Council approves modified site plan for 23 Crest Road East, adds council review for drainage and OWTS changes

The Rolling Hills City Council on July 13 approved modified entitlements for a large single‑family development at 23 Crest Road East (zoning case 26‑73), adopting the resolution staff presented with a new condition that any major modifications and any changes related to drainage or the on‑site wastewater treatment system return to the council for review.

Whitney, the city planner presenting the staff report, told the council the modified project proposes 7,228 cubic yards of export — an increase of more than 500 cubic yards relative to the previously approved plan — and described the package as a new site plan review, new conditional use permits and new variances for the project. "The modified project before you this evening proposes 7228 cubic yards of export," Whitney said during the staff presentation. Staff also stated the project was found categorically exempt from CEQA under the state provision for new single‑family residences, subject to the usual exceptions.

Residents and council members pressed the project team about stormwater, grading and geological risk tied to the nearby Flying Triangle landslide area. A long public comment period included calls for a more detailed environmental review. One member of the public said, "I can't imagine that this is something you can vote on tonight and I say that with a real reservation," urging the council to require additional study of water and grading impacts.

Project engineers and the geotechnical consultant responded that county reviews and the project design include measures to detain and reuse stormwater, and to avoid injecting treated wastewater into deep ground at this site. City staff and the city attorney briefed council members on process options; council moved, seconded and voted to approve the resolution as amended so that staff must return to council for any major modifications and for any modifications related to drainage, water retention/detention/disbursement or the OWTS.

The council action authorizes the project to proceed through the county permitting and building‑plan check process subject to the stated condition. The council also directed staff to clarify the final development tables and any lingering numerical discrepancies between the record resolution and the blue‑folder material before the project progresses through final, stamped plans.