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Planning commission reenacts approval for small gazebo at 1 Chestnut Lane despite neighbor objections
Summary
The Rolling Hills Planning Commission voted to reapprove a 135-square-foot gazebo and outdoor kitchen at 1 Chestnut Lane after a de novo review of an expired approval. Neighbors testified the structure conflicts with local code and could enable short-term rentals; staff said the project meets applicable standards and county approvals remain required before permits are issued.
The Rolling Hills Planning Commission on a de novo review approved site plan review, a conditional use permit and variances for a 135-square-foot covered gazebo and outdoor kitchen at 1 Chestnut Lane (zoning case 26-38).
Benjamin Johnson, assistant planner, told commissioners the project previously received approvals but the two-year period to obtain permits had expired. Johnson said the gazebo size has been reduced from an earlier approval of 264 square feet to 135 square feet, that neighbors within 1,000 feet were notified and that the project was found categorically exempt from CEQA as proposed. "It is recommended that the Planning Commission open the public hearing, take public testimony, and provide direction to the staff and the applicant," Johnson said.
During public comment Monique Hansen, reading a letter for her father Gary Hansen of 6 Chestnut Lane, urged the commission to deny the project. She cited Rolling Hills municipal-code sections and argued the gazebo could be used for short-term rentals or commercial events, calling out what she described as conflicts with size limits and the requirement for an accessible stable or corral. "A gazebo of this nature . . . shall not be located in the front yard," she read, and said the structure exceeds a 120-square-foot threshold she cited from the code.
Commissioners discussed the history, the reduction in size and the commission's limited authority over private-use concerns such as potential short-term rentals. Several members said that code compliance and physical impacts were the commission's focus and that commercial-use enforcement is handled elsewhere. After deliberation a motion to adopt resolution 202604 as presented was made and approved by roll call.
The commission's action reauthorizes the entitlements but does not remove the requirement that the applicant obtain all county and utility approvals before pulling permits. Staff noted that a formal resolution with conditions was provided as an attachment and that any required site staking or additional conditions could be requested by the commission when the matter returns for permit review.
