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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/26/1996Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 7/24/96 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, June 26, 1996, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes #12-96 ( 3 ) 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, Doran, Cheng, Stutz & Schreiner Absent: Commissioner Finn Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Lam Lonberger, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. On Chairman McMahon's last evening as a Commissioner, the Planning Commission and Town Staff expressed their appreciation for all her hard work and dedication to the Planning Commission. All wished her good luck. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR 3.1 LANDS OF MATHIASON, 13850 Paseo Del Roble (95-96 -SD); A request for a modification to the approved Site Development Permit for a change in exterior materials. Commissioner Schreiner requested the item be pulled for further discussion. She was concerned with the visibility of the lot, requesting to restrict the color reflectivity value to less than 50 (possibility 40 or less) so the structure will blend into the site. Chairman McMahon suggested some window trim to provide some articulation (wood or stucco trim). OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Ln Planning Commission Minutes Approved 7/24/96 Jane 26, 1996 Page 2 kbr Tamara Kron, 106 W. Campbell Avenue, Campbell, project landscape architect, expressed a willingness by the applicants to adhere to the Commissioner's requests for lower reflectivity value and window trim. The change in material was due to fire concerns. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to approve the modification to a previously approved Site Development Permit for a change in exterior materials, Lands of Mathiason, with the following changes/additions to the conditions of approval: the paint color shall exhibit a light reflectivity value of 40 or less; and window trim shall be in either wood or stucco for more articulation. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Stutz, Doran, Cheng, Gottlieb & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1 LANDS OF FOOTHILL COLLEGE, 12345 EI Monte Road (75 -96 -CUP); kA request for a Conditional Use Permit for a cellular telephone antenna facility (Cellular One). Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Commissioner Gottlieb suggested that the shed use the same type materials and have the same type of shingles as the college to help it blend in to the site. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Michael Harlan, Cellular One, 651 Gateway Blvd., So. San Francisco, representative, felt it was better to match the snack shack rather than the gym due to the small size of the structure. He provided supplemental information regarding the equipment shelter location, the proposed antenna locations, and current and proposed cellular radio coverage. Commissioner Schreiner asked if the proposal will cover all of Los Altos Hills or would they be asking for further sites. Yung Sa, 651 Gateway Blvd., So. San Francisco, project engineer, responded that he was uncertain. However, he indicated that the area along I-280 would be covered. A radio test for the entire Los Altos Hills has not been completed. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 3 Approved 724/96 Commissioner Gottlieb would like to see the building more in keeping with the style of the college rather than the snack shack. Commissioner Cheng felt the building was so small it would look better without a high ceiling as it is a shed, not a building. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to recommend to the City Council approval of the Conditional Use Permit for cellular telephone antenna facility; Cellular One; Lands of Foothill College, with the recommended conditions of approval. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Stutz, Schreiner, Cheng & Doran NOES: Commissioner Gottlieb ABSENT: Commissioner Finn This item will on the City Council agenda July 17, 1996 for public hearing. 4.2 LANDS OF D'AMOUR, 11839 Hilltop Drive (73-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel. Commissioner Gottlieb stepped down from the public hearing as she is an affected neighbor but not within 500 feet. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. It kw was noted that the exact date the house was constructed was not known. The current owner has owned the property since the early 1980s. Commissioner Schreiner had measured the highest to the lowest height as being 32 feet, not 27 feet as noted in the staff report. Ms. Davis clarified the 27 foot measurement was section height from grade, not low to high point. