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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/09/1997Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 4/23/97 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, April 9, 1997, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes ( 3 ) #6-97 1. 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 Doran, Commissioners Cheng, Schreiner, Gottlieb, Stutz & Jinkerson Absent: Commissioner Firm Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Lam Lonberger, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -None. CONSENT CALENDAR 3.1 LANDS OF SOLLOWAY, 11471 Page Mill Road (27-97-MISC.); A request to determine the future proposed width of Buena Vista Drive. Commissioner Schreiner requested the item be pulled for discussion and to allow the neighbors on Buena Vista Drive to be noticed. It was clarified this was only a policy determination of the future planned right-of-way width for Buena Vista Drive. Chairman Doran suggested, since the Solloways and the prospective buyers of his property were present, to open the public hearing for discussion. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Sheldon Solloway, 955 Stony Hill Road, Redwood City, discussed the vacant property located on the corner of Page Mill Road and Moody Road with access running parallel to Moody Road through Buena Vista Drive which is a private dead end street. The neighbors on Buena Vista Drive want to maintain the rural nature of the area by not increasing the width of the road. He was asking the Commission to determine the future planned width so that the prospective buyers can calculate the future lot unit factor, MFA & MDA limits and setbacks. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/23/97 April 9, 1997 Page 2 Walt Wilson, San Jose, potential buyer of 11471 Page Mill Road, has spoken to six out of the eight neighbors on Buena Vista Drive regarding the road width. They all felt the rural nature of the road should remain. He referred to the staff report indicating it appears from past Buena Vista Drive applications the future planned width for Buena Vista Drive was determined several years ago by the Planning Commission to be 40 feet. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Schreiner felt Buena Vista Drive was very similar to Moon Lane which has seen a great deal of development currently. What happens on Buena Vista Drive is not particularly relevant to this property but what happens in the future to the two large parcels at the end of the road will. She questioned three areas which may or may not be relevant: what roadway pavement width would be required if development occurs along the road (including potential subdivision); what roadway pavement width is likely to be requested by the Fire Department; and how would the alignment of the road be determined, where would easements likely be placed, and would it be preferable to have pathways, utilities, etc. within easements or right-of- way. She requested looking at the whole area at this time. She disclosed she had spoken briefly to Art Lachenbruch, a resident of Buena Vista Drive. The Planning Director noted the request is to establish a right-of-way. They will not, through this process, define precisely where the road goes, how wide it is or where the other easements go. He felt the assistant engineer would be able to give them some indication as to how wide the road might be, what kind of provisions might be made for easements, etc. Unfortunately, the assistant engineer is attending an all week seminar and was not available. Commissioner Stutz felt they had already determined the width of the road during the two previous applications as noted in the staff report. She did not feel the current Fire Department requirements would make a difference. Chairman Doran agreed with Commissioner Stutz although she also agreed with noticing the neighbors on Buena Vista Drive. Mr. Solloway clarified he was applying for a 40 foot easement without regard to location or any other issues raised. The current easement of record is not where the road is located; it is not aligned at all. At this time, they are discussing "40 feet' wherever it may be; location is not relevant. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to continue Lands of Solloway to April 23, 1997 to allow public notice to the residents on Buena Vista Drive. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Stutz, Gottlieb, Jinkerson & Schreiner NOES: Commissioner Cheng ABSENT: Commissioner Finn Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/23/97 April 9, 1997 Page 3 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1 AMENDMENTS TO SECTIONS 10-1.401 AND 10-1.505 OF THE ZONING ORDINANCE REGARDING: 1) Non -conforming Structures; and 2) Pavement in Setbacks; and Proposed Negative Declaration (continued from March 26, 1997). Chairman Doran disclosed she has listened to the discussion from the previous meeting. She suggested a discussion of "pavement in setbacks" and holding a vote until the next meeting for a full Commission. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING The Planning Director provided an overview of Section 10-1.505, in particular subsections (a) and (b). The subcommittee was concerned with the extent of pavement for driveways, back up and turnaround areas, and parking which might be allowed in the setback. In reviewing site development applications, the Planning Commission has tried to reduce backup and turnaround area, and to some extent driveways, which would be located within the setbacks. He proposed added language to this section. There was a suggestion to elaborate on "natural features and existing structures." He further stated the subcommittee did not address "patio and deck encroachments into setbacks." However, since it has been an issue with the Commission, they may want to indicate any language change. If the Commission wishes to amend this section, they could direct staff to: 1) add language allowing the Site Development Authority to prohibit encroachment...; 2) revise the language