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Home My WebLink About11/03/2016 Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, November 03, 2016, 7:00 PM Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Basiji, Chair Tankha Absent: None Staff: Planning Director Suzanne Avila, Senior Planner Marni Moseley, Assistant Planner Genevieve Fernandez, Consultant Planner Steve Padovan, Administrative Technician Frances Reed 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR There were no presentations from the floor. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS Ex parte disclosures: Commissioner Couperus stated that he spoke with Jan Fenwick, Duffy Price, and met with the Applicant Jed York. Commissioner Partridge said he met with the Applicant Jed York, his contractor/representative Dan Corey, the Clearys, and Applicant Sundeep Goyal. Commissioner Basiji said he spoke with Gary Clear, Applicant Jed York, and had a site visit with Dan Corey. Commissioner Mandle said she spoke to Applicant Gautam Agrawal, Nobuko and Gary Cleary, Dan Corey, Laura Mae, and Danielle York. Chair Tankha stated that she met with the Applicant Gautam Agrawal, Nobuko and Gary Cleary, Applicant Jed York, Dan Corey, and spoke with Sundeep Goyal. 3.1 LANDS OF KOPP AND NICHOLSON; 27223 Sherlock Road: File 375-16- MISC; A request to revise the LUF, MDA and MFA for the property based on a revised topographic survey and to remove a deed restriction from the property 1 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 3, 2016 title. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b) (Staff: S. Avila) Planning Director Suzanne Avila presented the staff report. Applicants Kay Nicholson and Kerry Kopp stated they were available for questions. The Commission asked questions of the applicants and received responses. Chair Tankha closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Mandle said that she had no objection to changing the project's calculations. Commissioner Basiji stated that due to the erroneous LUF and in light of the new survey, corrections should be made accordingly. Commissioner Couperus said Sherlock Road is fraught from the point of view of the Fire Department and there are a number of actions being taken to try and improve that. He stated that this was a subsequent effect from a previous problem and it needs to be fixed. Commissioner Partridge stated his support for the request. Chair Tankha concurred with Commissioner Partridge. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to approve a request to revise the LUF, MDA and MFA for the property based on a revised topographic survey and to remove a deed restriction from the property title. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. Motion Carried 5-0: AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Basiji, Chair Tankha NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 2 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 3, 2016 3.2 LANDS OF AGRAWAL; 24863 Olive Tree Lane; File 169-16-ZP-SD-CDP- VAR; A request for a Conditional Development Permit and Site Development Permit for an Addition to an Existing Garage with a Reduction of Floor Area for the Main Residence, a Variance to Allow Required Parking to Encroach into the Side Yard Setback, and Removal of one Heritage Oak Tree. (Staff: G. Fernandez) Assistant Planner Genevieve Fernandez presented the staff report. Commissioner Partridge inquired about the shading on the north elevation drawing. Ms. Fernandez explained that it was a feature the architect used to show shadowing. The Commission asked questions of staff and received responses. Applicant Gautum Agrawal spoke to the Commission on behalf of his project. Commissioner Partridge asked for clarification on the reason for removing the heritage oak tree that does not appear to affect the requested development area. Mr. Agrawal explained the deteriorating condition of the tree and his safety concerns on proximity to the main residence. Steven Stept, Feldman Architecture, spoke about the reasoning behind the request to remove the heritage oak tree. Mr. Stept stated his excitement of being a part of this project. He elaborated on the functionality of the garage and the proposal for guest parking. Commissioner Mandle asked Mr. Stept if there was intent to restore the natural grade around the large oak trees created by removing fill as per the arborist's recommendations. Mr. Stept said the area that he was specifically referring to in regards to restoring grading were the large wood walls in the back of the house that had been retrofitted and that they are creating smaller scaled walls that are in respect to the current nature of the design; he referred the tree grading to Erica Deitchman, the landscape architect. Erica Deitchman, Variegated Green, spoke regarding to the landscape and grading plans. Commissioner Partridge asked whether the driveway, being within the 10 foot grading setback, was allowed because the previous driveway was in the same location. Ms. Fernandez confirmed it was allowed. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Chair Tankha closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. 