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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/05/2013Approved January 9, 2014 1 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 5, 2013 Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, December 05, 2013, 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Abraham Staff: Debbie Pedro, Community Development 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 Ex Parte Communications: Commissioner Tankha reported that she spoke with neighbors Gary Kremen and Margot Pratt. Commissioner Partridge reported that he spoke with neighbor Margot Pratt. Commissioner Mandle reported that she had spoken with neighbors Margot and Vaughn Pratt and Gary Kremen. Commissioner Couperus reported that he had spoken to neighbors Gary Kremen and Margot Pratt. Chair Abraham reported that he had spoken to designer Scott Stotler. 3.1 LANDS OF CHEN, 2210 Page Mill Road; File #100-13-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 6,095 square foot two-story new residence and 1,411 square foot basement (Maximum height: 26'). The proposal includes eave encroachments in the side setbacks of up to 18" and measures the front setback from the Old Page Mill Road frontage (40') and the side setback from the Gerth Lane frontage (30'). CONTINUED FROM THE OCTOBER 3, 2013 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff-Brian Froelich). Associate Planner Brian Froelich presented the staff report. Approved January 9, 2014 2 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 5, 2013 Community Development Director Debbie Pedro addressed a letter received from a neighbor requesting the hearing be continued; the Town attorney had advised that the Town has complied with the noticing requirements for this hearing. Commission asked staff questions to clarify the Town's noticing policy. Chair Abraham opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Designer Scott Stotler spoke on behalf of the project. Commissioner Tankha asked questions pertaining to landscape screening and when it would be submitted. She would like the landscape installed sooner rather than later. Mark Bader, Los Altos Hills, asked the Commission to clarify how they came to their decision in regards to the corner lot designation. Margot Pratt, Los Altos Hills, requested that large trees be installed to screen the house as soon as possible. John Nagle, Los Altos Hills, opposed the 18” roof eave encroachment and objected to using Old Page Mill as the front setback. Gary Kremen, Los Altos Hills, expressed concern with the Town's notification policy, requested the project be subject to CEQA, and requested a denial or a denial subject to mediation. Vaughn Pratt, Los Altos Hills, wanted to know how the decision to designate a corner lot came to be, and supported previous statements about visual impact. Mr. Stotler expressed his concern over planting trees too early and having them ruined during construction. Commissioner Tankha asked questions of the designer. Chair Abraham closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Tankha asked staff if the Town had similar frontage designation for corner lots. Debbie Pedro referred to an example referenced earlier on Linda Lane. Commission discussion ensued Commissioner Partridge stated the location of the creek had an impact on his decision to change frontage designation as it would lessen the environmental impact. The Chens have done everything asked of them and he supports the project. Approved January 9, 2014 3 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 5, 2013 Commissioner Tankha stated her support of the project for all the reasons already mentioned. She feels strongly about the landscape going in sooner rather than later so the trees will have matured by the time the building goes up, and will mitigate the visual impact that concerns the neighbors. Commissioner Mandle believes everyone is acting in good faith. This project is a good compromise. To push back the house any further would impact the view as it may have to become a full two-story building. If the house was one story it would extend closer to the creek which would be a negative impact. Commissioner Couperus was not at the October 4th hearing but sees that the Chens have done what the Commission has asked them to do. He stated his support the new frontage along Old Page Mill Road. He does not support the early planting. Chair Abraham concurred with the rest of the Commission, and does not support early planting. MOTION MADE AND CARRIED: Moved by Commissioner Partridge, seconded by Commissioner Tankha and passed unanimously to approve a request for a Site Development Permit for a 6,095 square foot two-story new residence and 1,411 square foot basement (Maximum height: 26'). The proposal includes eave encroachments in the side setbacks of up to 18" and measures the front setback from the Old Page Mill Road frontage (40') and the side setback from the Gerth Lane frontage (30'), with the added condition of moving the fireplace and that the paint reflectivity value will not exceed 50 %. Commissioner Mandle requested the added condition that the applicant be strongly encouraged to include the neighbors in the Landscape Screening process. 3.2 LANDS OF HADDEN; 24874 OLIVE TREE LANE; File # 273-13-ZP-SD-GD- VAR; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 1,139 square foot two story addition (maximum height 25'), a setback variance for the proposed addition and surface parking spaces to encroach up to 20' within the side yard setback, and a variance to allow a parking configuration that creates an obstructed vehicular access for one (1) parking space. In addition, the applicant is requesting a Grading Policy exception of up to 6'6" of fill for the addition where 3' is allowed. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff- Nicole Horvitz). Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report, and noted that the Open Space Committee granted a reduction in the property's Open Space easement since the preparation of her report. Commission asked questions of staff. Chair Abraham opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Architect Michael Chacon spoke on behalf of the project. Approved January 9, 2014 4 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 5, 2013 Commissioner Partridge confirmed with the architect that a fire truck turnaround was not required for this property. Chair Abraham closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Couperus noted the setback reduction and open space easements as gains for the Town. He stated his support of the project. Commissioner Mandle stated that a variance is justified with this lot, and agreed with Commissioner Couperus' viewpoint on gains for the Town. Commissioner Partridge stated his support of the project. Commissioner Tankha stated her support of the project. Chair Abraham acknowledged the difficulty of developing in this neighborhood, and stated his support of the project. MOTION MADE AND CARRIED: Moved by Commissioner Couperus, seconded by Commissioner Tankha and passed unanimously to approve a request for a Site Development Permit for a 1,139 square foot two story addition (maximum height 25'), a setback variance for the proposed addition and surface parking spaces to encroach up to 20' within the side yard setback, and a variance to allow a parking configuration that creates an obstructed vehicular access for one (1) parking space, and the addedd amendment of the reduced Open Space Easement. In addition, the applicant is requesting a Grading Policy exception of up to 6'6" of fill for the addition where 3' is allowed. 3.3 LANDS OF MARCH SIXTH LLC; 14271 Miranda Road; File #227-13-ZP-SD- GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,930 square foot two story new residence with a 2,635 square foot basement (maximum height 27'), an attached secondary dwelling unit, and a 1,310 square foot bunker. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff-Nicole Horvitz). Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report. Commissioner Partridge asked staff to clarify details on the bunker. Commissioner Tankha confirmed with staff that access to the house during construction would be from Miranda Road. Chair Abraham opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Architect Zach Burns spoke on behalf of the project. Approved January 9, 2014 5 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 5, 2013 Commission asked questions about the radiant system that will be used in the house. Chair Abraham requested an added condition that the noise levels from the heat pump shall be measured, per the Town ordinance (LAHMC Section 5-2.02), from the property boundary. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Commissioner Abraham closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Chair Abraham requested an added amendment to condition 22 to state "the construction operation plan shall specify without exception that all access to the building site during the demolition and construction will be from Miranda Road. And specifically the driveway on Land of McCullough shall not be used in any way including parking, waiting, delivery, or storage during demolition and construction. The applicant is responsible for enforcing these requirements”. MOTION MADE AND CARRIED: Moved by Commissioner Tankha, seconded by Commissioner Partridge and passed unanimously to approve a request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,930 square foot two story new residence with a 2,635 square foot basement (maximum height 27'), an attached secondary dwelling unit, and a 1,310 square foot bunker, with the added condition that the noise levels from the heat pump shall be measured, per Town ordinance (LAHMC 5-2.02), from the property boundary. 3.4 AMENDMENT TO TITLE 6 SANITATION AND HEALTH, CHAPTER 4 SEWAGE, ARTICLE 1 SEWAGE DISPOSAL, OF THE LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNIICIPAL CODE WITH REGARD TO PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS; The proposed ordinance amendment will update the criteria for private onsite wastewater treatment and dispersal systems (septic systems) in Los Altos Hills to be consistent with Santa Clara County OWTS regulations and to achieve compliance with AB885 (staff-Debbie Pedro) - this item will be continued to the next Planning Commission meeting. 