10-15-19PCMinutes REGULAR MEETING
OF THE PL• ING COMMISSION
CITY OF ROLLING HILLS
6:30 PM
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2019
ROLLING HILLS CITY HALL
2 PORTUGUESE BE RO• , 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 6:31 p.m. on Tuesday, October 15, 2019 in the City Council Chamber, at City
Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present: Cooley, Kirkpatrick, Seaburn, and Chairman Chelf
Commissioners Absent: Cardenas.
Others Present: Yolanta Schwartz, Planning Director
Meredith Elguira, Planning and Community Services Director
Todd Leishman, Assistant City Attorney
Yohana Coronel, City Clerk
Jay • uwalia,President, Storm Properties
Ty Bobit, 10 Buggy Whip Drive
Brain Tanimura, 12 Buggy ip Drive
Michael Strohe, DMHA Project Manager
APPROVAL OF THE AGENDA
Commissioner Cooley moved that the Planning Commission approve the agenda as presented.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion, which carried without objection (Cardenas
absent).
PUBLIC COMMENTS ON MINUTES AND ANY ITEM NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
September 17, 2019, 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 September 17, 2019 as presented.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion, which carried without objection (Cardenas
absent).
September 17, 2019, Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick moved that the Planning Commission approve the minutes of the
regular meeting of the Planning Commission held on September 17, 2019 as presented.
Commissioner Cooley seconded the motion,which carried without objection(Cardenas absent).
RESOLUTIONS
A. ' SOLUTION NO. 2019-14. A RESOLUTION OF THE PL• ING
COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF ROLLING HILLS G' • TING APPROVAL
OF A SITE PLAN REVIEW TO CONSTRUCT AN • :OVE G' • E DECK IN
ZONING CASE NO. 958 AT 3 ROUNDUP RO• (LOT 67-A-EF) ROLLING
HILLS, CA, (BOGDANOVICH).
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Planning Director Yolanta Schwartz gave a quick introduction of the new Planning and
Community Services Director, Meredith Elguira, City Clerk, Yohana Coronel and CSG
Consultants in the audience.
Planning Director Schwartz gave a brief overview of the proposed request. She stated that the
proposed 285 square foot deck is more than 12"above grade and requires a Site Plan Review. She
also stated that pursuant to the RHMC, decks twelve inches or more above natural grade require
Commission approval rather than staff administrative approval. She proceeded to recommend to
the Planning Commission to approve the resolution presented before them.
Chairman Chelf opened the item for public comment.
There were no public comments.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick moved that the Planning Commission adopt Resolution No. 2019-14
granting approval of the applicant's request in Zoning Case No. 958 at 3 Roundup Road as
presented. Commissioner Cooley seconded the motion, which carried by roll call vote as follows:
Commissioner vote yeas: Cooley, Kirkpatrick, and Chairman Chelf.
Commissioner vote nays: None.
Commissioner vote abstain: Seaburn.
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON ITEMS CONTINUED FROM PREVIOUS MEETING
ZONING CASE NO. 949 and 950.
A. ZC No. 949- Request for a Certificate of Compliance for Lot Line Adjustment
between four parcels of land located along Storm Hill Lane,Rolling Hills, CA, and
having Assessor's Parcel Numbers (APN) 7570-024-014, 7570-024-015, 7570-
024-016 and 7570-024-017 created by Parcel Map No. 26356. One parcel is
developed, (4 Storm Hill Lane) and 3 parcels are vacant, (Storm Properties, Inc.)
AND
B. ZC No. 950- Request for a Site Plan Review for grading of 2,800 cubic yards of
dirt to construct a road to access the vacant parcels, (Storm Properties, Inc.).
Pursuant to the authority and criteria contained in the California Environmental
Quality Act, (CEQA), an Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration evaluating
potential environmental impacts have been prepared.
Planning Director Schwartz explained the reason why Zoning Case No. 949 and Zoning Case No.
950 are being presented together but listed separately. She explained that each project outcome
depends on the other and therefore she felt that it should be presented concurrently. She proceeded
to explain to the Planning Commission that she will go over Zoning Case No. 949, the lot line
adjustment, and then Zoning Case No. 950 because each project must meet different requirements.
Planning Director Schwartz gave a quick overview of the proposed request. She pointed out that
the lot line adjustment application project is considered a minor lot line adjustment that will not
result in the creation of new parcels and is exempt from CEQA review.
She gave a background on the project and stated that in November 2000, the City Council,
following the Planning Commission's recommendation, approved a Tentative Parcel Map No.
26356 to subdivide two lots totaling 67.6 acres into four lots on Storm Hill Lane, which are the
subject of this application. One of the conditions of the Parcel Map required that the applicant
construct certain improvements prior to filing a Final Map, or enter into a secured agreement with
the City to complete the improvements and land development work. In 2005, prior to finalizing
and recording the subdivision map, the owners chose to bond for the improvements, rather than
construct them.The City is still holding the financial obligations for the improvements.In addition,
the City required that the owners agree to not further subdivide the lots; and a covenant agreement
was recorded to that effect. She stated that the applicants requested a lot line adjustment between
4-parcels. The proposed lot line adjustments would allow for the construction of a shorter road
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than originally proposed, (approved in 2000). Planning Director Schwartz proceeded to describe
to the Planning Commission what the project will potentially look like on the PowerPoint slides.
