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HomeMy WebLinkAbout4.1 L101 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS August 12, 1998 Staff Report to the Planning Commission RE: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A NEW RESIDENCE AND POOL; LANDS OF GAFNER; 26990 TAAFFE ROAD; FILE 29-98-ZP-SD. FROM: Susan Stevenson, Planner APPROVED BY: Curtis S. Williams, Planning DirecW -• RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Commission: Approve the requested Site Development Permit, subject to the recommended conditions of approval. BACKGROUND The Planning Commission reviewed the application for a new residence for this site on July 22, 1998 (minutes attached). Several neighbors at the meeting voiced concerns regarding view impacts of the new residence from their homes. The Commission requested that the applicant revise the plans to reduce the overall height of the residence to a maximum of 23 feet and to ensure that the existing views from neighboring properties, particularly from the neighbor to the southeast (Thomas), are maintained. The applicant has responded by reducing the height of the residence and moving the house up the hill to reduce the impact on the neighboring views. DISCUSSION Site Data: Gross Lot Area: 1.25 acres Net Lot Area: 1.231 acres Average Slope: 7.3% Lot Unit Factor: 1.231 Floor Area and Development Area: Area Maximum Proposed Existing Increase Left Development 18,270 12,456 0* +12,456 +5,814 Floor 7,308 6,249 0* +6,249 +1,059 *Existing development is proposed to be removed. Planning Commission Lands of Gafner August 12, 1998 Page 2 Staff notes that the proposed floor area has been reduced by approximately 800 square feet due to the plan changes. A revised worksheet #2 is attached, as is a letter from the applicant's architect, outlining the modifications from the previous proposal (note that basement space (514 sq. ft.) is now included in the floor area, as a small portion of the basement wall would be above grade). The story poles on the site have been adjusted to reflect the new height limitations. Modifications The Planning Commission gave specific direction to the applicants regarding the project, and the applicants have modified the plans in response to the comments. These changes include: 1. Reduce the overall height of the residence to no higher than 23 feet. The applicant has reduced the height of the residence to 23 feet by reducing the height of the interior attic spaces, lowering the finished floor by one foot, and reducing the roof pitch from 8:12 to 7:12. The lowest-to-highest height is now 25 feet. Also, the living space over the garage has been eliminated and converted to attic storage, with a pull-down stair. The height of the garage is now 19'10". The change in height also reduces the project square footage significantly, as attic areas over 7 feet in height have been eliminated. 2. Protect the views of adjacent neighbors. Two neighbors spoke at the last meeting regarding view impacts: Mr. Thomas, at 27033 Dezahara Way, and Mr. Jacquess, at 27053 Taaffe Road. In addition to lowering the height, the proposed home has been relocated approximately 15 feet uphill by reducing the three car garage to a two car garage. This change appears to have restored the view from the Thomas residence. The changes to height and location also have enhanced potential views from the Jacquess site, although staff notes that there is not an existing view from that site due to the mature trees which are located on the Gafner lot and the adjacent site. Staff has also received a phone call from a representative of the subdivision's architectural control committee, indicating that they have reviewed the plans and have determined that the project as revised now complies with the CC&R's. Planning Commission Lands of Gafner August 12, 1998 Page 3 Parking The applicant has revised the parking layout due to the change in the garage, but now shows the fourth parking space to be located in the setback and in tandem with the third space. Staff believes that there should be no problem locating a fourth space outside of the setbacks (such as on the inside of the circle driveway), and has amended condition#1 to require this change prior to acceptance of building plans. CONCLUSION The revised plans would limit the maximum height to 23 feet and would relocate the house to protect existing views. In addition, the square footage of the house would be reduced substantially. Staff believes that the modifications adequately respond to the concerns of the Commission at the last meeting. Staff is available to answer any questions that the Commission or the public may have. ATTACHMENTS 1. Recommended conditions of approval; fi 2. July 22, 1998 Planning Commission Minutes; 3. Revised Worksheet#2; 4. July 29, 1998 Letter from LGD Architects 5. Development plans. cc: Barry and Annette Gafner Lori Darling Tangley @ Westroad, c/o Lyman Davidson Dooley, Inc. Waybridge Surrey 1640 Powers Ferry Rd. 1-100 England KT130LZ Marietta, GA 30067 Planning Commission Lands of Gafner August 12, 1998 Page 4 ATTACHMENT 1 RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS FOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A NEW RESIDENCE AND POOL LANDS OF GAFNER, 26990 TAAFFE ROAD A. PLANNING DEPARTMENT: 1. The site plan shall be modified to indicate a fourth parking space outside " the required setbacks. The changes shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning and Engineering Departments prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check Any further changes shall be reviewed and approved by the Planning Department prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. Any further changes or modifications to the approved plans shall be approved by the Planning Director or the Planning Commission, depending upon the scope of the changes. 