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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/23/19924 APPROVED 6r Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, September 23, 1992, 7:30 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes 16-92 (2) 1, ROLL C A r i AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Pahl, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner, & Stutz Absent: Commissioners Comiso & Sinunu Staff: Linda Niles, Town Planner; Jeff Peterson, City Engineer; Lani Lonberger, Planning Secretary �. 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR None. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR Items appearing on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be adopted in one motion, except for any item removed for separate consideration elsewhere on the agenda. The Chairman will ask the Commission and the audience for requests to remove these items. 3.1 LANDS OF IVY, 27281 Byrne Park Lane; A request for a Site Development Permit for a minor addition to an existing single family dwelling. 3.2 LANDS OF ALLEGRA, 26721 Taaffe Road; A request for a Site Development Permit for a minor addition to an existing single family dwelling. 3.3 LANDS OF PACKARD, 26410 Altamont Road; A request for a Lot Line Adjustment. Chairman Pahl asked if anyone wished to have any item removed from the consent calendar, being none : Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 2 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Stutz and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the consent calendar. AYES: Chairman Pahl, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner, & Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Comiso & Sinunu Items approved unanimously and will appear on the City Council consent calendar on October 7, 1992. 4.1 LANDS OF HOOVER, 335 -91-TM - Proposed Negative Declaration -Negative Declaration and Tentative Parcel Map for Lands of Hoover for a proposed subdivision on an existing 2.75 acre parcel into 2 lots located at 13820 La Paloma Road (Assessor Parcel No. 175-23-002) (Continued from July 22, 1992). Jeff Peterson, City Engineer, introduced this item stating that at their July 22, 1992 meeting the Planning Commission discussed the Negative Declaration and the proposed Tentative Map of the Lands of Hoover Subdivision. Much of the discussion focused on what design requirements should be conditioned on Barron Creek and what the creek would look like after construction. The City Engineer had recommended that the creek be improved to accommodate a 100 year storm. Members of the Commission expressed concern that 100 year storm improvements Ij to the dry creek could be excessive and they were not in favor of artificial armoring or a geometric channel. The Commission continued the hearing to September 23 to allow time for the applicant's engineers to define what improvements would be necessary to achieve Condition 13 as required by the City Engineer for accommodating the 100 year storm. Mr. Peterson noted that the applicant's engineers submitted calculations and maps showing the area of inundation from a 100 year storm if no improvements were done to the creek, as well as the type of channel that would be proposed to contain the 100 year storm on Parcel 1. These maps were included in the staff report. The City Engineer explained that the map showing the effects of the 100 year storm on the existing property demonstrates that the flow would cross over La Paloma Road. With the existing swale, a continual maintenance problem exists as some areas of the existing creek flow line are higher than the upstream culvert invert. This causes a siltation problem to persist. The City Engineer stated that this situation is not desirable due to the Town's limited maintenance capability. In order to correct the problem and accommodate the 100 year storm, the applicant's engineers have proposed to grade a very broad swale for the creek from the culvert under the driveway on the south side of the property to an area near the box culvert under La Paloma Road on the north west corner of the property. The swale would be relatively flat, with no defined channel walls. A cross section of this swale has J been drawn to scale and shown on the proposed improvements for the 100 year Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 f Page 3 �r storm exhibit. Because the velocities within this swale are shown to be relatively low, the swale can be protected from erosion by either planting native grasses or by using an Enkamat and grass combination, which would be determined from final design calculations. The City Engineer recommended that this design be approved for the creek improvements since it will reduce maintenance, control the storm water during high flow events and preserve the natural look of the area. It was suggested that a deed restriction be placed on Parcel I to prohibit disking within the storm drainage easement, further protecting the channel from erosion. Mr. Peterson noted that fire prevention could be accomplished by mowing. Mr. Peterson also discussed proposed revisions to Conditions of Approval for #13 and #24. He recommended to the Commission that with the conditions as revised, the Map was in compliance with the General Plan, the Zoning Ordinance and the Subdivision Ordinance and he recommended that the Planning Commission forward