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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. 1 Regular Planning Commission Meeting 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. 2 Regular Planning Commission Meeting 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). 3 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 7,2015 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. 4 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 7,2015 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. 5 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 7,2015 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. 6 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 7,2015 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). 7 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 7,2015 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). 8 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 7,2015 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, piie.L'. 171C70uoc/ Jaime L. McAvoy Planning Secretary 9 Regular Planning Commission Meeting May 7,2015