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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/14/1996r Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 2/28/96 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, February 14,1996,7:00 Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont I cc: t_.assettes o,5 -yo t L ) 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Gottlieb, Cheng, Doran, Stutz, Finn (left at 8:30 p.m.) & Schreiner Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Susan Manca, Planner; Land Lonberger, Planning Secretary Y. 13 i KAMC Commissioner Schreiner reported on a presentation at the City Council meeting by Dan Dunlap, Los Altos Fire Marshal regarding fire department requirements for new residences and major additions which included 20 foot wide driveways, credits for sprinklering of the house, etc. The Fire Department and the Town will be working together to retain the rural atmosphere wherever possible. There was a suggestion by Commissioner Stutz to invite the Fire Marshal to a Planning Commission meeting for another presentation. RNEEff 7411-TECOURSTITIRSW ► 3.1 LANDS OF CHANG, 26228 Scarff Way (152-95-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool, spa, secondary unit, and greenhouse (continued from January 10, 1996). Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. It was noted that Commissioners Finn and Schreiner had listened to the tape of the January 10th meeting. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Rosalind Chang, 26228 Scarff Way, applicant, addressed three concerns noted at the `„ previous meeting which included the reduction of the height of the structure, removal Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/96 February 14, 1996 Page 2 of the secondary unit from over the garage, and the architectural style of the house. She was available for questions. Ed McEachron,100 Edgewood, San Francisco, project architect, discussed the recommended changes to the plan which included the following: residence has been moved 20 feet to the southwest to lower the height of the building 2.5 feet on the site; relocated the secondary unit to a location to the northeast of the detached garage; and the revision of the elevation drawings showing the windows and doors have been articulated to a greater extent, with the use of arches for a less formal style. He reported the house would be sprinklered in the hopes of working with the Fire Department to reduce the width requirement of the driveway. He requested a 14 foot wide driveway with grasscrete and turnouts. This has been incorporated into condition #12. Bill Kull, 20431 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, project engineer, commented on the changes to the plan which included dropping the house 2.5 feet in height, the increase of grading from the previous submittal, and providing some flat living space at the back of the house. Commissioner Doran asked if he considered the option of terracing the rear yard to minimize the grading and have the outdoor living area at a different elevation. Mr. Kull commented that currently it is terraced 3 feet. Commissioner Stutz discussed the minimal differences from the original plan except for the pool which went from 250 to 254 foot elevation. Mr. Kull commented dropping the pool will not k minimize the earthwork. Commissioner Gottlieb still felt they were grading a flat pad for the house as mentioned at the previous meeting. Mr. Kull explained that they have moved the house 20 feet back from the ridge and dropped it down 2.5 feet. Mr. Kull felt there was a significant change from the previous plan. If the concern was building too much of a flat pad for the pool, he felt this could be worked out between the Planning Commission or staff with the landscape plan. William Alhouse, 26173 Rancho Manuella Lane, previous owner of the property and neighbor, appreciated the Planning Commissions concern for knolls and grading, however he voiced complete support of the project in its entirety. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Doran supported the previous plan and she was not happy with the current proposed grading, and the excessive amount of cut and fill. She had previously noted that they cannot always have a house that has a flat rear living area, and should be looking at terracing the back, having some steps to the outdoor living area and to their pool. Commissioner Schreiner had attended the original site analysis meeting. At that time the applicant and architect were concerned with being allowed to have a two story house on a lot that was quite visible. At that time, she felt the house was very attractive but the siting would be of prime importance. She quoted the Site Development policy statement adopted by the City Council in 1991. She could support moving the house down, preferring lowering the height. It was understood that the Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/96 February 14,1996 Page 3 neighbors do not seem to have a problem with the project, however, they are grading a flat pad for the pool. Commissioner Gottlieb commented that flat lot grading is not desirable on a knoll suggesting the house height be lowered to 24 feet. Commissioner Cheng also preferred the previous plan. However, since they did ask the applicant to move the house down, she was satisfied. She suggested bringing the pool down to 250 foot elevation. Commissioner Finn felt the 2,000 feet of cut to reduce the elevation of the house by 2 feet when there is 3+ acres of land and at least 80 feet of setback was hurting the land more than helping it. He did not