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Mr. Ashrafi, 1351 Virginia Avenue, Redwood City, project architect, noted that the plans indicate the house was built in the early 1980s. Carol Gottlieb, 24290 Summerhill Avenue, discussed the lighting at the rear of the house which is very visible and obtrusive from off site and from Hilltop Drive. She requested only approving down lights directed only onto the property. She would also prefer a reduction in the size of the massive windows being proposed. She did not feel landscaping would help as the lights are at an upper portion of the structure. The Planning Director felt it would be acceptable to request existing lights to comply with Town standards. Commissioner Stutz asked the architect if there were any new windows being added to the back of the house. He responded yes. She requested a smoked type glass (Low E) to Planning Commission Minutes Approved 724/96 June 26, 1996 Page 4 4 block the light. She further discussed the history of the property regarding landscaping. The architect felt the landscaping plan would address screening concerns. Ms. Davis commented on condition #3 which addresses landscape screening. Staff is aware of the concerns of the Commission and will take cue reviewing screening. Les Earnest, Pathway Chair, discussed the pathway request (#17). They are requesting a pathway along the roadway at the top of the bank, if it can be built within the road right- of-way. If an additional easement is needed to encompass the path, then they would ask for the dedication of the easement. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Discussion ensued. It was suggested to give the applicant a choice between using "Low E" glass on the lower floor or reduce the number of windows/amount of glass by 25%, working with staff. Commissioner Schreiner would like no more outdoor fixtures on the lower floor than already exist except for light fixtures required by code. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel of an existing residence, Lands of D'Amour, with the following changes/amendments to the conditions of approval: removal of the second story spot light; add standard lighting condition to include lights only at necessary exits, and using only down shielded fixtures; use "Low E" glass on the lower floor or reduce the number of windows and/or the amount of glass by 25%; and change #4 to require a landscaping deposit of $5,000. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Cheng, Stutz, Schreiner & Doran NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn ABSTAIN: Commissioner Gottlieb This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar July 17, 1996. 4.3 LANDS OF YEN, 27886 Via Ventana (74-96-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa. Ms. Davis introduced this item providing the Commission with a map indicating access to the house. She noted that the applicants use two private easements to reach the property which is accessed from upper Via Ventura Way, coming off a separate private easement to reach the property. The pool equipment location is not shown on plan. However, it will be shown on the landscape plans when submitted. The Planning Director discussed the Planning Commission Minutes Approved 724196 June 26, 1996 Page 5 status of sewer connection noting that both the Yen and Shideler properties are required to have public sanitary sewer access prior to submitting plans for building permits. Commissioner Schreiner requested some clarification regarding the area noted as "clear story" on the plans. Ms. Davis responded that the area over the entry, foyer, and nook areas are basically two story and the area is counted twice due to the height. Commissioner Gottlieb questioned the retaining wall by the pool. Ms. Davis responded the wall was to protect the large trees in that area. Grading being done was to return the natural slope/contour. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Bob Owen, 445 S. San Antonio Road, applicant's representative, commented on the project which they have been working on for over one year. He discussed the following items: building on the existing pad; site not visible except for the Shidelers; neighbors in support of the project; partial second story on the right hand side for view consideration; stucco house; and the colors for the structure have not been chosen as yet. He further commented on their arborist, Barrie Coate, his extensive study of the property, and the reasoning for the proposed trees to be removed. Commissioner Schreiner questioned the height of the retaining walls coming onto the property which was answered by Mr. Owen. She also suggested lengthening the eaves to create more shadow. Mr. Owen would prefer to leave the eaves at 2 feet because lengthening them would hurt the architecture. Commissioner Gottlieb was concerned with the retaining walls, and with the lawn area with water saturating the oak trees. She suggested relocating the pool. Commissioner Stutz had no problem with the location of the pool. Mr. Owen noted that he was not sure where the lawn area will be located. However, he will be taking the recommendations from the arborist. The applicants wish is to retain the openness. He further discussed the second story element as not being obtrusive. Chairman McMahon felt they utilized the existing building pad very well. She questioned the areas that were stepped down and other areas that should have been stepped. She also felt the second story created bulk and mass. If the second floor was nested into the first floor, they would not have a problem with bulk and mass. McMahon marked on plans the portions of vertical two story, broken into three sections of concern. Mr. Owen noted that on this site, no one would see the