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Home My WebLink About10/22/1997#AW Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 11/12/97 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, October 22, 1997, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes(2)#18-97 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The:: Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Cheng Stutz, Schreiner & Jinkerson Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Lan/ Lonberger, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR f None. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF LOUGHMILLER, 25309 La Loma Drive (89-97-ZP-SD-GD-LM- VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, a lot merger, variances to allow grading within 10 feet of a property line and to exceed the allowable development area; and a request for annexation (continued from September 24, 1997). Staff provided a memo to the Commission recommending the application be continued to the November 12, 1997 agenda to allow additional time for review and evaluation of revised plans. The applicants have revised their plans in response to direction provided by the Commission at the September 246 meeting. However, two different plans were submitted, and the plans were not received until Tuesday, October 14'. Staff is in the process of reviewing the plans and will be able to provide a more complete analysis and recommendation with the requested continuance. The story poles will be re -set on the site and the applicants have prepared a video tape of the site for those Commissioners who wish to view it. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue the Lands of Loughmiller to the November 12, 1997 agenda. LM Planning Commission Minutes October 22, 1997 Page 2 Approved 11/12/97 3.2 LANDS OF KARIMI, 26280 Elena Road (131-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel of an existing residence. Commissioner Jinkerson stepped down from the public hearing due to the proximity of his residence to the proposed project. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Discussion ensued regarding Worksheet #2 and the net increase to the property, and the Tow's non -conformity policy. Staff noted the existing non -conformities on the site will be reduced with the proposed plan. Chairman Gottlieb was concerned with the vertical look of the left side elevation. Although most of the second floor has been set back, there is still a lot of walls due to roof pitch which is not steep and minimal attic space. The approved Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health plan was reviewed by the Commission as well as how the basement would be accessed from inside the house. The basement area will be used primarily for storage. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Leon Summers and Galina Novick, 430 Monterey Avenue, Los Gatos, project architects, were available for questions. Jr Chairman Gottlieb voiced concern regarding the 27 foot height with the appearance of 28 feet in some areas. Ms. Davis verified that the height in any point does not exceed 27 feet. Chairman Gottlieb continued stating this was a very visible site from La Cresta Drive and I-280. Otherwise, she felt this was a very interesting design. Commissioner Schreiner noted the septic system requirements made by the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health were based on the number of bedrooms with the total living area not to exceed 3,600 square feet. The Planning Director suggested they specify that the basement area cannot be used as bedrooms without Health Department approval. Also, an option to the vertical look would be to reduce the interior height or to continue the roof line. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Cheng had nothing further to add, suggesting approval with the change of roof across the east side of the house. Commissioner Stutz was concerned with the 27 foot house in this location, noting if this site is not a ridgeline, it is a hilltop, and visible. She noted the lack of eaves on the house, and asked if walls would be needed along the driveway when it is graded down. The architect responded no walls will be needed. Commissioner Schreiner asked if the eaves could be lengthened to create more shadowing and to reduce the appearance of bulk. Galina Novick demonstrated to the Commission how the roof line could be extended to break up the vertical look and eaves could be increased on the second story from 9 inches to 15 inches to provide more shadowing Planning Commission Minutes October 22, 1997 Page 3 Approved 11/12/97 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Cheng and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel of an existing residence, Lands of Karimi, with the following changes and/or additions to the conditions of approval; extend roofline across the east side; increase eaves on the second story from 9 inches to 15 inches; and not allowing habitable area in the basement without Health Department approval. AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Schreiner & Cheng NOES: Commissioner Stutz ABSTAIN: Commissioner Jinkerson This approval is subject to a 21 day appeal period. 3.3 LANDS OF BREITBART, 11991 Hilltop Drive (156-97-ZP-SD-CDP-VAR); A request for Site Development Permit and a Conditional Development Permit for a minor addition, a Variance to exceed the maximum floor area, and a Variance for parking. A letter was received from the applicants thanking the members of the Commission for taking the time to make an onsite visit of their home. A continuance was requested as they will be making changes to the proposal to use the uncalculated "floor space" in the carport and a couple hundred square feet of the "development area" on the patio, to enclose as a family room and bathroom rather than the design originally submitted. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue the Lands of Breitbart to the November 12, 1997 agenda. This item will be re -noticed as the description of the project will be changed. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees -none. 5. NEW BUSINESS The Volunteers Award Luncheon is scheduled for December 5, 1997. The Planning Director stated a study session with the Environmental Design and Protection Committee has been scheduled for 6:00 p.m. November 12" regarding review of landscape requirements on major additions/remodels and new residences. He further discussed pending applications, suggesting the possibility of scheduling a special meeting in December. He will advise the Commission further at the November 12' meeting. Planning Commission Minutes October 22, 1997 Page 4 Approved 11/12/97 The Planning Director discussed the October 29" joint meeting with City Council and the Planning Commission. 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for October 15, 1997, Commissioner Ankerson reported on the following items: proposal to relocate pathway easement and public utility easement at 26157 Altadena Drive, Lands of Korman/Fink; request of Council to consider setting a study session regarding 11890 Francement Drive (Kerns); proposed uses of Moffett Field; request for a modification of a condition of approval of an approved Site Development Permit requiring construction of a pathway, Lands of Simmons; and adoption of Ordinance amending Section 10-1.505(A) of the Zoning Ordinance to limit backup and turnaround areas within required setbacks (second reading). 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for November 5, 1997- Chairman Gottlieb. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the September 10, 1997 minutes. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the September 10, 1997 minutes. 7.2 Approval of the October 8, 1997 minutes. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the October 8, 1997 minutes. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARINGS OF OCTOBER 14 AND 21. 1997 8.1 LANDS OF MUELLER, 27860 Via Corita Court; A request for a Site Development Permit for a gazebo, hardscape and landscaping. Approved October 14, 1997 with conditions. 8.2 LANDS OF PROVINES, 27144 Byrne Park Lane; A request for a Site Development Permit for a driveway modification and hardscape. Approved October 14, 1997 with conditions. 8.3 LANDS OF GARNER, 26060 Newbridge Drive; A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and landscaping. Approved October 14, 1997 with conditions. Planning Commission Minutes October 22, 1997 Page 5 Approved 11/12/97 06I 8.4 LANDS OF SHEENE, 12047 Oak Knoll Circle; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved October 14, 1997 with conditions. 8.5 LANDS OF HAGEN-BUSCH, 11981 Magdalena Avenue; A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool, spa, and driveway modification. Approved with conditions October 21, 1997. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, _ Lani Lonberger Planning Secretary CI9