the map to the City Council with a recommendation for Certification of the Negative Declaration and approval of the Tentative Parcel Map for the Lands of Hoover for the two lot subdivision. Commissioner Schreiner commended the applicant and Staff for their solution to the creek improvements. The new design addressed the Commission's concerns with the appearance of the swale. She asked Mr. Peterson for clarification of the setbacks that would be required for the house. The City Engineer's response was that 150' would be the greatest setback and at the narrowest setback from La Paloma would be 100'. Commissioner Schreiner also asked what was the ultimate width of the access road off of La Paloma and how the City Engineer envisioned this in 5 to 10 years. Mr. Peterson responded by stating that in this area the development of parcel 1 on the Hoover subdivision would be the last lot to develop that would access on this roadway. He suggested that if the Commission wished that this become a public road in the future, the 25' easement being requested as a condition on this development could be conditioned to be dedicated as a public street and could be rejected at this time. Then in the future, if any development was done to the south there could be a request for acceptance of the dedication for the public road at that time. The policy being used in Town is that no new subdivisions should be created with private streets. Mr. Peterson noted that this subdivision was a little different because the lots on the south side of the access road are already subdivided and developed. Commissioner Schreiner asked if the Town should require a private road maintenance agreement at this time or was that something that the residents on the street would have responsibility for. Mr. Peterson stated that there should be a 4 private road maintenance agreement required by the Town at this time. Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 4 Commissioner Schreiner asked if Condition 26 was necessary and if there were any structures that would be made non -conforming by the new lot line. It was clarified that the shed on parcel 2 was currently located at a non -conforming setback and may be removed. Commissioner Ellinger asked if there was any information on the last time there was a 100 year flood and if the City Engineer had a record of what the situation was. Mr. Peterson noted that there were no records. Chairman Pahl noted that Mr. Peterson had requested that disking be prohibited within the creek area, however, he did not see that in the recommended conditions. Mr. Peterson replied that he had written a proposed deed restriction for the Commission's review that could be added to the suggested deed restriction in Condition 24 proposed in the Staff report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Bill Kull, 20431 Stevens Creek Blvd., the applicant's Civil Engineer, discussed the creek design and the effort to keep the natural feel and still allowing the design to handle a 100 year flood. He noted that the Santa Clara Valley Water District had indicated that they have no interest or jurisdiction over this particular drainage system. Mr. Kull concurred with all conditions of approval except for Condition 20 and requested that it be amended to read "a 2" overlay' rather than a 2' overlay. Regarding Commissioner Schreiner's concern with the shed on the existing property, Mr. Kull stated that he does not believe that it would be removed since the condition is stated "all structures made non -conforming by this subdivision shall be removed". Mr. Kull informed the Commission that this is an existing shed that currently does not meet the setbacks. The subdivision will not make it non- conforming since it is a non -conforming structure presently. He noted that the property owner would prefer to keep this old shed where it is. Bill Whitney, 13890 La Paloma, property owner to the north of the Lands of Hoover had questions regarding the drainage system. Bill Kull and Jeff Peterson answered Mr. Whitney's questions regarding swales and culverts as they related to his property. Mr. Whitney was also concerned with the ultimate citing of the house on the lot since it could be a large building up in one corner of the property, pushed towards the back of the lot which would be immediately overlooking his property. He was also concerned with the size of the building that could be built on the lot. Carol Seeds, 13801 La Paloma, indicated that she was also concerned with drainage. She stated that her home was on the west side of La Paloma across the street from the Hoover property. During the rains last year she had a problem with flooding in her orchard. She asked that some provisions be made to have the culverts maintained and the water channeled so it would not flow over the entire area. Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 f Page 5 CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Chairman Pahl suggested that the Commission consider not a uniform setback but a diagonal setback off of La Paloma Road. His suggestion was to allow this house to go up two stories and 27'. He was concerned that if you force this house to go back to 100' and up to 130' setback and build a one story house, the house would be spread out over the entire building circle from setback to setback and this could create a very massive looking house. It was Chairman Pahl's feeling that to allow two stories and 27' would create the variation on La Paloma that the Commission discussed in their July 22nd meeting. Commissioner Schreiner noted that proper landscaping would take care of the concerns of the residents and she requested that the landscape plan return to the Commission for this creek and the rest of the lot. She also stated that she was in agreement that they may have to consider a two story house, however, she would not support the 27' height. Commissioner Ellinger noted that about a third of the lot was highly encumbered due to the required setbacks, the creek and the 100 year flood improvements. He felt that the MDA allowed on this lot of 15,000 sq. ft. would be too much building for the site. He stated that the normal numerical guideline would not be what he could support. He believed that they should consider derating the MFA and MDA significantly. The net effect would be a smaller house on the constrained lot, whether it is one or two story. Commissioner Stutz stated that she would rather keep the condition of the 23' height limit and one story house. It was her feeling that they should condition the type of house when and if they get a site development plan for it. Motion by Commissioner Ellinger and seconded by Commissioner Stutz for discussion to approve the map with the recommended conditions and with changes to Condition 13 to read "The applicant shall construct a creek channel per the attached drawing so that it is adequate", etc.; Condition 24 should be changed to read "the home to 23' and one story"; and Condition 20 should be changed from 2' to 2" overlay. All other conditions to be approved as proposed by Staff. Commissioner Schreiner requested that the condition regarding a 25' road dedication be added and also a condition to have the landscaping plan reviewed by the Planning Commission. It was pointed out that Condition 6 already covered the 25' road dedication and that the private road maintenance agreement requirement could be added to Condition 6 as well. Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 6 IJ Commissioner Ellinger asked if the Commission wanted to add the deed restriction regarding MFA and MDA. Chairman Pahl suggested wording to modify Condition 13, "the applicant shall construct a swale to handle the 100 year storm to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and shall record a deed restriction in accordance with the City Engineer's requirements." Jeff Peterson added further language: The storm drainage easement containing Barron Creek shall not be disked or excavated. Fire prevention measures may be accomplished by mowing or other methods approved by the City Engineer. Chairman Pahl stated that he was concerned with approving this project before knowing MDA and MFA figures that would be appropriate for the constrained lot. He noted that more analysis should be done at the map stage regarding the type of house and the restrictions on the development. He did not feel that analysis should be done after the lot was created and the house plans were submitted, and not after the lot had been sold for development. Chairman Pahl felt that they were premature in approving this application. He recommended that the applicant go back, not for redesign and not for changing the conditions, but to develop an ,, appropriate setback line and appropriate floor areas and development areas that will be allowable on this property so that the anticipated building size and development of the lot could be determined at the same time. He was not comfortable with the setback lines proposed by Staff and due to the lot constraints he was not comfortable with the MDA and MFA being so high. Commissioner Stutz stated she was not trying to design a house for this lot. She mentioned that there were a number of unusual size lots in Town and they have to handle as they come. She felt comfortable reviewing the project at that time. Commissioner Ellinger asked if they had specific MDA and MFA figures or any recommendations that Chairman Pahl felt was appropriate. Chairman Pahl asked that Staff develop setback lines and MDA and MFA numbers working with the applicant and to have this project return in two weeks. It was noted that the figures have been accomplished on Parcel 1. Chairman Pahl was not comfortable with the setback or with the MDA/MFA being so high. He felt the numbers should be reduced so a false sense of security would not go out to potential owners of this project to feel they could build a 6,000' house because this property would not support a 6,000' house and he would suggest a lowered number and an appropriate setback number in relation to the swale they are about to approve. Commissioner Cheng agreed with Chairman Pahl. IJ Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 f Page 7 Ms. Niles stated for clarification, that the condition was worded 80' setback or 20 ft. from top of bank whichever is greater and this meant from the top of the new creek design that the applicant had submitted. Ms. Niles also noted that Staff had not specifically reviewed with the applicant the possibility of lowering the MDA or MFA for the lot due to the site constraints. Substitute motion to table for two weeks. The Chair asked the applicant if they were willing to accept a two week continuance. Bill Kull stated that they had a very difficult time