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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/28/19964W Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 9/25/96 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, August 28, 1996, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (3) 916-96 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Gottlieb, Stutz, Schreiner & Jinkerson (arrived at 7:15 p.m.) Absent: Commissioners Finn & Cheng Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Susan Manca, Planner; Lard Lonberger, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -None. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF DAILEY/ARDEN, 24875 and 24911 Prospect Avenue (123 -96 - LLA); A request for a Lot Line Adjustment. The Planning Director introduced this item noting the applicants have requested a lot line adjustment between the two adjacent properties for the stated purpose of officially recognizing the existing fence line between the lots. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to recommend approval to the City Council for a lot line adjustment, Lands of Dailey/Arden. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 August 28, 1996 Page 2 AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Gottlieb, Jinkerson, Schreiner & Stutz NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Finn & Cheng This item will be scheduled for the City Council consent calendar September 18, 1996. 3.2 LANDS OF LOHR, 12100 Oak Park Court (lot 9) (130-96-ZP-SD-GD-VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, and a variance to allow grading within 10 feet of the property line. Ms. Davis introduced this item clarifying that no portion of the proposed driveway would be on Lot 10. Commissioner Stutz asked for an explanation regarding the requirements for the conservation easements and the human habitation setbacks in the subdivision. Ms. Davis answered the inquiry. Commissioner Stutz felt that the subdivision requirements conditioned the lot to have a quiet area. This design puts the living area in the front; the noisiest area. Ms. Davis responded that lots 8a, b, c, and d all have human habitation setbacks. This subdivision has two types of human habitation setbacks; noise and geotechnical. It was noted that only non -habitable structures are allowed in a human habitation setback. Further discussion ensued regarding drainage which was addressed by the Assistant Engineer. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Steve Lohr, 586 Lagunita Drive, Stanford, provided some background on the original noise studies and required mitigation. The subdividers were not allowed to construct within areas with sound levels in excess of 60 A. In addition to the lots mentioned by Ms. Davis, lots 9, 10, 11, 12, 14 and 15 all have human habitation setbacks for noise. Commissioner Stutz questioned the lack of outdoor area behind the house. Mr. Lohr responded that they were trying to avoid retaining walls. Commissioner Stutz suggested moving the house forward although Mr. Lohr pointed out that this would move the house too close to the old farm road. He further commented on techniques to achieve 45 db interior noise levels. i.e. 6 inch walls rather than the standard 4 inch; double paned windows/argon gas insulated. Jerry Lohr, 2021 The Alameda, San Jose, when asked why the garage was on the opposite side of the house from the kitchen, responded it was to minimize the driveway length and to position more key rooms away from noise. He proposed to lower the garage 1 'h feet and to have the backup area at the far side, at grade. Commissioner Gottlieb asked if they had given any consideration to shifting the house towards the human habitation setback. He responded, no as it would be moving it into a more sloped area. The proposed location keeps retaining walls to a minimum. Commissioner Jinkerson asked if the garage would be visible from lots 6 and 7. Mr. Lohr responded, not from lot 7, and only a little from lot 6. Commissioner Schreiner referred to the elevation of Oak Park Court asking if there was a way to take in a portion of the second story, as it appears boxy. Mr. Lohr responded that there will only be a portion on the front left side visible. The second story floor will only cover 55% of the first floor Planning Commission Minutes August 28, 1996 Page 3 CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Approved 9/25/96 Commissioner Gottlieb had the following concerns: house looking bulky from the street (would like to see it elongated); second story should be nested into the first floor more; and she would like to see the driveway out of the setback. Commissioner Schreiner had similar concerns noting that this was a difficult lot. She felt the front would be difficult to landscape, she did not like the visual bulk of the house, requesting that it be spread out more on the lot. Commissioner Stutz would prefer a "U" shape, single story house and she would like to see cross sections of the entire human habitation setback. Commissioner Jinkerson did not feel the house fit this lot. Chairman Doran disagreed with previous comments. She felt that the applicants have done a good job with the design. There was a consensus to allow grading over the property line. Chairman Doran noted that it was not possible to put in a driveway in any other way without a retaining wall. The Planning Director noted that Lot 10 will access from Oak Knoll Circle so there will not be a conflict with driveways. If the driveway was shifted to the east, more grading and likely retaining walls would be needed. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to continue the request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, and a variance to allow grading over the property line, for a redesign, to include the comments and suggestions from the Planning Commission as follows: height of the house be lowered; the garage to be oriented to the west; and that as much paving as possible be moved out of the setbacks. AYES: Commissioners Schreiner, Stutz, Gottlieb & Jinkerson NOES: Chairman Doran ABSENT: Commissioners Finn & Cheng This item will be re -noticed for public hearing. 