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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/13/1996Minutes of a Regular Meeting Appmved 3/27/% Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Council cc: Cas: March 13,1996,7:00 p.m. mbers, 26379 Fremont Road The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Cheng, Doran, Gottlieb, Stutz, Finn & Schreiner Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Susan Manca, Planner; Lani Lonberger, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR None. 3. PUBUC .A iN 3.1 LANDS OF LAPTALO,12125 Hilltop (20-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel. Ms. Manca introduced this item noting a correction to the staff report. The correct proposed development area is 13,921 square feet. The remaining numbers are accurate. She further discussed the hardscape to be removed, the fire department requirement for sprinklering of the entire residence, and the adequate amount of hardscape (decking) around the pool. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Daryl Fezekas, 50 University Avenue, Los Gatos, project architect, discussed the addition to the existing residence which included the removal of some of the circular driveway, adding more landscaping, and the new structure not being higher than the existing structure. He also noted the decking around the pool should be approximately 8-10 feet. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 3/27/96 March 13,19% Page 2 4 CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Finn to approve the Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel, Lands of Laptalo, with the recommended conditions of approval. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Stutz, Gottlieb, Cheng, Schreiner, Doran & Finn NOES: None This item will be on the City Council consent calendar April 3, 1996. 3.2 LANDS OF MASCARENHAS & CHARKOWICZ, 27223 Sherlock Road (36-96-ZP-SD-CDP-VAR); A request for a Conditional Development Permit and Site Development Permit for a carport enclosure, and variances to allow a storage shed to encroach into the required side yard setback and to exceed the maximum floor and development area. The Planning Director introduced this item. A memorandum had been prepared L by Ms. Davis providing research on the subject property and the previously 6V approved conditional development permits. The approved development area for this property is 5,000 square feet. The proposed storage shed and enclosure of the carport would not cause the development area on the site to exceed the 5,000 square feet threshold, and a variance is not needed for the proposed develop- ment area. However, the floor area increase does need a variance since the Commission approved only 2,360 square feet requested under the original conditional development permit. A variance is also needed to locate the storage shed within the side setback. The Commission had originally approved more development area than requested and the exact floor area figures as requested by the applicants. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Desmond Mascarenhas, 27223 Sherlock Road, applicant, discussed the previous approval noting at that time the Planning Commission had asked the applicants if they needed additional floor area. At that time, the applicants were concerned affording any additional expansion. Although the house is wonderful for their needs, they have no storage area. Enclosing the garage would provide the storage space needed. When looking at other locations for the shed, the problem is finding a spot on a flat area which is not in any of the setbacks. One location would be on the west side of the house within the 30 foot setback. He agreed with a suggestion to place the shed up against the garage wall when the garage Planning Commission Minutes Approved 3/27/96 March 13,1996 Page 3 wall is built. It would still be within the same setback. Mr. Mascarenhas provided a letter from the Boissevains in support of the project. Joan Sherlock, 27261 Sherlock Road, neighbor, supported the project. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Discussion ensued regarding the development and floor area maximums. Signing of Sherlock Road on Moody Road for health and safety purposes was mentioned. Mrs. Sherlock commented that she and the other neighbors prefer no signing of the street for privacy purposes. The Commission would like the applicants to at least provide numbering of the house. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to approved the Conditional Development and Site Development Permits to allow a carport to be enclosed, and variances to allow a storage shed to encroach into the side yard setback and to allow the floor area to exceed the current maximum, Lands of Mascarenhas & Charkowicz, with the following changes to the conditions of approval: (1) modify condition #2 noting that the storage shed shall be attached to the side of the garage, and landscaping may be required to help screen the shed. The size of the shed may not exceed 108 square feet; (2) The property address shall be placed on the property so that it is clearly visible and legible from Sherlock Road. The following are the allowable MDA and MFA figures as determined by the Conditional Development Permit: development area maximum, 5,000 square feet; floor area maximum, 2,839 square feet. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Schreiner, Gottlieb, Finn, Stutz, Doran & Cheng NOES: None This item will be on the City Council consent calendar April 3,1996. 