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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/08/1997Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 1/22/97 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, January 8, 1997, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes ( 2 ) #1-97 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:08 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Gottlieb, Stutz, Cheng, Schreiner, Finn & Jinkerson Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner, Lam Lonberger, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -None PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF DORRIAN, 13113 Byrd Lane (197-96-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a second story addition over garage. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. A letter from a neighbor, Kathy Liccardo, was received noting four concerns: backyard privacy; windows facing their backyard side; not cutting any trees between the two properties; and sound proofing the addition if they plan to use the addition as a music room as noise carries in the hills. Ms. Davis noted the first three concerns were not an issue with this design. However, the additional insulation would have to be addressed by the architect. Commissioner Gottlieb requested that the Health Department requirements for added leach lines and a 3,000 gallon tank and no plumbing be allowed in the second floor garage addition be a part of the conditions of approval. She also requested that the existing barn be allowed to remain in the conservation easement. The proposed project has been referred to the Planing Commission for review, as the proposed addition when added to the addition approved in May, 1996, totals more than 1,500 square feet, and the height would exceed 19 feet. It was noted that there is an application in progress for a driveway modification which will be handled at staff level. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/22/97 January 8, 1997 Page 2 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING J. R. Smith, with Bob Flury Design, was available for questions. He agreed to add extra insulation for sound concerns. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb, seconded by Commissioner Finn, and amended to approve the Site Development Permit for a second story addition to the detached garage, Lands of Dorrian, with the following changes/amendments to the conditions of approval: provide insulation to reduce sound; and add the Santa Clara County Health Department requirements. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Jinkerson, Stutz, Gottlieb, Schreiner, Finn & Cheng NOES: None This approval is subject to a 21 day appeal period. (( 3.2 LANDS OF WINDY HILL, 27210 Ohlone Lane (Parcel 3) (193-96-ZP- 6I SD -GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Chairman Doran and Commissioner Gottlieb stepped down from the hearing due to a business conflict of interest. Commissioner Jinkerson disclosed that a distant relative is involved with this project whom he has not seen in many years. Commissioner Schreiner will preside over the meeting. Staff noted questions relating to the path and footbridge on the subdivision. She clarified that the footbridge was not a requirement of the subdivision, but a change that occurred because of work being done wound the trees, as there was not enough width to have a bridge for the roadway and pathway in one location. The applicant split the bridge and when the pathway was constructed they put in a little footbridge to work around the trees. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING John Barksdale, 4151 Middlefield Road, Palo Alto, project architect, discussed the placement of the new house in the location of the existing house as not to disturb the trees. They also wanted to design the same type of house, one story, in the general location of the existing house, same garage and driveway location, using the same materials used on the existing house. The house is designed around an entry courtyard. He questioned conditions #11, a pathway fee; #21, demolition of the pool prior to acceptance of plans for plan check; and #13. He asked that #21 be changed to "prior to Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/22/97 January 8, 1997 Page 3 issuance of building permits" as they would like to submit plans for plan check even though there is a grading moratorium in place until April 1st. The Planning Director noted that the City Manager has been very involved with the subdivision. All improvements must be signed off prior to construction. The Planning Director felt the change in wording may be acceptable to the City Manager as they would still not be able to start construction until the subdivision improvements were signed off. Mr. Barksdale further discussed condition #13 requesting lining the existing swale with rock for the first 20 feet beyond the end of the driveway curb at the outlet onto Ohlone Lane. The Commission had previously requested that they relocate the driveway entrance on lot 2 to come up closer to the driveway entrance on lot 3. He was not sure there was 20 feet between the two driveways. He asked for some flexibility in the wording. He continued noting that the retaining wall wound the oak tree was only for tree protection. Commissioner Schreiner was very pleased with the progress of the subdivision. She voiced only two concerns: the closeness of the house to the adjacent property, and possible impact of neighbor's views. Mr. Barksdale answered the questions to Commissioner Schreiner's satisfaction. It was suggested that screening (trees) be limited to heights which at maturity will protect the valley view of neighbors, much the same wording used on lot 4. Eileen Hodge, 4140 Old Adobe Road, Palo Alto, was not concerned with the proposed height of the house, but with future tree height, and losing their current views. She asked that this be taken into consideration. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Discussion ensued regarding suggested changes to the conditions of approval. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Cheng and seconded by Commissioner Finn to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Windy Hill, with the following changes/amendments to the conditions of approval: add to condition #2 that trees should be limited to heights which at maturity will protect the valley view of neighbors; condition #13, change language to be flexible regarding the length of the rock swale; and condition #21, change "prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check" to "prior to issuance of building permits." AYES: Commissioners Jinkerson, Schreiner, Stutz, Finn & Cheng NOES: None ABSTAIN: Chairman Doran and Commissioner Gottlieb This approval is subject to a 21 day appeal period. Planning Commission Minutes January 8, 1997 Page 4 Approved 1/22/97 3.3 CELLULAR ONE, Purissima Road at Viscaino Road (5 -93 -SD -CUP); A request for a Conditional Use Permit renewal for an existing communications facility, including panel antennas on an existing monopole, and an equipment shelter. A letter of concern was received from Mr. Wes Henderson regarding puking on site and the utility corridor. The Planning Director did not feel that the issues as noted in the letter related to Cellular One's use permit but to Sun Country Cable. He addressed the truck parking issue noting that the trucks belonged to Sun Country Cable and their employee. The Planning Director had spoken to the employee explaining no trucks are to be parked on site. He followed up with a letter to the Vice President of Sun Country Cable. Commissioner Stutz asked what was the date of Sun Country Cable's use permit renewal. It was noted that the exact date was not known. The Planning Director will check on the renewal date. She would also like to see the monopole painted a dark or muddy brown color. It was clarified that Cellular One does have antennas on the monopole, however it is the responsibility of Sun Country to repaint the monopole. She also asked if the two use permits for Cellular One and Sun Country could be reviewed for renewal at the same time. Commissioner Gottlieb commented on a news article regarding a pole which looks kaw like a tree for a less visual impact. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Richard Weimer, Cellular One, 651 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco, noted that they would not object to having their use permit tied to Sun Country, if they have one. He indicated that they would be happy to request Sun Country Cable to paint the monopole. They would even share the costs. This would be much better than creating the tree pole mentioned earlier due to costs ($100,000 plus). He was available for further questions. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Jinkerson felt it would be very useful if they knew the renewal date for Sun Country Cable. He suggested a short continuance until the information was known. Commissioner Finn suggested wording "not to exceed 3 years" as long as the Sun Country Cable use permit renewal was prior to that date. There was discussion regarding extending the use permit 3 years or to Sun Country Cable renewal date, whichever comes first. The Planning Director suggested reporting back to the Commission with the renewal date of the use permit or the lease expiration date, whichever one applies. He will also report on any unfulfilled conditions. Mr. Weimer indicated that the San Country Cable lease expires May, 2003 with two options of 5 years each after that date. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/22/97 January 8, 1997 Page 5 The Planning Director noted that the staff report indicates that a use permit for Sun Country Cable was approved in February 15, 1990. However, the expiration date is not known. He felt there was some type of review provision in the use permit. The question for the Commission is whether they want to continue this until the date is known or go back to the discussion regarding extending the use permit 3 years or to Sun Country Cable renewal date, whichever comes first. Concerns regarding compliance issues relating to Sun Country Cable were noted, however it was felt that it was not desirable to link Cellular One with these problems and concerns. MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn, seconded by Commissioner Cheng, and amended to approve the requested extension of the Conditional Use Permit for an additional 3 years, subject to the continued compliance with the original conditions of approval, Cellular One, Purissima Road, Little League Fields, requesting the following:, Cellular One shall paint their apparatus at the same time Sun Country Cable paints their monopole; and extend the use permit for 3 years or to Sun Country Cable renewal date, whichever comes first. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Gottlieb, Cheng & Finn NOES: Commissioners Ankerson, Stutz & Schreiner This approval is subject to a 21 day appeal period 3.4 LANDS OF DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION-CALTRANS, 2350 Page Mill Road (at Christopher's Lane); A request for a Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, and Negative Declaration for the construction and operation of a wireless communication facility with the placement of a 60 foot high PCS (Personal Communication Systems) pole and antennas, and adjacent equipment boxes for collocation of the following: a. Sprint Spectrum (File #190-96-ZP-SD-CUP-ND) b. Cellular One, (File #219-96-ZP-SD-CUP-ND) C. Pacific Bell Mobile Services (File #50-96-ZP-SD-CUP-ND) (3.5 will not be needed if item 3.4 is approved as proposed.) The Planning Director discussed an overlay map provided by Pacific Bell indicating existing and proposed sites for Pacific Bell, Sprint, GTE, Cellular One and Nextel, and color copies of photo simulations of the monopole and antennas. They also provided the Commission with an overlay map in a smaller scale. There are other licensed carriers, however, the Town has not been contacted by them as yet. A letter from Donald Druyanoff was received regarding two sites; 27785 Stirrup Way and the Cal Trans site. k Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1122/97 January 8, 1997 Page 6 Further discussion ensued regarding emergency response programs and the possible use of wireless communication in an emergency situation. The Planning Director compliments all three carriers for working together on this project. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Heinz Lumpp, 4695 Chabot Drive, Pleasanton, Sprint Spectrum representative, provided an overview of the project located at the Cal Trans maintenance yard site. All three carriers have worked together to collocate on one site, working with Cal Trans on a license agreement, and working towards other Cal Trans sites (possibly on signs). He provided an overview of the information presented in the staff report. He agreed with the Findings and requested approval. David Thompson, 651 Gateway Blvd., South San Francisco, Cellular One representative, reiterated the previous comments. He was available for questions and requested approval. Amy Stanton, 844 Dubuque Avenue, South San Francisco, Pacific Bell representative, was available for questions. May Araj, 27785 Stirrup Way, commented on the visibility of the pole from her property. She felt it was an eye sore from the back of her house which faces the freeway and the pole. She suggested the pole be shortened and hidden behind trees. She felt the 27785 Stirrup Way site was more appropriate as the monopole would be hidden by trees. V. L. Bhaskar, 28150 Christopher's Lane, voiced concerns with the site as it is an eye sore. Commissioner Schreiner questioned the height and width of the proposed monopole and antennas which was answered by Mr. Lumpp. Mr. Thompson explained the need for the 55 foot height. David Hatch, Cellular One representative, felt they could address visual concerns. He could instruct the structural engineers to look at minimizing the size as much as possible. Mr. Araj, 27785 Stirrup Way, commented on the proposed height of the pole on his land (25 feet), asking that the public be informed regarding the size and height of the proposed monopole on the Cal Trans site. He further discussed the Cellular One dish antenna, and the Pacific Bell PCS antennas proposal on his property. Commissioner Gottlieb discussed the photo simulations of the monopole and antennas. She asked if this monopole could be a tree pole. Mr. Lumpp would like to discuss this kw with the other carriers. However, the cost of doing a tree pole is extremely high. He Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/22/97 January 8, 1997 Page 7 40 would prefer not to construct a tree pole due to costs. He noted that the photo simulations are the worst case scenario. Commissioner Finn suggested painting the pole to blend in with the surroundings. Tony Godkin, California Department of Transportation, 1I1 Grand Avenue, Oakland, was available for questions. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Chairman Doran noted that the Commission had previously asked the applicants to study collocating with other carriers on Cal Trans maintenance yard site at Page Mill Road. They have accomplished this request. Commissioner Stutz felt all three carriers have done a good job with this application. Commissioner Schreiner would like to know more regarding tree poles. Commissioner Gottlieb requested that the color for the monopole be tested against the background. Commissioner Jinkerson felt the tree pole concept was good in areas where there are other trees. This area has light poles. He did not feel it was a setting for a tree pole. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to recommend approval to the City Council for the Site Development and Conditional Use Permits for installation (collocation) of wireless �r telecommunications facilities; and adoption of Negative Declaration (Lands of California Department of Transportation) with an addition to condition #3: The Planning Director shall consult with the Planning Commission regarding the color selection prior to final inspection of the facility. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Gottlieb, Stutz, Jinkerson, Schreiner, Cheng & Finn NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council agenda February 5" for public hearing. 3.5 PACIFIC BELL MOBILE SERVICES, 27785 Stirrup Way (Lands of Araj) (50- 96-ZP-SD-CUP-VAR-ND); A request for a Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, Variance, and a Negative Declaration for the placement of a 25 foot high PCS pole and antennas, and adjacent equipment box (continued from November 13, 1996). (This request is not needed if item #3.4 above is approved as proposes.) 4. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 4.1 Planning Commission Representative for January 15" - Commissioner Jinkerson. Planning Commission Minutes January 8, 1997 Page 8 Approved 1/22/97 4.2 Planning Commission Representative for February 5" - Commissioner Cheng. 5. OLD BUSINESS 5.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Schreiner reported on the Housing Element subcommittee. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Joint City Council/Planning Commission Work Session -Wednesday, January 29, 1997, at 6:00 p.m. The Planning Director noted February 12ih is a legal holiday. The Commission was in agreement to either cancel the second Wednesday meeting or to reschedule the regular meeting possibly on Thursday, February 13' depending on pending applications. The Planning Director will apprise the Commission of the pending schedule at the next meeting. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the December 11, 1996 minutes. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the December 11, 1996 minutes with an expansion of wording on page 6, last paragraph. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARING OF DECEMBER 31, 1996 8.1 LANDS OF CHANG, 26228 Scarff Way); A request for a Site Development Permit for landscape, hardscape and ponds. Continued for additional information to provide to neighbors prior to approval. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lam Lonberger Planning Secretary