The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About02/07/2013 1 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 7, 2013 Town of Los Altos Hills Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes Thursday, February 07, 2013, 7:00 PM Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Tankha, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Chair Partridge Staff: Debbie Pedro, Planning Director; Brian Froelich, Associate Planner; Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner; Jaime McAvoy, Planning Secretary 2. RECOGNITION OF OUTGOING COMMISSIONER JOHN HARPOOTLIAN The Planning Commission recognized outgoing Commissioner John Harpootlian and presented him with a gift for his years of service on the Planning Commission. 3. RE-ORGANIZATION OF PLANNING COMMISSION 3.1 Appointment of new Vice Chair MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Chair Partridge, seconded by Commissioner Mandle and passed unanimously to appoint Jim Abraham as Vice- Chair. 4. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR There were no presentations from the floor. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 5.1 LANDS OF FERRARI, 25870 Altamont Road; File #126-12-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,493 sq. ft. two-story new residence (maximum height: 27 feet). The proposal includes removal of one 16" Heritage Oak Tree to accommodate the Fire Truck turn around. The applicant is also requesting a Grading Policy exception for cut of up to nine (9) feet and fill of up to six (6) feet for the driveway. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff-Brian Froelich). 2 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 7, 2013 Associate Planner Brian Froelich presented the staff report. The Commission asked questions of staff. Chair Partridge opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Architect Tobin Doherty responded to concerns over the property's foundation. Chair Partridge closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Abraham stated his support of the project. Commissioner Tankha spoke in favor of charging the Pathways in-lieu fee. Commissioner Mandle supports the project and agrees with the in-lieu fee. Chair Partridge stated his support of the project. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Commissioner Abraham, seconded by Commissioner Couperus and passed unanimously to approve a request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,493 sq. ft. two-story new residence, removal of one 16" Heritage Oak Tree, and a Grading Policy exception for cut of up to nine (9) feet and fill of up to six (6) feet for the driveway. 5.2 LANDS OF JJP REALTY ENTERPRISES, LLC, 11481 Magdalena Avenue; File #218-11-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 2,366 square foot bunker (1,500 sq. ft. of the bunker is exempt from floor area per Section 10- 1.202 of the LAHMC). CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e) (Staff-Nicole Horvitz). Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report with added skylight condition of approval. The Commission asked questions of Staff. Commissioner Couperus noted a typo in Condition # 4 of Attachment 1 of the staff report. Commissioner Abraham asked questions about the additional restrictions on the skylights, which were answered by Planning Director Debbie Pedro. Commissioner Mandle asked for clarification on the two year building clause. 3 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 7, 2013 Debbie Pedro clarified that items that require a building permit do not have an expiration date as long as progress is made and the project is inspected every six months. Chair Partridge opened the PUBLIC HEARING Project Representative Patrick Whisler discussed the evolution of the project and their current proposal. Commissioner Abraham asked if the applicant would have a problem with an added condition that the skylight must be flat glass. The Representative said it would not be an issue. Chair Partridge closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. The Commission addressed written concerns of an adjacent neighbor that the project has been going on for too long. The Town does not currently have a time limit for construction. Planning Director Debbie Pedro responded to questions posed by the Commission. George Perry, Superintendent for RJ Dailey, spoke on behalf of applicant, regarding the evolution of project. He addressed concerns of the neighbor. Commissioner Abraham clarified the added skylight condition as follows: skylights shall be designed and constructed to reduce emitted light (tinted or colored glass, or other material). No lighting may be placed within skylight wells. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Commissioner Abraham, seconded by Commissioner Couperus and passed unanimously to approve a request for a Site Development Permit for a 2,366 square foot bunker with the added skylight condition proposed by Staff, and to correct Condition 4 to read "is NOT less than 30 inches....". 6. OLD BUSINESS - None 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 2013 Planning Commissioners Academy February 27-March 1, Pasadena, CA Planning Director Debbie Pedro stated the Planning Commission Academy is being held in Pasadena this year, February 27 - March 1, 2013. Staff will assist any Commissioner who wishes to attend. 4 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 7, 2013 7.2 Discussion of Amendments to Zoning Ordinance to allow structures in setbacks (Section 10-1.505 of the LAHMC) Debbie Pedro provided the background on the Town’s setback requirements. Commissioner Couperus gave a presentation on the subject. Stated his support for an amendment, but how much and to what extent? Commissioner Abraham stated his support of an amendment: "We should bring our ordinances in line with reality". Chair Partridge asked for clarification as to what is being asked of the Commission. Debbie Pedro stated that she is requesting feedback from the Commission on whether there is any interest in pursuing an amendment to the ordinance, or if an amendment is necessary. Chair Partridge opened the floor for public comment. Paul Jensen, Los Altos Hills, the code as it is written is not consistent with the practice of the community, as he saw at least 40 violations to the ordinance throughout Town. He spoke in favor of amending the setback ordinance. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Mandle wanted assurance that the solution can be enforced. Commissioner Tankha stated the need for clarity; do we want to allow more “things” in the setback, and if we do, there needs to be an extensive list as to what is allowed. Chair Partridge stated his support of the current setback ordinance The Commission directed staff to research setback rules of similar communities and survey the types of code violations on file that involve setbacks, and bring the additional information to the next Planning Commission meeting for further discussion. 8. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 8.1 Planning Commission Representative for December 12 - Commissioner Abraham 8.2 Planning Commission Representative for January 24- Commissioner Couperus 8.3 Planning Commission Representative for February 28 - Commissioner Tankha 8.4 Planning Commission Representative for March 21 - Commissioner Mandle 5 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 7, 2013 9. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 9.1 Approval of December 6, 2012 minutes. Commissioner Abraham noted a correction in the minutes. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Commissioner Abraham, seconded by Commissioner Mandle and passed unanimously to approve the December 6, 2012 minutes as corrected. 10. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - DECEMBER 11, 2012 10.1 LANDS OF BUDGE AND LENAHAN; 24183 & 24175 Dawnridge Drive: File #139-12-LLA; A request for a Lot Line Adjustment to modify the property line between the two properties resulting in no change to the lot sizes. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff- Cynthia Richardson). 10.2 LANDS OF DJNH LLC; 26420 Eshner Court: File #122-12-ZD-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 9,312 square foot two-story new residence (Maximum height 27') with a 2,958 square foot basement, a 782 square foot detached garage, a 1,077 square foot detached second dwelling unit, a 720 square foot bocce ball court and a 1,100 square foot swimming pool. In addition, the applicant is requesting the removal of on (1) 36" heritage oak tree. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff- Cynthia Richardson). 11. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - JANUARY 2, JANUARY 15, 2013. 11.1 LANDS OF BRIDGES; 12254 Tepa Way; File #236-12-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 467 square foot second floor addition (max height: 25'). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301 (e) (staff- Brian Froelich). 11.2 LANDS OF GALLELLO; 13040 East Sunset Drive; File #258-12-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for new two story residence with a secondary dwelling unit. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) (staff-Nicole Horvitz). 12. ADJOURNMENT 6 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 7, 2013 Respectfully submitted, Jaime L. McAvoy Planning Secretary