HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/07/2016Approved August 23, 2016
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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2016
Minutes of a Regular Meeting
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
Thursday, July 07, 2016, 7:00 PM
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022
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1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present:
Absent:
Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge,
Chair Couperus
Commissioner Tankha
Staff: Suzanne Avila, Planning Director; Genevieve Fernandez, Assistant
Planner; Steve Padovan, Consultant Planner; Jaime McAvoy, Planning
Secretary
2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
There were no presentations from the floor.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1 LANDS OF WILDCREST PROPERTY LLC; 13335 Wildcrest Drive, File #428-
15-ZP-SD-GD-CDP; A request for Conditional Development and Site
Development Permit for a new 4,383 square foot, two-story family residence with
a 1,467 square foot basement (Maximum height 27'). CEQA review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff- G. Fernandez).
Ex Parte Disclosures: Commissioners Abraham and Mandle said that they had
spoken with the tenant of the current property. There were no other disclosures.
Assistant Planner Genevieve Fernandez presented the staff report.
Commission asked questions of staff.
Architect Stan Field, Field Architecture, spoke on behalf of the application.
Jess Field, Field Architecture, elaborated on what had been said by his partner.
The Commission asked questions of the architect and received his responses.
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Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Jay Sacharia, Los Altos Hills, offered his support of the project.
Bobby Jaros, Los Altos Hills, offered his support of the project.
Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC HEARING.
Commission discussion ensued.
Commissioner Abraham applauded the architect for their use of minimal grading
on a difficult lot. He expressed concern with the fire truck access, as well as the
security of the road in rainy weather. He said that he was not able to support the
saving of the eucalyptus trees as it was against Town policy, as well as a fire hazard
and a risk for falling limbs.
Commissioner Mandle said that she agreed with Commissioner Abraham as far as
the quality of the architect's work, and that she could not support the eucalyptus
being retained.
Commissioner Partridge also agreed with his fellow commissioners and said that
he could not support retaining the eucalyptus trees.
Chair Couperus noted that this house being on a ridgeline was grandfathered, and
under any other circumstances would not be allowed according to today's
standards. He applauded the design and how it fit in with the topography of the
site. He also stated his concern over allowing eucalyptus to be retained on the site,
especially seeing they are on the summit of a slope and a fire could damage the
neighborhood.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved
to approve the Conditional Development Permit findings in Attachment 1, and
approve the project as proposed, subject to the conditions in Attachment 2 for
Lands of Wildcrest Properties LLC. The motion was seconded by Commissioner
Partridge.
AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle,
Commissioner Partridge, Chair Couperus
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1.
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July 7, 2016
3.2 LANDS OF KDCI DEVELOPMENT; 25608 Deerfield Drive, File #134-16-ZP-
SD; A request for a Site Development permit for landscape screening for a new
two (2) story residence approved at the June 25, 2015 Planning Commission
meeting. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b) (Staff- S.
Padovan).
Ex Parte Disclosures: There were no ex parte disclosures.
Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report.
Commission asked questions of staff.
Applicant Gina Jackman Kalbali spoke on behalf of her application.
Commission asked questions of the applicant and received her responses.
Charlie Wilson, Wilson Landscape, spoke on behalf of the design.
Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Seeing no one else wishing to speak Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC
HEARING.
Commissioner Partridge said that this was a house in need of screening and
expressed concern with some of the proposed trees as they would not be as efficient
during the winter months.
Commissioner Abraham said that he agreed with Commissioner Partridge but that
he did not have a suggestion as to a more appropriate tree.
Commissioner Mandle said that she was fully supportive of the amendments made
by staff, as well as changing some of the trees for something evergreen, and while
she did not think it was necessary, it would not be detrimental to the site.
Chair Couperus said that he agreed with the other Commissioners, but had mixed
feelings on whether or not the trees should be changed.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to
approve the requested Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan,
subject to the conditions of approval in Attachment 1 with the amendment that the 3
maples closest to the road be replaced with evergreen trees. The motion was
seconded by Commissioner Abraham.
AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle,
Commissioner Partridge, Chair Couperus
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NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED.