2. Subsequent to final framing, a landscape screening and erosion control plan shall be reviewed at a Site Development Hearing. Particular attention shall be given to plantings which will be adequate to break up the view of the new residence from surrounding properties and streets and maintaining privacy between neighbors. The 3 large Mayten trees are suggested to be boxed during construction and replanted. All landscaping required for screening purposes or for erosion control (as determined by the City Engineer) must be installed prior to final inspection, unless the Planning Director finds that unusual circumstances, such as weather or site conditions, require that planting be delayed. In those instances, a deposit of an amount equal to the cost of landscape materials and installation, to the satisfaction of the Planning Director, shall be submitted to the Town. Landscaping shall in any event be installed not later than six months after final inspection, or the deposit will be forfeited. 3. A landscape maintenance deposit (or certificate of deposit), equal to the cost of materials and installation for all landscaping required for screening purposes or for erosion control (as determined by the City Engineer), but not to exceed $5,000, shall be posted prior to final inspection. An inspection of the landscape to ensure adequate establishment and maintenance shall be made two years after installation. The deposit will be released at that time if the plantings remain viable. 4. Prior to beginning any grading or construction operations, all significant trees in the vicinity of construction shall be fenced at the dripline. The . i. Planning Commission Lands of Gafner August 12, 1998 Page 5 fencing shall be of material and structure to clearly delineate the dripline. Town staff must inspect the fencing and the trees to be fenced prior to commencement of grading or construction. The fencing must remain in place throughout the course of construction. No storage of equipment, vehicles or debris shall be allowed within the driplines of these trees. The applicant shall submit a letter from the arborist commenting on the impact of the development as shown on the approved plans and listing construction techniques to be used for the development. Any grading or work to be done within the dripline of a heritage oak must be supervised by a certified arborist and a report shall be submitted prior to final indicating the health of the heritage oaks and that any repair work on the trees has been completed. 5. Paint colors shall be chosen by the applicant and approved by staff in conformance with the Town's adopted color board, and shall exhibit a light reflectivity value of 50 or less. Roofs shall use materials which have a light reflectivity value of 40 or less. White trim area should be minimized, particularly on large surfaces such as doors, columns, railings, and trellises. A color sample shall be submitted to the Planning Department for approval prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. All applicable structures shall be painted in conformance with the approved color(s)prior to final inspection. 6. Skylights shall be designed and constructed to reduce emitted light. No lighting may be placed within skylight wells. 7. Fire retardant roofing is required for the new construction. 8. Outdoor lighting locations and specifications shall be submitted for Planning Department approval prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. Locations should be kept to a minimum with 1 light per exit and 2 allowed at the entry and garage. Any additional outdoor lighting shall be reviewed with the landscape plan. Lighting fixtures shall generally be downlights. Exceptions may be permitted in limited locations (entry, garage, etc.) or where the fixtures would not be visible from off site. Flood lights shall be directed away from neighbors. Any security lighting shall be limited in number and directed away from clear view of neighbors, and shielding with shrouds or louvers is suggested. Lighting shall be low wattage, shall'not encroach or reflect on adjacent properties, and the source of lighting should not be directly visible from off site. No lighting may be placed within the setbacks except for 2 driveway or entry lights, except where determined to be necessary for safety. Planning Commission Lands of Gafner August 12, 1998 Page 6 9. Standard swimming pool conditions: a. Lights shall be designed so that the source is not visible from off- site. b. Drainage outfall structures shall be constructed and located to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. c. Fencing or a locking pool cover is recommended for safety. d. Equipment shall be enclosed on all four sides for noise mitigation and screening. 