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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/08/1995Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 4/12/95 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, March 8,1995,7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: cassettes suo-ya to f 1. ROU CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Schreiner, Commissioners Cheng, Doran, Finn, Gottlieb, McMahon & Stutz Staff: Mike Porto and Debra Pollart, Acting Town Planners; Sheryl Kolf, Assistant Engineer; Susan Manca, Planner, Lani Lonberger, Planning 40 Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR None. 9100MUT90TI-MYN9' t None. 4.1 LANDS OF HWONG, 12813 Clausen Court (200 -94 -SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for grading for lawn and play area (continued from January 25, 1995). Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. The Commission discussed the difference between a tennis court and a sports court, the response to previous requests, drainage, and the 24 square foot decking in the setback which was put in by the previous owner. In the future, there will be added wording to the conditions of approval noting "the location of the foundation, pool, decking (etc.) shall be re -certified by a registered civil engineer or licensed land surveyor as being in the location approved by the Town and as shown on the site plan." Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/95 March 8,1995 Page 2 VJ OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Dr. Hwong, 12813 Clausen Court, applicant, noted that he had made changes, hopefully to the satisfaction of the Commission. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Gottlieb read Sec. 10-2.408 "Cuts and fills' noting the proposed retaining wall does not conform to this ordinance. She could possibly support the project if the project would not end with a retaining wall but come down on a natural slope to the natural grade. Commissioner Stutz stated at the previous meeting, and again, she could not approve more than 3,000 square feet for a play area or any other area that was graded to a flat pad. This is all the development area the applicant has left. The plan shows a reduction to 6,834 square feet, however there is still 3,695 square feet over the allowed development area. The neighbor's court located above this property is 50X100, totally inside the setback lines. Also of concern was that this lot and probably the entire subdivision was an old sand dune area with sand washing down the street into the storm drain after a rain. She felt the hill would continue to slide indefinitely. It is not good planning to build the wall almost right up to the slope easement. Commissioner McMahon visited the site three different times. In reviewing the ordinances, Articles 9 and 10, "and the natural land features to be preserved" and "site design shall be compatible with the terrain." she commented that this project does not comply with the ordinances. Where there is a natural 14 foot height difference, they are introducing a level area; a level area of the magnitude of approximately 7,000 square feet. Putting something flat of this magnitude in an area that has a natural 14 foot drop does not comply with Town ordinances and for that reason she would not be able to support the application. Commissioner Finn discussed other approved projects noting this was a lawn area. He did not understand why the grading was an issue. He was in favor of the project with noted changes. If the applicant would grade further and reduce the retaining wall in the front, it would even be a nicer and would be in favor of the project. Commissioner Cheng commented that the applicant has made tremendous changes as presented from the previous meeting. She felt they should not guess an applicant's intentions. A lawn play area is being proposed at this time which she supports. Since they have in the past approved grading to build retaining walls for tennis courts, she felt they needed to be consistent. Chairman Schreiner would not like to see cutting into a hillside to have a flat pad. They try not to disturb the natural hillside qualities with as little grading as possible. ,, Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/95 March 8,1995 4 Page 3 She felt at the previous meeting that it might be possible for the applicant to return with a re -design to have some type of grassy area within the perimeters of 3,000 square feet. Even though the applicant has complied with the other requests, the main issue was not addressed. MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to approve the project with a condition noting instead of a wall at the front of the property, the area be further graded at least to a 2 to 1 slope so that a wall would not be necessary. AYES: Commissioners Cheng, Finn & Doran NOES: Chairman Schreiner, Commissioners McMahon, Gottlieb, & Stutz MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Stutz and seconded by Commissioner McMahon to deny the request for a site development permit to allow grading and retaining walls for a grass play area. AYES: Chairman Schreiner, Commissioners Gottlieb, Stutz & McMahon NOES: Commissioners Cheng, Doran & Finn The appeal process and appeal period was explained to the applicant. Dr. Hwong noted frustration and disappointment with the process. 