HomeMy WebLinkAbout3.2 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS December 13, 1995
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
RE: SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT FOR A MAJOR ADDITION/REMODEL,
POOL AND CABANA;LANDS OF GARCES;26101 ELENA ROAD.
FROM: Suzanne Davis,Planner 5[)
APPROVED BY: Curtis S.Williams,Planning Direc`Jr'
RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Commission:
Approve the requested Site Development Permit as submitted,subject to the
attached conditions of approval.
BACKGROUND
The Planning Commission considered this application on July 12, 1995. The
Commission continued the matter to allow the applicant to provide additional
information on the grading which has taken place on the property since the
residence was built. The Planning Commission stated that the applicant should
submit a soils report for review by the Town Geologist, as well as information on
the topography that existing prior to unpermitted grading,the grades that were
created with this earthwork, and the proposed grading associated with the
project. The applicant has submitted separate engineering plans showing the
contours in July 1993 and October 1995, and the proposed grading and drainage
which would be done with the pending project. Also at the July 12 meeting the
adjacent neighbors to the west expressed concern about previous grading which
was done on the Garces property, and drainage problems they have experienced
on their property which may have been a result of the grading done on the
Garces site. The Commission asked that the applicant work with the neighbors
in an effort to resolve the issues between them. Since the applicant has not been
successful in meeting directly with Mr. &Mrs. Douglas,staff will be meeting
with the Douglases prior to the meeting to go over the new plans. Staff can
advise the Commission on the outcome of that meeting on December 13.
CODE REQUIREMENTS
In accordance with Section 10-2.301 of the Site Development Ordinance, the
proposed project has been referred to the Planning Commission for review as it
indudes additions exceeding 900 square feet,and the height will exceed 15 feet.
Notice of this meeting was sent to neighbors within 500 feet of the property.
. Planning Commission '
December 1311995
Lands of Gares
Page 2 .
DISCUSSION
Site Data:
Net Lot Area: .615 acres
Average Slope: 13.9%
Lot Unit Factor: 1.48
Floor Area and Dev-lopment Area:
Area Max. Prop. Exist. ' Incrs. Left
Devel. 20,036 19,716 14,384 +5,332 +320
Floor 8,591 7,991 6,127 +1,864 +600
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Site:&Archit-cture
The applicant is requesting approval of a site development permit to add 1,794
square feet to an existing re idence and 70 square feet to an accessory structure,
and to build a pool and cab:na. Some interior remodeling of the residence will
be done as well. The additions to the first floor total 1,207 square feet. The lower
level will be iiicreased by 587 square feet. A 70 square foot pool equipment
enclosure will be part of a cabana structure to be builti next tothe new swimming
pool. The cablana will have two 12 foot high walls and an open beam trellis roof.
Thetwo open sides will ha ,e stucco covered support posts. Because the
structure is open on two si4es and does not have a solid roof it is not considered
floor area. Tile two solid glass walls will serve as a wind break and sound wall.
A built-in barbecue and sink will be part of the pool area. The proposed
improvements will all conform to setback and other dimensional requirements.
The;maximu .height of the existing house is 22 feet 8 inches as measured from
the existing �ade. The height will not increase with the additions. Exterior
materials will consist of stucco siding, chimney and support posts and tile
roofing. No skylights are planned.
Driveway& Parkin
g
On-site parking is provided in a three car garage, and within the circular
driveway. There are at least four parking spaces as required by Section 10-1.601
of the Zoning Ordinance. The existing driveway and parking will not be
changed under the proposed project.
i
Planning Commission
December 13, 1995
Lands of Garces
Page 3
Grading&Drainage
The Engineering Department has reviewed the plans and has recommended .
conditions of approval as specified in Attachment 1. The project engineer has
prepared three exhibits showing the grades in 1993, 1995 and as proposed with
the project. Plan"A" shows the contours as of July 1993. Plan"B" shows the
contours as modified by grading done in 1994. This represents the property as it
exists today. Estimated grading volumes for the 1994 earthwork are 871 cubic
yards of cut and 728 cubic yards of fill. Plan"C"shows the grading that would
be done with the proposed project. Grading volumes include 150 cubic yards of
cut and 400 cubic yards of fill. The applicant is proposing to install a drainage
swale along the westerly and easterly property lines to divert drainage towards
the freeway where there is a swale. This would prevent water from the Garces
site from draining onto the Douglas property. The Douglas lot is the low point in
the area and the water which collects on their land is coming from several other
properties located above the Douglas site.
