Planning Commission approves site plan and setback variance for 3 Maverick Lane

ROLLING HILLS ESTATES — The Planning Commission on Jan. 27 approved a site-plan review and a variance to allow encroachment into side-yard setbacks for a proposed replacement home at 3 Maverick Lane.

Planning staff told commissioners the project would replace an existing residence with a new single-family house and an attached two-car garage. The property is zoned RES-2; staff said the project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act and noted the application was noticed by mail and posted on Jan. 15. The proposed garage would increase from 480 square feet to 502 square feet while maintaining a footprint similar to the existing dwelling.

The applicant’s representative said the design downscales the current structure and keeps the new house in a similar location on the lot so that the older owners can remain in place. "We've kept those variances to such that there is no further encroachment than what currently exists," the representative said.

Commissioners discussed the proposal and largely agreed the new plan reduces previous encroachment and fits neighborhood character. One commissioner noted local guidelines allow rebuilding within an existing footprint when a house already sits in the setback. After a motion and second, the commission recorded roll-call responses and approved the item.

The approval came with staff’s recommendation and a resolution prepared as an attachment should the commission wish to impose conditions. No public opposition was recorded at the hearing. The commission moved on to its next scheduled public hearing following the vote.