Residents Object as Rolling Hills Moves to Outlaw Oversized Homes

Over the objections of numerous residents, the Rolling Hills City Council has tentatively approved an ordinance that empowers city officials to reject new construction and remodeling plans that do not comply with the goals of the city’s General Plan.

Council members said the General Plan, which calls for the preservation of the city’s rural character, has been ignored by residents who build oversized homes on the large lots that are common in the city.

Residents argued that the architecture committee of the Rolling Hills Community Assn., which rules on various aspects of construction in the city, adequately polices the size of homes. Council members, however, said the association has no power to prosecute violators of its regulations.

“Now the time has come for the city to get involved,” Councilwoman Gordana Swanson said.

The measure was approved unanimously at its first reading Monday. If adopted, as expected, at the next council meeting, it will become effective Dec. 28.

Under the ordinance, the city would not issue grading and building permits for a new home or major addition until a city staff member visited the site and determined that the project would not conflict with the General Plan.

At least a dozen residents told the council that they oppose the ordinance and that others just as opposed to it had been unable to attend the public hearing. “When does a City Council cease and desist from making an ordinance when a majority of the city doesn’t feel it’s necessary?” resident Mark Minkes asked.

Two residents spoke in favor of the ordinance.

And Mayor Jody Murdock said: “It’s my perception that a majority of the community wants the goals of the General Plan applied.”

Councilman Godfrey Pernell agreed: “The City Council can’t stand idly by when we hear the goals of the General Plan are being ignored.”