The Engineering Department will inspect final grading and drainage,and any
deficiencies will be required to be corrected,prior to final inspection.
Plan Review Comments
The Town's Geotechnical consultant,William Cotton&Associates,has reviewed
the geotechnical report and development plans and has visited the site. The
Town Geologist's report states that the project geotechnical consultant has
recommended appropriate design criteria to mitigate the site's constraints. The
Town Geologist's recommendations have been included in condition#11.
The Environmental Design&Protection Committee recommends the use of less
reflective exterior colors due to the visibility of the house from immediate
neighbors and the freeway, and that the carriage style light fixtures be replaced
with"down"lighting fixtures. Protective tree fencing should be placed around
existing trees during construction, and the path at the lower edge of the property
needs protection from drainage from the site.
Santa Clara County Environmental Health has given preliminary approval of the
septic system. Portions of the existing leach field will be abandoned and a new
expansion field will be installed beyond the pool area, as shown on the site plan.
Final approval of the septic system will be required prior to acceptance of plans
for building plan check.
The Pathways Committee visited the site and recommends that the existing
pathway in the Elena Road right-of-way be upgraded to Type IIB standards. The
path should be kept open during construction,and new plantings or irrigation
Planning Commission
December 13j 1995
Lands of Garces
Page 4
should be kept at least five feet from the path. In addition,the driveway will be
required to be roughened where it crosses the path.
Staff is available to answer any questions that the Commission or the public may
have.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Recommended conditions of approval
2. Memo from William Cotton&Associates, dated December 4, 1995 (one page)
3. Letter from William Cotton&Associates, dated October 16, 1995 (two pages)
4. Pathway Committee recommendation
5. Letter fro is Marvin Wolff, dated October 30, 1995 (two pages)
6. Planning Commission Minutes of July 12, 1995
7. Worksheet#2
8. Revised development plans: grading plans, conceptual landscape plan,site
plan,floor plans,elevations roof plan, and pool area details (11 sheets)
cc: Fabian Garces
26101 Elena Road
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Raymond Miller,Architect
Altos Group
225 Frances Drive
Los Altos,CA 94022
Marvin W. Wolff,Civil Engineer
2080 Yorkshire Way
Mountain View, CA 94040
Planning Commission
December 13, 1995
Lands of Garces
Page 5
ATTACHMENT 1
RECOMMENDED CONDITIONS FOR SITE DEVELOPMENT PERMIT
FOR MAJOR ADDITION&REMODEL,POOL AND CABANA
LANDS OF GARCES-26101 ELENA ROAD
A. PLANNING DEPARTMENT:
1. Any 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 by the Site Development Committee.
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. Trees may not be planted in
the public right-of-way. 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$5,000.00,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. If any tree six inches in diameter or larger is removed to
accommodate construction or if a tree is damaged or destroyed
during construction, it may be required to be replaced. The
replacement tree(s) shall be equal in size to the removed or
damaged tree(s), as determined by the Planning Director.
Planning Commission
December 13� 1995
Lands of Garces
Page 6
5. Paint colors, if changed, 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 have a light reflectivity value of 140 or less. White trim area
shall be minimized, particularly on large surfaces such as doors,
columns, railings and trellises. Color samples shall be submitted to
the Planning pepartment for approval prior to painting the exterior
of the residence. All structures shall pe painted in conformance
with the app oved color(s) prior to final inspection.
6. Prior to be ' 'ng any grading operation or construction,the
significant tres in the area of construction shall be fenced at the
dripline. The fencing shall be of a material and structure to clearly
delineate the ripline. Town staff must inspect the fencing and the
trees to be fe iced prior to issuance of any building permits. The fence
must remain throughout the course of construction. No storage of
equipment,vehicles or debris shall be allowed within the driplines
of these trees.
7. ire retardant roofing is required for the new construction.
8. Skylights, if utilized, shall be designed and constructed to reduce
emitted light. No lighting may be placed within the skylight wells.
