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Home My WebLink About11/14/20131 Minutes of a Special Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, November 14, 2013, 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road ______________________________________________________________________________ Note: This document contains links that work in combination with the online version of the Minutes. http://www.losaltoshills.ca.gov/city-government/planning-commission/reports 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Chair Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha Staff: Debbie Pedro, Community Development Director; Richard Chiu, Public Works Director; Brian Froelich, Associate Planner; Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner; Jaime McAvoy, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR There were no presentations from the floor. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS - none 4. OLD BUSINESS - none 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1 TRAFFIC CALMING GUIDE; FILE #333-13-MISC; Staff is requesting that the Commission review the draft guide, provide feedback, consider any revisions and forward a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the document (staff- Nicole Horvitz). Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Couperus had no issues with the content in the document. 2 Commissioner Mandle thought that document was well written and thorough. She asked questions for clarification, which were answered by Public Works Director, Richard Chiu. Commissioner Partridge felt the 300 foot notification radius for major traffic calming measures is not sufficient, and should be directed to the whole community. He expressed concern that the document did not specifically mention working with staff, Planning Commission or City Council on the implementation of these measures. He further stated that certain aspects of the document may conflict with the General Plan and the Town’s rural nature. Community Development Director Debbie Pedro offered clarification on the process of moving from public input to the Town taking action. Martha Bowden, Traffic Calming Guide Sub-Committee Chair, spoke on behalf of the committee that developed the guide, and answered questions posed by the Commission. Commissioner Tankha was curious about who would file the Service Request form mentioned in the Guide. Richard Chiu confirmed that his document is available online and can be filled out by residents. Commissioner Abraham noted corrections to grammar and language, as well as items that he did not believe were useful or relevant to current operating norms of the Town. He stated that any proposed traffic calming measures showed be reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to forward a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the proposed Traffic Calming Guide, with the suggested modifications discussed by the Planning Commission, at the discretion of the staff. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha NOES: Chair Abraham ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED. 3 5.2 DISCUSSION OF FLOOR AREA DEFINITION; FILE #343-13-MISC; Review and provide clarification to the staff for the definition of floor area in Section 10-1.202 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code (staff- Nicole Horvitz). Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report. Commissioner Couperus shared his interpretation of the Code, and how it could be clarified. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Mandle agrees that the way the Code is being implemented is correct, but the language needs to be re-written to clarify intent. Needs further discussion and review before a decision is made. Commission provided direction to the staff to re-write the Code and bring it back for discussion and approval. 5.3 DISCUSSION OF REFLECTIVITY VALUE AND COLOR; FILE #350-13- MISC; Provide direction to staff regarding the Town's reflectivity value requirements for exterior finish of buildings (staff- Brian Froelich). Associate Planner Brian Froelich presented the staff report. Pat Ley, Environmental Design and Protection Committee Chair, spoke in support of keeping low reflectivity values. Commissioner Tankha thinks that each individual should have the home they want, and that it is a matter of screening. An application that is over the light reflectivity value standards should not be removed from fast track if it does not impact the neighborhood. Houses are becoming more contemporary, and it needs to reflect changes in the times and the community. Commissioner Mandle agrees that the applicant should be able to pick their color, but it is good that the Town has a policy in place. Commissioner Couperus stated how the reflectivity policy has assisted him with a neighbor in the past. Commission discussed the practicality of officially adding the reflectivity policy to the fast track process. MOTION MADE AND PASSED: Moved by Commissioner Couperus, seconded by Commissioner Mandle and passed unanimously to draft changes to the fast track guide to include the reflectivity standards. 