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.
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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
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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