structure. Jay Shideter, 27994 Via Ventana Way, neighbor most effected by the project, recommending approval. He further noted that the sewer easement will be dedicated to the Town of Los Altos Hills and there is an agreement between the Shidelers and the Yens to share the cost of the engineering and improvements of the sewer lines from the Palo Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 6 Approved 7/24/96 Alto main "hook in" to Via Ventana Way at the base of the fire access road that leads to the Yen lot (a letter of facts from Mr. Yen was provided to the Commission). CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Cheng felt the lot was very private and could not be seen even from the closest neighbor. Commissioner Doran was in support of the project. Commissioner Schreiner would like to see more done to reduce the bulk and mass of the structure with regard to stepping, as the average slope is 24%. Just because a house cannot be seen does not mean it does not have to follow the Design Guidelines regarding reducing bulk and mass. Commissioner Stutz felt the lot was unusual and Mr. Owen had done a goodjob using the existing pad and tucking the garage which is attached to the house into a flat area. She was also happy to see all four parking spaces in the garages. Commissioner Doran agreed. Commissioner Gottlieb would like to see the roof line on two sides dropped by 1-2 feet to help reduce the bulk and mass. Chairman McMahon did not feel the second story needs to be at the end of the structure. She felt the bulk and mass could be mitigated suggesting the master bedroom step up a few steps (the uphill side of the building) and the family room compliment the dinning room and living room by stepping down a few steps to follow the grade. Also, the 62 feet of two story walls are not necessary (areas counted were redlined on plans by Ms. Davis). The two story does not have to be on the right hand side for view considerations. She suggested having the middle of the building with the second story nested within the first. MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Cheng, seconded by Commissioner Doran and failed by the following vote to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, detached garage and swimming pool, Lands of Yen, with the recommended conditions of approval. AYES: Commissioner Doran & Cheng NOES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioner Schreiner, Stutz & Gottlieb ABSENT: Commissioner Finn Discussion ensued clarifying bulk and mass portions of the structure. MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Stutz, seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb and amended to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, detached garage and swimming pool, Lands of Yen, with the following changes/amendments to the conditions of approval: working with staff to break up the exterior of the second story by one-third; and use open style fencing in the conservation easement during construction. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Schreiner, Gottlieb & Stutz �w NOES: Commissioners Doran & Cheng, Planning Commission Minutes Approved 7/24/96 June 26, 1996 Page 7 ABSENT: Commissioner Finn This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar July 17, 1996. 4.4 LANDS OF TAN, 13910 Page Mill Road (16-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, tennis court, pool and spa. Disclosure: Chairman McMahon did not view the property as the address on the staff report was incorrect. Ms. Manca introduced this item noting a letter from a neighbor, Mr. Ewald, was provided to the Commission. She also provided a map indicating the location of the 100 year flood area. The plans have been reviewed by the Santa Clara Valley Water District and the Fire Department with their recommendations included in the staff report. Commissioner Doran felt this was a perfect site for a double access driveway. Commissioner Schreiner asked if there were any attempts to save some of the trees, especially the Redwoods. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Ron Harris, 10090 Streeter Road, Auburn, project architect, answered questions and discussed the following: the skylight over the front door way; bulk and mass; Mr. Ewald's letter and noted concerns; visibility of the house; Moon Lane neighbors view of the house; possibly sliding the house back towards the pool; the solarium glass affecting the Moon Lane neighbors; and reference to the Design Guidelines. He asked for and received clarification regarding conditions #13 and #32. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY The Commission discussed the following concerns: excessive 8 foot skylight; the solarium glass on top of the garage affecting neighbors; too much development for this lot; the amount of trees proposed to be removed; siting would be more attractive with the elimination of the tennis court; the design not fitting into the neighborhood; flooding issues; the basement adhering to code; the bulk and mass of the second story should be minimized by reducing the square footage of the second story and increasing the distance between the first story walls and the second story walls; the roof height of the one story portions should be reduced; redesign the driveway to reflect a circular driveway, staying out of the proposed conservation easement, avoiding the existing redwood trees; grading in the northeast corner of the lot being minimized to maintain the natural contours in the area; reduction in the number of skylights and windows proposed for the residence; and the light wells and exterior stairwell for the basement should be redesigned not to exceed the minimum requirements of the Uniform Building Code. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 724196 June 26, 1996 Page 8 Commissioner Doran did not feel the applicants should be penalized for being close to the flood zone. The development will be reduced with the driveway changes. It did not cause her any concern that the applicants propose to use all of their development area, if it works. Commissioner Cheng agreed. She did not feel there was a problem with not fitting into the neighborhood as new houses coming into the area will be larger than currently in the area. Commissioner Stutz did not feel the proposed additional grading on the right side of the project was necessary. Elayne Dauber, 27930 Roble Alto Road, provided information regarding the history of flooding in the area. She suggested serious consideration regarding elevations and how the applicants will be protecting their property. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner would like more information regarding possible flooding and flood plain elevations. Ms. Prof[ and the Planning Director responded to the questions and concerns regarding flooding. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Doran and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to continue the Site Development Permit for a new residence, E. pool, spa, and tennis court, Lands of Tan, for redesign, working with staff, addressing �r concerns as stated by the Commission. AYES: Chairman McMahon, Commissioners Doran, Cheng, Gottlieb, Schreiner & Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commission Finn This item will be re -noticed for public hearing. T. S. Tan, 22585 Salem Avenue, Cupertino, applicant, noted that many trees were previously planted on a lot with a small house. He commented on the very long and frustrating process. 01 Planning Commission Minutes June 26, 1996 Page 9 Approved 724/96 4.5 AMENDMENTS TO CHAPTERS 10-1 (ZONING) AND 10-2 (SITE DEVELOPMENT) OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE regarding revisions to the Site Development Review process, and proposed Negative Declaration. This item was introduced by the Planning Director. He noted that during much of 1995, the Development Process Subcommittee had met to discuss improvements to the development process to more accurately reflect the Town's review process in the Zoning and Site Development codes, and to provide additional authority for staff action for some types of projects. The Subcommittee has finalized its recommendations, which are reflected in the proposed ordinance revisions. The Planning Director and Commission discussed in detail Attachment 1 and 2, making modifications/changes, as needed. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: For the Planning Director to make appropriate changes as directed by the Commission and return the Zoning and Site Development Ordinance amendments regarding revisions to the Site Development review process, and proposed Negative Declaration to the Planning Commission July 24th for final review prior to recommending adoption to the City Council. 5. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING f 5.1 Planning Commission Representative for June 19th -meeting -Commissioner ` Schreiner reported on the following items:. Reorganization of the City Council; interviews and appointments to the Planning Commission and Town standing committees; Conditional Use Permit renewal, Lands of Taaffe; and the appeal of the Planning Commission's decision, Lands of Lohr. 5.2 Planning Commission Representative for July 3rd -meeting canceled. 6. OLD BUSINESS 6.1 Report from subcommittees. None 6.2 Review policy for secondary dwelling units and accessory structures continued to the July 2, 1996 meeting. 6.3 Lands of Rogez, three lot subdivision public hearing meeting Tuesday, July 2, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. on site with the meeting to reconvene in Council Chambers. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 7/24/96 June 26, 1996 Page 10 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 Joint City Council and Planning Commission meeting. A tentative date of July 17' from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. was been scheduled. The date and time will be confirmed by the Planning Director. The topic of discussion will be "policy on wireless communication and sites." 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8.1 Approval of the June 12, 1996 minutes. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the June 12, 1996 minutes with a small addition to page 4. 9. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF JUNE 25. 1996 9.1 LAND OF LEFKOWITS, 28515 Matadem Creek Lane (100-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool. Approved with conditions. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lani Lonberge- Planning Secretary IhW