9. y outdoor lighting requires approval by the Planning
epartment prior to installation. Lighting specifications shall be
ubmitted for Planning Department approval prior to acceptance of
lans for building plan check,if such plans will indicate electrical
installation to support new lighting. Lighting shall be down
shielded,low attage, and shall not encroach or reflect on adjacent
Properties. a source of the lighting shall not be visible from off
the site. No lighting may be placed wittun setbacks except for two
driveway or a try lights. Consideration shall be given to replacing
the existing c rriage style lights with "down light"fixtures.
10. At the time of foundation inspection for Ithe additions and cabana,
nd prior to f' al inspection for the pool and hardscape
improvement ,the location of the additions,cabana,pool, stairs
and decking shall be certified in writing by a registered civil
engineer or licensed land surveyor as being in the approved
locations shown on the approved site development plan.
Planning Commission
December 13, 1995
Lands of Garces
Page 7
B. ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT:
11. As recommended by William Cotton & Associates in their reports
dated October 16, 1995, the applicant shall comply with the
following:
a. The project geotechnical consultant shall review all
geotechnical aspects of the construction drawings and shall
summarize the results in a letter which shall be submitted to
the Town Engineering Department for approval, prior to
acceptance of plans for building plan check.
b. The project geotechnical consultant shall describe the results
of inspections and as-built conditions of the project in a letter
to be submitted to the Town Engineering Department prior
to final inspection.
For further details on the above requirements, please reference the
letters from William Cotton&Associates dated October 16, 1995.
12. The site drainage associated with the proposed development must
be designed as surface flow wherever possible to avoid
concentration of runoff. The applicant shall be required to install
the drainage barrier, the 10 foot wide drainage swale along the
northwesterly property line and the three foot wide drainage swale
along the westerly portion of the property prior to final inspection.
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. The proposed
private road is approved to be graded only and shall not be located
closer than 10 feet from the property line. The road may not be
covered with gravel or asphalt, or finished in any other way
without prior approval from the Town.
13. 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 operation plan shall
address truck traffic issues regarding dust,noise, and vehicular and
pedestrian traffic safety on Elena Road and surrounding roadways;
storage of construction materials; placement of sanitary facilities;
clean up area; parking for construction vehicles; and parking for
construction personnel. No vehicles may be parked on the path
along Elena Road at any time. A debris box (trash dumpster) shall
be placed on site for collection of construction debris.
Planning Commission
December 13, 1995 ,
Lands of Garces
Page 8
Arrangements must be made with the Los Altos Garbage Company
for the debri box, since they have a frianchise with the Towne and
no other hauler is allowed within the Town limits.
1
14. IAny, and all, changes to the approved grading and drainage plan
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
ngineer. No grading shall take place within ten feet of any
property line except to allow for the grading of drainage systems
Which were o iginally required with the subdivision of the land.
15. An erosion ad sediment control plan shall be submitted for review
nd approval by the Engineering Department prior to acceptance of
plans for building plan check. The contractor and the property owner
hall comply with all appropriate requirements of the Town's
NPDES permit relative to grading and, erosion/sediment control.
All areas on the site that have the native soil disturbed shall be
Fj rotected for erosion control during the rainy season and shall be
eplanted pri it to final inspection.
16. Any new public utility services installed to serve this property shall
be undergrounded.
17. The existing pathway along Elena Road shall be rehabilitated as
necessary to meet current Town standards for a type IIB pathway
and the drivil eways shall be roughened where the pathway
ntersects, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer, prior to final
nspection. No plantings or irrigation may be placed within five
eet of the path.
18. 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,public and private roadways prior to
final inspection and release of occupancy permits and shall provide
he Town with photographs of the existing conditions of the
oadways an pathways prior to acceptance of plans for building plan
check.
19. Final approva of the septic system shall be obtained from the Santa
lara County ealth Department, and two stamped, signed plans
hall be sub 'tted to the Town, prior to acceptance of plans for
building plan check.
Planning Commission
December 13, 1995
Lands of Garces
Page
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 9, 11, 12, 15, 18 AND 19 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.
PROTECTIVE TREE FENCING SHALL BE INSPECTED AND APPROVED
BY THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT PRIOR TO ISSUANCE OF BUILDING
PERMITS.
