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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/12/1998Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 8/26/98 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, August 12, 1998, 6:30 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (4) #15-98 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:35 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Gottlieb, Aurelio, Schreiner & Jinkerson Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Jeff Peterson, City Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Shaunn O'Connor, Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR None. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR 3.1 LANDS OF DAVISON, 26960 Orchard Hill Lane (135-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a secondary dwelling unit. This application was pulled for discussion by Commissioner Gottlieb. She felt the secondary unit was not subordinate to the main residence with an appearance of two residences on the property. She suggested landscaping to mitigate the appearance and/or the blending of the 5 foot retaining wall with landscaping. She is always concerned with a secondary dwelling when located in front of the main residence. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Dave Davison, 26960 Orchard Hill Lane, applicant, discussed the siting of the residence and the secondary unit. The cut would increase if the unit was pushed closer to the residence. He has worked closely with staff and his engineer to site the unit correctly. The view from off-site is minimal. He was not sure how to correct the separateness of the structures. Commissioner Gottlieb suggested the use of two retaining walls in place of the 5 foot wall to provide for landscaping. Mr. Davison continued stating the unit was designed for wheelchair access with the use of the existing driveway. He agreed that the landscaping needed updating. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/26/98 August 12, 1998 Page 2 Commissioner Schreiner agreed with Commissioner Gottlieb regarding the secondary dwelling needing to be subordinate to the main residence. The 5 foot retaining wall appears to be separating the two structures. Mr. Davison did not feel the retaining wall would be visible off- site. Commissioner Gottlieb suggested blending the two structures with landscaping and/or adding some steps to connect the two structures. Mr. Davison did not understand as no one would see them. Commissioner Jinkerson stated the secondary unit would be more subordinate if moved to the south although he understood the need for the location. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to approve the Site Development Permit for a secondary dwelling unit, Lands of Davison, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: add to Condition #2, that the landscape plan must show elements which will better tie the secondary unit to the main residence, such as stairs, stepped retaining walls, trellises, etc. rr AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Aurelio, Schreiner, Jinkerson & Gottlieb NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar September 2, 1998. 4.1 LANDS OF GAFNER, 26990 Taaffe Road (67-98-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool (continued from July 22, 1998). Commissioner Aurelio stepped down from the public hearing. Staff noted the receipt of a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Pfefferbaum regarding the possibility of his plants and trees obstructing the view of the new structure. They objected to any and all aspects of the development that could raise claims that their current or future house, foliage and/or trees obstruct the applicant's view and require alteration, trimming or removal. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Lori Darling, 1640 Powers Ferry Road, Marietta, Georgia, project architect, discussed the changes to the plan which included a reduction in the overall height of the residence to no higher than 23 feet, and the protection of views of adjacent neighbors. She was not aware of the Pfefferbaum concerns and she would be happy to write them a letter regarding their concerns. ` She had met with the CC&R's committee, receiving approval for the revised plans. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/26/98 August 12, 1998 Page 3 Mike Powell, 27011 Dezahara Way, stated he could support the project with the changes made to the plans. Mike Thomas, 27033 Dezahara Way, discussed his view corridor. He has a letter of agreement from Lori Darling and the applicants to preserve a view, assuming nothing changes. He questioned the landscape plan and the noticing process. Commissioner Gottlieb suggested standard wording regarding the height of trees at maturity. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner was pleased with the changes made to the plan and with the approval of the CC&R's committee. She felt all of the changes would be beneficial. She was concerned with how to handle the Pfefferbaum letter. Discussion ensued regarding a possible disclosure statement regarding the existing conditions (photographs). Ms. Darling felt this would set a precedence regarding waiving CC&R rights. Commissioner Schreiner suggested that the applicants discuss this with the neighbor. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool, Lands of Gafner, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: add to condition #2 that trees should be limited to species which will not, at their mature heights, impact views from neighboring properties, consistent with the subdivision CC&R's AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Schreiner, Gottlieb & Jinkerson NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Aurelio This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar September 2, 1998. 