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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 he Minutes of a Regular Meeting 41) Town of Los Altos Hills 4 A, PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, July 23, 2015, 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 1. 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; Jaime McAvoy, Planning Secretary 2. REORGANIZATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION 2_1 Appointment of New Chair MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Chair Mandle moved to appoint Commissioner Couperus as the new Planning Commission Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Partridge. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Couperus MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1. The Commission recognized outgoing Chair Susan Mandle, and presented her with a gift of gratitude. Chair Couperus assumed the role of Chair. Special Planning Commission Meeting July 23,2015 2.2 Appointment of New Vice Chair MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to appoint Commissioner Tankha to the position of Vice Chair. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mandle. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Chair Couperus NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Tankha MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1. 3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR There were no presentations from the floor. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1 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, garage, and hardscape to encroach into the side and front yard setbacks, and variance 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). (CONTINUED FROM JUNE 25, 2015). Ex Parte Disclosures: There were no ex parte disclosures. Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report. Commissioner Abraham asked if the eaves encroached into the required setback. Ms. Horvitz stated that the Commission did not mention eaves in their previous recommendations. Erik Garfinkel, applicant, spoke on behalf of the changes to his project. Lisa-Ann Ingham, applicant, addressed the Commissioners and asked them to approve her project. 2 Special Planning Commission Meeting July 23,2015 Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Tankha said that she still had concerns about the amount of encroachment into the setback that was proposed for this project, and allowing this would send a message that setbacks do not matter. She could not offer her support. Commissioner Partridge said that this is a difficult project for the Town for several reasons, and for the applicants. This may not be a perfect solution, but it was the direction given to the applicant last time they came before the Commission and it should be approved. Commissioner Mandle said that keeping the eaves out of the setback was what she considered to be out of the setback, but as she proposed a smaller setback before, she would be willing to overlook it, as this would be beneficial to the neighborhood. She stated that she was ready to support it, and requested staff ensure that the exterior paint color be the proper light reflectivity value. Commissioner Abraham said that current house being ugly was not a reason to disregard the General Plan. He agreed with statements made by Commissioner Tankha, and said that the floor to net area ratio exceeds any other structure in Town. The applicant should have known that the property was constrained, and that increased development would be doubtful at best. He did not see any reason to approve this proposal as this amount of variance was unprecedented since the Town's incorporation. Chair Couperus said that the applicant had the right to maintain the structure in the current footprint as it has stood since the house was built in the 1930's. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to approve the requested Conditional Development Permit for an addition, and Variances for setbacks and parking, subject to the findings in Attachments 1 and 2 and conditions of approval in Attachment 3. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Partridge. AYES: Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Chair Couperus NOES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Tankha ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 3-2. 3 Special Planning Commission Meeting July 23,2015 4.2 LANDS OF TIOP INC; 26991 Taaffe Road, File #424-14-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development permit for landscape screening for a new two (2) story residence approved at the May 9, 2013 Planning Commission meeting. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (Staff-N. Horvitz). Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report. Commission asked questions of staff. Pat Ley, Chair, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, said that Committee did not receive enough input on this project. Malika Junaid, M Designs Architects, spoke on behalf of the application. Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Mandle applauded the applicant for removing trees from the open space easement as they are not native. She accepted that the irrigation would be reduced once the plantings had been established, but as it is less than 5000 square feet they do not have to meet the Town's Water Efficient Landscape Ordinance. Commissioner Partridge said that he was unhappy with the location of the oaks, the planting of the lawn, and that this application had been presented already completed. He expressed concern that this lawn would exceed the Water Districts' current water restrictions. He then said that he could not support this plan. Commissioner Tankha also expressed concern that the planting was done before the application had been approved, but she was happy to see the applicants were willing to work with the neighbors' view concerns. She then offered her support of the project. Commissioner Abraham agreed with Commissioner Tankha's statements and that the timeline was askew. He also agreed that the lawn may have been a poor choice given the drought, but said that he did not feel that the Commission had the authority to tell residents what to plant in their yard as long as it does not block the views of the neighbors. He then offered his support of the plan as submitted. Chair Couperus recalled that when the house had come before the Commission that the neighbor had concerns, and he praised the applicant for taking these concerns into consideration. Although the planting was premature, he said he was inclined to the support the project. 4 Special Planning Commission Meeting July 23,2015 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to Approved the requested Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan, subject to the recommended Conditions of Approval in Attachment 1, for Lands of Tiop, 26991 Taaffe Road. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Couperus NOES: Commissioner Partridge ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 4-1. 4.3 LANDS OF ZOROUFY; 25711 Deerfield Drive, File #167-14-ZP-SD; A request for a Conditional Development permit for a 1,429 square foot two story addition and a setback variance to allow two (2) required surface parking within the front setback. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (Staff- N. Horvitz). Ex Parte Disclosures: Commissioners Mandle, Partridge and Tankha said that they had spoken with applicant. There were no other disclosures. Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report. Commission asked questions of staff. Commissioner Partridge suggested two tandem parking spots instead of adding development area. Ms. Horvitz said that the Commission could make this a condition if they wish. Commissioner Abraham did not think this should be discussed as this variance had not been agendized. Commissioner Couperus said that there is a requirement for minimum parking, but questioned how many people will actually be parking there. When he visited the site he noticed a spot that could be used for parking, and suggested the applicant could use this already existing space, as opposed to creating another space in the setback. He then asked the applicant if the fifth spot was necessary, or if he was only proposing it because of the Town requirements. Hassan Zoroufy, applicant, said that he did not need the fifth parking space if the Commission did not require it of him. 5 Special Planning Commission Meeting July 23,2015 Thierry Maupile, Los Altos Hills, stated his support of the project, but expressed concerns with privacy regarding the landscape screening plan. Commissioner Mandle asked staff to explain the process and timeline for landscape screening. Planning Director Avila explained the process. Commissioner Abraham was in support of the application and said to leave the parking as proposed. He requested the applicant come back before the Commission with their landscape screening. Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Tankha stated her appreciation that the neighborhood came together to see that the needs of everyone were addressed. She also agreed the landscape screening should come back to the Commission and offered her support. Commissioner Partridge said that this project was in the scale of the neighborhood, and would be happy to count an existing area as a parking space rather than have the applicant create another space on the property. Commissioner Mandle had no objections to the project, and said that it meets all Town requirements, and has neighbor support. She stated her preference that the fifth parking spot be the existing spot mentioned by Commissioner Partridge. Chair Couperus asked whether the Town or the owner wanted the extra space. Currently the space is two car lengths, and he was in favor of removing the area by the garage as it has greenery, and just leave the area closest to the street for parking. This would make the frontage of the property four cars wide instead of three. Mr. Zoroufy asked to keep the parking next to the house, because in the front of the house is land he gave to the Town so people can turn their car around, but as it is his land and there is blacktop, he can park there. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to approve the Conditional Development Permit and Variances subject to the findings included in Attachments 1 and 2 and the recommended conditions of approval in Attachment 3, with the added amendment that the proposed parking space at the front of the property be relocated in the existing paved portion of the south corner of the lot. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Couperus NOES: None ABSENT: None 6 Special Planning Commission Meeting July 23,2015 ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5. OLD BUSINESS -none Commissioner Abraham asked to revisit a previous discussion about changing watering standards for new residences/landscape screenings. Director Avila said that they were waiting for the updated Water Efficiency Landscape Ordinance from the State. Commissioner Tankha asked about an update for the artificial turf policy. Director Avila said that there had been no advancement, but it was still on the list of projects for the department. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Subcommittee Status Report on Review of Conditional Development Permit Regulations (Chair Mandle, Commissioner Partridge; Staff- S. Avila). Commissioner Mandle presented the Commission with an update on what the Subcommittee had been discussing, and that they may be proposing to institute a floor to lot area ratio. This number had not been decided yet. Commission discussion ensued. The Commission agreed to hold a study session on September 15, 2015. 7. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 7.1 Planning Commission Representative for July 16—Commissioner Mandle Commissioner Mandle presented a report on this meeting. 7.2 Planning Commission Representative for August 20—Commissioner Abraham 7.3 Planning Commission Representative for September 17—Commissioner Partridge 7.4 Planning Commission Representative for October 15 —Commissioner Tankha 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8_1 Approval of June 25, 2015 minutes. 7 Special Planning Commission Meeting July 23,2015 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to approve the June 25, 2015 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 9. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS -JULY 7, JULY 14, JULY 21, 2015 9.1 LANDS OF JUNAID FAMILY TRUST; 26727 Taaffe Road, File #156-15-ZP- SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 7,835 square foot two story residence (Maximum height 27') with a 2,978 square foot basement, attached second unit and an indoor swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) & (e) (Staff-N. Horvitz). 9.2 LANDS OF BRAUNS (27421 SHERLOCK ROAD), LANDS OF LEMES (27271 MOODY ROAD) AND LANDS OF ISCA ASSETS (27640 SHERLOCK ROAD), File #101-15-LLA; A request for a Lot Line Adjustment. The proposal adjusts the property lines between the subject properties with no resulting change in MDA or MFA. CEQA Review: exempt per 15305 (a) (Staff-N. Horvitz) 9.3 LANDS OF OVERBEEK AND EL-MILIGY; 27470 Black Mountain Road, File #82-15-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,621 square foot, split-level residence (Maximum height 27'), with a 4,752 square foot basement and swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff- S. Padovan). 10. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - JUNE 30, JULY 14, JULY 21, 2015. 10.1 LANDS OF ISCA ASSETS; 27640 Sherlock Road, File #384-14-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for Landscape Screening for a 4,995 square foot new two story residence. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) (Staff- C. Richardson). 8 Special Planning Commission Meeting July 23,2015 10.2 LANDS OF ZHANG; 11569 Old Ranch Lane, File #219-15-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development permit for landscape screening for a new two story residence (approved at the July 22, 2014 Fast Track Hearing). The applicant is also requesting approval of a new swimming pool. CEQA review: exempt per 15304 (b) & 15303 (e) (Staff-N. Horvitz). 10.3 LANDS OF MARCH SIXTH LLC; 14271 Miranda Road, #176-15-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development permit for landscape screening for a new residence with a bunker garage approved at the December 5, 2013 Planning Commission meeting. The applicant is also proposing a new swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (e) (Staff-N. Horvitz). 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, paime 4, V&A/0V Jaime L. McAvoy Planning Secretary 9 Special Planning Commission Meeting July 23,2015