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 12, 1996). 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.
DEC 04 '95 16 17 408-354-1852/14CA
ATT C I-t O EKI T 2_
William Cotton and Associates FAX FORM
330 Village Lane,Los Gatos,California 95030 Phone: (408) 354-5542 PAX:354-1852
PHONE:
( ,K -- FAX:
L_o.s i6r( j s 147/k DATE: I 2//f
TIME: //
PROJECT: 64444.52-Oa I E(e,,,—A(;, NUMBER:
4253- R'S-ZP- 517-(cD
NUMBER OF PAGES(INCLUDING COVER PAGE):
COMMENTS:
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pts vu t4- k. + c~.44-51 5 •t-
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FROM: i I VA,,.. .-Hr, -4- Prs5e e
GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANTS ,K}I
William Cotton 330 Village Lane
Los Gatos, California 95030
and Associates (408) 354-5542
October 16, 1995
L3225
TO: Suzanne Davis
Planner
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills,California 94022
SUBJECT: Preliminary Geologic and Geotechnical Review
RE: Garces Additions and Pool,253-93-ZP-SD-GD
26101 Elena Road '
At your request, we have completed a preliminary geologic and geotechnical''''$
review of the subject property using:
• Geotechnical Investigation (report) prepared by Henry Justiano &
Associates,dated January 5, 1995;
• Plan Review (letter) prepared by Henry Justiano & Associates, dated
April 20, 1995;and
• Addition Plan (5 sheets, 4-, 10- and 20-scales) prepared by Altos
Group,revised June 15, 1995.
In addition, we have reviewed pertinent documents from our office files and
completed a recent site inspection.
DISCUSSION
•
The applicant is proposing to construct additions onto, and adjacent to, an
existing residence. The proposed additions consist of the expansion of four areas of the
existing residence, construction of a swimming pool behind the residence and a
retaining wall around the swimming pool. The existing residence is located in the
southwest portion of the property. The proposed pool and retaining wall are located
northeast of the residence in the central portion of the property.
SITE CONDITIONS
The subject property is characterized by flat to moderately steep (0 to 30 degree
inclination) northeast-facing slopes. Based on our recent field review, it appears that the
existing residence was constructed on a cut and fill pad. The existing residence covers
most of the cut slope;the cut slope visible northwest of the existing residence has a slope
of 8 to 10 degrees. A small portion of the eastern side of the residence may be founded
on fill.
Two fill slopes are located northeast of the residence. These fill slopes range in
steepness from 0 to 30 degrees and appear to be constructed of clayey gravel. A third fill
slope, surrounded by a 3- to 4-foot high retaining wall, is located directly southeast of
the existing residence. A fourth fill is located southwest of the residence, between the
residence and Elena Road.' This fill is bordered to the east by a 2-to 3-foot high retaining
wall. ,
Minor soil cracks were observed in fill soils directly northeast of the residence,in
the area if the proposed pool and retaining wall. More extensive soil desiccation
ENGINEERING GEOLOGY • ENVIRONMENTAL EARTH SCIENCES • FOUNDATION ENGINEERING
,
cracking was observed in soilrs near the stable at the northeast end of the property.
These soil cracks may indicate the presence of potentially expansive soils. In general,the
site drainage is characterized by uncontrolled sheet flow to the northeast. At the
northeast edge of the property,drainage flows to the adjacent property.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDED ACTION j
The proposed development of this property is somewhat constrained by potentially
expansive surficial materials. However, it appears that the project geotechnical
consultant has recommended appropriate design criteria to mitigate the site's apparent
constraints. Consequently, we recommend geotechnical approval of the subject
application with the following conditions:
1. Geotechnical Plan Review - The applicant's geotechnical consultant
shall review and approve all geotechnical aspects of the development
plans (i.e., site preparation and grading, site drainage improvements
and design parameters for foundations,swimming pool and retaining
walls) to ensure that his recommendations have been incorporated.
The consultant should verify that the final design of the wall adjacent
to the pool is appropriate for its intended purpose and location.
The results of the plan review should be summarized by the
geotechnical consultant in a letter and submitted to the Town
Engineer for review and approval prior to issuance of building
permits.
