Development and Planning

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

Soils and geology reports are required for all projects.

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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