Chairman Chelf asked Planning Director Schwartz to go over the slide that showed the acreage of
each of the lots because it was important to see the size of each proposed lot.
Planning Director Schwartz went over each parcel size and pointed out parcel 1 is going from 8.5
acres to 7.5 acres. Parcel 2 will decrease by almost two acres, going from 37 acres to 35 acres.
Parcel 3, will increase from 15.9 acres to 17.2 acres and Parcel 4 will go from 6.24 acres to 7.7
acres.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick asked for the timing of completion of the cul-de-sac street.
Planning Director Schwartz responded that the subdivision map approval requires that before any
of the three lots are sold or developed, all the improvements had to be constructed, including the
street, utility lines, sewer line, fire hydrant and water line. No movement was made until 2008
when the applicant asked the City for an extension to build the road and substructures. The most
current extension will expire in June 2020. There is currently a potential for one of the lots to be
sold, therefore the applicant needs to either construct the improvements or to ask for another
extension. The applicant has decided to move forward with construction.
Chairman Chelf opened the item for public comment.
Jay Ahluwalia,President of Storm Properties, stated he is available for any questions the Planning
Commission may have.
Ty Bobit, 10 Buggy Whip Drive, stated he resides behind the canyon and asked about the
landscaping around the road and what to expect.
Chairman Chelf stated that the Planning Commission has never had to approve a road and stated
that landscaping request could be a double edge sword. He stated that requesting certain
landscaping could potentially impair their views. He assured the resident that the Planning
Commission will review any further development on the lots and at that time the vegetation will
be addressed. He stated that the Planning Commission normally conditions developments to
protect residents' views. He also stated that he was not sure how the road can be landscaped
because of the easement requirements.
Brian Tanimura, 12 Buggy Whip Drive,wanted to voice his concerns about the possibility of view
obstructions due to the building of the houses on Storm Hill Lane. He stated he is not opposed to
the development of a road or home construction and is willing to work with Storm Properties on
this issue and come to an agreement that satisfy both.
Chairman Chelf encouraged Mr. Tanimura to talk to the applicant about his concerns. He stated
that it has been his experience that when neighbors talk to each other about issues, the developers
tend to be very agreeable.
Chairman Chelf closed public comment.
Chairman Chelf announced the Planning Commission is moving on to Zoning Case No. 950.
Planning Director Schwartz gave an overview of Zoning Case No. 950, Storm Hill Lane Road
construction. She proceeded to inform the Planning Commission that staff received
correspondence as a result of publishing a notice of intent to adopt Mitigated Negative Declaration.
A public hearing notice was also mailed to property owners within 1,000-foot radius of the project.
She also stated that staff has reviewed the environmental impact report prepared by the applicant
and felt that,with mitigation measures there would be no negative impact on the environment and
properties in the vicinity of the project. She stated that one of the environmental factors that will
be mitigated would be construction noise. She stated that the Rolling Hills Community Association
submitted letters of concerns regarding the trails. Planning Director Schwartz reminded the
Planning Commission that if the project is approved all the conditions will be included into the
resolution of approval and the applicant would have to comply with those conditions and the
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mitigation measures. She proceeded to review the previously approved plans via a PowerPoint
presentation.
Planning Director Schwartz stated that staff prepared a matrix of mitigation measures and, as part
of the environmental review, staff is required to respond to comments received by local agencies
and prepare a mitigation monitoring and reporting program,which has been prepared and included
with the staff report. She informed the Planning Commission that two tribal groups responded and
requested consultations if any Indian artifacts or remains are discovered during construction. The
project will also require an archeologist to be onsite to do the same. Another environmental
concern that needs to be mitigated is if the project is going to be graded during the nesting season
from April through August, the applicant must hire a biologist to perform bird calling to see if
there are any nests. If nests are present, the applicant will have to mitigate the grading
appropriately.
Chairman Chelf asked the Planning Director to bring up the slide that showed where the fire
hydrant was highlighted. He stated having a road where a fire truck can drive on and defend the
hill is a big plus for the residents.
Chairman Chelf opened the item for public comment.
There was not public comments.
Commissioner Seaburn stated the project conforms to the criteria of a site plan review and contains
mitigation measures that the applicant has to comply with,therefore he would approve the project.
Commissioner Kirkpatrick agreed with Commissioner Seaburn.
Commissioner Cooley also concurred and thanked the Planning Director Schwartz for her
presentation since it had been a year since the Planning Commission reviewed the project initially.
Chairman Chelf agreed with the Planning Commissioners and stated that they will continue to
monitor the project and make sure it does not have negative impacts on the neighbors.