1
2. Geotechnical Field Inspection - The geotechnical consultant shall
inspeet, test (as neeced), 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, retaining walls and swimming pool prior to the
placement of steel and concrete.
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 project
approval.
Respectfully submitted,
WILLIAM COTTON AND ASSOCIATES,INC.
TOWN GEOTECHNICAL CONSULTANT
/g.19 • ,.
Philip L.Johnson
Senior taff Geologist
//44 1,40/
Ar
William R. Cotton
Principal Engineering Geologist
CEG 882
William Cotton and Associates
ATIAC N M e
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111 YS, PARKS & RECREATION COMMITTEE MEETING
JANUARY 24, 1994 •
ROLL CALL: Carol Gottlieb, Les Earnest, Barrie Freeman, Bob Johnson, Kathy Freeman,
Bob Stutz, Muriel Knudsen, Katherine Stella, Dot Schreiner
MINUTES: November 22, 1993 minutes approved as is.
ANNOUNCEMENTS: We were each given a memo from Jeff Peterson that statuses
various pathway projects and activities.
MEETING REPORTS: N/A
OLD BUSINESS: - Regulations for Town Ring aniB ll dh It was decided to have
LAHHA and Little League submit their suggested regulations to Pathways and we will review
them.
- Westwind lease: Westwind has received the Town's latest proposed lease. This lease will
run only 5 years, with the possibility of Westwind obtaining an extension for another 5 years.
It was strongly suggested that a conditional use permit emphasizing good maintenance be
attached to the lease.
-Map update: Each committee member received a copy of the latest preliminary issue of the
map. We were then each asked to review the areas with which we are most familiar and •
report any known discrepancies to Dot or Carol.
- Moody path: Per Jeff Peterson's memo, he is working with the Santa Clara Valley Water
District in an attempt to arrange a cost share on this project.
- ,flick driveways: Barrie and Kathy Freeman presented a 1994 list of 28 slippery
driveways/sidewalks •
NEW BUSINES: - Lands of Gallie on Clausen Court: There is already a path from here to
Voorhees Court. Is it paved? Pathyways suggests asking that bikes also be allowed on this
fire trail. Sprinklers and landscaping should be 5 feet from the path and the path is to remain
open during construction.
- Lands of Wong, 28368 Christophers Lane: Upgrade path along Christophers to 2B.
Sprinklers and landscaping should be 5 feet from the path and the path is to remain open •
during construction.
- Lands of Garces, 26101 Elena Road: Upgrade exiting path onElena to 2B. Sprinklers and
landscaping should be 5 feet from the path and the path is to remain open during
construction.
- California Trails Conference: Kathy Freeman submitted a request to be sponsored by the
Pathways Committee for all 3 days.. Carol Gottlieb is interested in the pre-Conference
workshop and Les Earnest would like to attend the Conference.
2080,YORKSHIREWAY MOUNTAIN VIEW,CA 94040 • OFFICE(4151967-5060 • MOBILEFAX(415)967-1/51188j'•'��/ LE �
(415)279-6888w
marvin w. ,�� CIVIL
W . LFF ENGINEER
Oct. 30, 1995 •
REPORT
Los Altos Hills Town Hall
26379 Fremont Road _
Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
Att'n. : Suzanne Davis, Asst. Planner and Sherrill Kolf,
Ass 't. Engineer
Ladies:
This letter and accompanying prints and documents is
to assist approval of Fabian Garces addition/remodel
project at 26101 Elena Road.
As requested at Sept: 22, 1995 meeting between yourselves
and Mr: Garces and his architect, Raymond Miller, I am
providing supporting documentation you requested at that
time, as follows:
Plan "A": 1993 contour map of site, before earthwork
of 1994. .
Plan "B": Currentcontour map, after 1994 earthwork,
showing maximum depths of cut and fill; also quantities
of cut and fill since Plan "A".
Plan "C": Contour map showingremediation of earthwork
for. Town's review and approval. Storm drainage will
sheetflow to swales which will transport it to ditch
and NEly property corner, near 280 Freeway. As an
insurance . factor we will place "a low wooden barrier along
property line, under fencing, in the range of 2 ' or 3 '
high.
To address measures to handle storm drainage from adjacent
lot northerly, Parcel 1, a similar procedure is _proposed.
