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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/27/1990DRAFT ( PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 FREMONT ROAD LOS ALTOS HILLS, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY, JUNE 27TH, 1990 Draft cc: Cassettes #12-90(1) 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Carico, Comiso, Noel, Pahl, Stutz Absent: Commissioner Jones Staff: Bill Ekern, Director of Public Works; Ann Jamison, Planning Director 2. CONSENT CALENDAR 2.1 Approval of the Minutes of the June 13th, 1990 meeting. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Noel, seconded by Comiso, and passed to approve the minutes of June 13th, 1990. AYES: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Carico, Comiso, Noel, Pahl, Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Jones ABSTAIN: None 3. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF TUNE 20TH, 1990 Commissioner Carico reported the City Council continued appointment of the new Planning Commissioners to the next City Council meeting scheduled for Tuesday, July 24th, 1990. She noted the Council discussed the Finn subdivision drainage proposal, the Town budget, and the Bellucci tentative map improvements of Adobe Creek. Ann Jamison noted there was significant redesign of the Finn drainage proposal and the Council approved the Finn Subdivision at the meeting of July 25th, 1990. She also noted that the applications for LANDS OF CIRCLE and LANDS OF �Iv MACDONALD were continued at the applicants' request. And she noted the first budget hearing is scheduled for Monday, July 23rd, 1990. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Draft June 27th, 1990 f Page 2 4. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF APRIL 24TH, 1990 June 19th, 1990: Ann Jamison reported one item was reviewed and continued at the applicant's request: Nakao - Swimming pool, deck, driveway improvements. The applicant decided the plan submitted wasn't what they wanted and discussed changes with Staff. The applicant will revise and resubmit. June 26th, 1990: Ann Jamison reported one item was reviewed and approved Reiser - Landscaping. Some additional landscaping was required. Chairman Emling noted Commissioner Jones would be the next chair of the Planning Commission. Commissioner Carico noted the Commission had discussed electing the next chair, that she would prefer to vote for the chair and she would like to wait until the new commissioners were seated. Ann Jamison noted last Fall the Commission decided the chair would be selected on a rotational basis, the vice -chair would move to the position of chair, and at that time the subsequent vice -chair would be selected. The Commission noted Vice -Chairman Jones' absence at this meeting, and requested the selection process be agendized for discussion at the next Planning Commission meeting. 5. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR There were no presentations from the floor. 6. PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.1 LANDS OF FINN, 24880 Prospect Avenue, A request for a Site Development Permit for an addition to a new residence, new garage structure, relocation of an out -building, and a driveway relocation. Ann Jamison noted the applicant appeared at the meeting of June 13th for consideration of variances for lots 1 and 2. The present application is for improvements on lot 1 only. Ms. Jamison referred to the Staff Report, noting Staff met with the applicant twice to work out issues of concern and recommended approval of the addition, the new garage structure, and relocation of an out - `y building. She further noted Staff did not recommend approval of the upper portion of the driveway as it includes grading in excess of what is necessary and is PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Draft June 27th, 1990 Page 3 detrimental to the health of the 36" Oak tree on the site, and referred to the Site Development ordinances. Planning Commission Disclosures: Carico, Comiso, Stutz, Noel had nothing further to disclose since the last Commission meeting. Emling noted he received a call from Mr. Finn but didn't return it, and had nothing further to disclose. Pahl drove the site, Mr. Duxbury was there, and they walked the site. The Public Hearing was opened. Peter Duxbury, project architect, expressed his strong feelings that the proposed grading is appropriate from an engineering as well as an aesthetic standpoint and the existing driveway is an insensitive architectural solution. He noted difficulty with linking the old driveway into access from the new Finn Way. Commissioner Noel questioned whether they were exporting any soil. Mr. Duxbury noted there was more fill than cut. Emory Rogers, project landscape architect, explained the importance of a sense of vehicular arrival at a residence, and the angle and slope considerations resulting in the proposal. He noted experience in saving Oaks surrounded by fill, and the expertise of a local tree service in addressing this problem. They will shape the tree to remove anything that is dead or dying, prune roots in the