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Council introduces ordinance setting numeric height limits for homes, stables and barns; critics call limits arbitrary
Summary
The council introduced Ordinance No. 386 to add numeric height limits (18 feet for single‑story homes; 20 feet for stables and barns) to the municipal code and scheduled a second hearing. The planning commission and Rolling Hills Community Association participated in the study; some residents called the proposed caps arbitrary or too low.
The City Council introduced ordinance No. 386 to amend chapter 17.16 of the municipal code and set numeric height limits for single‑family residences and for stables and barns, with a first-reading motion passing on a 3–1 roll call.
Staff said the planning commission reviewed trends showing modest increases in plate and ridge heights in recent years and recommended numeric limits to preserve the city’s one‑story, ranch-style character. The draft ordinance sets a maximum finished-floor-to-peak height of 18 feet for single‑family residences and 20 feet for stables and barns; staff said the measure is statutorily exempt from CEQA under Public Resources Code section 21080.17. The ordinance must return for a second hearing; staff said adoption would take effect 30 days after final approval.
At least three Planning Commission meetings and outreach to the Rolling Hills Community Association preceded the proposal. Association manager Kristen Rigg briefed the council about the association’s approach to plate-height guidance, saying the HOA offers plate-height formulas and an Architectural Committee review to keep new projects consistent with the city’s ranch‑style character.
During public comment, longtime resident Fred Visco and others strongly criticized the specific numeric limits as too low and said the figures appeared arbitrary. Visco asked whether a rebuilt home after damage would be limited to the new height caps and said he did not believe many existing homes have peaks under 18 feet.
Council discussion acknowledged competing goals: some members said a numeric cap provides applicants and reviewers a clear parameter to avoid gradual increases in structure size; others said the proposed caps might be restrictive for barns and historic structures. A roll-call vote recorded: Council Member Mersch — yes; Council Member Black — no; Mayor Pro Tem Derringer — yes; Mayor Piper — yes.
Staff said the ordinance introduction reflects collaborative work with the Planning Commission and the Community Association and noted that variances and adjustments remain available under the municipal code for special circumstances. The ordinance will return to council for a second reading and final action; if adopted at second reading, staff expects the ordinance to take effect 30 days after that approval.
