HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 ITEM 7.1
Minutes of a Regular Meeting
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
Thursday, May 07, 2015, 7:00 P.M. *lb
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
L ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner
Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle
Staff: Suzanne Avila, Planning Director;Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner;
Steve Padovan, Consultant Planner; Lindsay P. D'Andrea, Assistant City
Attorney; Jaime McAvoy, Planning Secretary
Chair Mandle requested a moment of silence in honor of Kathryn Green.
2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
There were no presentations from the floor.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1 LANDS OF FUNG; 24000 Oak Knoll Circle, File #36-15-MISC; A request for a
correction to a human habitation setback line on Tract Map 8331. CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) (Staff-S. Avila).
Ex Parte Disclosures: There were no ex parte disclosures.
Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Planning Director Suzanne Avila presented the staff report.
Commission asked questions of staff.
Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC
HEARING.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to
forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the Certificate of
Correction to Tract Map 8331, modifying a Human Habitation Setback on Lot 1.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha.
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May 7,2015
AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Tankha,
Commissioner Couperus
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
32 LANDS OF INGHAM., 25531 FREMONT ROAD, File #248-14-CDP-VAR; A
request for a Conditional Development Permit for a 1.298 square foot single story
addition (including a 488 square foot garage), a setback variance to allow the
addition and garage to encroach into the side, rear and front yard setbacks, a
setback variance for hardscape/parking to encroach within the side, and front
setbacks, and to allow a parking configuration that creates an obstructed vehicular
access for two (2) required parking spaces. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption
per Section 15304 (b) (Staff-N. Horvitz).
Ex Parte Disclosures: There were no ex parte disclosures.
Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report.
Commission asked questions of staff.
Applicant Lisa-Ann Ingham addressed the Commission and spoke on behalf of
her project.
Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC
HEARING.
Commission discussion ensued.
Commissioner Couperus said that this was a difficult lot, and agreed with the
neighbors that this is a large improvement. He expressed concern that the new
house would be even closer to the property line than the current house, but could
not find a strong objection to the project.
Commissioner Partridge stated that he could not support this project, as this could
be setting a precedent to allow this amount of lot coverage. He would be willing to
ease the setbacks slightly and lower the number of required parking spaces, but
could not support the current design.
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May 7,2015
Commissioner Tankha said that the project was an upgrade and be would an asset
to the neighborhood. She did have concerns with the front setbacks, and would like
to see them retained, but was pleasantly surprised with what could be done on such
a constrained lot.
Commissioner Abraham said that he agreed with Commissioner Partridge that this
was too much of a variance and was not consistent with the General Plan. He
suggested the applicant return with a more compliant design.
Chair Mandle agreed that the proposal needed work. She suggested the applicant
push the addition back to the nine feet from the property line.
Commissioner Couperus added that. if the Town constrained the applicant too
much, they would be perfectly within their rights to come back with a proposal with
the height maximum, which may be even less desirable for the neighborhood.
Erik Garfinkel, contractor, spoke to the application and answered questions posed
by the Commission.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Tankha moved to
continue the item, and allow the applicant to return to the Planning Commission
with a design that is no less than 9 feet from the east property line, with the added
condition that the patio also be no less than 9 feet from the east property line and
that the applicant not further reduce the non-conforming setbacks. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Couperus.
AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Tankha, Chair
Mandle
NOES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Partridge
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED 3-2.
3.3 LANDS OF KDCI DEVELOPMENT LLC; 25608 Deerfield Drive, File #233-14-
ZP-SD-CDP-VAR; A Conditional Development Permit and Site Development
Permit for a new 3,214 square foot, two-story single-family dwelling with a 1,251
square foot basement on a .36 net acre lot and setback variances to allow two
required uncovered parking spaces in the side yard setback and a vehicle back-up
area and associated grading within 10 feet of the property line (Maximum height
of structure is under 27). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section
15303 (a) (Staff-S. Padovan).
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Ex Parte Disclosures: Commissioners Couperus, Tankha and Chair Mandle said
they had spoken with neighbor Bart Carey. There were no other ex parte
disclosures.
Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report.
Commission asked questions of staff.
Applicant Gina Jackman, spoke on behalf of her application and answered
questions posed by the Commission.
Architect Dan Rhoads, Young and Borlik, spoke on behalf of the project,
described the changes that were made to the design, and answered questions posed
by the Commission.
Doug Rimer, Los Altos Hills, expressed concern that the structure is still too large,
and that whatever is decided will be reflected in the second lot.
Marilyn McCain, Los Altos Hills, expressed concern that this development would
cause a fire hazard as the street is already too small for fire trucks. Staff confirmed
that the street currently met fire codes.
Stephanie Menosa, Los Altos Hills, stated that the house did not align with the
feel of Los Altos Hills.
Mr. Rhoads gave a closing statement.
Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING.
Commissioner Partridge stated that the changes made were positive, and while
they were significant, they still were not at the expected level. He then said that the
percentage of lot coverage still exceeded that of the rest of the neighborhood, and
wanted to see it reduced.
Commissioner Abraham agreed that the applicant had made some positive
changes, but they were still asking for too large a home given the lot size and feel of
the neighborhood. He further agreed that this lot did not meet the requirements for
a conditional development permit.
Commissioner Couperus asked for clarification between obtaining a variance and
a conditional development permit. Mr. Padovan and Assistant City Attorney
Lindsay P. D'Andrea clarified that granting a variance allowed an applicant to
deviate from the code to become compliant for the requested conditional
development permit. Commissioner Couperus later said that the applicant had
taken the direction that was given and applied it accordingly.
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Commissioner Tankha felt that the requested variances were agreeable and
complimentary to the neighborhood, but expressed concern that the structure may
still be too bulky.
Chair Mandle said that the applicant had done an excellent job applying the
comments made by the commissioners and the neighbors in the last planning
commission meeting, and had no issue allowing a variance for the project.
Commission discussion continued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to ask the
applicant to return with new plans utilizing the MFA of 3000 sq ft. approx. 850 sq.
ft. above what would be calculated as the average of the neighboring homes;
Second, the applicant will retain the side entrance and drive for the garage as
proposed as it is a plus for the neighborhood, and will comply with the required
setbacks, except for the driveway approach to the garage, and develop a landscape
screening plan for the front property line. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Partridg'_e_
AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Partridge,
Commissioner Tankha
NOES: Commissioner Couperus, Chair Mandle
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED 3-2.
Chair Mandle called for a 5 minute recess at 9:31 P.M.
The meeting reconvened at 9:36 P.M.
3.4 LOS ALTOS HILLS GENERAL PLAN CIRCULATION & SCENIC
ROADWAYS UPDATE: FILE # 79-12-MISC (CONTINUED FROM AUGUST
7, 2014). CEQA review: Negative Declaration (staff-Nicole Horvitz/Steve
Padovan) Continued from the March 19, 2015 Regular Planning Commission
Meeting
Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report.
Seeing no one wishing to speak Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING.
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Commission discussion ensued.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to
forward a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the revised General Plan
Circulation & Scenic Roadways Element, and to adopt the Initial Study in
Attachment 2 and the Negative Declaration in Attachment 3. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Partridge.
AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus,
Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair
Mandle
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
4.\ OLD BUSINESS -none
5. NEW BUSINESS -none
6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
6_1 Planning Commission Representative for March 30 - Commissioner Mandle
Commissioner Couperus presented a report on this meeting, as he attended in
Chair Mandle's place.
6_2 Planning Commission Representative for March 31 - Commissioner Abraham
Commissioner Abraham presented a report on this meeting.
6.3 Planning Commission Representative for April 20 - Commissioner Partridge
Commissioner Partridge presented a report on this meeting.
6.4 Planning Commission Representative for May 21 - Commissioner Tankha
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 Approval of March 19, 2015 minutes.
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MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Tankha moved to approve
the March 19, 2015 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Couperus.
AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus,
Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair
Mandle
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED 5-0.
8. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - MARCH 24, MARCH 31, APRIL 7.,
APRIL 14, MAY 5, 2015
8.1 LANDS OF TSUKANOV; 27060 Appaloosa Way, File #391-14-ZP-SD-GD; A
request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,044 square foot two story
residence (maximum height 25'6"), and a 1,783 square foot swimming pool.
CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) & (e) (Staff-N.
Horvitz).
8.2 LANDS OF MORELAND AND CORRALES; 25800 Vinedo Lane, File#383-14-
ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,029 square foot
two story residence (maximum height 27') a 312 square foot accessory building,
406 square foot swimming pool and a 945 square foot sports court. CEQA
review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) & (e) (Staff-N. Horvitz).
8.3 LANDS OF EESPRD; 13651 Burke Road, File #420-14-ZP-SD-GD; A request
for a Site Development Permit for a 6,931 square foot two story new residence
with a 3,176 square foot basement (maximum height 27'), a 736 square foot
detached garage, a 979 square foot second unity with a 808 square foot basement,
a 6,990 square foot tennis court and a 1,502 square foot swimming pool. Request
for removal of 16 heritage oaks. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per
Section 15303 (a) (Staff-C. Richardson).
8.4 LANDS OF OSBORNE; 26900 Beatrice Lane, File #26-15-ZP-SD; A request for
a Site Development Permit for a 4,986 square foot two story residence (maximum
height 26'5"), a 487 square foot attached garage, a 375 square foot cabana
(maximum height 14') and a swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (Staff-S. Avila).
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8.5 LANDS OF AINSLIE J MAYBERRY TRUSTEE; 2245 Old Page Mill Road, File
#190-14-ZP-SD; A request for Site Development Permit for a new 803 square foot
two story addition (maximum height 24'). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption
per Section 15303 (a) (Staff-N. Horvitz).
8.6 LANDS OF BROWN; 26120 Rancho Manuella Lane, File #66-15-ZP-SD; A
request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,879 square foot two-story residence
with a 2,872 square foot basement (maximum height 26'11"), a 607 square foot
attached garage, a 598 square foot cabana (maximum height 18'10") and a
swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a)
(Staff-S. Avila).
8.7 LANDS OF WANG; 26096 Todd Lane, File #66-13-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a 5,418 square foot two-story residence with a 1,514
square foot basement (maximum height 26'2"), a 682 square foot attached garage
and carport, a 11 square foot cabana (maximum height 11') and a swimming pool.
CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (Staff-S. Avila).
9. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - MARCH 24, APRIL 7,
APRIL 14, APRIL 21, APRIL 28, 2015.
9.1 LANDS OF DETTER; 11921 Hilltop Drive, File #5-15-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a new 5,343 square
foot single story residence approved at the February 18, 2014 Fast Track hearing.
CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) (Staff-N. Horvitz).
9.2 LANDS OF DEETER; 13824 Moon Lane, File #378-14-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a new 840 square foot swimming pool. CEQA
review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (a) (Staff-N. Horvitz).
9.3 LANDS OF PARIVASH; 12252 Menalto Drive, File #29-15-ZP-SD; A request
for a Site Development Permit for a new pool, pool equipment shelter, sport court
and 146 square foot cabana at an existing single-family dwelling. CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15301 (e) (Staff-S. Padovan).
9.4 LANDS OF ZOUFONOUN; 26927 Beatrice Lane, File #283-14-ZP-SD; A
request for a Site Development Permit for a new 1,330 square foot swimming
pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e) (Staff-N.
Horvitz).
9.5 LANDS OF PARK; 14495 Miranda Road, File #38-15-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for landscape screening of a new single story addition to
the main residence, an addition to the secondary dwelling unit and pool re-location
that was approved at the Fast Track hearing on April 29, 2014. CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) (Staff-N. Horvitz).
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9.6 LANDS OF GRANT; 13334 La Cresta Drive, File #3915-ZP-SD; A request for
Site Development Permit for a landscape screening for a second story addition and
remodel approved at the April 22, 2014 Fast Track hearing. CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (Staff-N. Horvitz).
10. ADJOURNMENT
Respectfully Submitted,
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Jaime L. McAvoy
Planning Secretary
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