3.3 LANDS OF LEACH, 11985 Magdalena Avenue (21-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Commissioner Doran questioned not having a geotechnical report regarding the retaining wall in the back area as a part of this submittal as it is in need of repair/replacement. The Planning Director reported the applicants would be required to provide engineering support when applying for their building permits relative to the retaining wall. Any walls four feet in height or higher requires structural calculations. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 3/27/96 March 13,1996 Page 4 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING William Leach, 11985 Magdalena Avenue, applicant, did not feel there were any major issues to this project except for the Fire Marshal's requirements, one in particular regarding the fire hydrant. There is an existing fire hydrant on Dawnridge Drive which is approximately 250 feet from his house. He would like to utilize that fire hydrant, if possible, at least for the next few years until he gets over the impact of the construction. He suggested a foot bridge and a gate to access the fire hydrant easily. This has been discussed with the Fire Marshal. Mr. Leach has spoken to one of his neighbors regarding an easement for utilities. He plans to draft a letter to his neighbors regarding the easement as both are currently away. The Planning Director suggested expanding condition #20 as follows: a Ere hydrant shall be installed within 500 feet of the residence, to the satisfaction of the Los Altos Fire Department, prior to final inspection, unless the existing hydrant on Dawnridge Drive may be accessed, to the satisfaction of the Fire Department. Commissioner Stutz asked if there was an access easement from Hilltop Drive. Mr. Leach was not sure, commenting it could be a water easement. (1410 CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to approve the Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel, Lands of Leach, with the addition to condition #20 stating a fire hydrant shall be installed within 500 feet of the residence, to the satisfaction of the Los Altos Fire Department, prior to final inspection, unless the existing hydrant on Dawnridge Drive may be accessed, to the satisfaction of the Fire Department. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Cheng, Schreiner, Gottlieb, Finn, Doran & Stutz NOES: None This item will be on the City Council consent calendar April 3, 1996. 3.4 LANDS OF CHAN,12008 Adobe Creek Lodge Road (2-96-ZP-SD- GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Commissioner Schreiner 4 asked if it was possible to have a shared driveway in light of the new fire Planning Commission Minutes Approved 3/27/% March 13,1996 Page 5 department requirements for 14 foot wide driveways. The Planning Director noted that this was not required of the subdivision. If there were a shared access with Lot 2, it would not come more than a few feet onto the property before veering off. There would not be much benefit except for one less curb break. Further discussion ensued regarding the pathway request, a conservation easement, and the driveway design. Commissioner Stutz did not feel they should encumber this property with a conservation easement. The Planning Director answered questions regarding the driveway retaining walls noting the height of the outside retaining wall (side towards the property line) appeared to be 7 feet to S feet in height. The inside is not a retaining wall but a substantial cut with one point appearing to be a 15 foot cut. Commissioner Gottlieb did not believe the driveway was in the correct location for the property. There is already a driveway that could come onto a flat area with the garage under the house which would fit the house better into the hill. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Ron Harris, 10091 Streeter Road, Auburn, project architect, agreed with the conditions of approval, discussed the fire department requirements, the stepping of the driveway, the retaining walls, the entrance into the garage, and the lower 4L area for recreation. He agreed the driveway was an area of concern. They tried W working with the design to fit the driveway into the contours. Originally, the driveway design included short portions at 20% with the retaining walls at 5 feet. However, due to the fire department requirements, they were forced to lower the pitch of the driveway and increase the height of the retaining walls. He agreed they could work towards stepping of the walls in some areas. It was noted that they have steps between the house floor and the garage. Commissioner Schreiner asked if he had considered stepping the house down further, closer to the pool. Mr. Harris responded in order to lower it, they would have to lower the upper pad which would result in more excavating and more retaining walls. Commissioner Doran commented on the William Cotton and Associates report requiring an inspection of the site once the excavation has taken place for any evidence of slope instability. Depending on the report, there may be a need for a redesign. Commissioner Schreiner felt the house design did not fit within the design guidelines. "Desirable" are step-down elements of one story; they have done the opposite. Mr. Harris felt they have stepped the house down the hill. Guy Jinkerson, Environmental Design Committee reported on the following: the possible land slide issue; the back of the house being imposing; the lovely terraced site; the design not capturing the spirit of the design guidelines; a concern with trees to be removed; a concern with the possibility of rare plants on the site; the imposing placement of the house; and the step-down terrain. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 3/27/96 March 13, 1996 Page 6 Tom Griffith, Pathway Committee, felt condition #21 regarding the pathway request was written very well in the staff report. Commissioner Doran asked Mr. Harris if Ms. Davis had discussed the rear elevation with him at any time. He responded no. Chairman McMahon, in discussing the plans, compared the cross sections with the elevations noting a discrepancy relating to the wall height located below the terrace (Sheets 3 and 4). The elevations do not show, in addition to the height shown on the rear elevation, that there is 5 to 6' more in height which would be viewed from below. She felt that the appearance does not meet Town guidelines and the area will be greater than it appears on the rear elevations. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Gottlieb felt there was a natural way of building this house without putting in this driveway which impacts the land. She suggested coming in at the bottom elevation which is natural, giving you a large parking area, tucking the garage under the house, and moving the swimming pool up to the area above the house which is much lighter so you would not have to remove so many trees (reverse the house and pool). The house should be built with the land. Commissioner Schreiner felt the area was very rural and the house would be very visible, not only from the structure, but from all of the glass (200 feet across). She would like to see an improved design, fitting the house into the land. Commissioner Finn did not feel it was desirable to have a pool above the house. He also felt the site has mature landscaping which will minimize the impact. He liked the design of the project commenting on the neighborhood which is made up of large, expansive homes. Commissioner Gottlieb referred to other home designs with the living area on the top floor, using the lower area for the bedrooms. She suggested using this type of design on a hillside lot. She also felt the location of the driveway going up the hill would be very visible and the design of the house and driveway was not in keeping with the natural, wooded area. Chairman McMahon commented on the well articulated exterior of the building with many curves, comers and angles in the plan view, however, when viewed from its height and width, there are two story walls. Commissioner Stutz felt the design was good for the existing contours and she could not see the story poles from Moody Road. There are three levels on this property. The second story drops down and she did not feel the design was any more imposing than other homes in the area. Commissioner Cheng agreed with Commissioner Stutz in that the lot is not visible from Moody Road because of the mature vegetation. Commissioner Doran felt the driveway works with the land and she would not Planning Commission Minutes Approved 3/27/96 March 13,1996 Page 7 ask the residents to share driveways. She also commented on the mature vegetation on the property and visibility of this house not an issue. Ron Harris felt the design was in compliance with the Design Guidelines. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool, Lands of Chan, with the recommended conditions of approval. AYES: Commissioners Doran, Cheng, Stutz & Finn NOES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Schreiner & Gottlieb This item will be on the City Council consent calendar April 3,1996. '•; ;•u Y.1 rr • A 1 ul rh 4.1 Planning Commission Representative for the March 6th meeting. The Planning Director reported on the following items: approval of the consent calendar; final reading of the Lands of Vidovich; options for disposition of Community Development Block Grant Funds; the approval of the Lands of Parikh and GTE Mobilnet (Lands of Foothill College); and the revised Pathway Element of the General Plan. 4.2 Planning Commission Representative for the March 20th meeting - Commissioner Schreiner. 5.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Schreiner reported on the Housing Element subcommittee meeting and Commissioner Doran reported on the Non -conforming Structures subcommittee. 6.1 Planning Commission Vacation Schedule (August, November and December) PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To cancel the August 14, November 27, and December 25,1996 Planning Commission meetings. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES L 7.1 Approval of the February 28,1996 minutes. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 3/27/% March 13,1996 Page 8 PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the February 28,1996 minutes with an addition to page 6, Lands of Floss motion to include "roof should more closely match those of the existing residence" with Commissioners Doran and Gottlieb abstaining. E�: rh•„ *1,. 1463 IM to N Kyjq Rej W u a FL"uIu INMI uI wo 0 lacten 8.1 LANDS OF HIFAI, 26856 Almaden Court, A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions. N•ru„..n The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully subirtitted, LaniLonberger Planning Secretary 4