trying to design a house and trying to come up with additional setbacks and criteria to reduce MDA and MFA numbers. Mr. Kull also noted that the City Council had on other projects recommended a deed restriction or some type of notification to the property owner that the maximum development area and maximum floor area numbers that are calculated for the lot may not be achieved and may need to be significantly reduced. He added that there was not a specific way to come up with reduced MDA and MFA numbers for any constrained lot. Mr. Kull stated that he would prefer a deed restriction to alert the buyer to beware. This would allow the site analysis process, and the site development process to do their job to come up with the appropriate house design E, for this lot. Mr. Kull requested that the Commission take action on this project �r tonight and he asked that it be approved based on the conditions as established. Commissioner Ellinger stated that when you have a lot that is roughly one third encumbered by blue lines and looking at the numbers it would normally have without any of the blue lines and given that number he would back them down by a third or in other words, it would take it from 6,000' on a MFA to 4,000' and on a MDA it would drop from 15,000' down to about 10,000'. He was only raising this as a question and if this sort of thing happened either tonight or in two weeks from now, he asked Mr. Kull if they had a buildable situation with any designs they may propose. Commissioner Ellinger had seen this general guideline applied to other properties in Town and felt it could happen here. Mr. Kull responded that it was entirely possible and there were other properties in Town that do have restrictions on MDA and MFA. He said that they were not opposed to that, however, trying to come up with a number either tonight or in two weeks, he felt they would not have any more of a clear answer until they came in with a true architectural site plan that indicated where the house would sit, what the floor plan would be, how much driveway, etc., things that they would not know until there was a buyer who really had a concept. He felt the best thing to do would be a deed restriction or do some other type conditioning so that the buyer would beware. Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 8 The substitute motion was not accepted and the Commission returned to the original motion. Mr. Peterson clarified with Commissioner Schreiner on an earlier statement regarding the dedication of the 25' wide tight -of -way as a public road and then rejecting it. Mr. Peterson stated that it would require a slight modification to Condition 6. The Commission discussed a guideline stating that lacking any other numbers, that they work towards a targeted MDA and MFA that derated proportionately to the numbered area on the lot. It was mentioned that the property would be under an acre if the blue lined area was struck out and that there are specific rules for property that was between a half acre and one acre. Commissioner Ellinger suggested that this wording would override the ruling and would state that the. guideline would no longer apply and derate down to 4 and 10, in this case, and he asked that this be applied to the deed with the logic noted. The end result would be down rating by about a third. Bill Kull stated that the proposed creek section would take less than 15% of the encumbered property and in talking to one of the prospective buyers, they would be comfortable with an approximate 10% reduction with the MFA. Chairman Pahl stated that this was exactly why he brought this up previously. They are trying to debate and argue numbers. He would suggest that the applicant and Staff work together to come up with numbers that they are comfortable with. He asked if the motion was still going down to 4 and 10 and Commissioner Ellinger responded yes, with the logic noted so the applicant can demonstrate that it only encumbers at 15% and it could come back to re-examine the numbers. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Ellinger and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to approve the project with a revision to Condition 13 as requested by the City Engineer; add wording to Condition 24 to read "the home to 23' and one story'; and correct Condition 20 by changing 2' to 2" and derate down to 4 and 10 with a deed restriction noting the constraints. All other conditions are approved as proposed by Staff. AYES: Chairman Pahl, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner & Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Comiso & Simmu This item will be on the City Council Public Hearing Calendar for October 7,1992. 4.2 LANDS OF CHOWN, 13822 Page Mill Road; A request for a Site Development Permit for a secondary unit (continued from 8/27/92). Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 9 �r Ms. Niles introduced this item stating that this application was reviewed at the meeting of August 27, 1992 and continued to allow the applicant to redesign the project to better fit the land and to explore alternate locations on the site with Staff. The applicant has reviewed the alternate locations on the site with Staff that were looked at prior to requesting the secondary unit in its current location. Mrs. Chown had submitted additional information for the Commission's review that discussed the problems with the alternate locations and why the proposed location may be the least problematic location on the site for the secondary unit to be placed. In review of the site it appeared as though the proposed location may be the most appropriate since it would have the least disruption to the site. Since the Commission had concerns for the visibility of the piers the applicant is proposing to screen the underside of the unit with the planting of redwood trees. The Commission may wish to discuss the numbers and locations of the planting that will accomplish the best coverage as soon as possible. Staff felt that adequate screening could be accomplished since most of the surrounding properties are located uphill of the unit and will be looking down on the project. The only view from below the unit will be from the neighboring property to the west and from traffic coming up Moon Lane. It appears as though the house on the westerly lot is far enough away and has enough existing vegetation between it and the proposed unit that there will not be a view problem. The proposed planting should screen the support structures from AW the road in a short time. The unit will not be totally visible from the house to the south since it is located up slope and setback from the knoll of their lot. Properties to the north and east will look down on the subject site, however, the unit may be somewhat blocked by the existing house, and the proposed planting should help screen it even further. After further review staff had determined that the proposed location is the most appropriate for the site and can be supported with the additional landscaping proposed. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Ramona Chown, 13822 Page Mill Road, noted that she repeated the process of looking for the best location on the site for the second unit, and found that the proposed location was still the most desirable location. She asked the Commission if Type IIB pathway would really be required and felt this would be impossible to construct on Moon Lane. Commissioner Stutz noted an error to Condition 11 in that a IIB pathway is being required and would be almost impossible to put in without putting in a regular road way up along side of it. The Pathway Committee actually asked for a right to pass ( over Moon Lane for the entire length from Page Mill to Saddle Mountain Road. Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 10 1J Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain Road, stated that Commissioner Stutz and Mrs. Chown were correct in that the condition on the pathway would be to have passage on the road and a IIB path improvement should not be required. Dot believed there should be another condition that there be no access to Saddle Mountain from this particular property (road access). Paul Reimer, Reimer Associates, 6 Arastradero Road, Santa Clara County, Civil Engineer, discussed the secondary dwelling and the proposed location. He also discussed the landscaping proposed for screening. Mr. Reimer felt that after the Planning Commission's review of the additional information on other locations that were more obtrusive, with the Staff's recommendations and Planning Commission's review they would confirm the fact that there had been a very honest effort to find the best location. Drew Anderson, 27820 Saddle Court, the neighbor directly up the hill from Mrs. Chown, stated that she believed from a visual aspect she probably would see the most of the project and that would only be the Chown's roof. She felt the project would have a very minimal impact on the neighborhood and felt the Chown's had chosen the most reasonable alternative for their needs, and that would be the least disruptive for the neighborhood and the property. She noted that she supported the application. Ruth Buneman, 12655 La Cresta Drive, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, spoke for the Committee. She noted that the committee felt the present plan had minimized disruption to the hillside and they recommended that the Planning Commission look favorably on the proposed plan Anna Kabrato, 13820 Page Mills Road, the neighbor to the south also noted support of the application. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Ellinger stated, in general, he opposed building houses on stilts, however, he was compelled by the arguments he had heard from Environmental Design and other neighbors. He felt that this was a minimal piece of construction, was as low as you could get it, has the same roof line as the existing property and he would be in favor of approving the project. Commissioner Stutz asked that Staff amend Condition 11 as discussed giving permission to pass over Moon Lane and not requiring that the path be developed to IIB standards. Ms. Niles stated that she would need to check into the requested pathway that goes .