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Animals

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1. How many animals can I keep?

No more than 3 dogs over the age of 4 months may be kept at any time on any property. No swine (pig) is permitted. There are no restrictions on other types of domestic and farm animals.

2. Are dogs required to on a leash?

No, there is no ordinance requiring your pet to be on a leash.

3. Where can I obtain a dog license?

A Dog License application may be obtained at the City Hall. Annual license fee for an unaltered dog is $18. The annual fee for spayed or neutered dogs with a certificate of sterility is $9.

4. Who would I contact about nuisance animals?

For coyotes and other nuisance animals, contact City Hall for assistance and referrals. Brochures on other specific nuisance animals are available.

With regard to dogs, please contact City Hall for information.
Animal Complaint Report

5. Where is the animal shelter?

The Animal Shelter is operated by Los Angeles County Animal Care and Control and is located at 216 W. Victoria St., Gardena, CA 90248.

6. What should I do if my horse is loose or pet is lost?

First, please contact the Main Gate and the entry gate closest to where the animal was. You may also contact Animal Control or City Hall.

7. How do I handle a dangerous animal that is on my property?

Call Animal Control immediately. If the problem occurs after regular business hours, please contact the Sheriff’s Department.

8. Who should I contact about dead animals?

Call Animal Control for its removal.

9. What is the telephone number for Animal Control?

The telephone number for the Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control is 310.523.9566.

10. What is the telephone number for the Department of Animal Control?

The Los Angeles County Department of Animal Care and Control can be contacted at: 310.523.9566.

11. If I have a complaint about a dog in the community, what can I do?

Please contact City Hall at 310.377.1521 for specific information and options.

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City Council

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1. When are City Council Meetings?

City council meetings are held the second and fourth Monday of each month at 7:30pm. Additional Information

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Community Services

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1. Where can I find information on senior programs and services?

Please contact the Peninsula Seniors at www.pvseniors.org.

2. What community and recreation programs exist in the City?

The Tennis Club, Caballeros de Rancho Palos Verdes (equestrian and trail club) and Women's Community Club have a variety of program and volunteer opportunities. Information about these organizations can be obtained from the RHCA.

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Development and Planning

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1. How do I contact the Los Angeles County Building and Safety Department?

The Building and Safety Department for Rolling Hills is located in Lomita, CA at 24320 Narbonne Avenue, Lomita, CA 90727 (310.534.3760).

2. How do I contact Willdan Associates?

Willdan Associates provides an alternative to residents for plan review, permitting and inspection. The firm is located at 13191 Crossroads Parkway North, Suite 405, Industry, CA 91746-3497, (562) 908-6200

3. What is RAS-1 & RAS-2?

These are the two zoning districts in the City of Rolling Hills. Residential Agricultural Suburban Zone 1, or RAS -1, means that the minimum lot size in this district is one acre. Accordingly, Residential Agricultural Suburban Zone 2, or RAS – 2, means that the minimum lot size in this zone is two acres.

4. What are the permitted uses in RAS-1 & RAS-2 zones?

1. Single family residence with a minimum two car garage
2. Tree, bush and field crops

5. What are the required setbacks in the RAS-1 & RAS-2 zones?

Front Yard – 50’ from road easement line in RAS-1 and RAS-2 Zones

Side Yards – 20’ from property line in RAS-1 Zone
- 35’ from property line in RAS-2 Zone

Rear Yard – 50’ from property line in RAS-1 and RAS-2 Zones

For corner and lots facing more than one street, please contact City Hall.

6. What is Structural Lot Coverage?

Structural Lot Coverage is the area of the net lot that is developed with structures. The maximum permitted structural coverage is 20% of the net lot area.

7. What is Total Lot Coverage?

Total Lot Coverage is the area of the net lot developed with structures and impervious surfaces. The maximum permitted total lot coverage is 35% of the net lot area.

8. What is Net Lot Area?

Net lot area is the square footage of the lot after deducting the following from the gross lot area: roadway easements, ten feet parallel to the roadway easement(s) and ten feet parallel to the remaining property lines. All development coverages in the City are calculated based on the net lot area of the lot, not gross.

