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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/27/1998Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 6/10/98 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, May 27, 1998, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes(3)#10-98 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 Gottlieb, Commissioners Schreiner, Aurelio & Jinkerson Absent: Commissioner Cheng Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOG None 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF HILL & CHAMBERS, 12051 & 12101 Stonebrook Drive (31 -98 -LLA); A request for a lot line adjustment. Staff had nothing further to add. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Brief discussion ensued regarding this straight forward application. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to recommend approval of the lot line adjustment to the City Council, subject to the applicant's submittal of grant deeds and plats prepared by a registered engineer or licensed surveyor prior to the Town's recordation of certificates of compliance. AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Cheng, Schreiner & Jinkerson NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Aurelio Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/t0/98 May 27, 1998 Page 2 kw This item will appear on the City Council agenda June 17, 1998. 3.2 LANDS OF GORHAM, 15829 Stonebrook Drive (75-98-ZP-SD- VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit for an entryway and gate, and a Variance for a 14 foot high entryway and an 8 foot high gate within the setback. Staff had nothing further to add to the report. A letter from Mr. Trant was included in the Commission packet for review. Discussion ensued regarding the height of the pillars (14 feet) after finished grade. The assistant engineer added it was not the City Engineer's understanding that the Vidovich subdivision improvements will require two feet of elevation change at this driveway. It may change a matter of inches. If the applicant is proposing to raise the grade, it should be shown on the plans for review. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Nat Gorham, 15829 Stonebrook Drive, applicant, discussed the following: the height of the pillars and gate; the private driveway; the Vidovich subdivision improvements; vines to cover the wall within a year; the removal of the shed; the date of the gate (7/97); building materials purchased prior to annexation; unaware of annexation (10/96); permit not obtained from the LW County or from Los Altos Hills; unaware permit required for the gate; height appropriate for emergency vehicles; and the 40 foot setback from the private road. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, was concerned with the additional height for the driveway in relationship to the oak trees (oak grove to the left). She spoke to the engineer on the Vidovich land noting that in putting the cul-de-sac next to the oaks, he is allowing plenty of space and is not intending on going any higher than the existing level of the oaks. The little box shown on the plans at the end of his driveway is considerably higher than what is existing as well as the land goes up at that point which will be of concern to the oak trees if two additional feet are added (risk to the oak grove to the left). CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Jinkerson clarified that if the pillars and gate were six feet in height in this location, they would be appropriate. He continued noting the structure, with the aid of an architect and contractor, was built without permits. The gate and pillars are high and wide enough for emergency vehicles so some thought went into the structure. He felt the applicant should comply with Town ordinances at this location (maximum height of 6 feet) or move it in 20 feet. He did not feel the Findings substantiate the variance request. Commissioner Schreiner discussed similar projects (Packard and Puri) who were not granted a Variance request. She could not make the first Variance Finding. There is another place for this gate or reduce the height. This site is not that constrained to prohibit a change. She did not feel their safety was Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/10/98 May 27, 1998 Page 3 kw being compromised by reducing the height. Commissioner Cheng would grant the Variance, not because the structure is already existing, but because the project was started before annexed to the Town. Chairman Gottlieb noted a similar gate was proposed on the Lands of Horton which was denied. If the project was permitted by the County, the question would not have been raised. She also could not make the first Finding. MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner, seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson, and amended to deny the Site Development Permit and Variance for an existing entryway and proposed gate, Lands of Gorham and Shuler, adding to Findings as follows, and directing the applicant to modify the structures to comply with the Code, not later than July 15, 1998: add to Finding #1 that the applicant did not obtain a permit through the County and is now under the jurisdiction of Los Altos Hills; add to Finding #2 that the property is not so constrained that the applicant is being deprived of privileges that are enjoyed by others. Other property owners have been denied a variance under similar circumstances. The applicant has the option for other placement or of reduction of the gate and still make the property safe. Discussion ensued. Mr. Gorham was very unhappy with the comments. He asked for one year so the vegetation can take hold for screening, returning to the Planning Commission for a final decision. He understood this was a difficult situation. He felt the pillars and gate are very attractive and would be an asset to the Town with an appearance of old Los Altos Hills. He urged the Commission to give him one year. Commissioner Schreiner responded they use the kiw codes and ordinances for the benefit of everyone. The gate and pillars are far excessive over any other structure she has seen in Town. It was still not clear if the County would have approved the pillars and gate. AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Jinkerson & Schreiner NOES: Commissioner Cheng ABSENT: Commissioner Aurelio The Chairman explained the appeal process to the applicants. She also stated the Planning Commission must follow the code and ordinances. The City Council was the approval body who has the authority to deviate from the code and/or ordinances. 