3.3 LANDS OF CHAN; 27150 Julietta Lane, File #317-15-ZP-SD-GD; A request for
a Site Development Permit to demolish an existing residence with nonconforming
setbacks and construct a new 7,282 square foot residence (Maximum height 27')
which includes a 299 square foot pool equipment and storage room and a 749
square foot detached garage, a 2,961 square foot basement, a relocated swimming
pool and tennis court, and related hardscape improvements. CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff- S. Padovan).
Ex Parte Disclosures: Each Commissioner said that they had spoken with the
applicants, their architect, and Victoria and Terry Olberg. Commissioner
Abraham added that he had spoken with Bob Bailey.
Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report.
Commission asked questions of staff.
Commissioner Mandle inquired as to the property's legal nonconforming status
and whether or not variances had been approved. Mr. Padovan stated that he had
not found any variances, but there was documentation that the developments had
been approved.
Applicant Chi-Foon Chan greeted the Commission and introduced his project.
Architect Maurice Camargo, Camargo and Associates, spoke on behalf of the
design.
Commission asked questions of the architect and received his responses.
Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Victoria Oldberg, Los Altos Hills, adjacent neighbor, stated her opposition to the
project.
Terry Oldberg, Los Altos Hills, adjacent neighbor, discussed what he believed to
be inconsistencies with the information presented by the applicant's architect.
Dick Harapat, Los Altos Hills, discussed the importance of view protection.
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Tom Smith, Los Altos Hills, said he felt a middle ground could be met and a new
home could be built while still retaining the neighbor’s views.
Gary Cleary, Los Altos Hills, spoke to the history of the area.
Mr. Chan gave a closing statement.
Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC HEARING.
Commission discussion ensued. There was a general consensus that the project
would need to be re-designed in order to help preserve the neighbor’s views.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to continue
the project to a date uncertain in order to allow the applicant an opportunity to
redesign the project to largely preserve the neighbor's existing view as seen from
their backyard patio. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham.
AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle,
Commissioner Partridge, Chair Couperus
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1.
Chair Couperus called for a recess at 9:37 PM.
The meeting reconvened at 9:42 PM.
3.4 INTRODUCTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO SECTIONS 10-1-503 AND 10-
1.1007 OF THE LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE MODIFYING
DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS FOR SUBSTANDARD LOTS; FILE #342-
15-MISC; CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15061(B)(3) (Staff-
S. Avila).
Planning Director Suzanne Avila presented the staff report.
Commission discussion ensued.
Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Seeing no one wishing to speak, Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC HEARING.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to
forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve Zoning Ordinance
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July 7, 2016
amendments as reflected in Attachment 1, adding a Floor Area ratio limit for
substandard lots and findings for setback variances. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Mandle.
AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle,
Commissioner Partridge, Chair Couperus
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1.
3.5 INTRODUCTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO SECTIONS 10-1.202, 10-1-504
10-1.505 AND 10.2.301 OF THE LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE
ADDING REGULATIONS FOR AMATEUR RADIO AND EMERGENCY
COMMUNICATION ANTENNAS; FILE #396-14-MISC; CEQA Review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15061(B)(3) (Staff- S. Avila). This item will
not be considered. It will be continued to the August 23, 2016 Special Planning
Commission meeting.
4. OLD BUSINESS - none
5. NEW BUSINESS - none
6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
6.1 Planning Commission Representative for June 16 – Commissioner Abraham
As Commissioner Abraham was unable to attend the meeting, a report was given
by Chair Couperus.
Commissioner Mandle offered to attend the July 20, 2016 Special City Council
Meeting.
6.2 Planning Commission Representative for July 21– Commissioner Partridge
6.3 Planning Commission Representative for August 18 – Chair Couperus
6.4 Planning Commission Representative for September 15 – Commissioner Tankha
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
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Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
July 7, 2016
7.1 Approval of June 2, 2016 minutes.
Commissioner Mandle noted a correction to the minutes, requesting that paragraph
3 on page 2 include the sentence “Commissioner Mandle asked if the Certificate
of Compliance was valid.”
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to
approve the June 2, 2016 minutes as corrected. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Mandle.
AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle,
Commissioner Partridge, Chair Couperus
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Tankha
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION CARRIED 4-0-1.
8. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS – JUNE 7, 14, 21, 2016.