3.3 LANDS OF KASH, 25500 Burke Lane (179-95-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, detached garage, cabana, and pool. Ms. Davis introduced this item. She provided the Commission with a memo regarding the original Pathway Committee request and a revision to the same (condition #22). OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Rick Kash, 12000 Green Hills Court, applicant, discussed the pathway request on Burke Lane which is a private street, noting the narrow width of the street The Planning Director clarified that the pathway would be within the road right-of-way. Mr. Kash continued, referring to the swale in the middle of the property. He would like to be able to plant in that area. The assistant Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 August 28, 1996 Page 4 4W engineer answered questions regarding the reasons for a conservation easement over the Swale. Mr. Kash would like to develop the area like a dry creek. Von Haws, 2067 Colusa Drive, San Jose, project architect, discussed the following: the design; not having the garages all in a row; rotating the house to face Burke Lane not Burke Road; mitigating bulk; the detached garage will mitigate car lights; stepped house down the slope to avoid massive grading; room levels follow natural grade; good traffic pattern inside the house; importing fill to elevate the house up on the downhill side; the height of the house; and the request for the conservation easement. The overall height will be 32 feet (lowest to the highest). Jerry Clements, 4966 EI Camino Real, Los Altos, project engineer, answered Commissioner Gottlieb's concern that the septic pump would be too noisy for the neighbors. He commented that it will be submerged and underground. It should not be any more noticeable than the pool equipment. Also, the pump can be within the setback if underground. Commissioner Schreiner questioned the usage of the detached garage and cabana. She would like to make sure these are not secondary units. Mr. Haws reassured her that neither structures would be used as a secondary unit. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY 4r The Commissioners would prefer the decking out of the setback. Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the height of the detached garage asking for a reduction in the pitch of the roof. She would also prefer the pathway be installed now. Commissioner Gottlieb would like the roof pitch reduced by 2 feet. Commissioner Stutz was concerned with the Swale and the 30 foot wide conservation easement over the storm drain. She would like the applicants to have right of access, possibly with a bridge. She would prefer a 15 foot drainage easement (#19). The assistant engineer noted that they usually ask for a conservation easement over a storm drain. It was noted that the Pathway Committee felt it was appropriate to ask for a pathway on the applicant's side of Burke Lane. Commissioner Stutz accepted the Pathway Committee recommendation. Their was a consensus to ask for the pathway to be dedication and constructed with the project. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, detached garage, cabana, pool and spa, Lands of Kash, with the following changes/additions to the conditions of approval: 1) the roof pitch of the detached garage shall be changed to lower the height of the building 1 1/2 feet; 2) add to condition 919, "the easement shall allow the proposed driveway and culvert, and future driveway and ornamental bridges to be located within it, subject to approval by the Town. Any planting within the conservation easement shall be native, non- invasive species"; and 3) condition #22, "A 10 foot wide easement shall be granted along the south property line, within the area to be offered for dedication of right-of-way. A Type IIB path Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 August 28, 1996 Page 5 shall be constructed within the pathway easement, and the driveway. The work shall be done to the satisfaction of the Engineering Department, prior to final inspection." AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Jinkerson, Stutz, Gottlieb & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Finn & Cheng This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar September 18, 1996. Brief break at 9:00 p.m. 3.4 LANDS OF HICKMAN, 26020 Alicante Lane (117-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a second story addition, sport court, and cabana. Ms. Manes introduced this item and provided the Commission with a memo requesting three additional conditions of approval. Commissioner Schreiner questioned the 5th parking space located within the setback. Ms. Manca explained that it was an existing space. Commissioner Jinkerson asked for policy regarding leaving the solar panels within the setback . The Planning Director addressed the question noting code does allow them to remain in their present location. OPENED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Steve Schwanke, 75 Arbor Road, Menlo Park, project architect, was available for questions. He noted that moving the solar panels could be a problem due to their age. His understanding of code was that they could remain. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Discussion ensued regarding the existing parking space along side of the outdoor parking. This space is located within the front setback of the property and would meet the requirement for a 5th parking space for the second unit. There was not a consensus regarding moving the existing space out of the setback. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Chairman Doran and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development Permit for a major addition, sport court, and cabana, Lands of Hickman, with the addition of three conditions as stated in Ms. Manca's memo to the Commission. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Schreiner & Gottlieb NOES: Commissioners Jinkerson & Stutz ABSENT: Commissioners Finn & Cheng This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar September 18, 1996. Planning Commission Minutes August 28, 1996 Page 6 Approved 9/25/96 3.5 LANDS OF TAN, 13910 Page Mill Road (16-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool, and tennis court (continued from June 26, 1996). Ms. Mmea introduced this item noting that the current basement design has been reduced by 532 square feet. It was noted that the Santa Clara Valley Water District has requested a storm drain easement over Matadero Creek for this property to allow the District to maintain the channel. The applicant has had some concern regarding the type of improvements that may be allowed by the District. Staff had included in condition #18 wording stating that the Town prefers natural materials to be used with any improvements and that the natural vegetation be maintained. Commissioner Jinkerson would prefer stronger wording to avoid concrete structures or an access road along the creek. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Darrel Harris, 10091 Streeter Road, Auburn, project architect, discussed the changes in the plan which included the following: the second story reduction of 138 square feet to allow the second story to set into the first story to a greater extent; the submittal of an arborist report regarding the 24 inch redwood located at the east comer of the residence; the relocation of the driveway to save a 24 inch pine tree and revised grading to save a second 24 inch pine; a redesign of the driveway 040 to avoid the conservation easement; minimizing the grading in the northeast comer of the lot; the proposed cut for the project reduced by 230 cubic yards; the reduction of skylights by two along with the reduction in size of the living room windows; and the reduction of square footage of the basement. Although the light wells outside the basement have not been changed, staff has added a condition requiring the applicant to eliminate the light well outside the bathroom and work with the building department to reduce the size of the light well next to the stairwell to the minimum required. Commissioner Schreiner asked if they could pull the pool out of the setback. Mr. Harris responded yes. Mr. Harris was not sure of the expected runoffs from the creek. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Jinkerson questioned whether they should approve a basement of this size. His concerns were: leaking/flooding; and the light emitted from the skylight over the entry. Chairman Doran felt this subject should have been brought up at the previous meeting as a concern. She discussed the engineering for projects such as this. The Assistant Engineer commented on the difference between ground water and creek water noting that the creek can maintain a 100 year flood. The Planning Director commented on the changes to the plan from the previous meeting. There will be requirements from the SCV WD and UBC. Commissioner Schreiner's two concerns were the pavement in the setbacks and the skylights. ` She would like to see the driveway lessened. Commissioner Gottlieb felt the applicant made no attempt to correct the following: the driveway configuration; the bulkiness of the house; concern Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 August 28, 1996 Page 7 4 with skylight over the door; massive roof; the house should be moved back; and the pool decking should not be in the setback. MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Chairman Doran, seconded by Commissioner Stutz and failed by the following vote to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool, spa, and tennis court. AYES: Chairman Doran NOES: Commissioners Schreiner, Gottlieb, Stutz & Jinkerson ABSENT: Commissioners Finn & Cheng Discussion ensued with the applicant and their architect regarding changes requested by some of the Planning Commissioners. The "approved, denied, continued, and appeal" process was discussed. The applicant and their architect felt they could return with the requested changes for the September 11' meeting. There was a consensus to start the meeting at 6:45 p.m. to review the revised plans prior to voting on the project. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to continue the Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool, spa, and tennis court for redesign, following the recommendations of the Planning Commission as (, follows: removal of round skylight over the entry; reduce the height of the window and roof 6/ element of bedroom 2 shown on the front elevation; reduce the height of the window and roof element of the master bedroom shown on the right (east) elevation; move pool decking out of the setback; and redesign driveway out of the setbacks as much as possible. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Schreiner, Gottlieb, Stutz & Jinkerson NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Finn & Cheng This item will be continued to September 11, 1996 at 6:45 p.m. 4. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4.1 Planning Commission Representative for the August 21" meeting, Commissioner Gottlieb, reported on the following items: Parcel Data Base; Lands of Rogez three lot subdivision; and annexation of Quarry Hills Area -Lands of Vidovich, excluding Merrill. 4.2 Planning Commission Representative for the September 4' meeting - Commissioner Schreiner. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/25/96 August 28,1996 Page 8 OAW 5. OLD BUSINESS 2 5.1 Report from subcommittees: Chairman Doran reported on Planning Issues, non- conforming structures. At their next meeting they will be discussing lighting and height issues. Commissioner Schreiner has noticed that when placing story poles on proposed properties, they are not including ribbons around the top of the house to indicate bulk. The Planning Director will review the "story pole" handout to make sure the instructions are so noted and followed. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the July 24, 1996 minutes. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the July 24, 1996 minutes. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF 4 AUGUST 6. 1996 8.1 LANDS OF SCOTT, 24032 Oak Knoll Circle (lot 16); A request for a Site Development Permit for a cabana, pool and landscape plan. Approved with conditions. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, &LoArg",,� Planning Secretary