Commissioner Seaburn moved that the Planning Commission direct staff to prepare a Resolution
granting approval of the request and incorporating the mitigation measures and adopt the Mitigated
Negative Declaration for the project as presented. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion,
which carried by roll call vote as follows:
Commissioner vote yeas: Cooley, Kirkpatrick, Seaburn, and Chairman Chelf.
Commissioner vote nays: None.
Commissioner vote abstain: None.
NEW PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. ZONING CASE NO. 960, Request for a Site Plan Review to construct a 2,116
square foot house and garage addition, and to attach an existing 978 square foot
guest house to the residence for a total addition of 3,091 square feet, and
grading of 50 cubic yards of dirt; and a Conditional Use Permit(CUP)to construct
a 799 square foot guest house at a property located at 13 Eastfield Drive (Lot 53-
EF) Rolling Hills, CA, (Birkett).
Planning Director Schwartz gave an overview of the site plan review of Zoning Case No. 960, 13
Eastfield Drive.The applicants propose to construct a 2,116 square foot house and garage addition,
including filling in the area between the residence and the guest house and between the detached
garage and the residence for a total addition of 3,091 square feet with 264 square feet trellis and
213 square feet entryway;resulting in a 7,519 square foot residence and 1,030 square foot attached
garage and grading of 50 cubic yards of dirt. The project includes associated major remodel,
construction of a barbeque, arbor in the rear of the development and demolition of portions of the
existing residence to accommodate the proposed additions on an existing building pad and
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widening of the driveway and driveway apron. There would be no change to the existing stable,
corral or tennis courts. She proceeded to show a rendering of the proposed project via the
PowerPoint slides.
Chairman Chelf opened the item for public comment.
Michael Strohe, DMHA Project Manager, gave a brief overview of the project. He stated that his
clients, the Birketts, have a growing family and are looking to build out on their lot and create a
better flow in their home.He also stated that they do not intend to disturb the existing landscaping.
The Birketts appreciate the rural character of the community.
Chairman Chelf explained to Mr. Strobe that the next steps for the Planning Commission is to visit
the project during the scheduled field trip on November 19, 2019 at 7:30 a.m.
NEW BUSINESS
A. Request for an extension of time to commence construction of a previously
approved stable at 6 Meadowlark Lane, (Dunlap).
Planning Director Schwartz explained that the applicant has requested an extension of two years'
time to commence construction of a previously approved stable at 6 Meadowlark Lane. She
recommended to the Planning Commission to approve the request.
Commissioner Seaburn asked why the Planning Commission would deny the request of extension.
He asked if there were any neighbor complaints.
Planning Director Schwartz stated that there were no complaints from neighbors. She explained
that because the original resolution of approval contains a condition that the applicant is asking to
change, it must be approved by the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Seaburn moved that the Planning Commission approve the time extension
requested. Commissioner Kirkpatrick seconded the motion,which earned by roll call vote follows:
Commissioner vote yeas: Cooley, Kirkpatrick, Seaburn, and Chairman Chelf.
Commissioner vote nays: None.
Commissioner vote abstain: None.
B. Selection of Planning Commission members to the Committee on Trees and Views.
Planning Director Schwartz stated that currently the Committee on Trees and Views has vacancies
that need to be filled.
Discussion ensued among the Planning Commission to discuss who would be elected to the
Committee on Trees and Views.
It was unanimously decided by the Planning Commission that Commissioner Cardenas serve as
Chair of the Committee on Trees and Views. Commissioner Greg Kirkpatrick serve as Vice Chair
and Commissioner Matt Seasburn serve as alternate.
OLD BUSINESS
None.
SCHEDULE OF FIELD TRIPS
The Planning Commission scheduled a field trip to 13 Eastfield Drive to be held on November 19,
2019 at 7:30 a.m.
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ITEMS FROM STAFF ORAL
A. Update on Storm Water Management guidelines development for the construction
of equestrian uses.
Planning Director Schwartz gave an update on the status and timeline of the outreach being
proposed on storm water management for equestrian uses. She stated that City staff has reached
out to Rolling Hills Estates staff and discussed potential joint meetings.
Chairman Chelf gave a word of caution to Planning Director Schwartz to not get caught up with
what Rolling Hills Estates is proposing for their commercial stables.
Todd Leishman, Assistant City Attorney, gave a brief announcement regarding 18 new bills on
housing and • Us signed by Governor Gavin Newsom. The bills are slated to take effect on
January 01, 2020. He stated Rolling Hills will be affected so the City may see some action before
January 01, 2020.
Chairman Chelf stated that the City Council is already informed of the housing issues and is
currently discussing them.
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, November 19, 2019 beginning at 7:30 a.m. for the purpose of conducting a site visit to
13 Eastfield Drive. The next regular meeting of the Planning Commission is scheduled to be held
on Tuesday, November 19, 2019 beginning at 6:30 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, Rolling
Hills City Hall, 2 Portuguese Bend Road, Rolling Hills, California.
Respectfully submitted,
Yoh na oipeel
CityV c
Approved,, 7
Br d ,
Chairman
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