4. OLD BUSINESS - none 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1 STUDY SESSION; discuss the proposed amendment to the Town's Municipal Code Section 10-2.1002 to permit sports court lighting in Town and installation of lighting on five (5) tennis courts at Fremont Hills Country Club. The project will require an amendment to the Fremont Hills Country Club Conditional Use Permit (staff- Brian Froelich). Approved January 9, 2014 6 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 5, 2013 Ex parte communications: Commissioner Tankha stated that she spoken with Bart Carey. Commission Partridge stated that he also spoke with Bart Carey. Commissioner Mandle stated that she had spoken to Susan Jordan, and had received a message from Larry Russell. Commissioners Couperus and Abraham stated that they both had spoken with Bart Carey. Associate Planner Brian Froelich presented the staff report General Manager Scott Domnie, spoke on behalf of the tennis court lighting project Bart Carey, Los Altos Hills, presented a PowerPoint on the project. Commission discussion ensued Commissioner Couperus gave a presentation of the research he had conducted on lighting and offered his support of the proposal at this time. He suggested doing a trial period and coming back to see how it has affected the neighborhood. Commissioner Partridge expressed concern about the extra lights and any reflectivity issues it may cause. Commissioner Tankha voiced her agreement with Commissioner Partridge's concerns. Commissioner Mandle mentioned the different land use areas in Town that may eventually want their areas lit, and would like to evaluate these potential impacts before addressing the Country Club specifically. Chair Abraham shares Commissioner Mandle's concerns, and discussed the possibility of residents requesting lights for their private courts, stating it could become a divisive issue in Town. He further stated that it has been the policy and in the use permit for decades that the courts will not be lit, and expressed concern with the reflectivity issues the lighting may cause. Barbara Cannon, Los Altos Hills, stated she is more concerned about the added traffic than the courts being lit. Mayur Baugh, Los Altos Hills, stated that as the population changes the definition of the community changes and requested the lights be given consideration. Jack Caffey, Los Altos Hills, stated his opposition to the lighting project, concerned that it will set a precedent for residential courts to be lit. Jehan Godrej, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of the lights, as it is difficult for him to train in the winter when the days are shorter. Approved January 9, 2014 7 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 5, 2013 Larry Russell, Los Altos Hills, member of the Club's project team, spoke in support of the lighting proposal. John Nagle, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of the lighting project and to the benefits it would provide to the youth in the community. Bob Kamangar, Los Altos Hills, requested the Commission at least investigate the possibility of the lighting project. Michael Bateman, Los Altos Hills, spoke in favor of the lighting project and its benefits to the children. Kurkure Uday, Los Altos Hills, shared how he was thinking of leaving the Club because there are no lights. Stated his support of this proposal. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Couperus wanted to clarify that more efficient lights mean more energy efficient, not brighter. Recommended the other Commissioners look at the lights at similar facilities to see examples Commissioner Tankha stated that she spends time at tennis courts with her children and the lights are very soft and non-reflective. Commissioner Partridge stated that the setting of policies should be done by the City Council. Clearly it would be an asset to the club, but how would it affect the neighbors? Thinks that 9 PM is a more reasonable cutoff time, but again, does not believe this is the role of the Commission to set this policy. Worried about reflectivity, and wants to know the specifics and anything that could be improved to make it better for the neighbors. He stated concerns about allowing lights for private recreational areas; granting a privilege to a small group and not the general public may cause more issues in the future. Commissioner Mandle would like more information from communities that we typically look at when we evaluate changes in Town. How do they handle public versus private tennis courts? Is in favor of a trial demonstration before making any permanent changes. Chair Abraham agreed the Commissioners are not policy setters, but are looked to for advice. A study needs to be conducted to look at noise, light, and traffic factors, as well as go through the whole CEQA process. Would like a professional survey taken in Town to get a better idea of the residents’ views on the matter. Approved January 9, 2014 8 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes December 5, 2013 5.2 DISCUSSION OF PLANNING COMMISSION JANUARY MEETING SCHEDULE Community Development Director Debbie Pedro requested the Commission schedule the next meeting on January 9, 2014. Commission agreed. 6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for December 12 - Commissioner Tankha 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for January 14 - Commissioner Mandle 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for February 20 - Commissioner Partridge 6.4 Planning Commission Representative for March 20 - Chair Abraham 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of November 14, 2013 minutes. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Moved by Commissioner Mandle, seconded by Commissioner Tankha and passed unanimously to approve the November 14, 2013 minutes. 8. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - none 9. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - none 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:13 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Jaime L. McAvoy Jaime L. McAvoy Planning Secretary The minutes for the December 5, 2013 Regular Planning Commission meeting were approved with corrections on January 9, 2014.