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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/30/1997Minutes of a Special Meeting Approved 5/14/97 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, April 30, 1997, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes ( 2 ) #8-97 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:20 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Commissioners Cheng, Finn, Gottlieb, Stutz & Jinkerson Absent: Chairman Doran, Commissioner Schreiner Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Lani Lonberger, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -Vice -Chair noted an upcoming pathway walk on Saturday, June 7'". PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF ZHU & XU, 12580 Miraloma Way (194-96-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence (continued from January 22, 1997). This item will be rescheduled and re -noticed for the May 14, 1997 meeting due to the lack of a quorum as Commissioner Cheng stepped down from the public hearing due to the proximity of her residence to the proposed project, and Commissioner Stutz was not present at the January 22, 1997 meeting nor listened to the tape of the meeting. 3.3 LANDS OF WYTHE & VITU, 13824 Moon Lane (lot 3) (Page Mill Road) (46-96-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. 3.4 LANDS OF WYTHE & VITU, 13826 Moon Lane (lot 2) (Page Mill Road) (47-96-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool and spa. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/14/97 April 30, 1997 t� Page 2 Ms. Davis introduced this item noting the receipt of letters from Valerie Chown and Eric Bredo, and the receipt of revised elevations for lots 2 (mixture of wood and stucco) and 3 (primarily wood and stone). The siting has not been changed. Discussion ensued regarding continuing the application due to letters from neighbors and for a full Commission and/or proceed with the public hearing. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Vice -Chair Gottlieb to continue the applications to May 14, 1997 as requested by neighbors and for a full Commission. AYES: Vice -Chair Gottlieb, Commissioners Stutz & Jinkerson NOES: Commissioners Cheng & Finn ABSENT: Chairman Doran & Commissioner Schreiner Bob Owen, 445 S. San Antonio Road, applicant's representative, apologized for the lateness in delivering the elevations. They had worked on them all weekend. A colored rendering of the change in exterior materials was available. The Commission agreed to start the May 14' meeting at 6:00 p.m. due to the continuance of the last three applications. 3.4 LANDS OF AHRENS, 12791 W. Sunset Drive (24-97-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel. The Planning Director introduced this item noting although the project is not considered a major addition, the plans were inadvertently distributed to the Fire District and the Pathways Committee. The Pathways Committee has requested pathway improvements, to include construction of a native path from the water tank property to connect with the driveway at the western end of the property, and a 10 -foot wide easement over the path. The Committee also requested restoration of the native path in the E. Sunset Drive easement. As the project involves additions of less than 900 square feet, however, the Town's Site Development ordinance does not allow the Town to require such easements or improvements, and staff has only included the restoration of the lower pathway in the conditions of approval (#15). The Planning Director discussed this with the Pathway Chairman and with the applicants. Commissioner Gottlieb questioned the chimney located in the front area and the enclosed fireplace. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Peter Duxbury, 382A First Street, Los Altos, project architect, provided a model of the project for review. He answered questions regarding the chimney which will be raised to match the remaining house. He further discussed the design, roof pitch, existing garage roof, and length of the proposed eaves matching the existing eaves. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/14/97 April 30, 1997 Page 3 Commissioner Jinkerson stated he could not support the second story addition on a ridgeline. The definition of ridgeline was discussed by the Planning Director. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to approve the Site Development Permit for first and second story additions, Lands of Ahrens, with the recommended conditions of approval. Commissioner Stutz asked the Ahrens if they would again consider donating an easement to the pathway from the Water Company property as the pathway is already there with most of the neighbors using it occasionally. She did not feel making it a legal easement would change its use. Doug Ahrens, 12791 W. Sunset Drive, applicant, was willing to accept the request for the lower pathway as written in the staff report. He felt the additional request was an invasion of their privacy on this particular property. They picked this parcel for its privacy. The dedication would require people to walk up their driveway 450 feet, turning right, going directly by their pool and guest house. AYES: Vice -Chair Gottlieb, Commissioners Stutz, Cheng & Finn NOES: 4W Commissioner Jinkerson ABSENT: Chairman Doran & Commissioner Schreiner This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar May 21, 1997. 