feel anyone off site would be able to tell the difference whether this house is 2 feet higher or 2 feet lower. He agreed with a reduction of fill in the pool area. He also preferred the original house site. Further discussion ensued regarding the height of a house on a knoll or a ridgeline or, if in fact, this was a knoll or a ridgeline site. The Planning Director suggested leaving the house in the current proposed location, to request the pool level be lowered (250 foot elevation rather than 254), and that staff work with the applicant to retain some of the slope on the back side of the house (toward Scarff Way) so the house appears to step down rather than placed on a flat pad. Discussion ensued after motion seconded. Commissioner Stutz suggested on the rear terrace on the house, stepping it down a few steps to break the look of being so flat (multi level). She noted the difficulty in reviewing the previous plans with the new L plans when the engineer uses different scales. She suggested perhaps lowering the �/ height of the garage and the guest house by at least one foot. Commissioner Gottlieb agreed. It was noted there will be no retaining walls for the driveway or the house along the northwest side of the proposed property. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Finn to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, second unit, greenhouse, pool and spa, Lands of Chang, with the following changes/amendments: the applicant shall work with staff to terrace the rear yard and pool area, lowering the elevation to 250 foot elevation; work with staff to slope the rear elevation of the residence so it will slope back down into the hill (eliminate grading such a flat pad). AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Cheng, Finn, Doran & Stutz NOES: Commissioners Gottlieb & Schreiner Commissioner Schreiner and Gottlieb were concerned with the guest house and would have liked to see it lowered, following the contour of the land better. This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar March 6, 1996. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/96 February 14,1996 Page 4 3.2 LANDS OF VALLNER,10723 Magdalena Avenue (226-95-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition/remodel. An adjacent property owner had advised staff of the presence of a spring on his property noting the Health Department's previous requirement that any septic system leach field or expansion field be a minimum of 100 feet from the spring (Indian Spring). Ms. Davis recommended an additional condition of approval noting final approval of the septic system to be obtained from the Santa Clara County Health Department prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. Commissioner Gottlieb felt it would be appropriate to require a 25 foot conservation easement over the creek area. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Walter Chapman, 620 S. El Monte Avenue, Los Altos, project designer, noted agreement with the conditions of approval including the additional condition. He had met with the Health Department regarding the spring and they were confident they could meet the 100 foot distance requirement. Commissioner Schreiner questioned the adequacy of the turnaround area with the reduction of the circular driveway. Mr. Chapman was satisfied that they had adequate back up with this design. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to approve the Site Development Permit for an addition and remodel of an existing residence, Lands of Vallner, with the following changes/amendments: granting of a conservation easement over swale located in the northwest corner of the property; and final approval of the septic system shall be obtained from the Santa Clara County Health Department. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Stutz, Schreiner, Gottlieb, Cheng, Doran & Finn NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar March 6, 1996. 3.3 LANDS OF PANG, 28138 Story Hill Lane (193-95-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa. Ms. Davis introduced this item noting the request by the Pathway Committee to amend their request to acquire a 20 foot emergency road easement from Story Hill Lane along a diagonal segment to the west border of the property and along it to the existing route leading to Bandera Drive in Palo Alto with a 10 foot pathway easement continuing along the west border of the property to the south border. Ms. Davis noted that there E was an existing 10 foot easement on the property. The Pathway Committee request is to Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/96 February 14,1996 Page 5 expand that easement. Also, a letter had been received from a neighbor, Mr. Catlin, itemizing his concerns with an emergency access, loss of is only view of the valley, fencing of the pool, the possible noise from the pool equipment, outdoor lighting plan, and the location of central air conditioner, if proposed. Ms. Davis noted that the project architect had spoken to Mr. Catlin and will be working with him to address his concerns. Commissioner Stutz suggested changing the path to the old road rather than following the property line which would be difficult. Commissioner Gottlieb was concerned with the siltation in the pond and the maintenance of same. Ms. Proft noted this would be the responsibility of the property owner. Commissioner Schreiner questioned the flood plane. Ms. Proft commented that the property was not shown to be located in a flood plane on the FEMA map. The pad would be graded so the house site would not collect water and the house will be elevated which is also