9. What is a Building Pad?

A building pad is the area of a lot, not in setbacks, that was graded or is proposed to be graded for placement of improvements. A building pad may not exceed, on the average, a 10% slope. Structural coverage on the building pad should not exceed 30%. There may be more than one building pad on a lot.

10. What is a Setback?

A setback is the distance a building or structure must be ‘set back’ from the property line and in some cases from an easement line in accordance with City’s zoning ordinance.

11. What is Grading?

Grading is a man-made alteration of the existing natural ground surface. Soil generated by grading must be balanced on site, except soil from excavation work (i.e., pool, basement). A grading permit is necessary for cut and fill of 3 feet or more or if over 2,000 square feet of surface area is disturbed.

12. What is a Variance?

A variance is a special permit issued to a specific property by either the Planning Commission or the City Council to deviate from development standards set forth in the zoning regulations. Variances require public hearings and must meet several state-mandated findings. If granted, are usually subject to compliance with certain conditions.

13. What is a Conditional Use Permit?

A Conditional Use Permit (CUP) is a special permit issued by the Planning Commission or the City Council, which may authorize land development not routinely allowed on a particular site or in a particular zone. CUPs require public hearings and if approval is subject to compliance with certain conditions.

14. What accessory uses and structures are permitted?

1. Barn/Stable without grading
2. Corral/pen/turnout without grading
3. Greenhouse
4. Gazebo, outdoor barbecue/fireplace/trellis
5. Noncommercial radio antenna
6. Keeping of domestic animals (no swine)
7. Maximum of 3 recreational vehicles/boats/trailers/horse trailers (minimum 50’ from roadway easement)
8. Satellite dish antenna
9. Swimming pool/spa/jet pool – less than 800 sq. ft.
10. Playhouse and playground equipment
11. Walls 3’ or less in height

Such structures are not permitted in the front yard, or in any setback – except that a barn and corral may encroach 25' into the rear setback.

Note: The approval process, size and location of barns and stables are currently under review by the City and may change.

15. What is Discretionary Review?

Discretionary review is a review of a project by the Planning Commission or the City Council to determine compliance with all applicable statutes, ordinances and regulations of the City. The review also requires the exercise of judgment, deliberation, or decision on the part of the Planning Commission and/or the City Council.

16. What is a Site Plan Review?

The site plan review process was established to provide discretionary review of certain development projects in the City for the purpose of ensuring that the proposed project is consistent with the City’s General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.

17. When is a site plan review required?

1. Any grading of 3’ or higher covering over 2,000 sq. ft. of surface area
2. Any new building or structure except barn/stable without grading*
3. Expansion, modification, alteration, or repair of any existing
residence which (i) requires a grading permit or (ii) increases the size of the structure by at least 1,000 square feet or 25% of the size of the structure in a 36-month period
4. Lot Line Adjustment
5. Pool/spa 800 sq. ft. or larger
6. Walls over 3’ in height
7. Other accessory structures when the combined area of the existing and proposed structures exceed 800 sq. ft.

Note: The approval process, size and location of barns and stables are currently under review by the City and may be changed.

18. What uses require CUP?

1. More than one driveway
2. Cabana, guest house, recreation room
3. Detached garage, hobby shop
4. Mix-use structure
5. Horseback riding ring over 7,200 sq. ft.
6. Game courts

19. What can be approved administratively, over-the-counter?

A. The construction of a barn, stable, turnout or corral that does not require grading*.
B. Alteration, expansion, modification, or repair of any existing structures, which are exempt from site plan review, as specified in Sections 17.24.050, 17.16.030, 17.16.200, and 17.46.020 of the Zoning Ordinance.
C. All other miscellaneous projects and structures, including porches, patios, driveways, outdoor barbecues and fire places, gazebos, archway over a driveway entry a minimum 16’ high, hardscape, drainage devices and other structures, provided the construction does not trigger grading and meets all other requirements of the Zoning Ordinance, and is not a part of a larger project that requires Planning Commission review.

20. When is a soils and geology report required?

Soils and geology reports are required for all projects.

