commissioner Cardenas' thoughts. She commented that with this being her first project where there was a request to waive a stable set aside, she was curious as to the criteria for it. She commented that going out to the field today was very helpful. She stated that there is clearly very difficult access without going into the easements on either side. She stated that to have the owner justify a set aside of an area that they don't plan to build on seems too burdensome, so she agrees with Commissioner Cardenas. Commissioner Seaburn commented that putting a barn right next to the neighbor wouldn't be fair to the neighbor in the future if somebody did build on that property, so it just doesn't seem like the right thing to do. Vice Chair Kirkpatrick commented that he agrees and that this is his third or fourth time that he has been involved where applicants remove the barn from the future plans, just because it doesn't make sense and it is all individual. He stated this is one that fits that framework. Chair Chelf commented that it is important to note that the Planning Commission does not take it lightly by waving the possibility to try and figure out a place to put a barn and a corral on the site. He stated that the PC has only done it a few times. He stated that after going out and looking at the site � today one can get a sense of how difficult it would be to get supplies down to the site without using special equipment. Commissioner Seaburn moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 946 at 2 El Concho Lane. Commissioner Cooley seconded the motion,which carried without objection. ZONING CASE NO. 947, REQUEST FOR A SITE PLAN REVIEW, CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT, AND VARIANCES TO ALLOW GR.ADING AND WALLS GREATER THAN 36" IN HEIGHT, A 5,000 SQUARE FOOT RIDING R1NG, ENCROACHMENTS INTO THE FRONT AND SIDE YARD SETBACK AREAS, AND AN IMPORT OF DIRT AT 34 SADDLEBACK ROAD (LOT 102-RH) ROLLING HILLS, CA, (DELGADO). Chair Chelf introduced the item. Senior Planner Stewart stated that the Planning Commission visited the site, for Zoning Case No. 947 at 34 Saddleback Road, earlier in the day. She stated that it is 5,000 square foot riding ring that includes two walls, grading, and dirt import. She stated that it requires Site Review, Conditional use permit, and Variances. She explained that the project was part of a larger project initially that included a corral and stable, and a riding ring and at that time the Planning Commission recommended to the owner that they put the riding ring in front. The stable and corral were constructed, but the riding ring was never constructed and the approval expired, so they came back with a new project rather than a modification to the previously approved project. She stated that the applicant confirmed that the maximum height for the tallest portion of both the retaining walls is 3 ..._ feet and 9 inches and it tapers down from there. She pointed out on the slide where the cut and fill are and the wall, as seen in the field. She stated that because it is a riding ring it requires a conditional use permit and the two walls are included in the variances and the ring itself encroaches into the front yard set back by 30 feet and then one of the walls encroaches into the side set back. The ring is also located in front of the leading edge of the residence and they are increasing the disturbance from 68.$ to 71.4%, which requires a variance, she stated that the lot coverage remains unchanged. The overall grading is 671 cubic yards and it does require an import of dirt so that is a discretionary action for the Planning Commission as well. She also said that we did not receive any inquires on this particulax site, and the project is categorically exempt from CEQA. Minutes Planning Commission Meeting 09-25-18 3 of 5 Commissioner Cardenas asked if the three-rail fence, on the high side, is going to be inside the wall or on top of the wall. Eddy Delgado; owner stated that the fence would be inside the wa11. Chairman Chelf called for public comment. Hearing none, he closed the public comment segment. In response to Commissioner Cooley Senior Planner Stewart stated that the import of dirt would be the same for 3'9"wall as it was proposed previously with 5' walls. The owner confirmed. Discussion ensued regarding the wall, and it was confirmed by the civil engineer that there is a separation between the wall and the three-rail fence where it could be planted. Commissioner Seaburn commented that his only concern with the wall was the possibility that it would be visible, but he feels comfortable with it now that is going to be lower than what was originally proposed. He stated that this is a great use of a variance, because having the ring out front supports what the neighborhood was intended to be. Vice Chair Kirkpatrick stated that he agreed with Commissioner Seaburn. Commissioner Cardenas moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to prepare a Resolution granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 947 at 34 Saddleback Road. Commissioner Cooley seconded the motion, which carried without