10. As recommended by Cotton, Shires & Associates in their report dated March 27, 1998, the applicant shall comply with the following: a. The applicant's geotechnical consultant shall review and approve all geotechnical aspects of the of the development plans (i.e. Site preparation and grading, site drainage improvements and design parameters for foundations, swimming pool and driveway) to ensure that his recommendations have been properly incorporated. The results of the plan review should be summarized by the geotechnical consultant in a letter and submitted tot he Town Engineer for review and approval prior to issuance of building permits. b. The geotechnical consultant shall inspect, test (as needed), and approve all geotechnical aspects of the project construction. The inspections should include, but not necessarily be limited to: site preparation and grading, site surface and subsurface drainage improvements, and excavations for foundations prior to placement of steel and concrete. The consultant shall verify that new fill materials are properly keyed and benched into competent earth materials. The results of these inspections and the as-built conditions of the project shall be described by the geotechnical consultant in a letter and submitted to the Town Engineer for review prior to final (as built) project approval. For further details on the above requirements, please refer to the letter from Cotton, Shires & Associates dated March 27, 1998. Planning Commission Lands of Gafner August 12, 1998 Page 7 B. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT: 11. The drainage outlets shall be relocated 30 feet to the west, to the satisfaction of the Engineering Department, prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. Any, and all,!changes to the approved grading and drainage plan shall be submitted as revisions from the project engineer and shall first be approved by the Town Engineering Department. No grading shall take place during the grading moratorium between November 1 and April 1 except with prior approval from the City Engineer. No grading shall take place within ten feet of any property line except to allow for the construction of the'driveway access. 12. All public utility services serving this property shall be placed underground. 13. An erosion and sediment control plan shall be submitted for review and approval by the Engineering Department prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. The contractor and the property owner shall comply with all appropriate requirements of the Town's NPDES permit relative to grading and erosion/sediment control; The first 100 feet of the driveway shall be rocked during construction hand all cut and fill slopes shall be protected from erosion. All areas on the site that have the native soil disturbed shall be protected for erosion control during the rainy season and shall be replanted prior to final inspection. 14. Two copies of a grading and construction operation plan shall be submitted by the property owner for review and approval by the City Engineer and Planning Director prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. The grading/construction plan shall address truck traffic issues regarding dust, noise, and vehicular and pedestrian traffic safety on Taaffe Road and surrounding roadways; storage of construction materials; placement of sanitary facilities; parking for construction vehicles; and parking for construction personnel. In particular, the plan should address how construction personnel vehicles, will be parked so as to leave the roadway clear. A debris box (trash dumpster) shall be placed on site for collection of construction debris. Arrangements must be made with the Los Altos Garbage Company for the debris box, since they have a franchise with the Town and no other hauler is allowed within the Town limits. 15. The property owner shall inform the Town of any damage and shall repair any damage caused by the construction of the project to pathways, private driveways, and public and private roadways,prior to final inspection and shall provide the Town with photographs of the existing conditions of the Planning Commission Lands of Gafner August 12, 1998 Page 8 roadways and pathways prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. 16. The driveway shall be required to be fully constructed and to be roughened where the pathway intersects, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer, prior to final inspection. 17. The property owner shall be required to connect to the public sanitary sewer prior to final inspection. A copy of a permit from the City of Los Altos shall be required to be submitted to the Town prior to submittal of plans for building plan check. 18. The site drainage associated with the proposed development must be designed as surface flow wherever possible to avoid concentration of the runoff. The proposed drainage shall be designed to maintain the existing flow patterns. A final grading and drainage plan shall be submitted for approval by the Engineering Department prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. Final drainage and grading shall be inspected by the Engineering Department and any deficiencies corrected to the satisfaction of the Engineering Department prior to final inspection. A letter shall be submitted from the project engineer stating that the drainage improvements were installed as shown on the approved plans and in accordance with their recommendations prior to final inspection. 19. Prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check, the applicant shall pay a pathway fee to the Town, based on the length of the lot along the east property line (179.5 feet) ($7.00 per linear foot). C. FIRE DEPARTMENT 20. The driveway shall be a minimum of 14 feet wide, shall have a vertical clearance of 13 feet six inches, shall be designed and maintained to support the imposed loads of fire apparatus (40,000 pounds) and shall have an all weather surface. Minimum circulating turning radius shall be 36 feet outside and 23 feet inside. 21. The property address shall be placed on the property so that it is clearly visible and legible from Fernhill Drive. The address numbers shall be a minimum of four inches high and shall contrast with the background color. 22. Prior to final inspection, the applicant shall install a fire sprinklering system to assure that adequate flow is available to the residence. The design of the fire sprinklering system shall be reviewed and approved by the fire department prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. Planning Commission Lands of Gafner August 12, 1998 Page 9 Upon completion of the construction, a final inspection shall be required to be set with the Planning and Engineering Departments two weeks prior to final building inspection approval. CONDITION NUMBERS 1, 5, 8, 11, 13, 14, 15, 17, 18,. 19 AND 22 SHALL BE COMPLETED AND SIGNED OFF BY THE PLANNING DIRECTOR AND THE CITY ENGINEER PRIOR TO ACCEPTANCE OF CONSTRUCTION PLANS FOR PLAN CHECK BY THE BUILDING DEPARTMENT. • Properties residing within the Los Altos School District boundaries must pay School District fees before receiving their building permit from Los Altos Hills. The applicant must take a copy of Worksheet#2 to both the elementary and high school district offices, pay the appropriate fees and provide the Town with a copy of their receipts. NOTE: The Site Development permit is valid for one year from the approval date (until July 22, 1999). All required building permits must be obtained within that year and work - on items not requiring a building permit shall be commenced within one year and completed within two years. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT July 22, 1998 Page 6 ommissioner Gottlieb questioned the location of the cabana as it is blocking a beautiful vi . It also is a visual impact from Concepcion Road and from the neighboring proAy. She\It if the bedrooms and garage were switched, it would reduce the amount of pavem- .. and retaining walls. She also felt the house should step down as itf:will overlook the Wen p 5.erty. Commissioner Schreiner agreed. She was concerned,with the skylights as they give\wo story appearance. She was also concerned with the'impact on the Wen property, suggestng moving the house closer to Concepcion. ,Commissioner Jinkerson also agreed that th house should step down. P l Mr. Helm responded tha theY can remove the skylighxs;if it is a problem on the east side. They can also move the cabala but would prefer not to move the garage as it provides easy access to the back. The amount` pavement beyond the garage could be reduced up to 10 feet. The overall profile is 26 feet a d they can screen the foundation. MOTION SECONDED AND PASS,ED: ' otion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to ayprove the Sp: Development Permit for a new residence, cabana and pool, Lands of Myrtliy and Srinath, w. the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval; re/ , ce the roof elevation at t"- .l�ghest point by at least 2 feet; step down or lower the houssyin combination with backfill to imize exposure to Concepcion Road; relocate the pool house to the opposite side of the poo '; educe the paved area in the garage backup; a delete the skylights. AYES: ;'Vice-Chair Jinkerson, Commissioners Gottlieb & Schrein r��\ NOES: None ABSE/N': Chairman Cheng & Commissioner Aurelio ~� Tapproval is subject to a 21 day appeal period. 3.4 LANDS OF GAFNER, 26990 Taaffe Road (67-98-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 7,038 square foot, 27 foot high (partial two story) residence and pool. The Planning Director introduced this item by referring to a statement in the staff report and the misinformation regarding the approval of a two story residence on lot 27. Lot 27 was subsequently re-subdivided and was originally part of the lots which were allowed two story residences per the CC&R's. Commissioner Schreiner disclosed she had viewed the property from the Thomas residence. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING • i Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT July 22, 1998 Page 7 Barry Gafner, applicant, provided the history of the design process, working with staff to insure a project that was within Town codes. He has met with six of the eight abutting neighbors (Thomas, George, Talbott, Reed, Rome, Pbwell). The Powells were concerned with the south elevation privacy with the guest suite above the garage. They have agreed with the Powells to remove the two windows and the,guest suite over the garage. They are still working with the Thomas' regarding their view'line. They need to get the roof line down to about 17 feet to address his view concerns. The existing roof line is between 16 to 17 feet. He continued by discussing changes to the plan which reduced the height, however, there is still view impacts. The fifth parking space will be removed. Mr. Gafner was aware of the CC&R's noting the house is only a single story. Laurie Darling, project architect, discussed the height of the house. She was available for questions. Marvin Shibuya, 26898 Dezahara Way, had provided staff with a copy of the CC&R's for the subdivision. The CC&R's indicate approval