4.2 LANDS OF YEH, 24055 Jabil Lane (30-98-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, gazebo, and swimming pool (continued from June 23, 1998). Staff introduced this item by noting the receipt of a petition from the applicants with signatures from their neighbors regarding: (1) strong objection to the demand of an additional 10 feet wide land grant for pathway construction along Jabil Lane; and (2) no objection to the 27 foot roof height of a proposed two-story new residence. The Planning Director and the City Engineer reviewed the pathway request along with the Pathways Committee. It was felt that locating the pathway on the applicant's side of the street was not an advantageous place in terms of both construction and enjoyment of the pathway. The opposite side of the street has a row of trees along the road and considerable clear area between there and the fence line, all within the Jabil Lane right-of-way easement. The Municipal Code indicates Jabil Lane is a private road. The Planning Director suggested requiring the dedication of an easement over all of Jabil Lane that Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/26198 August 12, 1998 Page 4 fronts the Yeh property. He asked the Commission to decide if they felt it was appropriate to construct the pathway now or wait until the off-road pathway connections are made and there is a continuous pathway. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Kevin Chiang, 854 Hillview Drive, Milpitas, project architect, discussed the many changes made to the plans as noted in the staff report, including the retaining wall (required), and the use of awnings which was mentioned at the previous meeting as being a fire hazard. He was also in agreement with the staff report. They will comply with the Town color board for color selection. Dave Breto, 11040 Magdalena Road, was concerned with the height and privacy from his living room. Currently he can see the driveway story poles. The Planning Director clarified the changes made to the plan and where the height had been reduced. Mr. Breto felt the lowering of the heights was acceptable as shown on the plan, although he will be able to see the house where he cannot currently. Diane Barrager, Pathway Committee, clarified that members of the committee reviewed the pathway, walking the entire area with the City Manager and Planning Director. They agreed that the opposite side of the street was the more logical side for the entire pathway to be constructed to eventually connect with Fernhill Drive. She requested the dedication of the pathway easement over the entire street, if needed, and the construction of a IIB path over the portion opposite the Yeh property site. As other properties come in for development, the Committee would make the same request (opposite side of the street for the connection). The City Engineer provided a Record of Survey indicating an extension of the property line going to the far side of the street. He noted that this was an unique situation. He requested construction now. Commissioner Jinkerson discussed the reasons for pathways and he felt since paths should be kept up, he did not feel the pathway should be constructed now. The City Engineer stated, historically, pathways are constructed one by one which relieve some of the administrative burden off of the maintenance staff. Barbara Luther, 23930 Jabil Lane, was concerned with the location of the pathway, possibly creating more traffic on the cul-de-sac. The City Engineer answered her concerns. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Discussion ensued regarding the June 23`d meeting and whether to construct the pathway now or in the future. Diane Barrager felt it was better to have the 1113 pathway constructed now. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 826/98 August 12, 1998 Page 5 k MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Aurelio to approved the Site Development Permit for a new residence, gazebo and swimming pool, Lands of Yeh, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: add to condition #2, "and from neighbors to the west"; condition #15, change the first two sentences to read "The applicant shall construct a type IIB pathway fronting the property on the opposite side of Jabil Lane. A pathway easement shall be granted over the 50 -foot width of Jabil Lane to accommodate the path." AYES: Chairman Cheng, Conunissioners Aurelio, Jinkerson & Schreiner NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar September 2, 1998. 4.3 LANDS OF KAMANGAR, 24300 Summerhill Avenue (122-98-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a 1,641 square foot addition (20 feet high), and remodel (continued to August 26, 1998). This item was continued to the August 26, 1998 meeting due to discrepancies between the plans and worksheet #2 figures, per staff request. Brief break at 8:13 p.m. 4.4 LANDS OF OWEN, 13938 La Paloma Road (117-98-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, swimming pool and spa. Commissioner Jinkerson disclosed that he had met with the applicant on Sunday at the site. Commissioner Gottlieb felt the driveway should be pulled or rotated so it will not be directly across from the neighbor. Staff noted that the driveway has been located to not conflict with the neighbor's driveway and/or parking bay. The City Engineer suggested changing the driveway connection to the private road to a 90° angle. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Bob Owen, 445 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, applicant, in discussing the design, stated they had set the house back, trying to give his clients and the back neighbor privacy. He further discussed pulling the house back from the minimum setbacks, reducing the height to 22 feet, nestling the house into the site, and following the contours. He agreed with the City Engineer's suggestion regarding the driveway. He commented on the design being different from other homes built on La Paloma Road. He planned to keep the area outside the basement as shown, with a narrower stairway. Commissioner Gottlieb questioned the location of the pool equipment asking if it could be enclosed for noise mitigation. Mr. Owen did not object to the request. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/26/98 August 12, 1998 Page 6 kCommissioner Schreiner was concerned with the effect of the skylights on the uphill neighbor. Mr. Owen stated that the skylights were a small size with tinted glass. He did not feel they would be a problem for the neighbor. He also noted that most of the skylights are not in living areas so they should not reflect light. Commissioner Jinkerson was concerned with the amount of paving proposed. Mr. Owen stated they are trying to provide more on-site parking. Commissioner Gottlieb asked if a tree could be added to the circular portion of the driveway. Mr. Owen responded yes. Commissioner Jinkerson voiced concern regarding the width of the landing off of the basement. Diane Barrager, Pathway Committee, stated that the pathway is already in although there is some debris in the area, requesting removal. Victor Gile, 26070 Fremont Road, voiced support of the project except for the location of the pool equipment room as it is proposed 30 to 35 feet from his property line. He would like it enclosed completely and would prefer it moved closer to the house. He also agreed with the suggestion for plantings not to exceed the highest portion of the house. Juanita Reed, 13940 La Paloma Road, stated she did not feel the proposed skylights would be a problem a night, and she would not want the same type of roofing material as installed across the street (very reflective). She further discussed landscaping and retaining her view of the bay, requesting low landscaping. She felt the suggestion regarding angling the driveway was appropriate. She mentioned the Kirsch project and the amount of dirt, etc. due to construction She stated if the Owen Companies needs to use the driveway, she would request that they keep it cleaned. She also asked who was responsible for damage to the driveway during construction. She requested photos of the existing conditions with a memo documenting the condition. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, questioned the drainage and how it will be handled. The City Engineer fielded her questions. Ms. Humphries continued by requesting that the roots of the fruit trees be removed from the site (difficulty with roof rats due to excessive fruit debris). She also requested at least 30% native and drought tolerant species on the site. James Stewart, 13975 La Paloma Road, commented on the damage to the road due to all the construction in the area, asking who is responsible. He also noted an open trench in the area of this property. The City Engineer referred to condition #16 regarding damage due to construction. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Discussion ensued regarding the following: driveway modification; reduced surface area of the driveway by adding a center planter to include a tree, other planting or a small fountain for E mitigation; staff's recommendation regarding a reduction in the width of the basement stair and window well; enclosure of pool equipment with a roof; limiting the height of landscaping; the Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/26/98 August 12, 1998 Page 7 reflection of the roofing material; keeping the construction site and neighboring areas clean; no construction parking on the pathways; photographs and a memo regarding existing road conditions; and the removal of fruit roots. Staff clarified that typically the site would be cleared of existing fruit roots. Also, it is in the applicant's best interest to take good photographs of the existing road conditions to prevent them from undo repair. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Aurelio to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, swimming pool and spa, Lands of Owen, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: the driveway connection at the private road to be at a 90° angle (to the satisfaction of the City Engineer); a planter with a minimum seven foot radius shall be added to the circular portion of the driveway; add to condition #2 that trees to be planted around property perimeters shall be appropriate species so as to not block views of neighbors at maturity; add to condition #6 that the roof material shall have a non -reflective finish and that the color and roofing samples be submitted for approval; add to condition #9.d., that the equipment shall be enclosed on all four sides with a roof... and the pool equipment enclosure shall be designed to reduce emitted noise; and add to condition #15, "No parking is allowed on the pathway along the property frontage." AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Gottlieb, Schreiner, Aurelio & Jinkerson NOES: None 60r This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar September 2, 1998. 4.5 LANDS OF NUVEEN CONSTRUCTION, 27585 Samuel Lane (lot 1) (126-98- ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for new residence and lap pool. Staff introduced this item by noting the receipt of two letters: one of support from Mr. and Mrs. Anderson, and from Mr. Stuart Bessler voicing concerns. The Commission questioned the subdivision with the driveway access for lots 1 and 3, and the drainage swale with what appears to be the driveway built over a portion of it. It was noted that the plans had been approved by the Santa Clara County Health Department. The City Engineer stated that the panhandle is the fixed access and the driveway has been located to relate to it. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Nader Zatparvar, 410 Juanita Way, Los Altos, applicant, discussed the logical building site, the driveway location fixed based on the panhandle, and the need for the location of the septic system as shown in order to be approved by the Santa Clara County Health Department. He provided a rendering of both lots 1 and 3 for review, noting the differences in style, color schemes and materials. 4 Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/26/98 August 12, 1998 Page 8 Commissioner Gottlieb felt the house will be extremely visible from I-280 and it did not step down the slope (flat land house). Also, the roof line does not follow the slope. Commissioner Schreiner asked if lots I and 3 could have a joint entry for the driveway as she was concerned with seeing 28 feet of driveway. Richard Swanson, 27575 Purissima Road, stated both proposed houses will impact views from his property. He felt they were large two-story homes; he would prefer a one-story structure. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, noted the plans only show two oak trees. She requested the preservation of the oak cluster which is not shown. She further discussed the multi -trunk tree to be removed, requesting a large replacement tree. Mrs. Morrison, stated that the lots were on the south side of her property and do not affect her. She thought they were placed well. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING The Planning Director referred to the CC&R's which have extensive language regarding preserving the natural drainage. However, the Tentative Map shows a conceptual driveway in almost the exact same location as proposed on the current site development plan. He felt the language should have referred to lots 2 and 3, not lots 1 and 3. Commissioner Gottlieb felt this was a flat land house. The roofline should walk down the hill and even though the second story is nested, it should step down. She could not support this design adding that the house is lovely, but not on a hillside. Commissioner Aurelio shared Commissioner Gottlieb's concerns. He felt the stucco and tile roof intensified the bulk and the design would create a subdivision atmosphere. Commissioner Jinkerson stated that the house was not on a ridgeline, but listed the items which he felt were troublesome: driveways on the two properties; choice of materials; Cotton, Shires report; and a change to the area. He felt a redesign would help both sites, preferring a single driveway splitting -off. He was also concerned with the potential future development in the area. Commissioner Schreiner felt there was not much of a problem with lot 3 due to the flatness. She was also concerned with the driveway, and a house which protrudes over the highest point of the property. She would like to see the house stepped and pushed down. She referred to the entire roof ridge at 27 feet. She asked if there was any flexibility with the leach line requirements. The response was no. Chairman Cheng stated she could not see the story poles from the bottom of Samuel Lane. She did not feel the house would be obtrusive noting most houses are seen from somewhere. Discussion continued regarding the visual impact of the 130 foot length of the structure with a suggestion to pull it down to 120 feet. Mr. Zatparvar commented on the use of stone and brick accents. He felt the stucco was appropriate for this area. He could add a little detail to break up the mass. He has met the 4W guidelines. The house is not visible from I-280 and is hidden behind an oak tree. Regarding the driveway concerns, he has complied with the subdivision approvals. This subdivision was only Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8126/98 August 12, 1998 Page 9 subdivided two years ago. He had counted on what was approved at that time by the Planning Commission and City Council. He did not feel a reduction of numbers was appropriate at this stage. He has been working on this project for four months with staff recommendations. Preserving the oak trees, and the location of the leachfield sets the location of the house. He did not understand why, when he has staff support, he does not have the Planning Commission support. Commissioner Jinkerson stated they were looking for some variety as there will likely be more development in this area in the future and he would like to see homes that do not all look alike. Mr. Zatparvar stated that they can redesign, but it would mean changing all of the plans, going back through a review process with Planning, Engineering, and the Health Department. Timing is very important so the house can be under construction prior to the grading moratorium. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Aurelio and seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson to continue the request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and lap pool, Lands of Nuveen Construction, for redesign, incorporating suggestions and recommendations regarding the following: stepping the house down the hill; reduce the height; and changing the architectural style to be significantly different from that of the lot 3 house 4ar AYES: Commissioners Schreiner, Jinkerson, Gottlieb & Aurelio, NOES: Chairman Cheng This item will be re -noticed for a future public hearing. 4.6 LANDS OF NUVEEN CONSTRUCTION, 27589 Samuel Lane (lot 3) (127-98- ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Staff had nothing further to add to the report. OPENED PUBLIC DARING Nader Zatparvar, 410 Juanita Way, Los Altos, applicant, was available for questions. Paul Swanson, 27575 Purissima Road, stated that he had sat through the subdivision hearings. Originally the subdivision was designed for one road for the two homes to feed off of. Diane Barmger, Pathway Committee, requested that the BB pathway be restored along Purissima Road. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, requested the preservation of the Redwood trees around Deer Creek. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/26/98 August 12, 1998 Page 10 040 Commissioner Jinkerson asked why they cannot have one driveway, then veering off. The City Engineer stated the split would need to occur in the first 50' to 70' for the grades to work. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Gottlieb had no problem with the house design. She did like the idea of one driveway instead of two. Commissioner Schreiner noted a problem with the proximity to the Redwoods asking to maintain as much screening as possible. Commissioner Jinkerson requested that the chimney be the minimum height per UBC. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Nuveen Construction, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: the driveway to the site shall divert off the driveway to be constructed within the panhandle of lot 1; and chimneys shall be the minimum height required to meet the Uniform Building Code standards. AYES: Commissioners Aurelio, Gottlieb, Schreiner & Jinkerson NOES: Chairman Cheng Chairman Cheng did not agree with the requested change to the driveway entrance. This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar September 2, 1998. OLD BUSINESS 5.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Gottlieb reported on the Circulation Element of the General Plan. 6. NEW BUSINESS Commissioner Aurelio made two suggestions: (1) limiting the number of applications to four per meeting unless there is a continued item; and (2) the planning packets be received two weeks prior to the meeting date rather than the Friday before the meeting. The Planning Director will discuss this with staff and the City Manager for direction. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7.1 Planning Commission Representative for August 5'h - meeting canceled 7.2 Planning Commission Representative for August 19ih - Commissioner Jinkerson Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/26/98 August 12, 1998 Page 11 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8.1 Approval of the July 22, 1998 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the July 22, 1998 minutes with Commissioners Aurelio and Cheng abstaining. 9. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARING AUGUST 4. 1998 9.1 LANDS OF CHAWLA, 24289 Hillview Road (215-97-ZPSD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a cabana and a landscape plan. Approved with conditions. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, — Lani Smith Planning Secretary