objection. NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS None. OLD BUSINESS None. NEW BUSINESS Chair Chelf introduced the request for time extension to commence construction at 10 Bowie Road. Planning Director Schwartz briefly described the history of the property. She stated that the properiy owner is requesting a time extension to commence construction. She stated that the owner of the property is currently in plan check. She explained that the property owner experienced some delays due to the health department in regards to their septic tanks. She stated that the code allows for up to two years extension, but the owner is only asking for one year. She explained that the owner is very close to requesting a permit and that the owner would like to get the project started before the rainy season. Commissioner Cooley commented that, as a neighbor, she would like to see the project get completed. Commissioner Seaburn moved that the Planning Commission grant approval of the applicant's request for a time extension for 10 Bowie Road. Commissioner Cardenas seconded the motion, which carried without objection. SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS The Planning Commission scheduled a field trip to the following property to be conducted on Tuesday, October 23,2018 beginning at 7:30 a.m. 26 Middleridge Lane South ITEMS FROM STAFF Discussion: office trailers and storage trailers/containers during construction Planning Director Schwartz briefly explained the existing code and current practices for allowing office trailers and storage trailers/containers. Minutes Planning Commission Meeting 09-25-18 4 of 5 She suggested that the Planning Commission a11ow for a policy, and develop criteria, or code amendment to regulate office trailers and storage trailers/containers. She explained that currently there is no regulation on how many containers may be stored on a construction site. She explained that she contacted neighboring cities to find out what regulations they have in regards to containers/trailers. She explained her fmdings and she made some recommendations for possible policies including how long should a POD container be allowed on the property for homeowners to pack when moving and/or having work done on the inside of their homes. In response to Planning Director Schwartz, Commissioner Chelf commented that he thinks allowing for two to three containers is too many. He commented that the containers should be limited. Chair Chelf commented that property owners should be required to renew their permits for containers every six months after initial approval. He commented that landscaping, to conceal the containers, should also be a part of the requirements. He stated that it would be best to place the containers in the side yard or in the backyard, so they are not visible from the street. He stated there should be size restrictions on the containers. He commented that staff could extend the time for temporary containers on a case-by-case basis. Chair Chelf also stated that criteria or policy for construction fencing should be included in the discussion and a policy developed. Following discussion, by consensus the Planning Commission directed staff to draft standards of conditions and policy guidelines for office trailers and storage trailers/containers during construction as follows: 1) Office Trailers — Allow one office trailer for six months and have the contractor resubmit a request to keep it every six months; Location to be determined by staff; 2) Storage/Cargo containers for construction materials and equipment—No more than one 8' wide x 40' long storage container during active building permit time for six months and have the contractor resubmit a request to keep it every six months; 3) PODS and similar temporary storage units — Allowed to be located in driveways for no rnore than a week; 4) Add Construction Fence policy; 5) Add Exception Criteria to be approved at City staff's discretion; 6) No construction trailers and/or storage/cargo containers allowed in setbacks; and 7)Bring this matter back to a future meeting for further discussion. Schedule December Planning Commission meeting Senior Planner Stewart stated that due to holidays and non-availability of several Commissioners, staff would like to change the December meeting date. By consensus, the Planning Commission directed staff to bring this matter back to the next meeting for further discussion. ITEMS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION None. ADJOURNMENT Hearing no further business before the Commission, Chairman Chelf adjourned the meeting at 7:42 p.m. to an adjourned regular meeting of the Planning Commission scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 23, 2018 beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting a field trip to 26 Middleridge Lane South. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, October 23, 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, I i' ,� `� �/'�t� '' �� __._._ ._,-- r' , Karla Rangel `` Administrative Clerk Approved, ��, ., �� � � � �f` �,�``���� ,�' Brad Chelf Chairman Minutes Planning Commission Meeting o9-2s-1s 5 of5 `�; ,�� :d:::::+,.