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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/27/1995�w Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Council cc: Cas: lber 27,1995,7:00 p.m. 26379 Fremont Road Approved 10/11/95 The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Cheng, Doran, Gottlieb, Schreiner & Stutz Absent: Commissioner Finn Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Susan Manca, Planner; Land Lonberger, Planning Secretary Jean Struthers, 13690 Robleda Road, discussed vegetation control in Town. She had discussed this matter with the Public Works Manager advising him that the Town crew is over -cutting some bushes and plantings, making them susceptible to fungus, etc. She would like a general consensus of staff, the Commission and City Council as to what they really want along roadways. She was concerned with the destruction of the vegetation and road bank failure. She further discussed the need for road right-of-way plantings suggesting possible future meetings on this subject. 4. PTJBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF WEILER, 26089 West Fremont Road (160-95-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition/remodel. Mrs. Davis introduced this item noting the correct roofing material is shown on the plan. The material noted in the staff report is incorrect. Commissioner Schreiner asked for policy when a permit is not found for an accessory structure. Mrs. Davis explained there was not a policy on that issue. It has been handled application by application. She clarified that the structure figures were not calculated into the worksheet and should be included. The worksheet will be kw corrected. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/95 September 27,1995 Page 2 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Wayne Weiler, 26089 W. Fremont Road, discussed the proposed modification of the circular portion to create a double access and the ability to exit the property safely. Kathleen Weiler, 26089 W. Fremont Road, also discussed the circular driveway/double access noting it will only be used on special occasions. She did not feel there would be an impact on traffic as this is the only driveway on their side of the road within a half mile. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING The Commissioners were in agreement regarding no difficulty using the present circular driveway. They did not feel there was a need for a second access as one access works well. It was also noted that the General Plan indicates limited access on Fremont Road. Commissioner Stutz commented on the exterior appearance of the house being entirely different with the remodel of the residence. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to approve the site development permit for additions to the first floor, and remodel of an existing residence with the recommended conditions of approval, staffs recommendation for one driveway access, and the applicant working with staff regarding the interior turn around element. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Schreiner, Stutz, Doran, Gottlieb and Cheng NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar October 18, 1995 3.2 LANDS OF BUTT, 24708 Voorhees Drive (lot 1) (144-95-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Mrs. Davis introduced this item noting a letter from the adjacent property owner was received with copies provided to the Commission. The letter addressed coordinating drainage plans and also suggested lowering of the ridge line a few feet which would help preserve some of their view. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Brent Lords, 4431 Pampas Avenue, Oakland, applicant's architect, discussed minor changes to the plans which included moving a small bathroom window to the other side (back of the J Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/95 September 27,1995 Page 3 house); moving the side fence closer to the property line for privacy; and a possible change to the roofing material from flat tile to asphalt shingle due to cost. The applicants have not discussed drainage with the Jabbours as yet. However, they agreed it would be a good idea. He commented that Mrs. Butts was very concerned with drainage. Commissioner Gottlieb asked if he could lower the roof or move the house back so it would not block some of the Jabbours view. Mr. Lords explained they were confined by the fact that the lot goes back at an angle. The neighbors are at least 6-7 feet higher than this property and there is a very small portion of the house at 24 feet. They do not have any more room to push the house back. He further commented on the small grove of walnut trees and eucalyptus trees to be removed. He was not involved in this decision and was surprised by the request. It was his understanding that the applicant was going to save as many trees as possible. Jean Struthers, 13690 Robleda, Environmental Design Committee, commented on the removal of trees and the fact that eucalyptus trees can be a fire hazard and it is difficult to grow things under them. She suggested having them replaced with some other species (native). Commissioner Stutz agreed. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Stutz suggested, after reading the Town geologist's letter, that the depression on the western edge, near the off ramp, could be filled with excess cut so it would not have to be hauled off the site. She further commented on the pathway. She objected to the Pathways Committee recommendation for a Type IB path along El Monte. The center path down El Monte was put in because it is safer and she thought the freeway edge was Cal Trans property. There was a consensus to delete the type IB path request. Further discussion ensued regarding drainage and the height of the roof. It was noted by the assistant engineer that the civil engineer for the Butt project is also the Jabbours engineer. He is working on coordinating the drainage between the two properties. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the site development permit for a new residence with the following amendments to the conditions of approval: clarification of William Cotton's report, page 2, under #1, second item, clarify the extent of anticipated "swale cleaning"...; #18, the deletion of a Type IB path along El Monte Avenue, coordinate drainage with the Jabbours; replacement trees can be addressed at landscape plan review; and lowering the house approximately one foot at the dear story and at the other highest elevation. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Cheng, Gottlieb, Stutz, Doran & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/95 September 27,1995 Page 4 This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar October 18, 1995. 