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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/13/1991APPROVED PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 FREMONT ROAD LOS ALTOS HILLS, CALIFORNIA WEDNESDAY, MARCH 13TH, 1991 cc: Cassette #4-91 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Chairman Jones and Commissioners Comiso, Ellinger, Noel, Pahl Absent: Commissioners Carico, Stutz Staff: Bill Ekern, Director of Public Works; Margaret Netto, Planning Consultant; Laura Johnson, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR There were no presentations from the floor. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.0 PLANNING COMMISSION DISCLOSURES Commissioner Ellinger referred to the two public hearings on properties in the Matadero Creek Subdivision and clarified he did not live within 300 feet of either property. 3.1 Amendment of Conditions of Approval for the Matadero Creek Subdivision to delete the reference to "prairie style" for lots #16 and #18, LANDS OF LIU, 28635 Matadero Creek Lane and LANDS OF GREEN, 28550 Matadero Creek Lane. Bill Ekern introduced this item, noting Staff's recommendation to remove the words "prairie style architecture" from the conditions of approval. Commissioner Ellinger questioned why the Lands of Green was included in the proposed amendment as the house was already constructed. Mr. Ekern clarified that the conditions of approval for the subdivision also included a reference to prairie style for lot #18 and the property is therefore being included for consistency in terms `. of future development. The Public Hearing was opened. No one wishing to speak, the Public Hearing was closed. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED March 13th, 1991 Page 2 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Noel and passed to recommend to the City Council the term "prairie style architecture" be removed from the conditions of approval for lots #16 and #18 of Tract 7187, Matadero Creek Subdivision. AYES: Chairman Jones and Commissioners Comiso, Ellinger, Noel, Pahl NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Carico, Stutz 3.2 LANDS OF YU, 12000 Emerald Hill Lane: A request fora Site Development permit for a new residence and swimming pool. Bill Ekern introduced this item, noting Staff's recommendation of approval subject to conditions of approval outlined in the Staff Report. He noted he met with the architects to discuss issues brought up at the Planning Commission Site Development meeting of fitting a mass onto the site, and the impact of earthquake and human habitation setbacks as to squeezing the house onto the site. He noted efforts to orient the house on the site worked: the house is sited along the contours, it is set into the hillside by starting the downhill side of the house at grade and ` excavating, which accounts for the large amount of grading proposed. He noted the � impact of the two entry areas was the greatest concern, vertical entry wings designed with no overhang or eaves. He suggested it is necessary to determine whether the proposal will result in the appearance of mass, or if the impact is mitigable, or if the proposal has no impact. The Public Hearing was opened. Scott Williams and Doug Burnham, project architects, presented a photomontage of the proposed project, including views from Emerald Hill Lane, Prospect Avenue at Emerald Hill Lane, Prospect Avenue from the adjacent neighbors driveway, and El Monte Avenue. Scott Williams noted they had discussed different views with Staff, and tried to choose views representative of real situations that would be experienced. He explained plans for mitigation through landscaping, including use of native plantings and continuation of plant types existing on neighboring properties onto the Yu property. Notably, projected plantings include Oaks (existing on Prospect Avenue) for mitigation along Prospect Avenue of about a 36 -inch box size, Walnut and Cypress trees, and low level plantings along the driveway. Scott Williams noted it was not the owners intent to build a house that is low to the ground; however, the house was designed to consolidate the issues to a part of the building that is a small portion of the overall mass, by breaking it into three main parts rather than one contiguous mass. The Public Hearing was closed. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED March 13th, 1991 Page 3 Scott Williams noted they had no problems with the Staff Recommended Conditions. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Ellinger, seconded by Comiso and passed to approve the Site Development Permit as proposed, subject to the Staff Recommended Conditions. AYES: Chairman Jones and Commissioners Comiso, Ellinger, Noel NOES: Commissioner Pahl ABSENT: Commissioners Carico, Stutz 4. NEW BUSINESS In response to a question from Commissioner Comiso regarding the moratorium on grading, Bill Ekern clarified approximately ten projects were allowed to commence as a wet winter was not anticipated. Projects have been shut down due to lack of adequate erosion protection. In response to a question from Commissioner Comiso regarding requirements for landscape plantings, Mr. Ekern clarified that for projects requiring substantial mitigation, the Town is requiring a surety bond. Property owners are not being required to plant and very few recent projects have required extensive mitigation. He noted other cities are continuing with tree planting programs as there are alternate sources of water. In response to a question from Commissioner Pahl, Mr. Ekern clarified that the Site Development Permit for Sun Country Cable's head end site was to be scheduled for a public hearing at the Planning Commission meeting of March 27th, 1991. 5. OLD BUSINESS 5.1 Scheduling of Planning Commission tour of selected hilltop development. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Comiso and passed by consensus to continue this item. 5.2 Update on the activities of the General Plan Housing and Mineral Resource subcommittees. Commissioner Ellinger noted the Committee felt it should be recognized there were no known mineral deposits in the Town. In the event of discovery or incorporation of mineable resources, mining would only be allowed with compatible uses. He noted that since the Town is almost built out, with high-cost, low density housing, the committee couldn't foresee circumstances where mining would be considered a compatible use. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVED March 13th, 1991 Page 4 6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF FEBRUARY 27TH, 1991 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Pahl, seconded by Noel and passed by consensus, with Commissioner Comiso abstaining, to approve the minutes of February 27th, 1991. 7. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MARCH 6TH, 1991 Commissioner Noel reported there was a four hour discussion of the Eshner request for vacation of a conservation easement. A committee was assigned to review possible exchangeable area on the neighboring Packard property and the issue would again be considered at the Council meeting of March 20th, 1991. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF MARCH 5TH AND 12TH, 1991 March 5th, 1991: Bill Ekern reported one item was reviewed and approved: Shroff - Landscape plantings. At least one Oak tree was required to be planted. 4 March 12th, 1991: Mr. Ekern reported two items were reviewed and approved: Mo - �r landscape plantings. An arborist's report was required for an Oak tree in the area of the driveway and walk. Tu - Tennis Court. Shrubs were required for screening between the site and neighboring Congregation Beth Am property. Subdivision Committee Meeting: Lands of Circle: Mr. Ekern reported the subdivision was substantially the same project the Planning Commission and City Council denied in 1990; however, the applicants had done a survey of the property. He noted the total unencumbered area on the site was approximately 4,000 square feet. 9. ADTOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:20 p.m Respectfully submitted, Laura Johnson Planning Secretary