HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/08/1998Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 4/22/98
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, April 8, 1998, 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
cc: Cassettes ( 4 ) #7-98
ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers at
Town Hall.
Present: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Schreiner, Aurelio, Cheng & Jinkerson
Staff: Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Susan Stevenson,
Planner; Lan/ Lonberger, Planning Secretary
2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -None
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1 LANDS OF WONG, 14470 De Bell Road (268-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a
Site Development Permit for a new 4,363 square foot residence with an attached
651 square foot three -car garage (continued from March 25, 1998). An existing
pool and cabana will remain on the site.
Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Pak Wong, 14470 De Bell Road, applicant, discussed changes to the project as follows: moved
and stepped the house down; reduced the overall height from 35 feet to 31.3 feet; and lowered
the front elements on either side of the front entry. He stated that from the garage, the house
steps down and the wings on each end step down from the center portion. He provided pictures
of the existing house and views from off-site plus a rendering of the terrace and foundation wall
near the pool area to demonstrate that the house would not be visible from neighboring
properties. He noted similarities in the existing house and the proposed house although the
height of the new house will be 4 feet greater. He felt this was a sensible project, requesting
approval.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/22/98
April 8, 1998
Page 2
Commissioners Gottlieb and Schreiner were concerned with the view of the house from the
downhill neighbor due to the difference in the height from existing to proposed.
Marjorie Evans, 14511 DeBell Road, stated that the applicant had shared his revised plans with
her indicating the two story element had been dropped. She would appreciate anything the
Planning Commission can do to lower the house from her perspective.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Commissioner Schreiner referred to the staff report indicating a request to reduce the overall
height by a minimum of two feet. The building pad has been lowered eight inches, reducing the
sectional height by this same amount. Staff felt the height could be reduced further by changing
the roof pitch, lowering plate heights and/or lowering the building pad. Chairman Gottlieb did
not feel it would be difficult to reduce the interior by 1 foot as she would like the massive look
reduced (break up vertical appearance). Commissioner Cheng felt the applicant has done much
to move the house down voicing support of the plans. Commissioner Jinkerson felt the
Commission at the previous meeting gave the applicant clew direction as to what was requested.
They have not lowered the foundation wall or lowered the house much, nor stepped down the
hill. It does not appear that the applicant has tried to work with staff. He cannot support the plan
with only minimal changes. Commissioner Schreiner agreed. The request for reduction was to
adhere to the Design Guidelines. Roof lines should flow with the house. The house is being
built up resulting in high retaining walls. The house should be set to follow the hillside. She
was concerned with the impact to the downhill neighbor. At the previous meeting, they asked for
minimal changes. She did not feel it would be difficult to reduce the overall height an additional
1 foot 4 inches. She would like a continuance so the applicant can make the changes as
requested at the previous meeting. Chairman Gottlieb would have liked the house dropped 4 feet
rather than the requested 2 feet. However, she felt the 2 foot reduction could be accomplished
through lowering the inside of the house or stepping down from the garage as the proposed house
will be more massive than the existing house.
Mr. Wong stated that the roof pitch is fairly flat already and architectural problems may occur
with a change. They cannot change just one portion and he does not want a flat roof. He
continued stating there is difficulty with stepping the master bedroom and the retaining wall new
the pool is really 5 feet high with added height due for crawl space. They cannot move much
closer to the pool.
Discussion ensued regarding the existing pool which makes it difficult to modify the end of the
house. Back filling is not possible due to the existing pool and the need for the retaining wall.
Considerations included reducing the size of the house, moving it further down the hill, or
remove and rebuild the pool. Mr. Wong did not feel anything else could be done although he
agreed with the recommended continuance.
�el
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/22/98
April 8,1998
Page 3
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by
Commissioner Aurelio to continue the request for a Site Development Permit for a new 4,363
square foot residence with an attached 651 square foot three -car garage to the April 22, 1998
agenda, requesting the following changes to the design as noted at the previous and current
Planning Commission meetings: reduce the overall height by two feet inclusive of the 8 inches
already reduced; and lower the foundation wall to 4 to 5 feet by stepping the house to comply
with grading policy.
AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Aurelio, Jinkerson & Schreiner
NOES: Commissioner Cheng
This item was continued to the April 22, 1998 meeting.
3.2 LANDS OF JOY, 25599 Fembill Drive (185-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a
Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool (continued from April 8,
1998 at the request of the applicants).