3.3 LANDS OF OLIVERA (WALLER), 26105 Elena Road (148-95-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Items discussed were the cut and fill being balanced on the site; no subdivision noise requirements although the Municipal Code has requirements regarding noise requirements; the suggestion to coordinate drainage with the other two lots; and the back and side path being kept free and clear during construction with drainage being diverted away from the path. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Jim Waller, 600 East Weddell Drive, Sunnyvale, applicant, discussed the cut and fill being balanced with any excess used to flatten the back area for wheelchair access. He had spoken to his neighbor regarding drainage. They will work together to develop a solution to the drainage problems. Mike Douglas, 12069 Robleda Road, discussed drainage as it related to his neighbor (Garces) and his illegal grading. He offered his assistance to Mr. Waller regarding the drainage concerns. He hoped that the applicant would not be penalized for Mr. Garces illegal grading and drainage concerns. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Doran asked staff if the applicant can take the drainage on the lower portion of this property and re -direct it to the I-280 right-of-way. Mrs. Proft commented that it could be directed down toward the right-of-way but the Town would not permit them to send it directly into the Cal Trans drainage ditch. The Town is currently working with Mr. Garces to take care of the drainage on his property, coming -up with a plan to divert the drainage on his property so it will be aimed towards the Cal Trans area a little bit more. Due to the applicant's property being upstream, they are showing a drainage system that will drain into that drainage swale, then continuing through the swale. It should then be picked up by Mr. Garces' drainage system. Commissioner Stutz did not feel they needed to be concerned with drainage on this particular piece of property. The assistant engineer agreed. Commissioner Schreiner felt the staff was very aware of the drainage problems in the area and were working towards a solution. She asked staff if the amount of fill in the back could be reduced perhaps by stepping the garage area down. Mr. Williams thought this was the most obvious option. Commissioner Stutz felt stepping the garage down was not viable for wheelchair access. She could not see why they would object to the applicant filling to fit what they need on the property. It was noted that the applicant needs a flat lot; however, the lot is sloped. 1J Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/95 September 27, 1995 Page 5 Commissioner Stutz further discussed the proposed lights on the house and the use of down shielded lights. On the back of the house there are 5 lights. As shown, they will all shine toward the freeway making the house very visible. She suggested restricting the lighting to 2lights on the lower floor and 3 lights on the upper deck, all covered to shine down. Also, the lights around the ramp should be facing toward the house. Chairman McMahon asked if there was any way to move the house down a few feet. Mr. Waller responded he had looked at options with the placement of the garage. Part of the problem with the fill was the number of required parking spaces and the location of the leach field. He would prefer not pushing the house down hill for two reasons: they would be closer to the freeway; and because of the ground water flow in the lower portion of the lot. Chairman McMahon felt moving the house 20 to 30 feet down hill needs to be explored. It would improve the homeowners wheelchair circulation and help minimize the cut and fill. Discussion ensued regarding the pathway behind the house (condition #16) suggesting adding wording that the path on the applicant's property should be cleared and signed. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Stutz and seconded f by Commissioner Cheng to approve the site development permit for a new residence with the following amendments to the conditions of approval: #16, adding "cleared and signed"; investigate reducing the cut and fill by moving the house down hill (20 to 30 feet) to the satisfaction of the engineering department; request to work out drainage concerns with their neighbors; and changing the number of outside lights (2 lights on the lower floor and 3 lights on the upper deck, all covered to shine down). AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Doran, Schreiner, Gottlieb, Stutz & Cheng NOES: - None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar October 18,1995 3.4 LANDS OF CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE CO. (80-95-ZP-SD-GD-VAR- CDP-CUP-IS/ND); A request for a Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Conditional Development Permit, Variance, and Negative Declaration for a replacement/upgrade of an existing water supply tank at 25410 La Rena Lane. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. A letter had been received from Dr. and Mrs. Goetz with copies provided to the Commission. A color sample of the tank had also 261 Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/95 September 27,1995 Page 6 been provided to the Commission. Commissioner Gottlieb felt the staking of the water tank was in error. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Rick Steele, California Water Service District Manager, discussed the scope of the project and how many customers it would benefit. The tank is designed to improve fire protection to their customers and will affect approximately 40% of the California Water Service residents within Los Altos Hills (12% of the entire Town). There are other tanks located in Town on O'Keefe and De Bell Drive. They also have over 6 million gallons of storage in the Los Altos Hills area which affects the other 60% of their customers. They are currently trying to improve the La Rena Drive area. Currently, a 50,000 gallon tank services these customers. They are proposing to upgrade that tank to 275,000 gallons as the request indicates. The proposed improvements are being done with budgeted funds and would in no way effect the rates of customers in Los Altos Hills. He further explained that they cannot lower the elevation of the tank (pressure related to height). Chairman McMahon asked if they could at least make the new tank the same height as the old tank, commenting on the mass and bulk of the new design compared to the existing size tank. Commissioner Schreiner asked if they had contacted any of the neighbors regarding the plan. Mr. Steele responded yes. Mr. Steele commented on the following: the tank being in service for approximately 35 J years; not enough room on the site for two tanks side by side; in case of emergency/power outage, the hydrant would have water for 56 minutes indicating this area needs additional fire protection; and the proposed tank size was determined by fire protection needs and the number of customers in the area. Mr. Steele discussed condition #8 relating to the grading