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2/13/1991MINUTES OF AN ADJOURNED MEETING OF THE CITY COUNCIL AND A SPECIAL MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION CITY OF ROLLING HILLS, CALIFORNIA February 13, 1991 A joint meeting of the City Council and the Planning. Commission of the City of Rolling Hills was called to order by Mayor Thomas Heinsheimer and Planning Commission Chairman Allan Roberts at 1:35 p.m. in Classroom B, South Coast Botanic Gardens, 26300 Crenshaw Boulevard, Palos Verdes Peninsula, California on February 13, 1991. ROLL CALL PRESENT: Council Members Leeuwenburgh, Murdock, Swanson; Mayor Pro Tem Pernell and Mayor Heinsheimer. Planning Commission Members Frost, Hankins, Lay, Raine; Chairman Roberts. ABSENT: ALSO PRESENT: None Craig R. Nealis Michael Jenkins Diane Sawyer Lola Ungar BUILDING PAD COVERAGE CALCULATIONS City Manager City Attorney Deputy City Clerk Principal Planner City -Manager Nealis introduced the subject item referring to the Site Plan Review Ordinance. He stated that Staff's intent is to study one or two previously approved projects by applying new assumed amendments to the standards contained in the Site Plan Review Ordinance. Such as the inclusion of hardscape into square footage calculations, and/or a more stringent reduction in the current slope calculation. There followed extensive discussion during which the Planning Commission expressed the following concerns: that cases of perceived "overbuilding" exist in the City; that a 40% building pad coverage is excessive; that 40% coverage does not work in all cases such as steep lots; and that residents require specific limitations. Mayor Heinsheimer pointed out that Section 17.34.040 of the Code currently allows findings of flexibility. Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes February 13, 1991 -1- Mayor Pro Tem Pernell suggested that applicants could be required to narrate in the application submittal how they have complied with the findings. There followed discussion of the proposed forthcoming study; content of application packages; staking of proposals; possible review of surrounding cities requirements; and the findings currently contained in the Code. The consensus of the City Council was that the current findings contained in the Municipal Code could be applied to address the concerns expressed; that Staff shall provide the forthcoming study, and that a narrative addressing said findings be included in the applicant's submittal. In addition, Mayor Heinsheimer advocated that a workshop be scheduled between Staff and applicants to clarify the submittal process. SUBTERRANEAN CONSTRUCTION City Manager Nealis introduced the Staff Report stating that proposals for the subterranean construction of garages had been received by Staff. He pointed out that specific uses for subterranean construction were not provided for under the Municipal Code. Therefore, Staff is seeking direction with regard to possible Municipal Code amendments. There followed discussion pertaining to the following: inclusion of subterranean construction in building pad coverage and square footage calculations, and aesthetic impact. The consensus of the City Council was that each proposal currently before the Planning Commission should be considered on an individual basis utilizing the findings outlined in Section 17.34.040 of the Municipal Code. USE OF CANYON FOR USES OTHER THAN HORSEKEEPING City Manager Nealis stated that this item had been placed upon the Agenda at the request of the Planning Commission for discussion purposes. Chairman Roberts cited the case of a proposal to place a pool in a canyon location. Following discussion the City Council consensus was that this type of application should be strongly discouraged. LANDSCAPE REVIEW AND APPROVAL; COMMITTEE FORMATION OR PROCEDURE City Manager Nealis introduced the subject item stating that in the past the City had solicited assistance from the Rolling Hills Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes February 13, 1991 -2- Community Association Landscape Committee to review the completion of landscaping plans required by the City. He further stated that the Community Association has recommended that the City consider appointment of its own independent Landscape Committee. There followed discussion of the following: the current requirement of a bond to cover costs of proposed landscaping plus 15%; the appointment of a City Landscaping Committee; hiring a paid/volunteer intern; expansion of the Wildlife Preservation Committee to Wildlife Preservation and Landscaping Committee. City Attorney Jenkins highlighted the three methods with which he felt landscape plans could be approved. One method was Planning Commission approval through the agenda process, Planning Director approval, or separate Committee approval. Commissioner Lay felt that expertise in reviewing completed - landscape plans is needed. City Manager Nealis indicated that this could be a Staff function and that Staff is willing to prepare a recommendation which would involve the hiring of a paid/volunteer intern or other qualified person to review plans on an as needed basis. City Manager Nealis further expressed that inspection of the plans as completed on the property is of the utmost importance. Mayor Heinsheimer stressed the importance of landscape or environmental management during the drought season, indicating that with water sources and water use being reduced, the function of a landscape or environmental committee, person might also include recommendations for landscape management beyond those submitted in conjunction with residential construction. Commissioner Lay urged involvement of the Landscape Committee of the Rolling Hills Community Association for this purpose. Following discussion, Mayor Heinsheimer proposed that the Rolling Hills Wildlife Preservation Committee, Planning Commission and Planning Department Staff review future environmental management concerns, discuss them, and report back. Hearing no objection, it was also requested landscape advisor, possibly a local volunteer Rolling Hills Community Association Landscape needed basis should be appointed. This item through the City Council Personnel Committee. Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes February 13, 1991 -3- that the use of a or member. of the Committee on an as would be discussed Chairman Roberts indicated that since the Municipal Code requires landscape screening for tennis courts, it may be in 'order to restrict the future construction of tennis courts until drought conditions are alleviated. ORDINANCES TO ADDRESS THE BALANCE OF CDT AND FILL City Manager Nealis delivered a Staff Report. Mayor Heinsheimer opened discussion focusing on advantages and disadvantages of an ordinance regarding the balance of cut and fill for residential construction. Commissioner Lay expressed strong support for an ordinance addressing this issue which is currently handled on a policy basis at the Planning Commission level. Mr. Doug McHattie, South Bay Engineering, indicated that a balance of cut and fill for residential construction is impossible. Further, he emphasized that economic constraints make it too costly to import and export soil. He further indicated that specific geologic conditions can require or cause an unbalanced cut and fill. According to Mr. McHattie, 20% of the lots within the City cannot be developed with a balanced cut and fill. Commissioner Lay expressed concern regarding the relocation of soil and the effect that these trucks have on the roadways within the City. Thoughts were also expressed regarding the over -importation of soil to create buildable lots. Councilwoman Swanson indicated that the previous administration of enforcement of unbalanced cut and fill was a Staff and County problem. However, she felt confident that new staff could impose closer control regarding this matter. Mr. Criss Gunderson commented indicating that some subterranean soil problems cannot be accounted for or anticipated in the initial site plan review process. Councilwoman Murdock indicated that this is quite possibly a management issue; however, supported the concept of introducing an ordinance with administrative remedies for certain unbalanced cut and fill requirements. Concerns were raised from Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh regarding the types of penalties that could be imposed. Mayor Pro Tem Pernell suggested possible grading contractor permits issued by the City with licenses to be revoked for violations of grading provisions. Councilwoman Leeuwenburgh indicated that the Traffic Commission is currently reviewing an oversized truck ordinance. Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes February 13, 1991 -4- 1 Mr. McHattie indicated that the good quality operators would support the licensing of grading contractors. ` Following discussion, it was so ordered by Mayor Heinsheimer, without objection, that Staff would prepare an Ordinance requiring balanced cut and fill for residential construction within the City. That ordinance shall contain emergency procedures for an unintended or unforeseeable unbalanced cut and fill situation. CONSTRUCTION INCENTIVES City Manager Nealis introduced the Staff Report requesting direction with regarding the construction incentives. A possible requirement to cause developers to submit a construction timeline at the time of Site Plan Review was proposed. Councilwoman Murdock questioned the legal constraints regarding such a schedule. City Attorney Jenkins indicated that any such ordinance would need to be consistent with the Building Code provisions and that the City currently utilizes the Los Angeles County Building Code which contains a five year construction time frame. Mayor Heinsheimer asked Criss Gunderson what represents a realistic time frame. Mr. Gunderson indicated that several constraints such as size of the project, complexity, materials and grading can all have an affect. Chairman Roberts suggested a two year maximum construction time frame. In response, Mayor Pro Tem Pernell suggested that a two year limit with a possible one year extension might be feasible. It was suggested that additional Municipal Code requirements could be placed upon those property owners requesting extensions to their construction time frame. This would act as an incentive for applicants to complete their projects under the original proposed time frame submitted. Following discussion, Mayor Heinsheimer Commission review a proposed time frame construction, and make recommendations ordinance. In response to discussion that landscape bond might be used landscaping in the event a project is timely basis. MATTERS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL requested that the Planning of two to three years for in the form of a possible Criss Gunderson suggested to construct screening not being completed on a Councilwoman Ginny Leeuwenburgh requested that the Planning Commission restrict or refer any dual driveway access proposals to the Traffic Commission for their review. It was further suggested Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes February 13, 1991 -5- that the Planning Commission require multiple driveway access properties to only be constructed with a singular vehicular access. Mayor Pro Tem Pernell questioned the ordinances which restricted owner may come back to modify or Members responded that there was regarding this restriction. the status and opinions regarding the amount of times the property improve his property. Commission no issue that they were aware of MATTERS MATTERS FROM THE PLANNING COMMISSION Commissioner Lay expressed pleasure that the City Council will be looking into additional inspections of the properties. Commissioner Raine expressed sincere gratitude for today's meeting. ADJOURNMENT There being no objection Planning Commission Chairman Roberts adjourned the Planning Commission Special Meeting.at 5:05 p.m. OTHER BUSINESS Mayor Heinsheimer indicated that a Resolution had been continued from the Monday, February 11, City Council meeting to this evenings meeting for consideration. Following brief discussion the following motion was made: MOTION: Councilwoman Murdock moved adopted of Resolution No. 636: A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Rolling Hills authorizing the issuance of a Certificate of Compliance for Lot Line Adjustment in Zoning Case No. 414. This Resolution provides under Section 8, Paragraph A that the easements shall be recorded in favor of the City of Rolling Hills with the intention that the City convey it immediately to the Rolling Hills Community Association for public utility purposes. Mayor Pro Tem Purnell seconded the motion. Councilwoman Swanson reported that the Caballeros Association had inspected the property and their recommendation was that the easement could be granted without equestrian access, because they are not perceived as safe trails along the east and west sides of the properties. Discussion ensued regarding the content of the Resolution and equestrian access. Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes February 13, 1991 -6- ,I - 1 r The City Council recessed to Closed Session at 5:30 p.m. to discuss pending litigation. The meeting reconvened at 5:33 p.m. Following brief discussion, the above referenced Resolution No. 636 was approved by a unanimous vote. There being no further business Mayor Heinsheimer adjourned the meeting 5:34 p.m. MAYOR Deputy City Clerk ALLAN ROBERTS PLANNING COMMISSION CHAIRMAN Joint City Council/Planning Commission Minutes February 13, 1991 -7-