3.3 LANDS OF RUTNER, 28500 Matadero Creek Lane (151-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new two-story residence, second unit, cabana and pool, with a total floor area of 7,507 square feet, and a maximum height of 26 feet (continued from January 14, 1998). The Planning Director introduced this item by summarizing and recapping the Much 4, 1998 City Council approval of an amendment to the tract map conditions to allow a maximum development area of 11,340 square feet and a maximum building coverage of 4,700 square feet. The amendment further specified that development area is to be applied as per the Towns current definition, i.e. including second floor area. The applicants have redesigned reducing the overall Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/10198 May 27, 1998 Page 4 square footages to meet the Madadem Creek Subdivision numbers and Town codes. A required 5" parking space is not shown on the plans and will be required to be shown. He continued stating because of the Matadero Creek numbers, the design cannot be spread out over the property which would be normally recommended. There are some constraints with this project that are not typical and he felt there was not much room for change. The new plans are not significantly different but is a number of refinements which bring the home closer to conformity with the Town's grading policy, basement definition, and design guidelines. It was his understanding that there were no objections from the Matadero Creek Architectural Review Board expressed to him after the City Council meeting of March 4, 1998. He further clarified that the City Attorney advised the Planning Commission and City Council that the issues between the Review Board and the applicant are just that. It is not the Town's responsibility to assure that the Board reviews plans or that the Board requirements are met. This is a private CC&R's issue. He further discussed the secondary unit which is 905 square feet (fust floor 384 square feet, second floor 521 square feet), retaining walls, and grading for the cabana. The second story portion of the secondary unit does have an entrance into the main residence. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Dr. Bob Ratner, 10632 Magdalena Avenue, applicant, stated they have worked diligently with the Planning Director. Certain members of the Matadero Creek group have received the plans. He felt the group liked the design since they were not present. This is a difficult piece of property and moving 100 feet anywhere would be difficult. They will be planting proper vegetation on the west side of the property to mitigate the view from Via Ventana Way. Colors have not been selected as yet although they plan to have an earth tone house. He also felt they can work with the development numbers for the 5" parking space, although it is not clear at this point. Pong Ng, 1513 Fairway Drive, Los Altos, project architect, stated plans have been given to Lefkowits, Ellinger and Ernst with the Lefkowits voicing no concerns. He stated the cabana is 2 feet higher than the pool. The Planning Director questioned the "covered grass area" as shown on the plans clarifying it should not be covered or it should be calculated in the development area figures. Mr. Pong continued by fielding questions regarding the various retaining walls noting there will be no retaining walls required on the west side of the pool or cabana or on the fire turnaround and driveway. He also noted that due to the young age of Dr. Rutter's children, it is not desirable to change the arrangement of the bedrooms. Viole McMahon, 27975 Via Ventana Way, asked if the review board made any comments regarding the revised project. The response was no. She indicated no one has contacted her or her neighbors on Via Ventana Way regarding the plans although they will be directly impacted by the project which is on a prominent hillside without any trees. She further discussed the design with different roof slopes, confusing articulation, and different type, size and variety of windows. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/10/98 May 27, 1995 Page 5 �. Pam Moore, 27947 Via Ventana Way, stated Rick Ellinger and Ruann Ernst were not aware of the public hearing. Gerald Thomas, 27933 Via Ventura Way, discussed the impact of the project to his property. He felt the staff at the previous meeting misrepresented the opinion of the Matadero Creek Architectural Review Board. He felt it was important to have the Review Board's input on the revised plans. Dr. Meredith Warshaw, 27977 Via Ventana Way, discussed this difficult property which is very exposed and open. She can see every story pole from at least six rooms in her house. She did not feel the general design problems could be mitigated unless reduced by a third. There is also a concern with the lack of noticing of the project. Tony Jurvetson, 27765 Via Ventana Way, agreed with the previous speakers and cannot see how any plantings would screen the project. Pong Ng, stated Matadero Creek is unique in that it has a building circle and all the improvements are to be within that building circle. They are at the lowest point of the building circle. They have not deliberately placed the house in that location on the slope to be obtrusive to Via Ventana Way. He further addressed the window placement issue. Commissioner Schreiner would like to see the rear elevation windows simplified and the number reduced. Tiiu Jurvetson, 27765 Via Ventana Way, was interested in the landscaping requirements which was answered by the Planning Director. Katy Stella, 27975 Via Ventana Way, voiced concern with the 150 foot view of the house from her property. She felt wood exterior would help break up the vertical look and blend it into the hillside. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner liked the linear look of the house although it was unfortunate that the house has to be located in this area. She felt it was important to blend the house in as much as possible ( colors and landscaping very important). She would prefer the landscaping plan be reviewed by the Planning Commission as she would not want to see just a circle of trees surrounding the house. She felt the applicants can work with staff regarding the 5" puking space and with the covered grass area. She was concerned with the number of windows suggesting a reduction or consolidation of windows on the rear elevation. She noted that this was a four acre lot with much smaller development numbers than elsewhere in town. Commissioner Cheng was happy with the redesign noting this was an open lot and anything will be noticeable. Since she is not a architect or a designer, she was not sure what a reduction of windows would do. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/10/98 May 27, 1998 Page 6 LF Commissioner Jinkerson stated that the City Council has authorized the numbers. However, they still need to consider other aspects as this is a prominent, visible site. He would have liked review comments from the Matadero Creek Architectural Review Board as he was not comfortable with the design of the back of the house. He felt it could have been sited better and stepped down the slope rather than rising up from the slope. Chairman Gottlieb was trying to find ways to soften the rear two story facade asking Mr. Ng if the roof over the family room could be softened. Mr. Ng responded he could lower the entire family room roof section 12 inches. She also suggested flat skylights. When asked, the Planning Director stated he was not qualified to judge the effects of a reduction of windows and the lowering of the roof section by 12 inches. He suggested a continuance of two weeks to allow a meeting with the project architect and Ms. McMahon to discuss these two issues, and to receive review comments from the Matadero Creek Architectural Review Board. Dr. Rumer stated he had no problem with the suggested meeting although he would prefer just going to the City Council for a decision. The Planning Director felt with the review of the suggested items, there probably would not be any further issues. Dr. Romer would agree to returning in two weeks, only addressing windows, rear roof element, and colors. He felt the Site Development process would address landscaping. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to continue the Site Development Permit for a new residence, second unit, cabana and pool, Lands of Romer, to June 10' at 6:30 p.m. to allow time for the applicant to meet with staff and Viole McMahan to address the rear windows (placement and shape), the rear roof element, proposed house colors, and a review and comments from the Matadero Creek Architectural Committee. AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Cheng, Jinkerson & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Aurelio Brief break at 9:35 p.m. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees -none 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Comparison of Development Standards and Discussion of: a) Secondary Dwellings; b) Single Story Height; and c) Color Requirements. Planning Commission Minutes May 27, 1998 Page 7 Approved 6/10/98 The Planning Director introduced this item highlighting the comparison of development standards (with other cities and Santa Clara County), secondary dwellings, height of single story structures, and exterior colors. The Commission agreed to revisit this after the re -organization of the Planning Commission. 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for May 20'", Chairman Gottlieb reported on the following items: resolution of intention to approve an amendment to contract between the Board of Administration of the Public Employees' Retirement System and the Town Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills; and a request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and sport court, Lands of Harari. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for June 3 - Jinkerson APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the May 13, 1998 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the May 13, 1998 minutes with Commissioner Aurelio absent. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARING MAY 19 AND 26, 1998 8.1 LANDS OF FITZPATRICK, 25311 Fremont Road (77-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions May 19, 1998. 8.2 LANDS OF HU, 11240 Magdalena Avenue (91-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape and lighting plan. Approved with conditions May 26, 1998. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:25 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lan" i Smith Planning Secretary