4 AYES: Chair Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED. 5.4 DISCUSSION OF PLANNING COMMISSION REPRESENTATION AT CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS Commissioner Mandle requested discussion to clarify what the expectations are for Planning Commissioners at City Council meetings. Chair Abraham stated that it needs to be clear that you are speaking your own opinion, and not that of the Planning Commission. Commissioner Mandle does not think the Commission’s representative at a meeting should be able to share a personal opinion at the same time. Commissioner Partridge was under the impression that the representative was there to report back to the Commission, not to report to the City Council. Commissioner Mandle confirmed that they were, but wants to add the additional component of reporting the Commission’s opinion to the City Council when necessary. Commission agreed that the designated attendee shall be the designated speaker should the City Council have any questions of Commission action or decision. 6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for October 17 - Chair Abraham Chair Abraham reported on this meeting. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for November 05 - Commissioner Couperus Commissioner Couperus reported on this meeting. 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for December 12 - Commissioner Tankha 6.4 Planning Commission Representative for January 16 - Commissioner Mandle 5 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of October 3, 2013 minutes. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to approve the October 3, 2013 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Chair Abraham, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Couperus MOTION CARRIED. 8. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - OCTOBER 8, OCTOBER 22, NOVEMBER 5, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 8.1 LANDS OF MUNSHI, 26478 ASCENSION DRIVE: File #81-13-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,927 square foot two story residence (Maximum height 27') with a 1, 992 square foot basement, 1, 293 square foot swimming pool, and a 578 square foot pavilion. The applicant is also requesting a new fence along the front portions of the side property lines. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) & (e) (staff-Nicole Horvitz). 8.2 LANDS OF DJNH, LLC, 26400 AND 26420 ESHNER COURT: File # 305-13- LM; A request for a Lot Merger to combine two lots. The proposal will result in one (1), 4.56 acre parcel zone Residential-Agricultural (R-A). CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15305 (staff-Cynthia Richardson). 8.3 LANDS OF ATHENS, 12369 BARLEY HILL ROAD: File # 168-13-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development permit for a first and second story 1,477 square foot addition (Maximum height 24') including an attached secondary dwelling unit. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff-Nicole Horvitz). 8.4 LANDS OF BOOK LLC AND CAMPO VISTA LANE LLC, 13880 AND 13902 CAMPO VISTA LANE: File #278-13-LLA: A request for a Lot Line Adjustment to modify the property line between the two properties. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15305 (a) (staff- Nicole Horvitz). 6 8.5 LANDS OF RED ORCHID, LLC, 26238 & 26240 FREMONT ROAD (APN 175- 35-002 & 175-35-001): File # 141-13-LM; A request for a Lot Line Merger to combine two lots. The proposal will result in one (1) 2.09 acre parcel zoned Residential-Agricultural (R-A). CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15305 (staff-Cynthia Richardson). 9. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - OCTOBER 8, OCTOBER 15, NOVEMBER 5, NOVEMBER 12, 2013 9.1 LANDS OF LAPTALO, 26260 CATHARINE COURT: File # 238-13-ZP-SD- GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 1,000 square foot swimming pool and a 1,800 square foot sports court. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e) (staff- Nicole Horvitz). 9.2 LANDS OF NOWLIN, 10300 WEST LOYOLA DRIVE: File # 248-13-ZP-SD- GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 1,402 square foot swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e) (staff-Nicole Horvitz). 9.3 LANDS OF PAGE, 26960 ORCHARD HILL LANE: File # 272-13-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 795 square foot swimming pool and hardscape modifications. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e) (staff- Brian Froelich). 9.4 LANDS OF CHIN, 12555 BARLEY HILL ROAD: File # 258-13-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 999 square foot detached Secondary Dwelling Unit and a relocated driveway access point on Barley Hill Road; CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff- Brian Froelich). 9.5 LANDS OF SALIM & OAKSON, 26873 MOODY ROAD: File # 296-13-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for an interior remodel and a new 200 square foot carport (Maximum height 8'). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff- Nicole Horvitz). 9.6 LANDS OF FUREY, 27339 JULIETTA LANE: File # 44-13-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 321 square foot single story addition (Maximum height 21'6") and a major remodel. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff- Nicole Horvitz). 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 9:34 P.M. 7 Respectfully submitted, Jaime L. McAvoy Planning Secretary