� all the way from Saddle Mountain to Page Mill. Ms. Niles noted that Mrs. Chown Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 11 may not have the authority to grant a pathway of that length since she may just have an access easement right over the private road. Ms. Niles noted that it may be okay from the southern to the northern end of her property. Commissioner Stutz stated that if they could not get the dedication she would like to change the condition to at least require the pathway over the Chown's property from Saddle Mountain down to the furthest south property line. She wanted to ensure that they have a right-of-way and at least a native path. Commissioner Ellinger asked that a condition be added stating that "any items under the house which are reflective shall be painted a dark color or a visual barrier shall be constructed and painted a dark color." The barrier would be required to be in place at the completion of the construction of the second unit. The landscaping is also required to be planted. Chairman Pahl suggested "siding that does not go all the way to the ground" be an added condition, and that a deed restriction be required stating the under floor partially enclosed area shall not be allowed to be converted to floor area at a later date. Ms. Niles noted that anything that is not underground more than 6' and is enclosed on three sides and a roof does count as floor area. Secondary units are limited to 1,000 sq. ft. and this unit is 1,000 sq. ft. If the under floor area were enclosed it would be counted as floor area so it would require a variance . She added that it may not be counted as floor area if the enclosure recommended by the Commission does not reach the ground and she would research this further. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Ellinger and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to approve with Staffs recommended conditions and the addition of Condition 12 to read, "That the under floor area be enclosed with the same or similar type of material that is used on the sides of the structure." "The enclosure is to provide a visual screen of the entire underside of the building." There should be an amendment to Condition 11 regarding the path on Moon Lane as discussed by the Commission. AYES: Chairman Pahl, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, & Stutz NOES: None ABSTAIN: None ABSENT: Commissioners Comiso, Sinunu & Schreiner (Commissioner Schreiner stepped down from hearing this item since she is a neighbor within 300' of the property.) Q This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar for October 17, 1992. Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 12 4.3 LANDS OF OWEN, 13930 La Paloma Road; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool. Ms. Niles introduced this item stating the proposal was for the construction of a new one story single family dwelling unit on an existing 1.077 acre lot which is located in the La Paloma basin area of the Town. The average slope of the lot is 4.5% with a Lot Unit Factor of 1.08. Restrictions were placed on the lot through the subdivision process relating to height limit and setback from the right-of-way for the house and fencing. The site is very visible from the surrounding properties and across the road in all directions since this area of Town is virtually flat. The project is proposed to utilize most of the maximum floor area allowed, however, there will .be 2,377 sq. ft. of development area available for such things as open patio structures or gazebos, and hardscape. The house is spread over the center of the lot. There are considerable roof plane and facade plane off -sets that will help break up the bulk and mass of the building. The exterior materials proposed are stucco exterior, concrete tile roofs, and wood framed windows. The house is a one story dwelling with a maximum height of 22'8". The height limit restriction was set at 23' from existing grade. A setback of 80' from the right-of- way of La Paloma Road was required on the subdivision. The corner of the garage is located 80' from the right-of-way and the face of the house is actually 95'. Fencing within the 80' setback was required to be 50% open and constructed of wood materials. No fencing is proposed at this time. The access to the lot is proposed off of the existing 25' private road easement on the north side of the lot. A private road maintenance agreement was required to be completed prior to recordation of the final map with all benefiting parties signing the agreement to include the property owner to the north of the subject site. Staff recommends that if this agreement was not recorded prior to final map approval that it be required to be recorded prior to any grading or issuance of a building permit on this project. The applicant is proposing a two driveway access off of the private road. Staff recommends that the driveway accesses be limited to one. It is noted that up to four lots may eventually access off this private road and that there may be a problem with guest parking in the area. Staff also recommended that additional on site guest parking be provided on the lot to access off of one driveway entrance. It was Staffs recommendation that the applicant's engineer review a redesign of additional guest parking on the site not to be accessed by a separate driveway but to be accessed from the one proposed to service the house. Staff felt it was not appropriate for guests to park on La Paloma or on the access easement. Ms. Niles further discussed pathway requirements for the project, the William J Cotton recommendations, grading for the project, and zoning ordinance Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 4 Page 13 requirements. She requested that the Commission discuss the impacts of the proposed structure on the site, review the information submitted, take public input, and approve the site development permit as submitted or revised with recommended conditions. Commissioner Schreiner asked if the access road would eventually become a public road serving 4 lots with a 20' to 24' wide road bed. The response from the City Engineer was yes. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Bob Owen, 445 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, discussed the design of the home with regard to the Town's guidelines. He noted that they were in agreement with the Town's requirements with the exception of the requirement to complete all subdivision improvements prior to issuance of a building permit (Condition 12). He would like to do some of the improvements prior to getting a final on the house (Condition 12). He had spoken to Juanita Reed regarding her concerns with the culvert. His suggestion was to build a swale. Mr. Owen said that Juanita was also concerned with the width of the private road and felt the road should not be widened since that would not preserve the rural look. Commissioner Schreiner asked Mr. Owen if it was possible to put the guest parking elsewhere on the property and have it access off the one driveway? She also asked for an explanation of the grass ditch that he had shown on the plans and asked for the width and depth. Bob Owen replied that the intent was to get off-street parking as close to the front door as possible and if the guest parking was placed by the garage, people might tend to park along the access road. Mr. Owen felt Jeff Peterson would be able to answer the question regarding the drainage swale. Juanita Reed, 13940 La Paloma Road, discussed the letter she sent to the Planning Commission and noted that she and Mr. Owen had discussed her concerns. She agreed that widening the driveway would take away the rural feel. Commissioner Schreiner asked Ms. Reed about her concern with the construction parking that had damaged the pathway and the property. Commissioner Schreiner also asked if she had spoken to Mr. Owen regarding these concerns and Mr. Owen's response was that he would handle the situation. He noted that Condition 9 already addressed this issue. Juanita Reed stated that the culvert was a hazard and she would rather see the swale in place. Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 14 J Bill Whitney, 13890 La Paloma, asked the Commission to require that adequate screening be placed around the pool. Mr. Whitney asked if the required tree replacement was for any kind of tree. Staff responded that the required replacement was mainly for oak trees. He also asked if the pool could be placed in another area. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner stated that she had a problem with projects that used every square footage that is allowed and she would like to see this house reduced by 10%. Motion by Commissioner Schreiner to continue for redesign. Failed due to lack of a second. Commissioner Cheng felt that the application was in compliance with all ordinances even though it had used all allowable footage. Chairman Pahl discussed the height and setback restrictions and felt the property could not help using all allowed square footage that was allowed on the property. He felt that the _property was designed as openly as possible and meets all the standards. Chairman Pahl liked the additional off street parking and suggested an alternative surface be utilized other than pavement or if pavement is to be used that additional screening be required as part of the landscape plan. He suggested that the landscape would be mitigated for the view of the parking area but that it not be designed to draw attention to the parking area. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Chairman Pahl and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to approve the project with recommended conditions, 1 through 12, and with several modifications as follows: Condition 12 "All improvements required on the subdivision map shall be completed prior to the issuance of a final approval except that a road maintenance agreement shall be recorded prior to grading or issuance of a building permit on the project." Add a condition stating "the accessory on site parking area shall either utilize an alternative hardscape or shall be properly mitigated by landscape and shall be approved with the project landscape plan." AYES: Chairman Pahl, Commissioners Stutz, Cheng & Ellinger NOES: Commissioner Schreiner ABSENT: Commissioners Comiso & Simmu This item will appear on City Council consent calendar on October 7, 1992. LANDS OF DORAN, 24920 La Loma Court; A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition and driveway modification. Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 15 Ms. Niles introduced this item stating that the existing home is a one story structure with a detached garage. The addition of a master bedroom suite and deck is proposed to be added as a second story over the existing garage on the south side of the house. The existing garage is located partially within the required 30' side yard setback, however, the addition had been designed to meet the Towns setback standards and designed so as not to encroach into the setback. An expansion was also proposed for the kitchen. The total area of the addition is 1,569 sq. ft. The maximum height of the addition will be 23' 6" from grade. The project was designed to match the architecture and exterior materials of the existing home being a combination of board and baton siding, cement plaster siding and wood shake roofing. The roofing will be required to meet the Town's new requirements for fire retardant roofs. The project had been designed to blend in with the existing surroundings and to match the existing home. No views currently existing for surrounding properties are being blocked. It was discovered, after speaking with Mrs. Doran and visiting the site that the unhealthy tree located near the east property line is actually 60% on the neighbor's property. Due to this finding, Condition 9 will be changed to read "Two or more 24" box oak trees shall be planted near the east property line at a distance from the unhealthy oak currently located on the property line." 'They shall be clustered in that same general location but further from the property line towards the south west, or off -set around the proposed addition" Also, there was a correction on Condition 5 changing Type IIB to native pathway. Staff recommended that the site development permit be approved with the proposed. conditions listed in the Staff Report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Shelly Doran, 24920 La Loma Court, agreed with the recommended conditions and changes and complimented the Staff for a fine job. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner asked that even though the pathway is native, that it be required to be cleared. Condition 5 should be changed to read "A native pathway shall be required to be dedicated and cleared 8' along the existing 10' Public Utilities Easement located along the entire south property line." MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Ellinger and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the application with changes to Staffs Recommended Conditions as previously noted. AYES: Chairman Pahl, Commissioners Stutz, Cheng, Ellinger & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Comiso & Sinunu Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 Page 16 This item will appear on the City Council's consent calendar on October 7, 1992. 5. NEW BUSINESS: No new business. 6. OLD BUSINESS 6.1 Review of General Plan, continued. Discussed forming 2 person subcommittees to handle different parts of the General Plan and report back to the full Commission. Chairman Pahl suggested since two members were absent that the subcommittees be formed at the next meeting. He also requested that in the future, the agenda include all pending old business. 7. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF AUGUST 27, 1992 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED. Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Ellinger to approve the minutes. AYES: Chairman Pahl, Commissioners Ellinger, Schreiner & Stutz NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Cheng ABSENT: Commissioners Comiso & Simmu 8. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 16, 1992 Commissioners Ellinger and Schreiner attended this meeting. Commissioner Ellinger stated that the City Council was always interested in the reasoning that the Commission used in reviewing and approving or denying a project. Commissioner Schreiner stated that the City Council pulled Lands of Owen on Alta Lane North on the basis of wanting to see how the approved modifications in the back of the house would reduce the bulk and mass. They were concerned about the fact that this area is in transition and a road right-of-way may be required. Commissioner Schreiner noted that one thing the Commission was not aware of regarding Alta Lane North was the fact that quite a few letters were written by neighbors concerning the drainage and leach field. The comment was made that there was a sewer that they could be connected to, and she felt that whenever a septic tank or leach field is requested, she would like the Staff to inform the Commissioners where the nearest hook up for sewer would be. Commissioner Schreiner also discussed Dr. Martin and his concerns regarding alternatives being presented regarding the Quarry under the County General Plan amendment. The Mehrlich house with the basement was approved, however, the pool was not included and would be returned to the Planning Commission. Regarding Lands of Eshner, there was not a formal vote, however, there was a clear indication that the vote would be Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED September 23, 1992 flow Page 17 3 to 2 in favor of 4 lots, one access from Altamont and almost complete retention of the conservation easement. Commissioner Schreiner also stated that Council Member Dauber was very impressed with the last Planning Commission meeting and complimented the Commission on the detail of discussion and review that they accomplished on the projects being reviewed. 9. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF SEPTEMBER 15, 1992 9.1 LANDS OF YELTON,14000 Berry Hill Lane; A request for a Site Development Permit for Landscape Plans only. Approved with conditions. 9.2 LANDS OF MOVASSATE, 12660 Zappettini Court; A request for a Site Development Permit for Landscape and Driveway Modification. Approved with conditions. The Planning Commission requested that this project come before the Planning Commission for Public Hearing on October 14, 1992. 4 The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lani Lonberger Planning Secretary .i FE