4.2 LANDS OF ABRAMO,13981 Fremont Pines Lane (2-95-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and cabana (continued from February 22, 1995). Staff noted changes to the staff report: net lot area is 1.08 and the proposed area figures should be corrected to be the same as the existing area figures. The assistant engineer provided the Commission with an additional condition of approval regarding a pathway (#15) request. Chairman Schreiner discussed items noted in the staff report including: the proposed house color (light gray) which is inconsistent with the Town's standards; and a condition for the applicant to dedicate an additional five (5) feet of public right of way along Fremont Pines Lane to obtain the required 60 foot right of way along that road. Currently the right of way for Fremont Pines Lane is 50 feet wide. The MDA/MFA would change with the dedication. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/95 March 8,1995 Page 4 Anthony Abramo, applicant, discussed location, schools, family size, one acre minimum in Los Altos Hills, the design of the house to block off noise of cars from Fremont Road, and the color of the house can be changed. Jeff Roberts, 3160 Crow Canyon Road, architect, commented that he worked with staff, designing a European style house with a comer of the lot entry, maintaining part of the natural environment, and keeping within the Town guidelines. Because this is a low lying area, Mr. Roberts is working with a local civil engineer regarding mitigating the drainage. They will most likely use on-site dissipaters. Berms (three feet above existing grade) are shown along Fremont Avenue for screening, however this will change slightly when working with a landscape architect. They want to use the old growth as they are very concerned with the scenic appearance. A letter was received from Mr. Rooker regarding the garage facing the street. Mr. Roberts felt the heavily brushed area would prohibit a view of the garage as it is designed at an angle to the side of the property. It was noted that the existing grade is considered the natural grade. Mr. Roberts agreed with the conditions of approval including #15, pathway requirement. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Discussion ensued regarding the design, placement, pavement in the setback, and drainage. Other concerns were project visibility and the view from Fremont Road,- berms; oad;berms; and road right-of-way dedication which may create a non -conforming lot. Ms. Kolf noted the dedication would reduce the LUF to 1.03 acres. The MDA/MFA would remain the same. The dedication would not create a non -conforming lot and the house is set back far enough if the dedication were to be taken. Driveways in setbacks were discussed noting driveways can be 10 feet from property line. Commissioner Stutz liked the design, the breezeway, and the developed property. She did not feel taking an additional 10 feet would benefit the Town and would not be necessary. She also requested to remove "close to" on condition #10 as she felt the property was maxed out; add pathway condition #15; and delete #19. Commissioner Gottlieb asked if the house could be moved back toward the back of the lot to reduce the amount of driveway currently showing in the setbacks. She felt the project was visible from Fremont and the porte-cochere part of the house will show mass suggesting the area be brought down to a one story element. Another concern was construction parking being so close to Bullis School suggesting keeping it all on Fremont Pines and on the property; keeping pathways clear on Fremont Road. Commissioner Doran felt the architect had done a fine job on the project and was in favor of the project with the color changes they have agreed too. She agreed with the request for parking on Fremont Pines and on property. She was in favor of the road dedication for the future development of underground utilities, etc. Commissioner Finn also liked the project. Commissioner Cheng also liked the design, however she did not agree with the five foot dedication as she felt the older lots may be under one acre if the Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/95 March 8,1995 Page 5 dedication was ever taken. Commissioner McMahon also complimented the architect on the design. Chairman Schreiner was concerned with keeping the open space feeling on Fremont and Fremont Pines. She was in favor of the road right-of-way dedication She also requested that the house color be a little darker than the lightest colors on the color board. Commissioner Stutz was concerned with creating non -conforming lots with a road right-of-way dedication. The assistant engineer will investigate how many lots would be made non -conforming with a road right-of-way dedication. Conditions of