This item was introduced by Ms. Stevenson providing the Commission with a revision to
condition A. It was noted that the accessory structure could not be a secondary dwelling unit as
the property is at the maximum plumbing fixtures allowed.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Robin Joy, 22 Shratton Avenue, San Carlos, applicant, discussed the project noting only one
neighbor will be impacted. The garage has been pulled back to make the residence the main
element. By moving the garage back, they have saved hardscape and placed the garage in line
with the neighbor's garage. The location of the garage was to provide more open area, to
alleviate the visual impact to the neighbor, and it would no longer dominate the site. The house
is conceived as a farm house with landscaping kept to a minimum. He further discussed other
design elements such as interlocking pavers to be compatible with the surroundings, indirect
lighting, and colors compatible with the Town color board. it was noted there is only 50 square
feet of development area left, although the applicant indicated he did not need more. He can
have a natural path (gravel) around the house, if needed, 4 feet or less in width. He also noted
that the stones within the pathway will be removed for safety, and a retaining wall will not be
needed at the garage or pool area.
Diane Barrager, Pathway Committee, stated that the beautiful natural pathway along the west
side of the property needs to be restored. The path at the entrance of the property is difficult to
find, requesting the location be made clear.
Betsy Bertram, Pathway Committee, requested that the path be designated on the plans
ice, CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/22/98
April 8, 1998
Page 4
Commissioner Schreiner liked the house, the materials, and the way it steps down the site.
Commissioner Cheng felt the house fit well into this beautiful site. Chairman Gottlieb would
like the removal of the stones within the pathway he added to condition #21 as well as stating
that the driveway shall be roughened, and the pathway shall remain open during construction.
Also add to condition #16 regarding construction parking and traffic to address a neighbor's
concern expressed at the previous meeting. Discussion regarding a deed restriction to prevent the
accessory structure becoming a secondary dwelling ensued.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by
Commissioner Jinkerson to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, and pool,
Lands of Joy, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: revise
condition 41 as stated in memo presented by staff; add to #15 to preclude any delay in
neighborhood travel (parking on site, not blocking road); and #21, adding to clearly mark the
front entrance pathway, the removal of the stones, the driveway to be roughened, and the
pathway to be kept clew (open) during construction.
AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Jinkerson, Schreiner, Cheng & Aurelio
NOES: None
This approval is subject to a 21 day appeal period
3.3 LANDS OF HARARL 12580 Miraloma Way (6-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site
Development Permit for a new 6,160 square foot two story residence with a
maximum height of 26 feet, and a sport court.
Commissioner Cheng stepped down from the public hearing due to the proximity of her
residence to the proposed project. Although Chairman Gottlieb's residence is within 2,500 feet,
she stated no conflict due to her existing property restrictions.
Ms. Stevenson introduced this item noting the receipt of a letter from Roger Cruickshank voicing
concerns regarding the project. Also, she provided the Commission with a memo regarding a
revision to condition 42 requiring the removal of all of the trees and bamboo planted along the
perimeter of the property. She fielded questions regarding the retaining wall at the basement
level, the allowable turnaround in setbacks, and a neighbor's concern regarding a redwood tree.
The patio at the exterior of the basement is proposed 10 feet below natural grade which does not
comply with the Town's grading policy. The size of the patio is larger than the minimum exit
size from a basement per UBC. Therefore, the basement has been counted toward the floor area
of the residence.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 422/98
April 8, 1998
Page 5
k/ Michael Layne, architect, voiced agreement with the recommended conditions of approval. He
also provided a sketch showing how the front two-story element would be modified to comply
with condition #1. Chairman Gottlieb suggested lowering the front two-story vertical element to
below the roof ridge. Mr. Layne believed this could be done. Commissioner Schreiner
questioned the windows on the upper level element on the left side (southeast) elevation. It was
clarified that the windows were over a study to allow light in without conflicting with a computer
screen. He will eliminate this from the plan. Commissioner Schreiner suggested lowering the
overall height to 25 feet. Mr. Layne felt this could be accomplished, most likely through a
change of roof pitch.
Tina Darmohay, 12171 Hilltop Drive, was happy with the exterior materials and architectural
detailing. She was concerned with the size increase of this house versus the existing house
(drainage concerns). She asked about the fencing mound the sport court and the visual impact.