21. When is undergrounding of utilities required?

If you are planning to upgrade, relocate or increase your electrical panel, enlarge your house, construct a new house or accessory structure, subdivide your property, or lengthen or add electrical lines to your home or accessory structure, you are required to place the utility lines to that structure underground.

22. What is the permitted building height?

Only a single story structure with height regulated by the RHCA.

23. What type of roof is permitted?

Class A roof, non-reflective. (Class A material and assembly).

24. Is a stable and corral required?

Each lot has to be developed with a stable and corral or have a minimum of 1,000 sq. ft. of developable area set aside for a future stable and corral, with appropriate access.

25. What is the minimum required size of stable and corral?

The minimum size of a stable is 450 square feet; the minimum size of the corral is 550 square feet*. Vehicular accessway is required but does not have to be paved.

26. What is the minimum required Residential Building Pad size?

The minimum required residential building pad size is 12,000 square feet (not in setbacks).

27. What is the minimum size home that can be built?

The minimum size home one can build is 1,300 square feet.

28. What is the maximum size home that can be built?

The maximum size is determined by applying all applicable standards to a lot: including (but not limited to) lot coverage, lot disturbance, height limits, maximum slopes, and setbacks.

29. Where is a copy of Zoning and Building Regulations?

For copies of zoning and building regulations contact the City Clerk at City Hall.

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Emergency Preparedness

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1. Where can I find information on emergency preparedness?

Please review this website for information on emergency preparedness and links to information and brochures on fire prevention, disaster preparedness and animal preparedness. Residents should have personal emergency supplies for 72 hours to 1 week, and animal supplies for at least 3 days.

2. What is Connect-CTY?

Connect-CTY is the City's contractor for its emergency notification system. Please see the information below about the emergency notification system. More...

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Emergency Preparedness Committee

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1. When does the Emergency Preparedness Committee meet?

The Emergency Preparedness Committee meets the 4th Wednesday of every month. The meetings are held at 7:30pm in the City Council Chambers.

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General Information

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1. What was the original vision of Rolling Hills?

In 1936, A.E. Hanson, developer and founder, envisioned the conversion of a large tract of privately owned land into a community of one-story ranch-style homes guided by deed restrictions governed by the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA) and serviced by the appropriate Los Angeles County agencies.

On January 24, 1957, the City of Rolling Hills was incorporated in order to provide the community with greater home rule while continuing to obtain essential services under contract with Los Angeles County.

2. What services are provided by the City of Rolling Hills?

The Rolling Hills community is guided by two separate and distinct entities each with their own governance structure and roles.

The City of Rolling Hills is responsible for public safety, refuse service, animal control, site plan review, building permits, code enforcement, traffic safety, and view preservation among many services. The City is governed by 5 Council members with the Mayor selected annually among the Council members. The City Council retains a City Manager for day-to-day operation of the City.

3. What is the role of the Rolling Hills Community Association (RHCA)

The Rolling Hills community is guided by two separate and distinct entities each with their own governance structure and roles.

The RHCA is responsible for maintaining the privacy of the community with oversight of the roads and gate houses, community open space inclusive of easements and trails, and sustaining the one-story, ranch-style homes with architectural authority over construction. They maintain community areas such as tennis courts and riding rings and also support community organizations such as the Tennis Club, Caballeros de Rancho Palos Verdes and Women's Community Club. The RHCA is governed by a Board of Directors. Information about the RHCA, architectural review, RHCA building permits, easements, trails, road passes and other RHCA matters are obtained from the RHCA office adjacent to City Hall at 1 Portuguese Bend Road or by calling 310.544.6222. RHCA

4. What are the laws and regulations of the City?

The laws and regulations of the City are incorporated into the Municipal Code. The Municipal Code may be viewed on this website and at City Hall. Copies may be purchased at City Hall. Copies are 25 cents per page.

