Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Williamsburg Height Amendment topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Planning commission asks staff to draft language to consider raising Williamsburg Lane height limit to 25 feet
Summary
Following a city council referral, planning staff asked the commission to consider a targeted code change to increase the finished-floor-to-peak height limit for properties on Williamsburg Lane to 25 feet; commissioners voted to direct staff to prepare language and begin public hearings.
Planning staff presented a discussion item on May 19 asking the Rolling Hills Planning Commission whether to pursue a geographically-limited amendment to Chapter 17.16 (Ordinance 386) that would allow structures on Williamsburg Lane a finished-floor-to-peak height up to 25 feet instead of the current residential standard of 21 feet.
Staff (speaker 9) told commissioners the request came from a discussion at an April 2026 city council meeting and that Williamsburg Lane differs from much of the city in lot layout and roof pitch. The staff report included a study from the Williamsburg Lane community association and noted that some properties on the block already measure 28–29 feet when ornamental features such as cupolas and dormers are included.
Staff described the process required to adopt the change: drafting ordinance language, public noticing and hearings and consultation with the city attorney as part of preparing formal materials. The proposed amendment would apply only to the Williamsburg Lane block and would be subject to public comment.
Commissioners indicated they were open to holding hearings to gather public input on a targeted height exception. A commissioner (speaker 5) moved to direct staff to draft the necessary ordinance language to allow a maximum height of 25 feet for Williamsburg Lane and to include that figure in noticing for any public hearings; the motion was seconded by staff (speaker 9) and approved by roll call.
The directive initiates staff work to prepare ordinance language and noticing; it is not a change to the municipal code. Staff will return with draft code language, proposed noticing and a schedule for public hearings.
