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Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT June 5, 2008 Page 2 level. Two rows of eucalyptus trees that provide significant screening are required to be removed. The applicant confirmed with staff that two heritage trees had been removed prior to application submittal. After consultation with the neighbors, a preliminary landscape screening and tree replacement plan had been developed and submitted by the applicant. It included many 15 gallon shrubs planted around the perimeter of the property, five 84 inch box olive trees, two 24 inch box and two 36 inch box oak trees. Los Altos Hills Municipal Code requires a five to one replacement ratio for heritage oak trees removed before application submittal. The proposed grading policy exception included a 10 foot 6 inch cut for the driveway backup area for the basement garage, 16 feet of cut for the ADA access ramp to the second unit and seven feet of cut for the rear yard. Staffs recommendation included the removal of the ramp, pushing the terrace walls forward to reduce the cut to 10' 6" and allow six feet of cut around the perimeter of the house at a five foot distance from the house, and raise the elevation of the pool to meet the grading policy limits. Commissioner Cottrell asked if there was an alternative to the ADA access ramp. Nicole Horvitz explained that for wheelchair access, the garage floor could be lowered two feet to have the entire basement on one level. Commissioner Harpootlian pointed out the other alternative for wheelchair access would be entry to the main level and use of the elevator. Nicole Horvitz confirmed that there was no requirement for single family residential projects to provide ADA access to the second unit. Discussion ensued among the Commissioners and staff regarding previously granted grading policy exceptions. Chairman Carey asked if staff had any comments on the difficulty of obtaining a correct topographical map for the project. Richard Chiu, City Engineer, replied that a neighbor had brought to staff's attention that the project's original topographical survey was incorrect. The applicant then submitted a new map from a different surveyor, which was within acceptable tolerances of what is expected from a survey. Commissioner Harpootlian asked if other incorrect plans with an engineers' stamp had ever been submitted. Richard Chiu replied that staff accepts stamped and signed plans and surveys as accurate. Debbie Pedro, Planning Director, said that she is not aware of any other submitted topographical survey being challenged for accuracy. Chairman Carey asked if two or four oak trees had been removed before submittal of the application.