This is tentatively 'agreed to by the parcel ' s owner.
Field inspection shows that it is very unlikely that
zany storm drainage from Elena Road construction reaches
1.arces property. Water from direction of Elena Road
DESIGN
MAW
SOL RE ORTS
L
•
( 2)
Oct. 30,. 1995 - -
•
REPORT ` re: Garces parcel, 26101 Elena Road
't Douglas parcel, Parcel 3, must be from higherareas
bryond Elen Road and transported undergound.
Furthermore a letter dated Set,. 16, 1989 from Bill
Ekern, Town Director of Public Works, to Mike Douglas, ,
enclosed co y, shows that a drainage planis required
from him. Also,. Horn conditions ;of approval for this minor
subdivision; (covering all lots referred to in this -
letter) , copy enclosed, have .seçific. storm drainage
design requirements. I have found no evidence in Town •
. files that bove requirements were met.
The proposals-mentioned above, 1by me, for Garces parcel
s- orm drain ge control and earthwork problem, should
effectively deal with .any Town concerns- -
Very truly yours,
0/A.A417-,;(- el/Pt WO/
Marvin W. Wolff •
Civil Engineer
cc: Fabian Garces
, _ ,
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• No. 8137 1 rn
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Planning Commission Minutes Approved 7/26/95
July 12, 1995
Page 6
4.3 LANDS OF GARCES,26101 Elena Road (253-93-ZP-SD); A request for a Site
Development Permit for a major addition/remodel,pool and spa,and pool cover
structure.
Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Staff has been working with th• e
applicant since 1993 noting many delays. Commissioner Stutz questioned the pool
equipment enclosure being counted as floor area. Staff will review and correct,if
necessary, as this was included in the worksheets from the applicant. Commissioner
Stutz suggested removal of the roofing if pool equipment is ever needed to be counted
as floor area. It was not known if the patio was put in with permits.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Raymond Miller,225 Frances Drive,Los Altos,architect, commented that the applicant
would prefer to paint the addition the same as the existing color. He clarified condition
#13,the last sentence "all fill that was placed on the site without a permit shall be
removed and the grades returned to the natural grades prior to final inspection"
commenting that the fill was placed there illegally. They plan taking 10 feet back from
the property line reverting it back to natural grade,and sloping back up. This is
something he and the assistant engineer had agreed upon,however it is not reflected in
the conditions of approval. Ms. Kolf felt it would be better to hear all of the discussion
first and then return to discuss of condition#13.
Lisa Douglas, 12469 Robleda,property backing up to the applicant's property. She
discussed problems they have experienced with the illegal grading. When they first
moved to Los Altos Hills in 1989,the back property that adjoins their property was
gently sloped with no major patios. In the last 5-6 years,they have two major patios,
one of which the Garces'plan to locate a swimming pool. Just this year,the Garces have
been doing major grading, again without..permits. The applicant has raised their second
level of land over 6 feet. All of the dirt they have moved from their property and/or
had trucked in on the weekends was now higher then their 6 foot high fence.
Consequently,the dirt came down onto their property,into their pool, and underneath
their house during the winter storms. There is also a problem with drainage and
sewage from the applicant's leach lines coming onto their property. Everything the
applicant does impacts Mrs. Douglas' property. Now the Town is considering allowing
them to develop further. The applicants had spent over a year digging out the lower
area of the house without permits. This is a concern in the event of an earthquake as the
property would slide onto their property . Now they are proposing a soccer field which
would be 6 feet above their land. The applicant is not correcting any of the illegal
situations. She requested that all of the grading on the second patio be removed,the
water and the leach field problems be resolved, and she would not want to look up at
any structure which would enclose the applicant's pool. The area which will impact
them the most is the second set of patios which runs the whole width of the property.
Michael Douglas, 12469 Robleda,reiterated Mrs. Douglas' comments asking that the
illegal situations be corrected. He also noted that Mr. Garces moved trees from the top
patio down which are all dead. He felt he was living next door to a cemetery.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 7/26/95
July 12, 1995
Page 7 '
Ms. Kolf reporte two years a o,the Town was in the process of dealing with the
applicants regarding illegal grading situations where Bill Carino had gone out for a
"stop work" orde . Presently,they do not have a real clear idea of what has been done
on this property. She felt they could benefit from the Douglas'being next door;they
would probably have the clearest picture of the grading that has been done. The exact
areas or the exac volumes of grading that has been done is not known. Commissioner
Gottlieb asked if the pool area has been built up 6 feet, do they have a soils report
indicating that the compaction is correct and will hold a pool? Ms. Kolf felt the architect
could answer this question.