vicinity of the retaining wall, create a radial network of aerating pipes to make sure water and air is allowed to get to the roots of the Oak. Chairman Emling questioned the age of the tree, the affect of the fill, and the health of the tree. Mr. Rogers estimated the tree is approximately 200 years old, felt a program could be arranged to provide for the continued health of the tree noting it has been done before, and verified the tree is presently in excellent health. Bill Ekern asked the Commission to consider two additional conditions if they approved the fill over the Oak tree: 2a. All construction within the dripline of these trees is to be done under the supervision of a certified arborist. The arborist is to be to the approval of the Town; 2b. A maintenance plan for the long term monitoring and maintenance of the trees affected by the driveways shall be approved by the Town. That agreement shall limit the property owner to a guaranteed level of performance. This document shall be approved by the Town and recorded against the property. Mr. Rogers noted every effort would be made to build a retaining wall that doesn't have a substantial footing, and described a wall system with a wire wall and dirt face. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Draft June 27th, 1990 Page 4 Commissioner Carico expressed concern with the realignment of the driveway. She felt the upper driveway could be handled without grading and affecting the Oak tree. The Public Hearing was closed. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Emling, seconded by Carico to approve the Site Development Permit for an addition to a new residence, new garage structure, relocation of an out -building, and the lower portion of the driveway. AYES: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Carico, Comiso, Noel, Pahl, Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Jones Commissioner Noel noted his concern about the tree was not great as he had confidence that a qualified arborist would be caring for it during construction. Ann Jamison noted Staff's concerns lay with consideration of 5' of fill as reflecting natural grade. In response to a question from Commissioner Comiso, Ms. Jamison clarified Staff did not wish to suggest the existing drive was the result of a natural event; however, the driveway is existing and useable, and under the Town's present ordinances Staff cannot see the applicant's proposal is acceptable. The Commission discussed provisions for the work being reviewed by the Town landscaping consultant. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Comiso to allow the upper portion of the driveway with conditions as recommended by Staff. AYES: Commissioners Comiso, Noel, Pahl, Stutz NOES: Chairman Emling and Commissioner Carico ABSENT: Commissioner Jones MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Comiso and failed to allow the applicant to continue the paint color of the existing residence to the addition to the residence. AYES: Commissioners Comiso, Noel, Pahl, Stutz NOES: Chairman Emling and Commissioner Carico ABSENT: Commissioner Jones MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Carico, seconded by Emling and `, failed to require paint color to be to the approval of Staff in accordance with the Town color board. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Draft June 27th, 1990 i Page 5 AYES: Chairman Emling and Commissioners Carico, Noel NOES: Commissioners Comiso, Pahl, Stutz ABSENT: Commissioner Jones MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Comiso, seconded by Pahl and passed by consensus to return to Site Development for review and approval of paint color. Commissioner Carico questioned whether the house had been established as a historical house. Ms. Jamison responded it is not on a historic register. Commissioner Carico noted the Town has an ordinance that says there will be no white homes in Town, and an ordinance that says natural grade will be observed as possible, so the Commission has approved this application in violation of two ordinances. 6.2 LANDS OF POURMAND, 26200 Josefa Lane, A request for a variance to the 30 foot yard setback for a swimming pool and Site Development Permit for the pool. Ann Jamison introduced this item, referring to the Staff Report. She noted the site is extremely long and narrow, and that the placement of the pool meets the intent of the ordinances. Planning Commission Disclosures: Carico visited the site and did not speak with the applicants. Comiso visited the site and met one of the daughters. Emling visited the site, and noted he had spoken with Mr. Pourmand about a month earlier at a function at Bullis School. Stutz drove the site and did not speak with the applicants. Noel had no contact with the applicants. Pahl visited the site and spoke with the applicants. The Public Hearing was opened. No one wishing to speak, the Public Hearing was closed. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Noel to approve the variance to the 30 foot yard setback and the Site Development Permit for the swimming pool based on the following Findings 1 - 4 and with Staff Recommended Conditions 1 - 5. Finding 1: The long narrow shape of this property in combination with other constraints on the property including the location of the existing residence, ` septic drainfield, Adobe Creek and Highway 280 creates a situation on this parcel M that makes it difficult to develop a pool within reasonable proximity to the existing residence in conformance with the setbacks. If a variance is not granted PLANNING COMMISSION MINMS June 27th, 1990 Page 6 Draft in this situation this property owner would be deprived the opportunity to develop a pool on this property, well in conformance with the allowed development area, within a reasonable distance from the existing residence. Additionally, the burdened estate by this variance is land occupied by Highway 280 and the impact of development is minimal or nonexistent. Finding 2: The intent of the setback requirements is to preserve a buffer and sense of openness between properties and in the Town overall. The proposed location of this pool is adjacent to and below the Highway and therefore will not reduce the sense of openness to a residentially used parcel. In addition, the perceived sense of openness in the neighborhood and Town overall will not be adversely effected. In fact, by placing the pool in the proposed location the overall sense of buffer and openness on the property is better preserved than placing the pool on the eastern portion of the site. Finding 3: The construction will be required to meet all health and safety code requirements and therefore will not represent a detriment to public health and welfare. Allowing the pool in proximity to the house, as opposed to 400 feet east of the house will improve the ability of the property owner to monitor access to the pool, improving safety, particularly considering the proximity and visibility of the east end of the property to the Foothill College student parking lot. Finding 4: Swimming pools intended for residential use are permitted in the Town. Therefore, this approval does not allow an activity not authorized by the zoning code. AYES: Chairman Emling and Commissioner Carico, Comiso, Noel, Pahl, Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Jones 6.3 LANDS OF LOS ALTOS HILLS, Altamont Road (Westwind Barn), A request for a Conditional Use Permit to establish a yard waste recycling collection facility. Bill Ekern introduced this item, noting the request is from the Town as work done by the Town should obey all requirements normal residences obey. He noted the benefit to the Town is great. This site is accessible and the impact to the surrounding area will be minimal. The visual impact can be mitigated and no traffic impacts of duration or volume are anticipated. He felt Staff could work with Westwind Barn to ensure traffic is not increased at the Barn, either. kw Mr. Ekern clarified that this is not garbage, rather grass clippings in one bin, shrubbery, tree trimmings, branches in another bin. Los Altos Garbage Company PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Draft June 27th, 1990 Page 7 will remove the waste as necessary and man the site. The program will also provide benefit to Westwind Barn, allowing off-loading of barn waste. In response to a question from Chairman Emling, Bill Ekern clarified a voucher system will be worked out to ensure the program is utilized for Town residents' yard wastes. He also noted stretching out the periods of use will prevent the line-ups associated with the quarterly clean up days. Commissioner Carico questioned whether it would be possible to create another driveway. Mr. Ekern noted Westwind Barn doesn't experience a steady stream of traffic and he doesn't expect that of the recycling program either. He clarified this application is for a transfer site, not a composting or chipping program. Planning Commission Disclosures: Carico had a brief conversation with Staff. Comiso had nothing to disclose. Emling did not discuss the application with Staff, and noted he felt it was a unique and excellent idea. Stutz visted the site and spoke with Mr. Ekern. Noel drove the site and did not speak with Staff. Pahl visited the site but `V The Public Hearing was opened. Nancy Coupares noted the Friends of Westwind Barn hadn't received notice of the project being considered. She noted they had asked if a lunging area could be put in where the recycling center is proposed to be placed and were told it needed to remain in a natural state as part of nature conservency. Sharyn Adkisson, 27673 Lupine Road, Boardmember of Westwind Barn, noted they thought the program was a great idea and outlined their concerns including parking, use of the existing driveway and possibilities for an additional driveway, pick-up time of the bins by LAGCO, time period for the review of the CUP, watering of any new plantings, after hours dumping and items on the Environmental Checklist including 6, 8, and 13. Commissioner Noel questioned whether the road could be widened for traffic. Bill Ekem responded it can be done if there is traffic conflict. Mary Belden, 27480 Via Feliz, Boardmember of Westwind Barn, explained an accident she had while riding her horse on Paseo del Roble on a quiet weekday morning. A dumpster had been placed on a property adjoining the street. She felt that when the horse saw the dumpster, it did a complete turn, bolted and threw her on the pavement resulting in extensive physical trauma. She also noted the high �. monetary cost of the medical care she required as a result. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES Draft June 27th, 1990 �W Page 8 Sharyn Adkisson questioned liability, and Mr. Ekern noted there were issues of liability between the Town, Westwind Barn, and LAGCO. In response to a question from Commissioner Comiso, Sharyn Adkisson clarified they would like safety concerns relative to the horses and equestrians to be considered, maybe moving the dumpsters further from the horses. Commissioner Carico noted she would like consideration of putting in another road or moving the site over so it sits apart from Westwind Barn. Bill Ekern noted where the bins are placed on the site is flexible. If they are placed away from the road, they are less visible and don't require as much grading. He felt the equestrian's concerns were valid. He had spoken with the manager of the Barn, and one potential move is toward the front of the site and fence around the portion that is in use. Carol Gottlieb, 24290 Summerhill Avenue, expressed concern that there would be no room to turn around or get emergency vehicles through, and an unsafe situation 4W was being created for people who are paying for a safe situation. Nancy Coupares noted concerns with safety relative to the handicapped riders program, and felt that moving the bins further up on the site would be helpful. The Public Hearing was closed. In response to a question from Commissioner Noel, Mr. Ekern noted that moving the bins up toward Altamont Road was workable, and it could be landscaped and screened. This would move them closer to the gate, which the Town could relocate. He felt adding a driveway would result in traffic problems on Altamont Road. Chairman Emling noted concern the Commission was going to approve something they haven't seen yet, specifically the driveway design. Commission Noel noted applicants in this situation are generally asked to return to the Commission with redesigned plans. Bill Ekern noted the Town's agreement with Los Altos Garbage Company and promise to residents is that recycling will start on July 1st. Mr. Ekern noted the project is funded by taxes and the Town solid waste fund. He also explained one consideration in the proposed location of the bins is the necessity of creating a flat pad, and the slope rises going toward Altamont Road, making this 460 more difficult. He noted the drawing relative to planting was intentionally vague as he felt it was appropriate for the Planning Commission to indicate where mitigation PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 27th, 1990 [60 Page 9 Draft is necessary in relation to the siting of the bins and fencing, and considerations for parking at Westwind Barn. Commissioner Noel noted it shouldn't be a major project as the site is not necessarily the permanent recycling site. Commissioner Comiso expressed concerns about safety on Altamont Road and noted her main concern is the safety of horses and riders. Commissioner Carico felt this was going to become a major business and also expressed concerns regarding safety. Commissioner Stutz asked about the Fire District lot on Arastradero Road and noted not all the recycling would occur at this one site. Bill Ekern responded that the Fire District would allow this use if permits were obtained, and that a Conditional Use Permit is required for the site. Commissioner Pahl referred to the Environmental Checklist, and noted concerns 4 with items 2b, Sc, 8, 13a, 13d, 13f, and with aesthetics relative to Byrne Park, traffic on Altamont Road, and landscaping concerns. He noted he couldn't support the application as he didn't know what it was going to look like. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Comiso and passed by consensus to continue this item for redesign to the Planning Commission meeting of July 11th, 1990. Commissioner Carico asked whether it was possible to see an example of a community yard waste recycling program. Bill Ekern responded there were no other programs to view. Mr. Ekern noted it is impossible to predict what will spook a horse. He further noted there are changes in the environment throughout the Town and that isan issue that must be recognized, but that he appreciated the concerns raised. amn[tliiriMV JY�iMV 8. OLD BUSINESS Ann Jamison noted Peter Shaw, landscape architect, indicated he would be available in September of this year to give a presentation to the Town on the use of landscaping for mitigation purposes, as discussed at the Planning Commission meeting of June 13, 1990. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES June 27th, 1990 ( Page 10 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:40 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Laura Johnson Planning Secretary Draft