approval were discussed with suggested changes: #5, to add after "personnel" shall be limited to Fremont Pines access only; #7, add that the paint colors for the house and roof shall be chosen from the bottom of the color palette (400% reflectivity value); add standard pool condition; #2 to add landscape planting, "pool and decking" plan; #10 "these permits is maximum allowable floor area..."; #15, pathways are to be reflected on the pool/landscaping plan, both Fremont Road and Fremont Pines Lane; #17, after "residence" add "and pool." Discussion ensued regarding condition 19. Mr. Roberts noted that on Fremont Pines Lane there were five lots with 1.0 acres and the rest are over 1 acre. Condition 19 will remain unchanged with staff verifying that no lots will be made non -conforming due to a dedication. MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner McMahon and seconded by Commissioner Doran and amended to approve the site development permit for a new residence, cabana and pool with changes to the conditions of approval as previously stated adding that the pathway on Fremont Road shall be fenced during construction. AYES: Chairman Schreiner, Commissioners Cheng, Finn, Stutz, Doran, McMahon & Gottlieb NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar April 5, 1995. 4.3 LANDS OF ZATPARVAR, 26010 Torello Lane (5-95-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. A revised worksheet #2 was provided to the Commission showing the deletion of the tennis court and the pool house from the calculations. The corrected proposed and increase figures for development area are 12,200 square feet and the corrected proposed and increase figures for the floor area are 7,104 square feet. Staff requested discussion regarding condition #10 (deed restriction). It was noted that there would be no access off of Fremont Road as required by subdivision conditions of approval. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/95 March 8, 1995 Page 6 Bill Maston, 384 Castro Street, Mt. View, architect, reviewed and agreed with all conditions of approval as listed in the staff report. He reviewed the site plan and the use of berms. The berming material will be coming from the excavation of the foundation and the pool. The tennis court and pool house are possible future projects. They had originally placed the house further back on the lot which created a problem to neighbors. They have angled the house much like the neighbors. This will help with privacy concerns of the neighbors directly behind them. The two story elements are in the center of the development of the house and the one story elements are out towards the edges. He felt with the location of the windows, and with the location of the single story elements, this has addressed the neighbor's concern with privacy. He further discussed drainage and the existing drainage system. The temporary off-site parking was discussed noting legally they can only access the lot from Torello Lane. He suggested a possible temporary access off of Fremont Road during construction. Mike Meyer, 26007 Torello Lane, next door neighbor, discussed the narrow street requesting that during construction the bulk of the construction traffic park at the back of the house in the open space off of Fremont Road so the neighbors will have access to their properties. He also asked for a buffer between the applicant and his neighbor as their is a privacy concern. Janet Jorgensen, 26000 Torello Lane, suggested planting trees prior to construction to allow for more growth time to help with privacy in her patio area. She discussed drainage history noting that water flows down from Manuella and Fremont Road onto Torello Lane. She suggested an extensive drainage plan for this project. Chairman Schreiner suggested all neighbor's comments be directed to the assistant engineer. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY The Commission discussed the fence, berms, view, parking, and the house. Commissioner Stutz discussed grading on the west property line. She had noticed there was grading shown on the plan opposite to the turn around that was closer than 10 feet to the property line. She felt the house could be moved back on the lot a few feet. she discussed the possibly future tennis court noting there was no room for a regular tennis court. The applicant would have to remove some hardscape in order to have a clay tennis court. however it would not be suitable in this watery area. The height of the berm would be 4 1/2 feet. Mr. Matson commented that the lines of the berms are meandering for a more natural look. After hearing the concerns regarding sheet flow across Fremont Road, he commented the berming with the slot drains in the frontal area would actually solve the water problems discussed this evening. Commissioners McMahon, Gottlieb and Doran had no further comments with Commissioner Doran suggesting neighbor friendly planting. She was also in favor of trucks on site, keeping them off the streets. It was noted that the colors for the house and roof would be a beige/earthtone. Commissioner