3.5 LANDS OF LA JOIE, 12025 Adobe Creek Lodge Road (Lot 7) (23-97-ZP-SD- GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, secondary dwelling unit, pool and spa. Ms. Davis introduced this item clarifying the pathway request for the restoration of the existing path on Adobe Creek Lodge Road. Although the Pathway Committee report did not include a request for a path along Moody Road, this is also recommended (native path (cleared) or a IIB). The path should be installed along Moody Road as was required with the two most recent project approvals in the area. The Pathway Committee recommends a Type IIB path. Commissioner Stutz discussed the pathway request and the easements on the Final Map not covering the area where the pathway is located. The Planning Director commented that the subdivision map was recorded in 1990 prior to the Town completing the improvements. At that point, the Town did not have any opportunity to require an additional easement to be dedicated. As it has happened on other lots in this area, adjacent to the road is not the appropriate place for the easement. As the lots in the subdivision have come through, staff has been requiring the easements, and if necessary, the construction of a Type IIB path within it. He agreed with Commissioner Stutz in that the final map should have indicated the easements. For whatever Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/14/97 April 30, 1997 Page 4 4V reason it was not. Staff is now requiring the easements as the properties come through the system. Commissioner Stutz continued, stating she was not in agreement with the statement in the staff report stating there is no Town policy regarding three driveways. Discussion ensued regarding the cul-de-sac access, circular driveway, pavement in setbacks, and the pump house. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Lou Dorcich, P. O. Box 1149, Sequel, project architect, discussed the preliminary landscaping, and the constraints of the site for development noting the following: abutting an existing drainage easement which narrows the width of the house; an access drive which they do not have access to; driveways abutting driveways with landscaping between them; and the intent for the circular driveway to provide more parking and to enhance the front of the house. They have carefully designed the house with many lines, dormers, with French provincial detailing, craftsman style architectural mix, and aligning the guest cottage with the back of the garage. The eaves are approximately one foot, boxed. Commissioner Gottlieb voiced concern with the back of the house with three story facade windows with no eaves, requesting three foot eaves so the windows are set in to avoid light shining out onto the neighbors. Mr. Dorcich responded there are no neighbors who will be building behind them. He was willing to work with staff. Further j discussion ensued regarding windows which do not illuminate a room. Les Earnest, Pathways Committee, stated they do need an easement covering the area for the path. It is technically an off road path which is performing the function of a road side path. He requested an all weather surface (IIB). CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Cheng stated three driveways were better than trying to eliminate one and connecting the front driveway with the garage driveway. She was not concerned with the backup in the setback, and agreed with the request for three foot eaves for the back windows. Commissioner Stutz had no problem with the backup area. She would like the dead trees removed from the property and the circular driveway widened to 14 feet rather than 12 feet for a better look and to provide added space for parking. She was concerned with the number of windows although the site is low. She felt there were too many exterior materials proposed. Commissioner Finn stated this was a dark, damp area and the windows will help the house. The house sits down, well set back from Adobe Creek Lodge Road and Moody Road. He agreed with the suggestion to widen the circular driveway to 14 feet. He would prefer to see the exterior all shingle siding. Commissioner Jinkerson also agreed with the additional width for the circular driveway. He would like to see the hammerhead eliminated completely. He felt the windows on the upper level were unnecessary and will illuminate the neighborhood at night. He did not feel windows were needed on the upper level which are not attached to a room He would prefer stone and shingles for the exterior materials. Commissioner Gottlieb agreed there were too many Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/14/97 April 30, 1997 Page 5 exterior materials. The conservation easement condition should include wording regarding open fencing only and requiring native species. She would also request three foot eaves over the windows on the west elevation and windows that do not illuminate a room should be eliminated. Also, she would like the parking spaces between the secondary unit moved forward with