moratorium; a request for a variance to grade to the driveway which is within ten feet of property line; and condition #6, requesting a waiver or variance to the pathway request. For the health and safety of its customers (Los Altos Hills residents), they are not in favor of allowing or inviting the public to visit the site through pathways. They felt increased traffic increases vandalism to their facilities which could effect the health and welfare of their customers. They requested a pathway easement not be required of Bennett Gates, 25400 La Rena Lane. The easement requested along the west side of his property leads directly to California Water tank site. They oppose the pathway easement for those stated reasons. He requested the deletion of pathway easement requests for both sites (California Water and the Gates). Dr. Goetz, 12791 W. Sunset, neighbor northeast of the tank, noted he was not aware of the extent of the project. After viewing the story poles, it was evident that the tank would be a solid wall that will go all the way around behind his bedroom. He presented photos of the tank area from his house for review. He felt the new, larger tank would devalue his property. He was also concerned with safety in the event of a leak which has happened in the past at a smaller scale. J Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/95 September 27,1995 Page 7 4 Bennett Gates, 25400 La Rena Lane, noted surprise at the size of the tank after viewing the story poles. The string around the area did not indicate the tank but the foliage to be removed. He would like some reassurance that the tank is safe. He expressed a desire to at least have some type of screening of the tank and a need for some type of reassurance of the safety of the tank since he lives so close and down hill from the site. He further discussed the pathway easement request. He does not support a variance to encroach into a setback. Natalie Goetz, 12791 W. Sunset, commented on the overpowering structure being proposed suggesting the possibility of another location for this tank or two smaller tanks. Tom Griffith, Pathways Committee, felt the only tanks that have a possibility of being vandalized are located by parking areas or where young adults congregate in the evenings. He supports the Committees recommendation for the pathway easement as stated. Jean Struthers, Environmental Design, suggested something creative be done to camouflage the tank. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Doran noted confusion with the string by the foliage and the exact location of [ the tank. She recommended continuing the application to return to the site to check the �✓ boundaries of the tank. She also suggested California Water investigate another design to minimize the impact on the two neighboring properties while still giving some upgraded fire protection. Chairman McMahon agreed as she also needs to return to the site. She also requested the involvement of the fire department and requested California Water provide some history relating to the number of users and what the demand is and how this has changed over the years. Commissioner Gottlieb agreed. Commissioner Stutz requested a darker color for the tank as the proposed color will fade in time. Mr. Steele apologized to Dr. Goetz and Dr. Gates. He did not intend to misrepresent California Water or the project. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to continue the application to an undetermined date to allow for another site visit by the Commission, to provide fire department involvement and recommendations, suggesting the applicant follow Town guidelines regarding bulk and mass, provide additional information regarding water pressure, provide a possible alternate design for less impact on the two neighbors while still providing fire protection. 4 Planning Commission Minutes Appmved 10/11/95 September 27,1995 Page 8 AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Gottlieb, Cheng, Schreiner, Stutz & Doran NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn Brief break at 9:15 p.m. 4. REPOVT, nO FX •W ••Ail IIIE"UkTC 4.1 Planning Commission Representative for the September 20th meeting. The Planning Director noted the following items were discussed: approval of landscaping and landscape maintenance conditions of approval; referral of revised Pathway Element to the Planning Commission for review and recommendation; and the denial of the request for approval of lot merger and conditional exceptions for lots 1 through 14, Lands of Micko, Kingsley Avenue and Altadena Drive. 4.2 Planning Commission Representative for the October 4th meeting -Commissioner Gottlieb. 5.1 Fremont Hills Country Club -Water quality sample. Mr. Williams discussed the report suggesting a change in the water sample submittal dates to December 30th and June 30th. All were in agreement to the requested change. 6. OLD BUSINESS 6.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Schreiner reported she and Commissioner Stutz attended a Housing Element Committee meeting which included Elayne Dauber, Bob Johnson, Curtis Williams and consultant Dain Anderson who is composing an answer to the State regarding the Housing Element. They are trying to address all the deficiencies that were mentioned in the letter from the State. They are using the housing survey regarding secondary dwellings. They are working on other programs and/or suggestions which included: waiving a fees for secondary dwelling; making the planning process easier; low cost loans through the Town's general fund; doubling or raising the fee on the last remaining 750 square feet of floor area that is left on a lot. This would be a source of revenue for low cost programs. This would also encourage using the last 750 square feet for a secondary unit. 4 Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/95 September 27,1995 Page 9 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the August 9,1995 minutes. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the August 9th minutes. 7.2 Approval of the September 7,1995 minutes. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the September 7th minutes. 7.3 Approval of the September 13, 1995 minutes. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the September 13th minutes. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF AUGUST 15 & 22 AND SEPTEMBER 5 1995 8.1 LANDS OF MOORING, 13791 La Paloma Road; A request for a Site Development E Permit for a landscape plan Approved with conditions August 15,1995. �r 8.2 LANDS OF CHEN, 27765 Lupine Road; A request for a Site Development Permit for a sport court, cabana and landscape plan. Approved with conditions August 22, 1995. 8.3 LANDS OF LOHR, 24000 Oak Knoll Circle (Lot 1); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions September 5,1995. i• 9• • Elul 0 The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, LaniLonberger Planning Secretary 4W