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TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS January 22, 2004 Staff Report to the Planning Commission RE: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A LANDSCAPE SCREENING PLAN; LANDS OF KERNS; FILE#225-03-ZP-SD. FROM: Carl Cahill, Planning Director C.r RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Commission: 1. Approve the request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan, subject to the attached conditions of approval in Attachment 1 BACKGROUND The Planning Commission approved a Site Development Permit for a new residence (File #106- 00-ZP-SD-GD) for this property on July 12, 2000. A condition of approval requires that the applicant submit a landscape screening and erosion control plan for review by the Planning Commission. CODE REQUIREMENTS The requested Site Development Permit is subject to Planning Commission review and approval pursuant to a condition of approval of the Site Development permit for the new residence. The landscape plan is subject to evaluation by the criteria contained in Article 8 "Landscaping" of the Site Development Code including erosion, noise, visual effects, maintenance, tree preservation, views, size and placement and amount required to adequately screen new construction. The outdoor lighting plan is subject to Article 10 "Outdoor Lighting," Article 10 states that outdoor lights should be the minimum number of fixtures and bulb wattage that will safely illuminate the area. The home also is located on an otherwise undeveloped ridgeline with an open space backdrop. Pursuant to section 10-2.702.b.4., structures may be located on ridgelines only when they can be rendered unobtrusive by the use of natural vegetation and/or added landscaping and other techniques described in the ordinance. DISCUSSION Article 8 of the Site Development Code regarding landscaping attempts to maximize the compatibility of development with the natural environment and ensure that structures,.as viewed from off-site, blend and are unobtrusive, while retaining aesthetic quality. The original application for the new residence met with neighbor concern, in regards to overall visibility of the site from adjacent properties. The Planning Commission approved the new residence in 2000 and indicated to neighboring property owners that the new residence would be adequately screened with landscaping.