Local News in Brief : View Ordinance Hearing

Rolling Hills residents who could not attend a hearing on the city’s proposed view protection ordinance this week may attend a second session of the hearing May 9. The council continued the standing-room-only hearing Monday to provide a forum for everyone interested in the measure.

The ordinance would permit a property owner with an obstructed view to file a complaint with the city to have the view restored. A mediator skilled in horticulture would work with both parties to resolve the dispute. Unresolved disputes would go before a council-appointed committee. The committee’s decision could be appealed to the City Council, but the council’s decision would be binding. The complainant would pay for the removal of vegetation, but view maintenance would be the responsibility of the owner of the offending plants.

City Atty. Michael Jenkins said the final determination on plant removal would be recorded so all future owners of that property would be held to the decision. He said enforcing the ordinance could be difficult and expensive if a resident adamantly opposed the removal of any plants from his property.

About 45 people attended the Monday hearing. Most residents who spoke favored the new ordinance, but many were concerned that it could be used by property owners to restore views obliterated by vegetation 30 to 40 years ago.

In neighboring Rancho Palos Verdes, residents have completed a petition drive for placing a view protection measure on a ballot. The City Council has refused to approve the policy through an ordinance.