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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/28/1997Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 6/11/97 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, May 28,1997,7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes ( 3 ) #10-97 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, Finn, Gottlieb, Stutz & Jinkerson Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Lam Lonberger, Planning Secretary 16 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -none 3 PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF CARNES, 14090 Tracy Court (47-97-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a second story addition and remodel of an existing residence, and remodel of an existing secondary dwelling unit. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Discussion ensued regarding the right-of-way and easement dedication, and the maintenance of the creek. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Kim Ledford with Stewart Associates, 1351 Laurel Street, San Carlos, project architect, was available for questions. Les Earnest, Pathways Chair, noted the City Council, in reviewing the Master Pathway Plan amended the plan by deleting the proposed path from Tracy Court to Mir Mirou Drive. The Town's criteria for where a pathway is needed leading to a cul-de-sac me no longer met. Consequently, Pathways Committee amended their recommendation, requesting only for the restoration of the IIB pathway along Arastradero Road; no longer recommending a path along Tracy Court. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/11/97 May 28, 1997 Page 2 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Cheng and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to approve the Site Development Permit for a second story addition and remodel of an existing residence, and remodel of an existing secondary dwelling unit, Lands of Carnes, revising condition #15 deleting the first sentence "A Type IIB path shall be constructed along the Tracy Court property frontage, and the driveway shall be roughened where it crosses the path.." AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Finn, Stutz, Jinkerson, Schreiner, Gottlieb & Cheng NOES: None This item will appear of the City Council consent calendar June 18, 1997. 3.2 LANDS OF HU, 11240 Magdalena Road (28-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. A letter from Mr. Kearns was received and provided to the Commission for review. McKean was concerned with the proposed height of the chimneys, asking for a reduction in height. 4 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Tony Wong, 22362 Homestead Road, Cupertino, project representative, discussed the project noting the demolition of all structures including all pavement and non -conforming parking area. The design elements include the following: second story well nested; many cascading rooflines to reduce the overall mass; some stone veneer was added on all four sides; proposed colors to be medium to dark gay; slate roof to further camouflage the massing; and no proposed grading. No landscaping will be destroyed as it provides adequate screening of the house. He agreed to reduce the height of the chimneys to 25 feet to conform with Mr. Kearns' request. Chairman Doran asked if they have adequate backup out of the garage without having the driveway encroaching into the setbacks. Mr. Wong responded he could redesign the driveway to move it farther out of the setbacks. Mr. Wong did not feel the required easements would create any problems. Fred Bruche, 11291 Magdalena Avenue, neighbor directly across the street, a 41 year resident, voiced concern with the proposed massive two story house across from his home. He felt the design was out of conformity with the neighborhood. If the two story structure is approved as proposed, he would request the Commission review the location of the driveway as it directly impacts his property. The existing driveway has less impact on his property. He also asked that the scrub growth be maintained as it will screen the house. 01 Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/11/97 May 28, 1997 Page 3 4 Jim Carruther, 11301 Magdalena Avenue, voiced concern with a two story house at this site. He questioned condition #10, the sewer connection, landscape plan, lighting conditions, drainage problems associated with this property and the property above it (old springs). He would hope they would maintain the existing landscaping. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, had spoken to the owners who indicated the existing scrub oak will remain. The Committee requested mitigating native plantings on the left side of the property in the location of the new garage. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Finn would like to see the hammerhead moved out of the setback. Commissioner Cheng would like to see the chimneys reduced in size. She also felt the applicants were entitled to a two story structure. Chairman Doran suggested lessening the impact of the driveway by curving it more to the east and coming in at an angle off of Magdalena Avenue. Everyone was in agreement to direct staff to work with the application regarding this suggestion. Commissioner Jinkerson was concerned with the proposed two story house on a ridgeline in a neighborhood of lower profile homes, although he could not tell the applicant they could not have two stories. He further discussed the height of the chimneys, the proposed lights on the garage and the garage doors facing Magdalena Avenue. Commissioner Stutz agreed with the reduction of the chimneys, and voiced concern regarding the entry way and large pillars as the design does not fit into the neighborhood. Also, the front of the garage could be reduced. Commissioner Schreiner voiced concerns with the impact of the house on the neighborhood due to the change of the driveway. She agreed some of the design elements can be modified, the chimneys should be reduced, and the front door entrance should be reduced to a much more modest front entry. She also asked that the Environmental Design Committee pay particular attention to the front area landscaping. Chairman Doran felt the applicant had a right to this design. She did feel the driveway needed to be adjusted and the chimneys reduced. Committee Gottlieb discussed neighbor friendly homes, reduction of the two story structure on a flat lot (by 2-3 feet), reduction of the garage front, the entry, and the roofline, and a change to the driveway to eliminate the view of the mass of the house. Chairman Doran stated there was no reason this house could not be 27 feet high as it is screened from Magdalena Avenue with no visual impacts to the neighbors. MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Finn, seconded by Commissioner Cheng, and failed by the following vote to approve the Site Development for a new residence, Lands of Hu, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: work with staff to reduce the height of the chimneys not to exceed three feet above the roofline; remove the hammerhead from the setback; work with staff to angle the driveway entrance to minimize the impact to the neighbors; and work with staff to minimize the outdoor lighting. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Cheng & Finn NOES: Commissioners Jinkerson, Schreiner, Stutz & Gottlieb Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/11/97 May 28, 1997 Page 4 MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn, seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb and amended to approved the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Hu, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: work with staff to reduce the height of the chimneys not to exceed three feet above the roofline (or minimum height per UBC); remove the hammerhead from the setback; work with staff to angle the driveway entrance to the east to minimize the impact to the neighbors; work with staff to minimize the outdoor lighting; work with staff to reduce the overall height by two feet (to 25 feet maximum), and reduce the front entry elevation by five feet (to 15 feet maximum). AYES: Commissioners Stutz, Jinkerson, Schreiner, Cheng, Gottlieb & Finn NOES: Chairman Doran This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar June 18, 1997. 3.3 LANDS OF DUNCAN, 12254 Tepa Way (13-97-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a second story addition and garage. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Chairman Doran and Commissioners Finn and Stutz disclosed they are within a radius of 2500 feet of the project and their decision will not have any foreseeable financial effects on their property. Commissioner Schreiner questioned the miscellaneous existing structures within setbacks. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Gil Duncan, 12254 Tepa Way, applicant and long time resident, discussed the need for additional space as the current home is only a two bedroom, two bath residence. Commissioner Schreiner questioned the construction of the stairwell as she has had personal experience with this type of construction. The architect, Wendell Roscoe was available to answer her questions. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Stutz and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to approve the Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel, Lands of Duncan, with the staff recommended conditions of approval. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Finn, Jinkerson, Schreiner, Stutz, Gottlieb & Cheng NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar June 18, 1997 Planning Commission Minutes May 28, 1997 Page 5 Approved 6/11/97 3.4 LANDS OF GROFF & TAYLOR, 28625 Matadero Creek Court (46-97-ZP-SD- GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. The Planning Director introduced this item noting the staff report indicates the Pathway Committee had requested a pathway down the side property line to connect to the existing pathway which runs along the back of the lots. Staff noted it was not shown on the Master Pathway Plan, consequently, it could not be a requirement. However, this was incorrect. Condition #19 shall be amended to require the dedication of a constructed 10 foot pathway easement along the boundary with 28620 Matadero Creek Court. Also, a letter was received from Don Plumley, property manager for 28628 Matadero Creek Court regarding the location of the house, the potential sewer connections, and construction parking and storage. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Scott Groff, 538 Palomar Drive, Redwood City, applicant, expressed excitement with the project and moving into the community. Gary Ahem, 1150 El Camino Real, Menlo Park, project architect, discussed the philosophy of the design, providing an overhead display of the site, noting the following: view of the bay; maintaining no greater than a 15% driveway slope; unobtrusive to neighbors; location provides the only second floor bay view from the master bedroom; working with the grading policy; rotating the house will diminish the second story view; small house in comparison to the neighborhood; 4,200 square foot living area when garage, etc. subtracted from figures; the Matadero Creek subdivision CC&Rs; shielded from downhill views; and trying to follow Town guidelines. He has suggested to the applicants to lower the ceilings in the dining room and living room to under 17 feet to gain floor which they can use in the future. This will also reduce the roofline by two feet in this area. He also discussed eliminating one deck and/or skirting around the oak tree. Mr. Ahem has spoken to Mr. Plumley regarding his concerns. He did not feel there was a privacy issue as the structure will be at the closest point 35.6 feet from both property lines. He suggested lowering the roofline to 18 feet on the north side and bring down the decks. Les Earnest, Pathways Chair, discussed the importance of the pathway on the southerly border as it will connect into the trails system (Edgerton Road and Three Forks Lane paths). Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, noted they were not happy with the loss of a tree, however they would request that the remaining trees be protected during construction (standard condition). She requested screening along the west property line area and ground cover immediately over the fill area for erosion control. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/11/97 May 28, 1997 Page 6 Don Plumley, author of letter and neighbor next door, commented he does not want to impede the construction. After reviewing the plans, he felt the house was located as best it could be on the lot. Discussion ensued regarding privacy issues relating to windows on his side of the property. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Discussion ensued regarding recommendations made in the staff report. It was noted grading will be lessened with the elimination of the deck, and the grading needed in the garage area for the retaining walls. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Finn and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Groff and Taylor, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: add to condition #19 to require the dedication of a 10 foot wide pathway easement along the southerly border of the property; the reduction of the roof height over the living room and dining room by at least two feet; and the elimination of the deck and associated grading on the back side of the house. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Schreiner, Jinkerson, Stutz, Gottlieb, Cheng & Finn NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar June 18, 1997. Brief break at 8:40 p.m. 3.5 LANDS OF STITT, 25703 Lomita Linda Court (38-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool house, pool & spa. The Planning Director made some clarifications to the staff report regarding the potential visibility of the structure (not viewed from Ravensbury), and the applicants dedicating a large section of the property as a conservation easement, as the area has a greater than 30 percent slope. The granting of this area to a conservation easement allows the applicant to revise the MFA and MDA for the site in accordance with Town code which would allow the area dedicated to a conservation easement to be subtracted from the net lot area and the contours would not be included in the slope calculation in the MDA and MFA calculations. Questions ensued regarding the location of the basement as it relates to the garage, exiting from the basement, and the relocation or deletion of the pool house as noted in the staff report. Commissioner Gottlieb disclosed she had discussed the review process with the applicant. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/11197 May 28, 1997 Page 7 John Goldman, 1859 Powell Street, San Francisco, project architect, explained why there was an excavated but not finished space between the garage and basement (economic reasons). He further discussed the following: the design of the project; the existing two driveways; accessing the garage from the lower driveway; hiding the garage under the house; the out of sight two guest parking spaces; removal of the existing asphalt upper driveway and replacing it with a smaller grass -cell driveway; the upper driveway for the elderly and handicap use; house wrapping around the pool and courtyard; the extent of the excess fill (175 square feet); the proposed location of the pool house (photos provided); pool house not on fill; the proposed retaining wall; the redesigned of the half round deck with a trellis and a living green retaining wall; and discussed design changes in accordance to staff suggestions. Valerie Stitt, 2161 Garden Terrace, Mountain View, has shared their plans with as many neighbors as possible (Chao/Pang, Wholey, Carrie, Shram). CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Schreiner voiced concern with the following: the basement not meeting the Town definition (garage day -lighted and open with an adjacent area which is excavated and at the same elevation); the pool house height of 24 feet and not subordinate to the main residence (should not be higher than 17 feet); and maintaining two access points currently within setbacks. She suggested one access in the front swinging off to either side, if necessary, or having one access going to the -hand side. Commissioner Gottlieb agreed with the staff report regarding the pool house. She