a recommendation noted in the William Cotton report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Gary Ahern, 52 Jeter Street, Redwood City, project designer, noted agreement with the conditions of approved. He discussed the Pathway Committee recommendation to widen the pathway noting it would need to be graded to a 20 foot wide dirt or gravel road up to the back side of the property to make the path viable. The applicants did not ar feel this should be imposed on them at this time. He further commented on extensive meetings with William Cotton, Jo Crosby and Jerry Clement relating to how to mitigate the water. Mr. Ahern has discussed with Mr. Catlin his concerns and will be working with him regarding same. Judy Opfer, 3115 Bandara Drive, Palo Alto, requested the availability of the 20 foot emergency access road. Commissioner Gottlieb preferred a 20 foot wide easement but not widening/cutting it to a full 20 foot width. Chairman McMahon clarified for the applicant that no improvements other than taking the easement is being recommended. Commissioner Cheng suggested, since they are requesting a 20 foot easement from the applicant, they take 10 feet from the applicant and 10 feet from the Bandara Drive residents. The Planning Director noted that the site development ordinance allows the Commission to request pathways but does not allow the Commission to request emergency roads. However, when a pathway coincides with the location, he felt if was reasonable to request both. He did feel that asking for a 10 foot easement with an overlay for emergency access was consistent with code and legal requirements. He noted that the access would not be functional, legally available, unless some connections are made back to Bandara Drive as well. Judy Opfer, 3115 Bandara Drive, Palo Alto, commented that she does not want the construction of a 20 foot road, only an access in an emergency. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/% February 14, 1996 Page 6 CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Discussion ensued regarding the requested 20 foot wide easement. Commissioner Gottlieb suggested staking the proposed path trying to keep it within the 10 feet except in those areas where they need a few more feet to meander. Commissioner Stutz commented that the detention basin should have been removed from the floor and development area figures. There is a very small buildable area on this lot and she did not feel the applicants should expect to get a 8,000 square foot house on this site. She felt a large house would be unsuitable on this site. Commissioner Cheng requested a clarification of the development and floor area figures if the detention basin is removed from the calculations. She felt this should have been clarified at the time of subdivision, not now. Commissioner Stutz suggested limiting the floor area to 7,000 square feet. Commissioner Doran disagreed with the suggestion. Commissioner Gottlieb commented on problems with drainage and the amount of hardscape proposed. Commissioner Cheng noted that no other house will be affected; the applicants will need to be careful with the drainage plan Commissioner Gottlieb requested a recorded statement regarding the drainage problems. However, the Planning Director would not recommend this request referring to the William Cotton's report, the drainage plans and the responsibility of the applicant's engineer. Further discussion ensued regarding the detention pond and the amount of hardscape proposed. Ms. Davis noted that 2,500 square feet of the proposed 14,556 square feet development area is the second story and not actual coverage. Commissioner Gottlieb requested a reduction in the hardscape reducing the driveway and perhaps by using natural landscaping in the front area. Mr. Ahern agreed to work with staff to minimize the hardscape although he would like to have 20 feet at the front door for one car to park and another car to rotate around it. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool, Lands of Pang, with the following changes/amendments: maintain the 10 foot pathway/emergency access easement which may meander, following the contour of the old emergency road; and work with staff to reduce the amount of hardscape in the front of the house driveway area AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Schreiner, Cheng, Stutz, Gottlieb & Doran NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar March 6, 1996. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/96 February 14,1996 Page 7 3.4 LANDS OF LAM, 13597 Robleda Road (222-95-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition/remodel and pool. The Planning Director introduced this item noting the need for an additional condition to be added. The staff report discusses the right-of-way along Quail Lane. The applicant has shown on the plans an offer of dedication of their 1/3 of an interest in Quail Lane. If Quail Lane becomes a public road, the road right-of-way should be wide enough to accommodate the pathway. Chairman McMahon questioned creek clearing on this property. Commissioner Schreiner noted that William Cotton's report recommended not using the existing foundation asking if it would be appropriate to condition the applicants to put in a new foundation. The Planning Director felt this was a technical recommendation to be addressed by the applicants in their final geotechnical report. Commissioner Doran questioned the road right-of-way dedication policy asking the Planning Director if there was any reason for further dedication and perhaps they should rescind a previous applicant's, Mr. Gilmartin, dedication Mr. Williams commented if the Commission agrees that further right-of-way dedication along Quail Lane is not required, then staff believes the Town should agree to abandon the dedication offer at the Gilmartin property but still retain the 1/3 interest in 40 feet. 160 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Mark Sandoval, 885 N. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, architect, commented on the following issues: the applicant cleaning the creek area; the geotechnical recommendations; the history of the foundation; the pool equipment location; and the Robleda Road pathway location needing to be staked. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development Permit for a major addition/remodel and pool, Lands of Lam, with the following changes and amendments: further right-of-way dedication along Quail Road is not required and 1/3 of an interest will be retained which will accommodate a pathway; and non -evasive plantings only within the conservation easement. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Doran, Cheng, Stutz Gottlieb & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/% February 14, 1996 ` Page 8 Commissioner Stutz suggested that the Planning Commission recommend to the City Council that the additional easement taken on the Lands of Gilmartin be returned to the property owner. This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar March 6,1996. 3.5 GTE MOBILNET/LANDS OF FOOTHILL COLLEGE, 12345 El Monte Avenue (216-95-CUP-ZP-SD-ND); A request for a Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Permit for an existing cellular telephone facility, including a 60 foot high monopole, 372 square foot equipment building, fencing and utilities; and approval of a negative declaration. The Planning Director introduced this item noting a request from the Pathway Committee for an easement along the west bank of Adobe Creek through the culvert under I-280 which connects to O'Keefe Lane. He did not feel it was appropriate to require a pathway easement. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Ray Hashimoto, JM Consulting Group, 2635 North First Street, San Jose, representing GTE Mobilnet, noted review of the staff report and the conditions of approval. He clarified that originally the facility was constructed with the permission of the College District only, not realizing Town approval was also required. They subsequently submitted the appropriate application materials and fees. He did agree with the Planning Director in that there was not a nexus between a installation of a cellular telephone facility and a requirement to provide a pathway system through the college. The color of the pole was discussed with a suggestion by Commissioner Stutz to paint the pole a dark brown to match the color of the fence. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to recommend to the City Council adoption of the Negative Declaration and approval of the Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Permit subject to the conditions of approval with the addition of the following condition: the pole shall be repainted a color(s) to be determined by the Planning Department to blend with the equipment building and the surrounding environment. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Cheng, Gottlieb, Stutz, Schreiner & Doran NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn 6 This item will be scheduled for the City Council March 6th agenda. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/96 February 14, 1996 Page 9 rMEERWOOR4t• u & 01 AMI WK41019M Lei I �i ylYh 4.1 Planning Commission Representative for the February 7th meeting, Commissioner Cheng, reported on the following items: items pulled were the Lands of Rouse, the Lands of Parikh and the Lands of Owen; resident at the comer of Fremont Road and Edith Road requested assistance with drainage; Lands of Quarry Hills; and the Lands of Sayar (code violation). 4.2 Planning Commission Representative for the February 21st meeting - Commissioner Doran 5.1 Report from subcommittees. The "non conforming structures" subcommittee will be meeting on February 20th and the "Housing Element" subcommittee will be scheduling a meeting shortly. a 6.1 Consideration of setting a special meeting. Chairman McMahon voiced 4 the Planning Commissioner's opinion not to schedule a special meeting at this time. The Commission discussed the Environmental Design Committee's role, responsibility and review process. It was suggested that the Committee submit written comments to staff prior to meetings so the comments can be included in the staff report. This will give staff and the applicants time to review all comments. a IN' t • • uU►l 11Y 9 7.1 Approval of the January 24,1996 minutes. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the January 24,1996 minutes adding to page 10, prior to the motion, "Commissioner Gottlieb called for a vote regarding the basement definition issue, however the request was not acted upon." Chairman McMahon commented on her "YES" vote on the Lands of Owen. MIF WAVE;511009,74101 .: t :: 1. 8.1 LANDS OF HUBBARD, 27001 Appaloosa Way; A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and landscape improvements. Approved with conditions on January 30,1996. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/96 February 14, 1996 Page 10 M 8.2 LANDS OF GARROW,13910 Mir Mirou Drive; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions on February 6,1996. The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:04 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Iani Lonberger Planning Secretary 4