5. How and where do I register to vote?

You may complete a registration-by-mail form available at City Hall. For more detailed information on voter registration, please contact the Voter Registration Request Line at 800.481.VOTE (8683) or visit the Registrar-Recorder County Clerk website. egistrar-Recorder County Clerk

6. What are the phone numbers for the Rolling Hills Community Association?

Rolling Hills Community Association: 310.544.6222
Main Gate: 310.377.4318
Crest Gate: 310.377.1868
Eastfield Gate: 310.732.1309

7. Who are the City's Federal, State and County Representatives?

United States Senate
Senator Dianne Feinstein (D)
Senator Barbara Boxer (D)

United States House of Representatives
Congressman Dana Rohrabacher (R-46th District)

California State Senate
Senator Rod Wright (D-25th District)

California State Assembly
Assembly Member Bonnie Lowenthal (D-54th District)

Los Angeles County
Supervisor Don Knabe (4th District)

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New Resident Information

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1. Where can I sign up for utilities?

Please contact the following:

Cox Cable: 310.377.1800
Trash Collection: 888.742.5234
Southern California Edison: 800.611.1911
California Water Service: 310.257.1400
The Gas Company: 800.427.2200
Verizon: 800.483.1000
AT&T: 800.310.2355

2. Where can I find the new resident information?

Please contact the City and the RHCA for information.

3. Where can I find public school information?

The Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District can be contacted at:

Palos Verdes Peninsula Unified School District
3801 Via La Selva
Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274
310.378.9966

4. What are the local emergency contacts?

Life/Safety emergency: 911
Sheriff Department (Lomita Station): 310.539.1661
Fire Station 56: 310.377.1584

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Planning Commission

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1. When does the Planning Commission meet?

The Planning Commission meets the 3rd Tuesday of every month. Meetings are held at 6:30pm in the City Council Chambers.

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Traffic Commission

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1. When does the Traffic Commission meet?

The Traffic Commission meets the 4th Thursday of odd-numbered months. The meetings are held at 8:30am in the City Council Chambers.

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Trash Collection/Recycling

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1. When is trash picked-up?

Trash, recyclables and green waste are picked-up twice a week. To find out the days of collection for a particular street, please contact City Hall.

For recyclables, residents provide their own receptacles.

The City provides decals for recyclable and green waste containers.

2. Does the City recycle?

Yes. The City provides for recyclable and green waste collection as part of regular household refuse collection. Both recyclables and green waste must be separated from other trash.

Residents may also dispose of bottles, plastics and paper in containers located behind City Hall.

A public recycling and buy-back center is located at the Palos Verdes Recycling Center, 26301 S. Crenshaw Boulevard, Rolling Hills Estates, CA 90274. For information, please call 310.375.6094.

It is also necessary to recycle construction and demolition waste. Verification of recycling construction materials must be submitted to the City at the conclusion of a construction project.

Palos Verdes Recycling Center

3. Are there any trash collection guidelines I should know about?

For the removal of large items such as refrigerators, call the City's trash hauler, Allied Waste.

4. How do I dispose of hazardous waste, e-waste and sharps?

You may dispose of household hazardous waste, electronic waste and medical sharps at the SAFE E-Waste collection center located at 1400 N. Gaffey Street, San Pedro.
Business hours are Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
More information can be obtained at http://www.lacitysan.org/solid_resources/special/hhw/safe_centers/index.htm and http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/hhw/collection.cfm.

Special containers are available for the disposal of sharps. They can be obtained from a variety of locations throughout the County listed at: http://dpw.lacounty.gov/epd/hhw/sharps/sites.cfm.

Sharps can also be disposed at sites throughout the county listed at http://ladpw.org/epd/hhw/sharps/sites.cfm. This includes the Lomita Sheriff Station at 26123 Narbonne Ave., Lomita, CA 90717 (Business Phone: 310-539-1661) http://www.lomitasheriff.com

Hazardous Waste Collection Information

5. How do I dispose of horse manure?

Please contact the City's trash hauler, Allied Waste.

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View Preservation

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1. If trees are blocking my view, what can I do?

The City has no restriction on the height of trees. However, there are established procedures for the protection and abatement of view obstructions created by landscaping.

For more information, please see 17.26 of the Municipal Code or call City Hall at 310.377.1521. Municipal Code Section 17.26

2. How do I submit a View Impairment complaint?

Please call or visit City Hall for questions pertaining to view preservation. View Impairment Complaint Form