by the architectural committee prior to Town approval. He felt this applicant was premature. Commissioner Jinkerson clarified the Commission's position regarding the involvement with CC&R's. He realized this was a delicate issue but they do not enforce CC&R's. Mike Thomas, 27033 Dezahara Way, bordering on approximately 130 feet of the Gafner property. His view is a very narrow corridor across their property. He provided the Commission with photographs of their view from the upper patio area. They do have other filtered views although they have enjoyed the current;view for many years. He understood that the CC&R's cannot be enforced by the Commission. However, there are many neighbors who depend on the CC&R's. The Gafners knew about the CC&R's. The proposal is for a one story structure with a height of a two story. It should not have been a surprise to the Gafners that some neighbors would be upset with this project. He discussed a 1989 judgment (copy of legal document submitted) noting the CC&R's can be enforced legally. When you are looking off to the horizon, every foot counts. Perhaps a large house is not appropriate on this site. Further discussion ensued regarding the language in the CC&R's. Mr. Thomas felt this should be a single story home. Gary Jaquess 27053 Taaffe Road, stated he objected to the project. Building a second story on that lot will further impair the southerly views from his house. Currently, they are highly obscured by trees on the Gafner and neighboring properties which may be an infraction of the CC&R's. While there is a chance of regaining views by removing trees, a house would be a permanent obstruction. This view degradation could reduce the value of his property. He provided the Commission with a letter of his concerns. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT July 22, 1998 Page 8 Glen Reed, 26855 Dezahara Way, discussed the many changes over the last 25 years. There are problems with the height of trees. He felt this was a nice house. He disagreed with the CC&R's. He asked what is the difference between a 25 foot house or a 50 foot tree. Mike Powell, 27011 Dezahara Way, his property abuts the south side of the Gafner property. He felt as long as there were no windows on the second floor on the south side of the property, now or in the future, his primary objection has been eliminated. Mr. Gafner commented their intention was not to flaunt the CC&R's. He used the Town guidelines for a single story (maximum 27 feet) but they have reduced it to 24 feet at the high point. He asked Mr. Thomas what would be the desirable height. Mr. Thomas responded he did not know what the perimeters are for a single story home but they are not 27 feet. He felt it was more of what a prudent person would consider to be a two story versus a one story building. It is not a design question but a height question. Ideally, a single story would be one he could look over. Mr. Gafner further discussed the fire department requirements for a 14 foot wide driveway with a 37 foot radius as it pushes the house down the hill. If there is a way to do some sort of variance relative to this turning radius or to move it into the setback slightly as they need 12 feet to move the 21 foot roof area out of Mr. Thomas' view corridor with the 17 foot part of the roof not blocking his view. Diane Barrager, Pathways Committee, requested the pathway over the driveway _be roughened. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING The Planning Director discussed the height of a single story not being 27 feet. Although the Commission does not have to impose the CC&R's, they can use similar language. Commissioner Jinkerson discussed the fire department requirements (14 foot driveways). He felt the height should be no more than 23 feet anywhere. Commissioner Schreiner quoted from the "Site Development Policy Statement." She did not feel the 27 foot height meet the intent of a one story structure. This structure is a physical block. She would like to see a redesign to reduce the height to a maximum of 23 feet (as measured by the Town), with a lower height in some areas. This is a big house. Commissioner Gottlieb clarified that on the view side, the structure should be reduced to 20 to 21 feet. Commissioner Jinkerson, in summary, noted that due to the location, the ridgeline, and environment, the house should be no more than 23 feet in height. Due to the view corridor, the house should be less than 23 feet in height. The house should not obstruct existing views. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT July 22, 1998 Page 9 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to continue the application for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool, Lands of Gafner, for redesign, to address the height, visibility, impact on neighbors, and the driveway design. AYES: Vice-Chair Jinkerson, Commissioners Gottlieb & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Chairman Cheng & Commissioner Aurelio. This item will be re-noticed for a public hearing. Brief break at 10:25 p.m. 3.5 LANDS OF LAMBERT, 24700 Olive Tree Court (79-96-ZP-SD- • - VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 4,66 % quare foot residence with attached 500 square foot carport, and, 'ances to \xceed allowable height (42 feet proposed) and floor area. 