the use of grasscrete to reduce pavement in the setback. MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Finn, seconded by Commissioner Cheng and failed by the following vote to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, secondary dwelling unit and pool, Lands of La Joie, with the following changes/additions to the conditions of approval: exterior stucco to be replaced with either stone or wood shingles; the west elevation eaves shall be increased to three feet; open fencing be required in the conservation easement; and the circular driveway shall be increase to 14 feet in width. Discussion ensued regarding paving in the setback, the circular driveway, outdoor lighting, and the amount of light coming from windows. AYES: Commissioners Finn & Cheng NOES: Vice -Chair Gottlieb, Commissioners Stutz & Jinkerson ABSENT: Chairman Doran & Commissioner Schreiner 4 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, secondary dwelling unit and pool, Lands of La Joie, with the following changes/additions to the conditions of approval: exterior stucco to be replaced with either stone or wood shingles; the west elevation eaves shall be increased to three feet; open fencing be required in the conservation easement; the circular driveway shall be increase to 14 feet in width; work with staff to reduce the number of outside light fixtures; landscape plan to be reviewed at the Site Development Hearing; and eliminate garage dormers and any windows that do not illuminate a room. AYES: Commissioners Stutz, Finn & Cheng NOES: Vice -Chair Gottlieb & Commissioner Jinkerson ABSENT: Chairman Doran & Commissioner Schreiner This item will appear on the City Council Consent calendar May 21, 1997. Brief break at 9:10 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes April 30, 1997 Page 6 Approved 5/14/97 4 3.6 Amendments to Sections 10-1.502 (Development Area), 10-1.503 (Floor Area), 10-1.504 (Height) and 10-1.505 (Setback lines) of the Los Altos Hills Zoning Ordinance to Reflect Adopted Site Development Policy, and Amendments to Article 10-2.10 (Outdoor Lighting) of the Los Altos Hills Site Development Code to Add a Purpose Statement and Clarifying Language; and Proposed Negative Declaration. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson, seconded by Commissioner Finn, and passed by consensus to continue this item to the May 14, 1997 meeting for a full Commission. 4. OLD BUSINESS 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). MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Finn to recommend to the City Council adoption of the proposed Negative Declaration and adoption of the ordinance amendments, Part 1, with the revised language as stated in the staff report. AYES: Vice -Chair Gottlieb, Commissioners Cheng, Stutz, Finn & Jinkerson NOES: None ABSENT: Chairman Doran & Commissioner Schreiner MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson, seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb, and failed by the following vote to recommend to the City Council adoption of the proposed Negative Declaration and adoption of the ordinance amendments, Part 2, as revised by the Planning Commission at the previous meeting. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Finn felt this was a property rights issue. Commissioner Cheng was not in support of the language. Commissioner Stutz had mixed feelings as she was not against driveways for back up areas. When you deduct the square footage for setbacks, you have already lost a great deal of buildable area. She suggested limiting the size of floor area or increase the minimum acreage from one to two acres. Fire Department requirements and parking in the setbacks were discussed. AYES: Vice -Chair Gottlieb & Commissioner Jinkerson NOES: Commissioners Finn, Stutz & Cheng ABSENT: Chairman Doran & Commissioner Schreiner Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/14/97 April 30, 1997 Page 7 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to recommend to the City Council adoption of the proposed Negative Declaration and adoption of the ordinance amendments, Part 2, as revised stating "No structure, nor portion thereof, other than driveways including necessary backup areas"... AYES: Commissioners Finn, Stutz & Cheng NOES: Vice -Chair Gottlieb & Commissioner Jinkerson ABSENT: Chairman Doran & Commissioner Schreiner MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to recommend to the City Council adoption of the proposed Negative Declaration and adoption of the ordinance amendments, Part 3, with the revised language as stated in the staff report. AYES: Vice -Chair Gottlieb, Commissioners Cheng, Stutz & Jinkerson NOES: Commissioner Finn ABSENT: Chairman Doran & Commissioner Schreiner The proposed ordinance amendments will be scheduled for a future City Council meeting. 4.2 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Gottlieb reported on the first draft of the Pathway Element and the June T" Pathway walk. 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Outdoor lighting policy PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue this item to the May 14, 1997 meeting. 6. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, L nberge��� Planning Secretary