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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/22/1997` Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 2/26/97 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, January 22, 1997, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes ( 2 ) #2-97 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:06 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Gottlieb, Cheng, Schreiner & Jinkerson Absent: Commissioners Finn & Stutz Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Lam Lonberger, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -None. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR 3.1 LANDS OF WOLKEN, 27345 Deer Springs Way (2 -97 -SD); A request for a change in exterior materials on a Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel approved April 24, 1996. Commissioner Schreiner requested this item be pulled for discussion. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Commissioner Schreiner commented on the range of colors for stucco suggesting a 40-45 reflectivity value. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Art Everett, 5000 Alpine Road, Portola Valley, project architect, discussed the applicant's desire to change the exterior materials from wood shingle to stucco for fire protection. The Fire Department also recommended to the applicant a change in the exterior materials to stucco. The color of the stucco will be close to the color of the cedar shingles with terra cotta shade to match the chimney pots. The roofing material will be the same used on the Foothill College Gymnasium which gives a feel of a weathered roof. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Planning Commission Minutes January 22, 1997 Page 2 Approved 2/26/97 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to approve the request for a modification to the previously approved Site Development Permit for a change of exterior materials, Lands of Wolken, with the following addition: the color of the stucco shall be close to the same color as the previously approved shingles. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Cheng, Gottlieb & Schreiner NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Jinkerson (did not vote on the original application) ABSENT: Commissioners Finn & Stutz 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1 LANDS OF WONG, 12352 Priscilla Lane (191-96-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Color and material samples were provided for review. There was a brief discussion regarding the subdivision improvements and the underground drainage swale on the property. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Tony Wong, 22362 Homestead commented on the following: minimum grading; designed to screening; the use of earthtone Stonebrook Drive. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Road, Cupertino, applicant and project designer, small house design compared to allowable figures; minimize bulk and mass; landscape planting for colors (dark beige); and the house set back from Commissioner Gottlieb discussed the cut and fill and her concern regarding the grading creating a hump between this property and the neighbors (MacHale). The Planning Director did not feel the grading would create a hump situation. The Planning Director questioned the height of the story poles. Mr. Wong responded that they did not take into consideration the cut. As a result, the poles were placed 5-6 feet too high. Commissioner Gottlieb suggested angling the house to keep puking out of the setback which would also help the look of the back of the house as it appears too severe. She would also like to see the second story nested into the first story to reduce the appearance of bulk. Commissioner Schreiner agreed. The house should be shifted and it needs more articulation as the house was imposing for the area. Commissioner Jinkerson agreed with the statements. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/26/97 January 22, 1997 Page 3 Discussion ensued regarding lowering the pad of the house. The Planning Director noted that if the story poles were set 5-6 feet too high, then the pad would not need to be lowered 2 feet as recommended in the staff report. Chairman Doran would like the story poles re -set on the property correctly. She did feel that the house was in the best location for grading, drainage and for the backup area. She would not want a shift in the house. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Discussion ensued with concerns voiced regarding the height of the proposed residence, the visual impact of the rear elevation, and the driveway backup area encroaching into the setback. Also, it was felt that the height should be lowered by one foot, either by dropping the pad or lowering the ceiling height. It was also noted that the story poles on the site did not accurately reflect the height as shown on the development plans and they would need to be corrected. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to continue the request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Wong, for a redesign, noting the following concerns and recommendations: correct the height of the story poles; nesting of the second story (visual impact of the rear elevation); and move the backup area out of the setback. lkw AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Cheng, Gottlieb, Jinkerson & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Finn & Stutz This item will be re -noticed for public hearing. 4.2 LANDS OF ZHUiXU, 12580 Miraloma Way (194-96-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Commissioner Cheng stepped down from the hearing as she is a neighbor within 300 feet of the project. Letters of concern were received from Tina Darmohray and Charles Marker, and Roger Cruickshank. They were provided to the Commission for review. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Tony Wong, 22362 Homestead Road, Cupertino, applicant and project designer, commented on the following: use of the existing footprint; minimum grading; no large tree removal except for a 24 inch pine tree which is in the driveway; the circular driveway; planting trees for screening; and the proposed colors. David Gielow, 12595 Miraloma Way, neighbor to the north, commented on the `, following: bulkiness and mass of the house; the public utility easement running down the Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/26/97 January 22, 1997 Page 4 driveway; the collection of water on the property; no real drainage; water run-off during heavy rains; the current planting of trees (approximately 100) on the north, west, and south sides of the property should be moved south and down; the import of 200 yards of fill; the integrity of the road; no turnaround for construction trucks; minimum water line into the area; and part of Miraloma Way is private. He would prefer that the house be moved to the south although this would impact other neighbors. Robert Incerpi, 24500 Voorhees Drive, voiced concern regarding the height, drainage down to the lower lots, and the bulky look from his property. He would like to see some nesting with the roof line lowered. His main concern was with the drainage. Regarding the newly planted trees, he does not want to see a 60 foot wall of trees. Bob Brenner, 12173 Hilltop Drive, noted currently there is an orchard environment with homes that are in scale with the surroundings and blend in with the existing terrain. This property is in the middle of a mature orchard with very large oaks, redwoods and pine trees. The applicants have already planted many cedars, privet and bamboo in a straight line along the edge of the property. The new plantings do not blend with the orchard, and they seem to be put there in anticipation of removing most of the existing fruit and nut trees. He would prefer the removal of the privet and cedar recently planted along the south property line, and the bamboo planted on the east property line. He would like to see a landscape plan that would blend with the existing environment. Moving the house south as a possible suggestion would impact his property. He would like to see the roof line and pad lowered. Also, disking the property will be a problem with the location of the new trees. Tina Darmohray, 12171 Hilltop Drive, commented on the impact to her property by the proposed two story structure with a pitched roof. The proposed house design will be seen from many locations on her property, including the access driveway, entire front yard, front entry, and the living room. In particular, it is the primary view from her front yard, front door, and living room. The existing one story house blends in with the surrounding area, with minimum impact on her property. The proposed two story house will have a serious negative impact on their privacy, and views of outdoor and indoor living areas. She also felt that the newly planted trees show no creativity in placement. Moving the house south would worsen the situation for her. Katy Stella, Pathway Committee, commented on the path which connects up to Voorhees. Currently there is a row of Redwood trees which appear to be right on the property line. This will impact the pathway and they should be moved back. Mike Fung, 12585 Miraloma Way, clarified that the pathway was on his property 10 feet, and the newly planted trees appear to be 10-15 feet in from the property line. M Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/26/97 January 22, 1997 Page 5 The Planning Director stated that the Commission has a degree of control regarding landscaping at this point. The Commission could suggest the removal of the trees, or moving them. A landscape screening plan should mitigate the impact of the house which should include balanced plantings which break up the mass of the house and planting that are compatible with the area. A row of cedars around the perimeter of the property appears inconsistent with the plantings in this area. Emily Cheng, 24595 Voorhees Drive, did not feel the project impacted her as much as other neighbors. However, drainage is an issue in this area. She felt the planting of the Redwood trees was not appropriate as it will eventually become a huge wall. The Planning Director discussed the options as noted previously and in the staff report. One option was grading the house down. As one of the speakers mentioned, there will be some fill brought in for the driveway to be built up to essentially the level of the pad of the existing house. The house is essentially being placed at the same pad level of the existing house although the finished floor will be a little higher. There does not seem to be any reason why the driveway cannot stay at a similar level or be lowered slightly, dropping the house a few feet down into the grade to help lower it from that perspective. Another option would be moving the house to the south. However, as previously mentioned, it does present a problem to neighbors. The southerly edge of the house is probably 20 feet to the north of the existing house. Due to the length of the proposed house, including the garage, it is now considerably closer to the homes on the north side of the property than the existing house (approximately 50 feet). Another option for consideration would be if the house could be added to the south side by taking a portion of the second story. This would minimize the second story. The Assistant Engineer addressed the drainage issue referring to condition #12. She noted one positive aspect of a two story home; the impact of the additional impervious area is not as great as a one story sprawling over the entire property. The Town is aware of the drainage problems on Miraloma Way, looking at not creating additional problems with this design. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Gottlieb noted the house is currently against the setback line (not being set into the hill), not providing them with much backyard. She suggested moving the house 5 feet northeast to provide more of a backyard. She felt the entire second story needed to be nested and the house lowered. The front of the house should be set back, and the design of the house should fit into the neighborhood. Commissioner Schreiner agreed with some of the previous suggestions as the house is bulky and it will appear even more bulky with the light colors chosen. The colors should be much darker. She liked the suggestion of reducing the second story and bring the Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2126197 January 22, 1997 Page 6 house further toward the front to provide more of a backyard. However, she was still concerned with any type of dedication on Miraloma Way since it is a private road, and with the landscaping already in place. There should be an added condition to stop any further planting until the Environmental Design Committee reviews the project. Commissioner Jinkerson discussed the compatibility with the neighborhood and trying not to change it. He suggested a continuance of the project, taking into consideration all of the suggestions presented. He felt it was important to listen to the community, working together to meet everyone's needs. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to continue the request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Zhu/Xu, for a redesign, noting the following concerns and recommendations: the bulk and mass of the second story (nesting of the second story); lowering the roof line; landscaping and mitigating the house; and lowering of the driveway which would lower the pad of the house making it more neighbor friendly. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Schreiner, Gottlieb & Jinkerson NOES: None ` ABSENT: Commissioners Finn & Stutz ABSTAIN: Commissioner Cheng This item will be re -noticed for public hearing. 4.3 SPRINT SPECTRUM, 12345 EI Monte Road (Lands of Foothill College) APN# 175-41-011 (198-96-ZP-SD-CUP); A request for a Site Development Permit, and a Conditional Use Permit for the placement of six (6) PCS antennas on parapets of auxiliary gymnasium building, and adjacent equipment units. For clarification, story poles were not required as the antennas do not extend higher than the roof. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Heinz Lumpp, Sprint Spectrum representative, discussed the project consisting of the placement of six panel antennas on roof parapets of the auxiliary gymnasium and the adjacent locker building, on the Foothill College campus, and a 200 square foot fenced enclosure of equipment cabinets, located under the eaves on the north side of the auxiliary gymnasium. Each panel antenna would measure 5 feet in height and 6 inches in width and the antennas would be installed in groups of two, mounted on the parapet and painted to match the parapet color (dark brown). There is a row of trees which blocks the view from the north side. They have adhered to the Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/26/97 January 22, 1997 Page 7 request for low visibility, and collocating, with the location of the antennas at least 1000 feet from any residence. Fritz Mueller, 26075 Duval Way, felt this was the least visible site. He asked if a radio frequency rating study will be provided. The Planning Director explained this request is included in condition #6 which is now a standard condition. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to recommend approval to the City Council for a Conditional Use Permit and a Site Development Permit for Personal Communications Services (PCS) telephone antenna facility, Sprint Spectrum, Lands of Foothill College, subject to the conditions of approval outlined in Exhibit "A: and citing the findings outlined in Exhibit "B" (Conditional Use Permit). AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Schreiner, Cheng, Jinkerson & Gottlieb NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Finn & Stutz This will be scheduled for the City Council agenda February 5, 1997. 5. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5.1 Planning Commission Representative for January 15'". Commissioners Jinkerson and Schreiner reported on the following items: appeal of interpretation by the City Engineer of required flood proofing and/or request for variance to allow substantial improvement of the existing residence of Lands of Coffman; proposed amendments to the Master Path Plan; policy decision on attendance by Council members at Planning Commission meetings; policy decision on soliciting applicant approval of conditions of approval prior to approving a project; Pacific Bell Mobile Services at Duval Way; Lands of Vidovich, lot 11; and request for an amendment to the conditions of approval, Lands of Carsten. 5.2 Planning Commission Representative for February 5' - Commissioner Cheng. 6. OLD BUSINESS 6.1 Report from subcommittees. None. 6.2 Sun Country Cable Conditional Use Permit. The Planning Director discussed the memo provided to the Commissioners indicating the history and status of the project. Planning Commission Minutes January 22, 1997 Page 8 Approved 2/26/97 kar The next Planning Commission meeting, February 12, 1997 is a national holiday (Lincoln's Birthday). There was a consensus not to schedule a replacement meeting. The next scheduled Planning Commission meeting will be February 26, 1997. 7. NEW BUSINESS 7.1 Grading Policy. There was a consensus to continue the discussion regarding the grading policy to the next scheduled meeting for a full compliment of Commissioners. The Planning Director stated that a memo had been sent to interested parties (architects, builders, etc.) regarding the proposed grading policy requesting any comments on the policy. Due to the comments received and minor clarifications to the policy, he will be making some changes to the proposed policy for the Planning Commission review at the next meeting. 7.2 Planners Institute meeting - March 12-14, 1997 (Monterey). The meeting and registration forms were discussion. Due to the Planners Institute meeting scheduled for Much 12-14,1997 in Monterey, the March 12' meeting will be changed to Tuesday, March I I" 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8.1 Approval of the January 8, 1997 minutes. rr PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the January 8, 1997 minutes. 9. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARING OF JANUARY 21, 1997 9.1 LANDS OF NARASIMHAN, 13505 Burke Road; A request for a Site Development Permit for an addition and remodel. Approved with conditions pending input from the Environmental Design Committee. 9.2 LANDS OF BILGER, 25901 Vinedo Lane; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions pending input from the Environmental Design Committee. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:40 p.m. Re�spjekct[fully submitted, , Lam Lonberger Planning Secretary