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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 rt./ Minutes of a Regular Meeting DRAFT Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday,March 11, 1998, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2)#5-98 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Schreiner,Aurelio Cheng&Jinkerson Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Lath Lonberger, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR-None 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF ROBINSON & IKEDA, 12238 Via Arline (263-97-ZP-SD- GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Staff had nothing further to add to the report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Rodney Robinson, applicant, discussed the gray/black roofing material, commenting he was available for questions. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING The assistant engineer answered questions regarding how drainage will be handled on this site. The drainage will be directed to the swale that runs thorough the property, through the Wen property (continuation of the swale) to an existing catch basin on Concepcion Road. A final grading and drainage plan will be reviewed by the Engineering Department (standard condition of approval). Questions regarding the height of the retaining walls behind the house (1 %2 to 2 feet in height) and areas for landscaping were also discussed. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 11, 1998 Page 2 Commissioner Aurelio had no concerns. He felt the applicants have done a good job fitting the house onto the site. Commissioner Cheng agreed. Chairman Gottlieb was concerned with the positioning of the garage and possible lights directed toward the Wen bedroom. She suggested flipping the garage to the other side which would require less pavement with a slight shift of the house. She felt this lot and lot 3 should have garages • facing each other to concentrate noise. It was noted that the project, as designed, has equal impact on both neighbors. A shift would impact the back property more. The topographic difference between the two properties will provide some buffer from the garage. She continued, requesting a conservation easement over the drainage swale. Staff noted a conservation easement was not required with the Wen project. The assistant engineer stated a conservation easement was not requested since a relatively small area drains into the subdivision. Areas that could be used for landscaping were discussed. The applicant stated he would be willing to reduce or eliminate the circular element of the driveway, but changing the garage would be problematic (creating difficulty entering the garage). The Environmental Design Committee felt there was excessive outdoor lighting and recommended a reduction. Commissioner Cheng would like to make sure the applicants have enough lighting for safety. MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner, seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson, and amended to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Robinson & Ikeda, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: a conservation easement shall be granted over the 20 foot wide storm drain easement that bisects the property. Plantings within the easement shall be restricted to non-invasive native riparian species; the circular element of the driveway shall be revised to reduce some of the pavement, while still allowing for the required Fire Department turnaround; and the applicant will work with staff to reduce the outdoor lighting to the minimum needed for safety. AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Aurelio, Cheng, Jinkerson & Schreiner NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar April 1, 1998. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 11, 1998 Page 3 3.2 LANDS OF GORMAN, 24004 Oak Knoll Circle (269-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Ms. Davis introduced this item noting the receipt of a petition from concerned neighbors opposing the project, and a letter from Mr. Gorman regarding the petition. She continued stating the staff report indicated no skylights proposed. However, there are actually five skylights proposed, all located in the second level roof as shown on the Site Plan/Roof Plan but not shown on the elevations. A correction to the agenda was noted as item 3.2 should have read "Lands of Gorman and Cheng". Also, Ms. Davis had spoken to a neighbor by phone who voiced concern at looking down on a metal roof. She clarified that the access to the small basement was from the inside the house. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING John Gorman, 55 South Market Street, San Jose, applicant, discussed the following: the unique, creative design; confusion of some neighbors regarding the height of the structure; the useof a new exterior material, Rastra; no one seeing the entire house from any point; extensive landscaping planned; design to accommodate elderly mother; petition signed by neighbors prior to reviewing the plans; the design being appropriate for their needs; and condition #1, the request for stone or brick accent to be added to the exterior of the residence to break up the stucco. Tim Rempez, 2213 5th Street, Berkeley, project architect, provided photographs and a sample of the housing material. He further discussed the difficulties of the site, massing, nesting the second story,the Rastra material (recycled material),the roofing material, and the wooden trellis. Patrick Sheahan, 2213 5th Street, Berkeley, architect, commented on the natural features of the site, the berm along the roadway, the windows being pushed in to provide shadowing and to break up the wall surface, and the siding color a steel gray with plum undertones. Liane Davilla, 24005 Oak Knoll Circle, voiced concern regarding the height of the structure. She thought there was a 10 foot height restriction from the road. Sondra Hill, 12051. Stonebrook Drive, objected to the height as it will obliterate their view of the bay and the east foothills. She thought their view was protected when they moved there. She also felt ridgeline structures with high vertical walls with stucco finish are obtrusive. Kamal Nair, 24680 Prospect Avenue, neighbor across the street, voiced two concerns: height and metal roof(reflectivity); and the visual impact of this large structure. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 11, 1998 Page 4 CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Jinkerson felt if this is not a ridgeline, at least, it is a very visible property. A two story structure is not appropriate. He discussed the use of the proposed new material, Rastra, for the walls of the house indicating the floor area should be measured from the exterior and not from the centerline as requested by the applicants. They should be consistent as to how they measure floor area. He further discussed the 2:12 slope on the roof which would appear almost flat to uphill neighbors. He felt a break up of material is needed as stated in condition#1. Commissioner Aurelio felt the house will be prominent from Stonebrook. He shared the concerns regarding the ridgeline and the need for a one story structure stepping down the slope. This is a highly visible ridgeline and he was opposed to the two story element on this lot. It is their responsibility to follow Town guidelines. Commissioner Cheng was concerned with the roof reflectivity, the height of the house, and a 100% obstruction of a neighbor's view. There is a need to work with the neighbors. Commissioner Schreiner quoted from the "Site Development Policy Statement" and the "Guidelines for Residential Design" as it relates to this project. She further discussed the massive, bulky second story element, the new material to be used for the walls, and counting the floor area from the exterior walls. She would like to see a re-design to a single story, stepping down the land. Ridgelines, hilltops and highly visible lots should be preserved. She felt the house would better fit the site if turned around. This is no more than they have asked of other applicants. Chairman Gottlieb commented on the unique design but she did not feel it fit the land. The structure should be a single story structure cascading down the hill with the garage facing toward Oak Knoll Circle with a height restriction of 22 feet to avoid a 27 foot single story structure. RE-OPENED PUBLIC HEARING_ Mr. Gorman stated he was not interested in a redesign to a single story home. Mr. Sheahan, architect, discussed the guidelines, review of the site, the applicant's desires, the time and money already expended, and noted any structure on the site will have an impact on the Hill property. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 11, 1998 Page 5 MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson, seconded by Commissioner Schreiner, and amended to deny the request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Gorman and Cheng, based on the following reasons: nonconformity with the Site Development Policy Statement adopted by City Council February 19, 1997, and the Guidelines for Residential Design, in particular, pages 17.C2 (minimize obstructing on and off site views by careful placement of structures), 19.A (the appearance of bulk and mass should be minimized when designing a house), and 20.B (code sections 10-2.701-703.). There was also a concern with the metal roof, and giving an allowance on floor area for the new exterior material (measure from the exterior regardless of thickness). AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Cheng, Schreiner, Aurelio & Jinkerson NOES: None The appeal process was clarified for the applicant and audience. 3.3 LANDS OF LEE, 25935 Estacada Way (15-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a second story addition and remodel. Staff had nothing further to add to the report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Jade Lum, 25935 Estacada Way, applicant and architect, provided a rendering of the project commenting on the design features which break up the second story elements. The proposed second story would be indented from the first floor walls in most areas. A second story deck and a band between the floors will also add architectural relief between the two floors of the residence. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Discussion ensued regarding working with staff to revise the plans to include additional architectural detail along the front of the two story portion of the addition, to add architectural relief between the two stories. Commissioner Cheng noted her support without the revisions. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Aurelio to approve the Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel, Lands of Lee, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: work with staff to revise the plans to include additional architectural detail along the front of the two story portion of the addition, to add architectural relief between the two stories. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 11, 1998 Page 6 AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Jinkerson, Schreiner, Cheng & Aurelio NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar April 1, 1998. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees. The General Plan Committee will meet Thursday,March 19th to discuss the Circulation and Scenic Elements of the General Plan. 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Planning Commission Work Program Re: Policies and Ordinances. The Commission reviewed the list of issues to establish priorities. The following is the order of importance agreed upon by the Commission: (1) height limitations for "single story" buildings; (2) secondary dwellings; (3) options for garages or carports; (4) development area restrictions for "challenged lots:, and (5) chimney heights. These items will appear on a regular scheduled Planning Commission agenda at the discretion of the Planning Director. Commissioner Aurelio requested a matrix of the issues with other like towns (i.e. Portola Valley, Woodside) for a comparison. Dates for the next joint meeting were discussed. April 16th suggested or sometime in the week of May 25t. The Planning Director will present this to the City Council and report back to the Commission. - 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for March 4th - Chairman Gottlieb reported on the following items: modification of tentative map conditions to permit development area in excess of allowable maximum, Land of Rutner; request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, cabana, pool and spa, Lands of Chang; and extension of franchise agreement with Los Altos Garbage Company, implementation of a backyard yard waste collection program and continuation of the existing rate structure; and for entering into a contract with the Los Altos Hills County Fire District and LAGCO for a one-year yard waste drop-off collection program. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for March 18`h-Aurelio Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 11, 1998 Page 7 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the February 25, 1998 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the February 25th minutes with Commissioner Aurelio abstaining. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARINGS-FEBRUARY 17 AND MARCH 3 AND 10, 1998 8.1 LANDS OF GERENA & ROACH, 24020 Oak Knoll Circle (119-97-ZP- SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a revised grading plan. Approved with conditions February 17, 1998. 8.2 LANDS OF LIU, 12833 La Vida Real (20-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a tennis court. Approved with conditions March 3, 1998. 8.3 LANDS OF YANG & YAMAGAKI, 2535 Altamont Road (236-97-ZP- SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and spa. Approved with conditions March 10, 1998. 8.4 LANDS OF LAI, 24025 Oak Knoll Circle (23-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and a landscape plan. Approved with conditions March 10, 1998. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lath Lonberger Planning Secretary