Finn noted that as the applicant Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/95 March 8, 1995 Page 7 deals with the drainage, it will solve the Jorgensen's drainage problems also. Commissioner Cheng agreed. Commissioner Gottlieb would like the house moved back at least five feet so the amount of the driveway in the setback would be less. She was also concerned with the school children on Fremont Road and construction traffic. She would encourage parking on the site. She also felt the look of the house from Fremont Road was bulky, suggesting a reduction in the height. Chairman Schreiner agreed with Commissioner Gottlieb as this is a scenic highway. She would like to see a lower profile house proposed. Ms. Kolf was also concerned with the safety aspect with trucks accessing off Fremont Road. She proposed having a designated driveway for construction vehicles to use off Fremont Road and fencing off the remaining area along Fremont Road to have a controlled environment were trucks are coming onto and leaving the site. She also suggested having signs warning the truck drivers to watch for children, with all parking on site and not along Fremont Road. Commissioner Gottlieb suggested a flag man while construction was in progress at Fremont Pine Lane and Torello Lane. Ms. Kolf suggested a statement requesting a flag man when necessary. Commissioner Stutz suggested the entry to the lot be opposite to the entry of Bullis School. The majority of the Commission was not considering a re -design. The conditions of capproval were discussed. A future tennis court was discussed although it is not part of this application. The majority of the Commission felt it was not appropriate to deal with the tennis court possibilities with this application. Chairman Schreiner and Commissioner Gottlieb had requested wording as a warning to potential buyers that a tennis court may not be physically possible. Discussion ensued regarding condition 10 wording, making amendments. MOTION SECONDED AND APPROVED: Motion by Commissioner Doran, seconded by Commissioner McMahon to approve the site development permit for a new residence and pool with changes to conditions of approval as follows: #5, adding wording that there would be one designated construction access off Fremont Road; the site will be fenced off along Fremont Road except for the designated access; there will be signs warning the trucks going into and out of the site that there are school children present, and a flag man may be necessary and shall be used when it is determined necessary by the engineering department; the driveway shall be placed to keep it as far away from Bullis School as possible; there shall be no parking on the pathway; all parking must occur inside the site; Condition #7, recommend using the lower scale on the color board for the exterior house color (under 40%) and the roof; Condition 18, deleting "gazebo"; and adding standard pool conditions. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/95 - March 8,1995 Page 8 y AYES: Commissioners Stutz, McMahon, Cheng, Doran & Finn J NOES: Chairman Schreiner & Commissioner Gottlieb MOTION SECONDED AND APPROVED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner McMahon to approve the site development permit for a new residence and pool to include the amended Condition #10, changing 7,264" to 7,104" and "Planning Commission" to'Town". AYES: Commissioners Stutz, McMahon, Cheng, Doran & Finn NOES: Chairman Schreiner & Commissioner Gottlieb This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar April 5,1995. Brief break at 9:55 p.m. 4.4 LANDS OF WAYMAN, 26222 Moody Road (9-95-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a second story addition, pool and pool house. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Mr. Porto noted that this is basically a separate lot which requires four parking stalls. Commissioner Gottlieb discussed with the assistant engineer the requirement for flood insurance (Condition #14). Ms. Kolf noted that this was not part of the Bellucci subdivision with the landslide which is currently being monitored and does not effect this lot. Also, the Bellucci subdivision conditions do not apply to this property. There was not a concern that the house is not located in a safe location, it is more of a formality with the FEMA map. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Bob Wayman, 26220 Moody Road, applicant, discussed the renovation and adding a second story to a old building which will ultimately be used for a pool/guest house. They plan to live in the building when renovating the 26220 moody Road property. The design is fairly moderate, fitting in with what is there presently, not pushing the development area or pushing heights limits. The special request was over the parking as they intend to use the combined properties as one. However, this is a separate piece of property, thus the requirement for parking as shown on the plan. He was hoping not to pave for a temporary situation. Michael Moyer, 430 Sherman Avenue, Palo Alto, discussed the project, and the colors being