to generally prohibit encroachment of patios and decks...; or 3) delete this subsection entirely, thereby prohibiting encroachment of patios and decks, unless a variance is requested and granted. An overall discussion regarding pavement in setbacks ensued highlighting the following areas: maintaining open space and privacy; allowing driveways in setback but prohibiting turnaround area; restricting lots by not allowing turnaround within setbacks; agreement with staff wording; either say nothing in setbacks or say the turnaround is part of the driveway; specific restrictions such as existing residence, oak trees, etc.; walkways around pools in setbacks; elaborate on "portions of patios and decks" wording; provide reasoning for encroaching into setbacks; building 5 feet into setback when space is available; allowing turnaround and backup areas to extend 5 feet beyond the setback line to be consistent; and where natural features or existing structures relating to the turnaround area required for Fire Department access. Robert Wheatley, 26644 Purissima Road, discussed the costly variance process and special circumstances on constrained lots. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/23/97 April 9, 1997 Page 4 The Planning Director will provide new language as directed by the Commission relating to puking and turnaround areas to expand on "natural features" and "existing structures" and with recommended deletion of subsection 10-5.505(b)(1) regarding patios and decks. The changes shall be provided for the April 23rd meeting for review and approval prior to Council review. Commissioner Stutz suggested reviewing solid plantings on any lot which will grow above a fence line. The Planning Director will discuss this subject with the Council for direction. 4.2 LANDS OF SHUKOV, 14440 De Bell Drive, CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION, TRACT NO. 1286A (16 -97 -FM Amend); A request to change a Final Map to revise the building setbacks to meet current Town standards. Ms. Davis had nothing further to add to the staff report. She noted applicant's representative was present and available for questions. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Cheng and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to recommend approval to the City Council, Lands of Shukov, with the recommended findings for amendment to Tract Map 1286, Pinecrest Heights No. 2, to remove 100 foot setback line. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Stutz, Schreiner, Jinkerson, Gottlieb & Cheng NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn This item will be scheduled for the City Council May 7' agenda. 4.3 LANDS OF ROSENBAUM, 10560 Blandor Way (210-96-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To accept staff recommendation to continue the application to the April 23, 1997 Planning Commission meeting due to story poles not erected prior to the required date. 4.4 LANDS OF LOHR, 24021 Oak Knoll Circle (lot 25) (15-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool. Ms. Davis provided the Commission with a copy of a memo from Jerry Lohr regarding use of stucco on exterior of Stonebrook homes and variation in design. ibw OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes Approved 423/97 April 9, 1997 Page 5 Steve Lohr, 586 Lagunita Drive, Stanford, applicant, discussed the design noting they took into consideration surrounding homes (both existing and under construction) and views. The architectural features included a one story from the street, stepping back to a two story at the rear. The back half of the house has been angled so the two story massing would be further broken up. There will be an interior courtyard for architectural interest and the house was sited to look through the courtyard to view a very beautiful old oak tree. Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the circular driveway which is next to an adjacent house with a circular driveway. She asked if there was any consideration in a single access. Mr. Lohr responded originally the house was designed as a spec home with a single access. The new buyers are requesting a circular driveway. Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the three story facade or the appearance of three stories. The garage is proposed with small windows which gives the appearance of three separate sets of windows. Mr. Lohr noted part of the reason they lowered the garage was to minimize the appearance of bulk. If they raised the garage, it would add to the massiveness of the house. By lowering the garage, only half of the garage is visible. The Planning Director stated staff had previous discussions with the applicant regarding three story facades. The staff felt the design was stepped back three levels and broken up well. You do not see a three story wall but relief from all directions except from the rear. He referred to the Municipal Code and Design Guidelines. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Gottlieb commented when looking at the subdivision as a whole, she would like to see trees closer to the house, not just at the property perimeter. She liked the design of the house. However, she did not like the three story facade (element). She could not support the project. Commissioner Cheng commented if they raised the roof of the garage it would eliminate the three story element but add bulk to the house. She supported the project as submitted. Commissioner Jinkerson felt the front design interesting, however he was concerned with the rear bulky appearance. Commissioner Stutz was in favor of garages being tucked under houses. Care is needed for placement of trees closer to the house. Chairman Doran stated the dimensional drawing shows it is clearly not a three story house. This is a creative design with split levels. She felt landscaping is sparse, suggesting more trees. She also did not have a problem with the driveway design. The Planning Director stated he was hearing a new definition of facade. A facade is a vertical surface. When you step a house down a hill you will get different levels appearing which does not constitute a three story facade. His interpretation of a three story facade was more of a vertical surface, not a stepped back design. He did understand the issue with windows. There may be an option to minimize or delete the windows on a garage to avoid the appearance of a third level. This would need to be discussed with the applicant. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/23/97 April 9, 1997 Page 6 Jerry Lohr, applicant, discussed the suggestion to remove the garage windows. He further clarified the pad and living room elevations, following up the hill to minimizing mass in the front area. They cannot raise the garage much due to the slope. They can eliminate the garage windows, back -fill in the front along the garage to reduce the appearance of three stories, and add taller landscaping in this area. He felt they could work with staff to reduce bulk in the rear area. MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Stutz, seconded by Commissioner Cheng and failed by the following roll call to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Lohr, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: add to condition #2 to include a minimum of three 15 -gallon oak trees added to planting on the west side of the two story portion of the house, plus two oak trees in the front of the house (replacing the Cyprus tree), and high shrubbery to mitigate the garage wall in particular, lower shrubbery in the rem; and working with staff to eliminate the three story facade. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Stutz, & Cheng NOES: Commissioners Schreiner, Jinkerson & Gottlieb ABSENT: Commissioner Finn MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner, seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb and failed by the following roll call to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Lohr, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: add to condition #2 to include a minimum of three 15 -gallon oak trees added to planting on the west side of the two story portion of the house, plus two oak trees in the front of the house (replacing the Cypms tree), and high shrubbery to mitigate the garage wall in particular, lower shrubbery in the rem; and the applicant work with staff to mitigate the garage by eliminating the garage windows and back fill in the front along the garage to reduce the appearance of three stories. AYES: Commissioners Schreiner & Gottlieb NOES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Jinkerson, Stutz, & Cheng ABSENT: Commissioner Finn Steve Lohr stated they would support the last motion. Jerry Lohr asked Commissioner Jinkerson if he was comfortable with them working with staff to improve his concerns regarding the bulk at the rear of the house. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Lohr, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: add to condition #2 to include a minimum of three 15 -gallon oak trees added to planting on the west side of the two story portion of the house, plus two oak trees in the front of the house (replacing the Cyprus tree), and high shrubbery to mitigate the garage wall in particular, lower shrubbery in the rem; the applicant work with staff to mitigate the garage by eliminating the garage windows and back Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/23/97 April 9, 1997 Page 7 4W fill in the front along the garage to reduce the appearance of three stories; and the applicant work with staff to reduce the bulk in the rear of the house. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Schreiner; Gottlieb & Jinkerson NOES: Commissioners Cheng & Stutz ABSENT: Commissioner Finn This item is subject to a 21 day appeal period. 4.5 LANDS OF BREETWOR, 12631 Miraloma Way (21-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool. Commissioner Cheng stepped down from the public hearing due to the proximity of her residence to the proposed project. Ms. Davis introduced this item providing background on the subdivision. She could not find any information regarding the maximum floor area figures imposed on this lot. The bulk of the discussion regarding the subdivision centered around right-of-way dedication with some discussion regarding drainage. Neighbors had mentioned the potential size structure which could be built on the site and the possible impact. There appeared to be some attempt to have a structure placed on the site which would not impact the neighborhood too greatly. The development area figures were not limited. She further mentioned the unusual size of the lot. The applicants have shared the plans with the immediate neighbors. It was clarified the additional floor area requested is a modification to the tentative map approval condition (amendment), and not a variance request. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Daryl Harris, 10091 Streeter Road, Auburn, project architect, voiced agreement with the staff report and the conditions of approval. He was available for questions. Commissioner Schreiner complemented Mr. Harris on the design and touched on the Fire Department requirements. Katy Stella, Pathways Committee is requesting a IIB path along Miraloma Way on the inside of the drainage ditch. There is a small path along the road right-of-way which would be acceptable, however it is only a maximum of 3 feet wide which is too narrow for a IIB path. The path needs to be on the applicant's property as the opposite side of the road is not as accommodating for the path due to the slope. It was clarified a pathway easement was not requested at the time of the subdivision. The Planning Director indicated a condition could be added for a pathway to be constructed in this location, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. If an easement is needed, a 5 foot maximum dedication can be requested at that time. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/23/97 April 9, 1997 Page 8 Dick Holm, project general contractor, stated the requested pathway will destroy the front look of the house. The path would have to be at least 5 feet from the edge of the drainage ditch which would place the path in the middle of the yard. This would affect the landscaping in the front of the house. Ms. Davis clarified the edge of right-of-way is the applicant's front property line. As the engineer has shown edge of pavement and drainage swale, you can see there is limited area between the drainage swale and the property line. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Schreiner questioned the reason for the additional 202 square foot increase. Mr. Harris noted the additional footage was for family needs. Commissioner Gottlieb requested the development area be reduced by the 202 square feet requested for floor area. Mr. Harris was in agreement. Commissioner Stutz suggested changing the third parking space in the garage to a carport to reduce the floor area figures. The entire house could be moved to the setback line, putting the backup area in the setback. This would provide a more usable backyard. Commissioner Jinkerson was in support of modifying the tentative map to provide the applicant with the additional 202 square feet of floor area. He liked the design of the house and felt giving up 202 square feet of development area would not make any difference. Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with increasing the floor area figures. Chairman Doran was not in favor of a carport for the new house. She also agreed with the general contractor regarding the pathway request as the pathway would go right through the front yard, although the pathway could be a native path. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to recommend approval of the request to modify the condition of map approval limiting the maximum floor area for the property an additional 202 square feet, and the Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool, Lands of Breetwor, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: request a IIB path or a native path with input from the City Engineer and Pathways Committee; and reduce the development area by 202 square feet. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Gottlieb & Jinkerson NOES: Commissioners Stutz & Schreiner ABSENT: Commissioner Finn This item will be scheduled for the City Council May 7" agenda Brief break at 9:05 p.m 4.6 SPRINT SPECTRUM, 12863 La Cresta Drive behind 12869 La Cresta Drive (Lands of Purissima Hills Water District) (51-96-ZP-SD-CUP- ND); A request for a Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit, and a Negative Declaration for the placement of two 17 foot high PCS poles and antennas, and adjacent equipment cabinets. Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 1997 Page 9 Approved 4/23/97 Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Commissioner Gottlieb was concerned with the possible accumulative trips, traffic issues, and visual impacts from different agencies (carriers, PG&E and Purissima Hills Water District). The Planning Director addressed her concerns. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Patty Mejia, 4695 Chabot Drive, Pleasanton, Sprint Spectrum representative, discussed the project, commenting of the following: being sensitive to the neighborhood; poles located between two existing trees; the placement of the equipment will be between the water tanks, and the poles no higher than the water tank. They have personally contacted the neighbors with no noted opposition. When questioned regarding the health of the pine trees, Ms. Majia suggested preparing an arborist report and/or making sure the trees are protected. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Cheng and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner recommending to the City Council approval of the requested use permit, subject to the conditions outlined in Exhibit "A", and citing the findings outlined in Exhibit `B"; and recommending adoption of the Negative Declaration. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Stutz, Schreiner, Gottlieb, Cheng & Jinkerson NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Finn This item will be scheduled for the City Council May 7" agenda. 5. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 5.1 Planning Commission Representative for April 2nd, Commissioner Schreiner, reported on the following: appointment to the Los Altos Library Commission; Lands of Holing; Lands of Lohr, lot 6; Lands of Lohr, lot 15; Lands of Finn; request from KLASS for endorsement of Measure A for the June 3rtl election; landscaping and tree planting; and three public hearing items (Sprint Spectrum, Krause, and proposes policy regarding grading). 5.2 Planning Commission Representative for April 16" - Commissioner Jinkerson. 6. OLD BUSINESS 6.1 Report from subcommittees. The Communications Committee will meet again on 40 Tuesday, April 15". Planning Commission Minutes April 9, 1997 Page 10 Approved 4/23/97 4W 6.2 Planning Commission Schedule. The Planning Director noted at the last meeting, the Commission agreed to meet on April 30" to discuss the Housing Element and perhaps a few other items. However, the Housing Element will not be ready for review although other ordinance and policy issues can be brought forward as well as a backlog of projects. It was agreed to discuss further at the next meeting items to be heard at the April 30' meeting. obw 7. 7.1 Landscape Screening Review. Dexter Hake, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, voiced concern with reviewing landscape plans prior to framing of the house. CONSENSUS: To continue the discussion to the April 23' meeting. 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8.1 Approval of the March 26, 1997 minutes. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the March 26, 1997 minutes 9. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARING OF APRIL 1 AND 8, 1997 9.1 LANDS OF ZATPARVAR, 26323 Calle Del Sol; A request for a Site Development Permit for grading and a landscape plan. Approved with conditions. 9.2 LANDS OF WALLER, 26105 Elena Road; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lam Lonberger Planning Secretary