Tom Griffiths,P way Committee,noted an error to condition#16. He requested the
IIB path remain in the front and restore the native path in the back between the two
chain link fences gat the rear of the property line,being aware of drainage.
CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY
Commissioner Doran commen ed due to the controversy with the neighbors and the
lack of information,she would have serious reservations making any decisions
regarding the application for the addition until they have more information. They need
more information on what is existing fill,the leach filed, and what are the legal and
illegal structures on the property. She suggested the application come back after more
information is known. Mr. Miller addressed the existing inadequate leach field,the
proposed leach field, amount of cut and fill on site,illegal grading,import,and
compaction.
Mr.Williams recommended th t the applicant have an engineer or geotechnical
engineer prepare some informOttion that shows the extent of the fill and cuts and
identifies the remedial plan to correct the situation. The Town geologist can then
review all the information befoe proceeding. Commissioner Gottlieb felt the Douglas'
drainage problems should also e addressed. Mr. Miller discussed some possible
drainage designs.
MOTION SECO DED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded
by Commissione Finn to contilpue the site development permit for a major
addition/remodel,pool and caana requiring a detailed soils report to be reviewed by
William Cotton ad Associates taking borings by the poo to determine the cuts and
fills and the land o correct it, a remedial plan to correct the situation,review of legal
and non-legal structures,possibly a more acceptable noise barrier, and a solution to the
drainage proble ,working with staff,applicant and their neighbor (Douglas).
AYES: Chairman McMahon,Commissioners Stutz,Cheng,Gottlieb,Schreiner,
Doran&Finn
NOES: None.
This application will be re-noti ed for public hearing.
• ATTACH HENT
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road• Los Altos Hills,California 94022 • (415) 941-7222 • FAX (415) 941-3160
PLANNING DEP
WORKSHEET #2 •
EXISTING AND PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT AREA AND FLOOR AREA
• TURN IN WITH YOUR APPLICATION •
PROPERTY OWNER'S NAME Fg5IAN [- ; gEyPROPERTY ADDRESS a G 01 ELE4A-
CALCULATED BY rX1A201./ WOLFF, 2CE �63137 0 M'/A1 't) DATE C4-41--9
13)
1. DEVELOPMENT AREA (SQUARE FOOTAGE) A//a /;` , 4/24W1`737/
Existing Proposed Total
•
(Addition Dq+etions) 4
A. House and Garage (from Part B) 559 O . 7'..
B. Decking 7o o -- t<0 84
C. Driveway and Parking
(Measured 100' along centerline) 41'2.G Z 4-25 Z.
D. Patios and Walkways 2, 570,5 2,870, 8
E. Tennis Court 5,5'I1. !P
F. Pool and Decking
G. Accessory Buildings (from Part B) 53"7 70
H. Any other coverage W+3 l-`- 57 o I o o L}- 1 t r
TOTALS 14-, 3 8 3. 8 4€ IY
int
Maximum Development Area Allowed - MDA (from Worksheet #1) 4.0) 0 35, S
2. FLOOR AREA (SQUARE FOOTAGE)
Existing Proposed Total
(Additions or Deletions)
A. House and Garage ,?.07 411V.a. 1st Floor 3 s -41-7441-
b.
,7'f-
b. 2nd Floor
c. Attic and Basement 11 2-48 S 87 !-, 8 3 S
d. Garage 713 79 3
B. Accessory Buildings
a. 1st Floor 53'1 7cD Cc o'7
b. 2nd Floor
c. Attic and Basement
TOTALS � z,-7
1,Sa44 8
Maximum Floor Area Allowed MFA (from Worksheet #1) i 59 I .
1 TOWN USE ONLY CHECKED BY uza,n a.os DATE I ZI Va
Revised 12/09/93 LRL: MAC HD/ORICINALS/PLANNINC/Worksheet N2