'd to encroach Is required side yard setback. '` Staff had nothing fur.b-r to add to the report. Jai OPENED PUBLIC HEAR ? Steven Pahl, 160 W. Santa Clara;4 an Jose, applljcants representative, referred to his May 8, 1998 letter to the Planning Directzdetailing7their position. There are only two variances being requested; height and setback. *did not believe a variance for the floor area was necessary. The existing structure is highthan the proposed new structure. He referred to the rendering provided in the packet.' Also'povided''was a petition signed by 46 residents in support of the project. In,;order to acl i ve a' more harmonious design, they are requesting a variance to the,>%current existing o vn imposed setback requirements and height requirements. This/structure will slightly stitch beyond the footprint of the old structure and will occupy"areas within the property setback not previously occupied by the previous structure. In/mitigation to these additional ``foot 'nt" encroachments, the height of the home beinwproposed moves from a four story, six lev house with a fourteen foot pony wall to a Vo story, "prairie style" structure. This will be a Woden house with 8 foot eaves. Heted that City Council has reviewed this project5e, providing some clarification. to Mr. Lambert. The Council suggested a variance and th- are here for that reason./ '1 . Lambert is extremely opposed to variances but believes tti. roject meets Tow, codes. He suggested, if the Commission cannot grant the request se N orth in his let r, to direct them back to the City Council to continue where they left off in ebruary, 97, when they suggested to bring this back with a variance request. \ RECEIVED JUL 2 91998 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS PLANNING DEPARTMENT 26379 Fremont Road•Los Altos Hills,California 94022•(415)941-7222•FAX(415)941-3160 WORKSHEET #2 EXISTING AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AREA AND FLOOR AREA • TURN IN WITH YOUR APPLICATION• PROPERTY OWNERS NAME /5/ ey PROPERTY ADDRESS .02z0,47/0 CALCULATED BYy DALE 10#2/ Jot.) - r--//9" 7. 26 •q 1. DEVELOPMENT AREA (SQUARE FOOTAGE) Existing Proposed Total (Additions or Deletions) A. House and Garage (from Part 2.A.) (pa 1/9 • B. Decking C. Driveway and Parking • (Measured 100'along centerline) j a /c g D. Patios and Walkways /-21 (v E. Tennis Court F. Pool and Decking G. Accessory Buildings (from Part B) • H. Any other coverage TOTALS //t `s/(P (o�I Maximum Development Area Allowed-MDA (from Worksheet#1) l�jo2.7 l 2. FLOOR AREA (SQUARE FOOTAGE) Existing Proposed Total (Additions or Deletions) A. - House and Garage a. 1st Floor b. 2nd Floor -- c. Attic anasement 'j /4l d. Garage 72-0 B. Accessory Buildings a. 1st Floor ._ b. 2nd Floor _.-. c. Attic and Basement TOTALS I (902 V 9 Ca2171Gj gs/6. Maximum Floor Area Allowed-MFA(from Worksheet#1) -73dg "TOWN USE ONLY CHECKED BY DALE Revised 2/26/96 A - G LGD ARCHITECTS U 3 199$ TuS,52 'akamilr�F;LES Marietta,Georgia 30064 July 29, 1998 • Ms. Susan Stevenson Town of Los Altos Hills 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills,CA 94022 Re:26990 Taaffe Road • Dear Susan; • You should be receiving an Air Borne Express package today containing 10 sets of revised drawings. The changes were made following the hearing and further discussions with the neighbors. They include the following: . • The garage has been reduced from three bays to two bays,,which allowed the house to slide 15'feet up the hill. This,in combination with changes outlined below,brought the ridge line of the family room down enough to return most of the Thomas'view through that corridor. • • The finished floor of the main house is now at 208.5(from 209.5): The differential between the lower levels and the main house has been increase 3"to 24". • • The ceiling height has been reduced to 9' except in the entry,living room and dining room and those rooms with vaults and trays. This dropped the wall/roof rafter connection by 1': . •• The depth of the crawl space has been reduced from 3.'to. he minimum 1'-6". • ::• The roof pitch has been reduced for 8/12 to 7/12 removingtthose areas up in the attic with head heights over 7':' • The guest suite in the garage has been removed. Thereduced size of the garage eliminated the ability to:include a permanent stair to its attic storage. A pull-down stair is proposed. The outcome of thesechanges brought: • • The height of the,main portion of the house to 23'measured from the floor of the crawl space. The heights of the othersections range from 21'-3"(kitchen measured from floor of crawl space),20'-l0"(master bedroom measured from floor of crawl space),:19'-10"(garage measured from FG of 208),and-17'-2"(family room measured from ceiling of basement). - • A revision to the area calculation. Without attic head height and a reduced garage,the overall area has been greatly reduced from 7038 sf.to 5735 sf (excluding.the basement). Worksheet#2 included with the drawings " shows the floor area inclusive of the basement.at 6249 sf. In anticipation of the August 12 hearing,the story poles will bereset prior to Aug 1'. • In writing this letter,I noticed anerror on the A4 sheet. I have labeled the height of the master bedroom at 16'-I 0"when the measured height is 20'-10". This shows up twice,the left side of elevation 5/A4 and the right side of elevation 1/A4. I would greatly appreciate it if you would mark out the 16' and replace it with 20'. Thank-you. Please call with any question and comments. I look forward to moving forward! • Sincere Lori Darling,AIA Phone:(770)850-8494 Fax:(770)850-8993 Iddi@abraxis.com •