8.1
LANDS OF ZEISLER AND BAILEY; 25975 Alicante Lane, File# 94-16-ZP-SD-
GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,975 square foot two-
story residence including a second unit and garage space (maximum height 26’6”),
a 2,815 square foot basement, 480 square foot detached pool house and a
swimming pool. A CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a)
and (e) (Staff- S. Avila).
8.2
LANDS OF ASKARI; 12830 Deer Creek Lane: File# 132-16-PM, A request for a
Permit Modification and Grading Policy exception for a driveway and access to a
second unit. A CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a)
(Staff- G. Fernandez).
8.3
LANDS OF MCDERMOTT; 25600 Burke Lane; File #61-16-ZP-SD, A request
for a Site Development Permit for a new 2,329 square foot single story addition
with a 1,373 square foot basement (Maximum height 26 feet). CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff- S. Avila).
8.4
LANDS OF THE DIOSDADO REY BANATAO; 26810 Ortega Drive, File #43-
16-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,989 square
foot two story residence (Maximum height 27’), a pool, and a 293 square foot
cabana (Maximum height 16’). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section
15303(a) (Staff- G. Fernandez).
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8.5
LANDS OF SAMUEL; 10888 Magdalena Road, File #66-16-ZP-SD-GD; A
request for a Site Development Permit to construct a new 5,000 square foot
residence (Maximum height 27’) with a partially below grade two-car garage and
related hardscape improvements. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per
Section 15303(a) (Staff- S. Padovan)
8.6
LANDS OF WEST LOYOLA LLC; 10490 West Loyola, File #65-16-ZP-SD-GD;
A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 4,643 square foot two story
residence (Maximum height 26’), 499 square foot second unit (Maximum height
15’) and pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff-
G. Fernandez).
8.7
LANDS OF SAMUELS; 10880 Magdalena Road; File #50-16-ZP-SD-GD, A
request for a Site Development Permit to demolish an existing residence and
construct a new 5,000 square foot residence (Maximum height 27’) and related
hardscape improvements. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section
15303(a) (Staff- S. Padovan).
8.8
LANDS OF MAYBERRY; 2245 Old Page Mill Road: File# 212-16-ZP-SD-VAR;
A request for a minor variance to allow a corner of an addition to a single-family
residence to encroach one foot into the 30 foot side setback. CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff- S. Avila).
9.
REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS – JUNE 7, 14, 28, JULY 5,
2016.
9.1
LANDS OF OSBORNE, 26900 Beatrice Lane, File #147-16-ZP-SD; A request for
a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening, lighting and fencing plan for
a previously approved new residence. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per
Section 15304(b) (Staff- S. Avila).
9.2
LANDS OF YOUNG, 12345 Briones Way, File #111-16-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a landscape screening and lighting plan for a
previously approved new residence. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per
Section 15304(b) (Staff- S. Avila).
9.3
LANDS OF MARTIN AND BRIGHT, 13811 Ciceroni Lane, File #157-16-ZP-
SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a
previously approved new residence, outdoor lighting, fencing and a swimming
pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(e) and 15304(b)
(Staff- S. Avila).
9.4
LANDS OF PAGE; 26960 Orchard Hill Lane, File #126-16-ZP-SD-GD; A
request for a Site Development Permit for a second-story addition and expansion
to the main floor, garage and basement at an existing residence (Maximum height
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27’) along with related hardscape improvements. CEQA review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15301(e) (Staff- S. Padovan).
9.5
LANDS OF INTUITIVE HOLDINGS LLC; 26545 Purissima Road, #262-15-ZP-
SD; A request for a Site Development permit for a new swimming pool. CEQA
review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e) Accessory structures
including swimming pools. (Staff- G. Fernandez).
9.6
LANDS OF FISHER AND XIAO; 27573 Samuel Lane, #86-16-ZP-SD; A request
for a Site Development permit for a new swimming pool. CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e) (Staff- G. Fernandez).
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 10:21 PM.
Respectfully submitted,
Jaime L. McAvoy
Jaime L. McAvoy M.A.
Planning Secretary
The minutes of the July 7, 2016 Regular Planning Commission meeting were approved on
August 23, 2016.