3 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 3, 2016 Commission Couperus noted that it is time for the property to be upgraded and expressed his support. Commissioner Partridge concurred with Commissioner Couperus. Commissioner Mandle agreed with both previous Commissioners. She stated her appreciation for the proposed remodel versus tearing down the house. She expressed her support for the variance. Commissioner Basiji agreed with the three previous Commissioners. He highlighted his support for minimizing the MDA. Chair Tankha said she concurred with everything that was previously stated. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Couperus moved to approve a request for a Conditional Development Permit and Site Development Permit for an addition to an existing garage with a reduction of floor area for the main residence, a variance to allow required parking to encroach into the side yard setback, and removal of one heritage oak tree subject to the findings in Attachments 1 and 2 and the conditions of approval in Attachment 3 to the staff report. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Partridge. Motion Carried 5-0: AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Basiji, Chair Tankha NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 3.3 LANDS OF DJNH, LLC; 26400 Eshner Court; File #226-16-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit to construct a 756-square foot pool cabana adjacent to an existing pool and barbeque area with related hardscape improvements. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(e) – construction of a new accessory structure to a single-family residence in a residential zone district (Staff: S. Padovan) Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report. The Commission asked questions of staff and received responses. 4 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 3, 2016 Applicant Jed York spoke on behalf of the project and said he was available for questions. Chair Tankha asked Mr. York if he had a chance to speak with the Clearys to find a solution that worked for both parties involved. Mr. York stated that he is open to possible solutions, such as screening and other options. Commissioner Mandle asked if the Yorks were open to lowering the height of their cabana. Mr. York stated that it would not be a major impact to do so if that is what they need to move forward. LauraMae Sarusi, Pacific Peninsula Architecture, spoke on behalf of the views remaining relatively unobstructed. Commissioner Partridge asked the meaning of a parapet. Ms. Sarusi stated that the parapet allows the top of the roof to contain gravel in order to create a slight slope for drainage. It functions as a containing wall. Ms. Sarusi stated that it can potentially be lowered as needed. Commissioner Partridge asked about the impact of reducing the parapet. Ms. Sarusi stated that it allows for some curved ceiling on the inside but there is room to reduce the height if necessary. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Gary Cleary, Los Altos Hills, spoke against the project, expressing concern about the views from their cottage. Nobuko Cleary, Los Altos Hills, spoke against the project. Vicky Oldberg, Los Altos Hills, spoke against the project. Jan Fenwick, Los Altos Hills, spoke against the project. Tom Bruner, Los Altos Hills, spoke against the project. Sophia and Jack, grandchildren of the Clearys, spoke against the project. Applicant Jed York was invited to respond to the concerns that were voiced. Mr. York stated that the Clearys had full disclosure of the project and did not protest until the project went to the Planning Commission. Chair Tankha asked Mr. York if there was room for compromise in regards to height limit of the cabana, landscape screening, relocation of the air conditioning unit, removal of the walnut tree, and the color of the cabana. Mr. York stated he 5 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 3, 2016 was open to compromise with the Clearys in order to move forward with the project. Chair Tankha closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Basiji stated that he was not able to easily see the cabana from various positions near the Cleary’s property fence line. He suggested compromise be made to satisfy both parties involved. Commissioner Mandle stated that although she understood the concerns with protecting the views, the Cleary’s bay views remain completely unobstructed by the construction on the York's property. She believed adequate screening and lowering the height of the cabana would suffice. Commissioner Mandle suggested the landscape screening come back to the Commission. Commissioner Couperus suggested that the objections have been overstated and misinformed. He carefully analyzed the aerial views and concluded that the cabana does not obliterate the Clearys’ view. He recommended that the color of the back wall of the cabana be toned down. Commissioner Couperus acknowledged the effort of the objectors but states that he has not been swayed in their favor. Commissioner Partridge agreed the Yorks are in their right to have an accessory structure of this nature. He stated his sensitivity to views and his belief that there is room for compromise in regards to the structures height and landscape screening to mitigate the Clearys’ modest view obstruction. Chair Tankha agreed with previous statements from Commissioners in regards to compromise and the need for the landscape screening plans to come back to the Planning Commission. She expressed concern with the permit approval process in regards to the concrete slab and her desire for this situation not to occur in the future. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to approve the Site Development Permit to construct a 756-square foot pool cabana adjacent to an existing pool and barbeque area with related hardscape improvements with the added conditions that roof height in the region of the cabana be lowered by 1.5 feet, the open outdoor roof may remain the same height, that the landscape screening plan be reviewed by the Planning Commission and that the reflectivity of the cabana conform to code. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mandle. 6 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 3, 2016 Motion Carried 5-0: AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Basiji, Chair Tankha NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 3.4 LANDS OF GOYAL; 12386 Priscilla Lane; File #27-16-ZP-SD-GD; Requesting an amendment to a condition of approval regarding Light Reflectivity Value (LRV) limitations for a previously approved Site Development Permit for a new 6,242 square foot two story residence with a 3,733-square foot basement and attached secondary dwelling unit. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) and (e) (Staff: M. Moseley) Chair Tankha recused herself from item 3.4 and stepped down from the dais. Senior Planner Marni Moseley presented the staff report. Commissioners asked questions of staff and received responses. Commissioner Partridge opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Applicant Sonny Goyal spoke on behalf of his project. Commission asked question of the applicant and received his responses. Scott Stotler, Stotler Design Group, spoke on behalf of the project design. Commissioner Partridge asked about the process used to approve a stucco color. Director Avila explained that stucco color is usually approved based on the manufacturer's paint number or matched to paint samples with the Light Reflectivity Value (LRV) identified. Manjal Shah, Los Altos Hills, spoke in favor of the project. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Partridge closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Mandle stated her opposition on granting an exception to the Light Reflectivity Value (LRV) condition. 7 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 3, 2016 Commissioner Couperus stated that color is relative to context and for this reason he is not in favor of relaxing LRV rules. Commissioner Basiji expressed concern for the precedent it sets for other residences. He stated his opposition for granting an exception. Commissioner Partridge agreed with fellow Commissioners. He spoke in regards to changing policy on City Council level. He said that making exceptions would be a mistake for the Town. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Basiji moved to deny the request to an amendment to a condition of approval regarding Light Reflectivity Value (LRV) limitations for a previously approved Site Development Permit for a new 6,242 square foot two story residence with a 3,733-square foot basement and attached secondary dwelling unit (Maximum height 27’). The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mandle. Motion Carried 4-0-1: AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Basiji NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Chair Tankha 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 FAR/Substandard Lots Update (Staff: S. Avila) The Commission discussed the Council action on substandard lot regulations. No action was taken. 5. NEW BUSINESS - None Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, and possibly Chair Tankha have conflicts with the scheduled January 5, 2017 Planning Commission Meeting. The meeting will be rescheduled if necessary. 6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for November 17 – Commissioner Basiji 8 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 3, 2016 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for December 15 – Commissioner Partridge 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for January 19 – Commissioner Tankha 6.4 Planning Commission Representative for February 16 – Commissioner Mandle 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None 8. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - None 9. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS – OCTOBER. 9.1 LANDS OF WANG & LI, 26096 Todd Lane; File #251-16-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening, lighting and fencing plan for a previously approved new residence, pool and cabana. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b) (Staff: S. Avila) Planning Director Suzanne Avila reviewed the Site Development Hearing for 26096 Todd Lane. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Veronica Flores Veronica Flores Administrative Technician The minutes of the November 3, 2016 regular Planning Commission meeting were approved as corrected at the March 2, 2017 regular Planning Commission meeting. 9 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes November 3, 2016