The assistant engineer discussed the proposed drainage system (primarily sheet flow).
Mark Brown, 12600 Miraloma Way, new owner of the lower lot, voiced concerns regarding
drainage and the visual impact with the proposed tree removal which will open the site. He
quoted the Design Guidelines requesting the natural vegetation be maintained. Also, if the dual
trunk tree is preserved, it will make the house appear smaller.
Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, noted several oak trees on
the site which are not on the plans. She would like to see the redwoods between the driveway
and property line saved, as well as the oak tree (12 inches in diameter) to the right of the 36" pine
tree near the front walkway, and the oak tree to the right of the Monterey pines which is not
plotted on the plan. Ms. Stevenson referred to the arborist report.
Betsy Bertram, Pathway Committee, shared fire department recommendations for fire safety
(removal of brush and trees close to the structure).
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Discussion ensued regarding the following: applicant's willingness to reduce the highest ridge by
2 feet; request to reduce the bulk rather than aggravated by the roof pitch change; eliminate
windows over the study; reduce paving in the setback, if possible; work on circular driveway to
save some trees (with fire department review); and concern with the basement due to the
retaining walls. Mr. Layne suggested ideas for reducing the impact of the walls with materials,
landscaping, terrace walls, and the use of materials that would allow planting within the wall.
The assistant engineer fielded questions regarding drainage noting this project is not responsible
for improving drainage along the entire road. The drainage design will not result in flooding of
other properties.
Commissioner Jinkerson was concemed with the rural nature of the area. He felt the sport court
kw would be a freeway for water directed toward the neighbor's property. What can they do to
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/22/98
April 8, 1998
Page 6
Aurelio stated three concerns: (1) impact of height; (2) impact of drainage on neighbors; and (3)
basement walls and whether they will be seen from off-site. Taking the pitch of the roof down
does not necessarily reduce bulk. Lowering ceiling height could reduce the overall height but the
applicants may want a high ceiling. He recommended moving the circular driveway to the right
to save the redwood tree and to get the driveway out of the setback. Ms. Stevenson noted that
the footprint of the previously approved house was larger than the proposed footprint. Ms. Davis
suggested a possible "Y" shape driveway. Commissioner Jinkerson felt it was important to
reduce the second story area bulk. He would like to see the basement wall broken up, if possible.
He also recommended the use of semi -permeable surface for the sport court instead of asphalt or
similar surface.
Mr. Layne offered to plant three 36 inch box trees to replace the redwood to be removed next to
the oak tree with the location of the trees to be approved by the neighbors.
Robert Mowat, landscape architect stated the owners were concerned with being good neighbors.
Screening will be accomplished to soften the home with care taken not to block uphill neighbor's
views. The driveway can be moved to save the redwood tree and one Monterey Pine can be kept
(other pine is dead) until such time that infection from beetles causes deterioration to warrant
removal. He was not sure if a fence will be used around the sport court. Commissioner Aurelio
asked if the applicant would be willing to forgo the sport court until the drainage situation is
known and the house is in place. Mr. Mowat could not answer for the applicants. He could add
a conceptual tree landscape plan.
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 6,160
square foot two story residence with a maximum height of 26 feet, and a sport court, Lands of
Haran, with the recommended design changes as stated by the Planning Commission which
included showing conceptual landscape screening plan, design changes to the house, reduction of
the second story, reduce height of ridge by 2 feet, move the driveway to save the redwood tree,
change basement walls, and eliminate sport court or use a permeable material.
AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Jinkerson, Schreiner, & Aurelio
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Cheng (stepped down)
This item will be re -noticed for public hearing
3.4 LANDS OF CHASSON, 28221 Christopher's Lane (27-98-ZP-SD); A request
for a Site Development Permit for an 890 square foot secondary dwelling unit
over an attached garage with an overall height of 18 54 feet.
( Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report.
�*-W
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/22/98
April 8, 1998
Page 7
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Tali Hardonag, 3272 Bryant Street, Palo Alto, project architect, reviewed the proposal which
included the following: construct a 891 square foot secondary dwelling unit above an attached
garage; low profile design maintained; exterior materials to be matched; decking and large roof
overhangs to break up the vertical massing.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Brief discussion ensued.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by
Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development Permit for an 890 square foot
secondary dwelling unit over an attached garage with an overall height of 18 'h feet, Lands of
Chasson, with the recommended conditions of approval.
AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Jinkerson, Schreiner, Cheng & Aurelio
NOES: None
This approval is subject to a 21 day appeal period.
3.5 LANDS OF ZATPARVAR, 26170 Fremont Road; A request for approval of a
grading and drainage plan.
Ms. Davis introduced this item by providing some background information. The applicant is
requesting approval of a grading and drainage plan. The existing creek channel is to be
excavated and the dirt spread on the site along with the excavation material from the drainage
pipe installation on the adjacent Silvestri property. This was discussed when the Planning
Commission and City Council considered and approved the tentative map for the two lot
subdivision. Since the drainage improvements and grading were considered part of the
subdivision improvements and since the subdivision is not moving forward and the property will
remain as one lot, the proposed grading and drainage plan needs to be re -approved. Since the
channel excavation is part of a Town Capital Improvement project that will be done to correct
drainage problems in the La Paloma Basin, the applicant is working with the Town to complete
the drainage improvements on the subject property in conjunction with the development of the
Silvestri property and the work to be done by the Town. She noted staff support of the on-site
work being done at this time since it will facilitate the drainage improvement project and the
Town will be able to follow the grading work with the lining of the channel. Further discussion
ensued regarding the number of trees to be removed.
04
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 422/98
April 8, 1998
Page 8
kThe assistant engineer provided further detail regarding the drainage improvements and the intent
of the design, noting the elevation of the road is what controls the area that could potentially
flood in the event of a 100 year storm. The potential flood area will be less with the
improvements. The channel will be 4 feet deep and 18 feet wide with an appearance similar to
the rock lined channel on the Hoover subdivision.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Nader Zatparvar, 410 Juanita Way, Los Altos, applicant, was available for questions.
Fred Osterlund, 26238 Fremont Road, provided the Commission with a letter outlining his
concerns. He was concerned with the volume of dirt to be spread on the site, and the disturbance
to the site. He would prefer to have as much of the trees and vegetation on his property saved
with the possible adjustment of the channel.
Diane Barager, Pathway Committee, stated that the Type IIB pathway would need to be restored
eventually.
Dave Pefley, 26169 Maurer Lane, discussed the pipe which surfaces between his and the
applicant's property. He asked about fencing relative to the storm drain easements, planting and
4 maintenance, and a request for extra export so he could fill an area on his site to bring his
property up one foot by the swale. He was advised to contact the City Engineer.
Sandy Humphries, 26238 Fremont Road, directed questions to the assistant engineer regarding
an old survey and the elevations.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Discussion ensued. The assistant engineer clarified that the portion raised is not in the flood
channel. This channel will improve the drainage situation and the fill will not have an adverse
affect on other properties. The fill will improve the applicant's property relative to flooding, but
will not worsen the situation on neighboring properties. The improvements will help drainage in
the area. Although Commissioner Jinkerson felt the improvements would increase the flow
resulting in more flooding, he was especially concerned with the area by the redwood trees; this
area should not be filled.
MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Aurelio,
seconded by Commissioner Cheng, and amended to approve the request for a grading and
drainage plan, Lands of Wadhwani (formerly Zatparvar), with the following additions/ changes
to the conditions of approval: the dirt shall be spread naturally; save the natural landscape along
the channel as much as possible; and add that the grading plan shall be revised so that the 206'
and 207' contours are pulled back to be generally in line with the 208' and 209' contours which
`, shall eliminate the fill in the vicinity of the existing redwoods.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/22/98
April 8, 1998
Page 9
AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Jinkerson, Schreiner, Cheng & Aurelio
NOES: None
4. OLD BUSINESS
4.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Schreiner reported on the Crime
Prevention meeting which included information regarding neighborhood watch and crime
figures.
5. NEW BUSINESS
None
6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6.1 Planning Commission Representative for April 1, 1998, Commissioner Jinkerson,
reported on the following items: study session regarding proposed driveway, residence and
second dwelling unit, Lands of Kerns; the Uniform Building Code Requirements for basements;
fire vehicle tumarounds in setbacks; and a request for a site development permit for a new
residence, Lands of Gorman & Cheng.
6.2 Planning Commission Representative for April 15" - Cheng
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 Approval of the March 25, 1998 minutes
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the March 25 minutes.
8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARING -
None.
9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:55 p.m.
Reeessyp',e'`c'
Planning Secretary