compatible with the hillside. He presented photographs of the existing building with a distinct French quality. The plan demonstrates that at some future date if for some unforeseen reason this property was sold to another individual, a driveway and parking could easily be obtained to meet the requirements of the ordinance. It is not their intent to put in anything currently due to same ownership and no functional need Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/95 March 8,1995 4 Page 9 or reason for the current owner to have any such access or parking on this property. They have reviewed the conditions of approval, discussing #8 and #14. They have a skylight on a flat roof which is concealed by a parapet that is around the flat roof so no light can be seen by any neighbor off the road way. The ceiling on the second floor is eight feet high, helping to maintain a low profile. It would be natural to consider putting some type of lighting in the well to support lighting in a hallway where the skylight is located. Condition #14 was discussed, requesting deletion. Ms. Kolf noted that this was still an issue strictly as a formality. The flood map currently shows a corner of the property in the flood zone which needs to be corrected. The correction would benefit the owners. Staff will work with the applicant regarding this condition. Currently neither properties are connected to sanitary sewer. They will connect both homes to sanitary sewer as soon as it is feasible to do so. Katy Stella, 27975 Via Ventana, pathways committee, noted that the committee does not have a request for a pathway easement on this property, however recommended collecting in -lieu fees whenever possible. Ms. Kolf did not feel in -lieu fees were appropriate for this project as it does not front on a right-of-way. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY The Commission discussed relief from putting in a paved access and four parking 4br spaces at this time. The intent of the requirement was discussed suggesting a deed restriction with wording to the effect that if and when the property was sold to a separate buyer, the access and four parking spaces would be required. Regarding the request for lighting in the skylight, there did not seem to be a problem, suggesting the lights be down shielded. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSES: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to approve the site development permit for a second story addition, pool and pool house with additional wording to #8 deleting "No lighting may be placed within skylight wells." adding "Any lighting placed in the skylight wells shall be down shielded only"; and adding a condition (under Planning conditions) noting that the plans indicate possible access and possible four parking spaces as required for the lot. A deed restriction shall be prepared noting that this requirement shall be waived until such a time when the property is sold to a separate buyer, at which time the access and four parking spaces would be required." AYES: Chairman Schreiner, Commissioners Finn, Stutz, Doran, McMahon, Gottlieb & Cheng NOES: None. This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar April 5,1995. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/95 March 8,1995 Page 10 i 5. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5.1 Planning Commission representative for March 1st, Chairman Schreiner, reported the following items were discussed: Farmers Market; Nextel; pathway requests; and Lands of Roley. 5.2 Planning Commission representative for the March 15th meeting will be Commissioner Finn. MINEWFWATM-11JI-1U 6.1 Introduction of Mike Porto and Debbie Pollart, Acting Town Planners by the City Manager. 6.2 Planning Commission vacation schedule -the second meeting in August and the second meeting in December. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Stutz, seconded by Commissioner McMahon and passed by consensus to approve the August and December Planning Commission vacation schedule. Commissioner Stutz requested that the Chairman request permission from the City Council to restrict the color of houses to the 40% reflective value until the color board has been updated. 7. 7.1 Report from subcommittees. No current information to report at this time. 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8.1 Approval of the February 8,1995 (5:00 p.m.) Minutes. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Stutz, seconded by Commissioner McMahon and passed by consensus to approve the February 8th minutes. J Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/95 March 8,1995 Page 11 8.2 Approval of the February 22,1995 Minutes. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Stutz, seconded by Commissioner Finn and passed by consensus to approved the minutes of February 22,1995 with Commissioner McMahon abstaining. 9.1 LANDS OF INOUYE,14250 Miranda Road; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions February 28, 1995. The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, LaniLonberger Planning Secretary 4