noted the pool house location will cut off their views. She was concerned with the basement, privacy issues with the side doors, and the center chimney adding more height to the house. Commissioner Stutz was concerned with the structure not stepping down the hill, the area not being a naturally flat area, too much grass cell in the side setback for parking (high -heel test), confusion in locating the front door, and suggesting the six foot retaining wall be broken into two walls of 3 and 4 feet in height with a two foot separation for plantings. Further concerns related to not encouraging parking on Lomita Linda Court, dropping the back wings of the house two feet, locating the pool another two feet down closer to the house, and restricting the pool house height to 14 feet with no lower level. Also, she felt the entry arches at 27 feet were too high. Commissioner Cheng agreed with the other Commissioners regarding the pool house as it should not be two stories high. Commissioner Jinkerson agreed with the previous statements, suggesting to make the structures less visible. Commissioner Finn agreed that the basement is a problem. A solution would be to not excavate the portion between the actual basement and the garage. The pool house should be lowered to 17 feet and the pool equipment enclosed in the lower level for noise concerns. He would like to move the grass cell 20 feet from the property line instead of 10 feet, and agreed with Commissioner Stutz regarding stepping the retaining walls near the garage to create a planting area, dropping to house to 252 elevation, and the pool to 250 elevation, and also minimize the front entry. Chairman Doran agreed with previous comments. She liked the design, however the site does not work with the house. Discussion ensued regarding a single access, taking into consideration the percentage of slope. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/11/97 May 28, 1997 Page 8 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to continue the request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, pool house, pool and spa, Lands of Stitt, for a redesign, taking into consideration previous recommendations and comments. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Cheng, Schreiner, Stutz, Jinkerson & Gottlieb NOES: Commissioner Finn This item will be re -noticed for a future public hearing. 3.6 LANDS OF BONDS, 27320 & 27330 Elena Drive (49-97-ZP-SD-GD-LM); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, guest unit, cabana, pool, spa, and a lot merger. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Commissioner Schreiner questioned the basement with the adjacent solarium as she felt this was an extension of the basement and did not meet the basement definition. The Planning Director explained that the solarium is basically the roof over the basement to provide light for solar heating. The Planning Director noted there was no exposed basement walls or exit from the basement. This is a solar energy feature. He further discussed staff recommendation for modifications to the north wing (right side) of the house to reduce the bulk. Commissioner Gottlieb was concerned with the leach field located on the lower portion of the property as it relates to the oak trees and the number of proposed skylights (18 rather than 16 noted on plan). OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Charles Gardner, 900 Powell Street, San Francisco, project representative, briefly discussed the project and the applicant. Pong Ng, 1513 Fairway Drive, Los Altos, local architect for the design team, discussed design considerations which included the following: protecting as many oak trees as possible as they provide screening; the position of the house not blocking the neighbors view; the screening of the residence from the neighbors; and preserving the lower portion of the site for a septic system. He further discussed the visibility of the north east comer of the property by providing photos taken from various areas off site. There is a small view from 12797 La Cresta Drive. The design elements and proposed colors will help to hide the project. The intent of the solarium is to collect solar energy (energy conservation design), and the skylights we proposed to be flat line skylights.. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/11/97 May 28, 1997 Page 9 Ian Geddes, 4155 Keith Drive, Campbell, project arborist, spoke briefly regarding proposed landscaping, stating they plan to preserve the mature trees, the leach field will not run under the dripline of the trees, and some tree limbs may have to be removed in the area of the proposed structure. Susan Roberts, 20431 Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, project engineer, discussed the leach field design, and working closely with Santa Clam County Health Department. The Health Department required them to stake the field. The first thing they did was to accurately measure all driplines of the trees prior to the design of the leach field. She was confident the system will meet everyone's requirements and stay out of all the driplines. She further noted that the pool house will have its only tank and system. Chris Verma, 27300 Elena Road, closest neighbor to the project, voiced four concerns: (1) the detached guest house and garage located very close to his house (view and privacy issues); (2) the house (10,000 square feet) is two times bigger than any other house in the neighborhood; (3) the control of parking, dust, and noise during construction; and (4) the overgrown and out of shape tree by the driveway being a safety hazard. He asked that it be removed. Michelle Ganyar, 13105 Delson Court, neighbor downhill from project, voiced concerns regarding drainage, the proposed wrought iron fence, the outlook to the bedrooms; and the L lighting. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design, asked that the 8 to 10 small to medium oak trees located along the fence line be maintained. CLOSED PUBLIC TESTIMONY Commissioner Cheng stated the following: suggested planting trees along the border to mitigate the detached guest house and garage from the neighbor; the size of the house is allowed due to the two lot merger; and the basement design meeting the Town definition. Commissioner Finn felt the basement and solarium was a very interesting design element. He also suggested screening to mitigate the two story garage area. Commissioner Schreiner voiced the following: a reasonably prominent knoll; the use of the maximum floor and development area figures; the 200 foot long structure; visibility, especially on the north comer; nesting of the second story or reducing it; provide more available parking on the site; the very prominent entry; and care with lighting. Commissioner Gottlieb discussed the following: agreement with the staff report (item #2); reduction in the height to 24 feet due to the prominent knoll; the serve impact on the trees in the garage area; the need for nesting on the north side; lower foliage to mitigate the house; the basement design with solarium; and the disturbance to the entire property. Commissioner linkerson quoted page 13 of the Design Guidelines, stating he could not vote for the two story structure. He also felt the portico will be unsightly. Commissioner Stutz asked for more information regarding the solarium which was answered by the project architect, Pong Ng (for energy efficient home). She felt this was a large home, with an undesirable entry. She suggested Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/11/97 May 28, 1997 Page 10 providing 10 additional puking spaces. Chairman Doran stated the applicant was entitled to the proposed features and square footage. Only a small portion of the house will be visible after the landscaping is installed. She felt they have done a good job with the design which is not obstructing views. She was not sure why they had to bide the house from everywhere. This is not a ridgeline lot that can be seen from around town. Discussion ensued regarding other large homes in town. MOTION SECONDED 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, guest house, cabana, pool and spa, and merge two parcels, Lands of Bonds, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval; work with staff to minimize the front entry elevation; work with staff to screen the detached garage and guest house from the neighbors; and add 10 additional parking spaces on site. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Cheng & Finn NOES: Commissioners Stutz, Gottlieb, Jinkerson & Schreiner MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Firm, seconded by Commissioner Cheng, and amended to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, guest house, cabana, pool and spa, and merge two parcels, Lands of Bonds, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval; work with staff to minimize the size tAr and bulk of the front entry portico; work with staff to screen the detached garage and guest house from the neighbors; add 10 additional parking spaces on site; to work with staff to reduce the bulk and visual impact of the north wing of the house; and the landscape and lighting plan to return to the Planning Commission for review and approval. AYES: Chairman Doran, Commissioners Stutz, Cheng & Firm NOES: Commissioners Gottlieb, Jinkerson & Schreiner Commissioner Stutz asked that staff provide the Commission with a specific report regarding the changes made to the project. This item will be scheduled for public hearing by the City Council June 18, 1997. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees -none. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/11/97 May 28, 1997 Page 11 4 5. NEW BUSINESS There was a suggestion to change the Planning Commission meeting day from Wednesdays to Thursdays. CONSENSUS: To maintain the current Wednesday schedule. 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for May 21" - Commissioner Gottlieb reported on the following items: approval of the consent calendar; demonstration of Parcel Data Base; recommendation for updating of Town's Municipal Code; status of review of Building and Planning fees; adoption of bench marks; Lands of Rose; and discussion of Master Path Plan (Page Mill neighborhood, off road paths). 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for June 4' - Chairman Doran APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the May 14, 1997 minutes 4W PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the May 14, 1997 minutes with a small change on page 2, fifth paragraph. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARINGS OF MAY 20 AND 27. 1997 8.1 LANDS OF RINGOLD, 12004 Adobe Creek Lodge Road; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions May 20, 1997. 8.2 LANDS OF OCAMPO, 28013 Arastradem Road; A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool. Approved with conditions May 27, 1997. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:05 p.m. Respectfully submitted, )Var�i Lonbeer Planning Secretary