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Home My WebLink About12/09/1998it Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 1/t3/99 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, December 9, 1998, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2) #21-98 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 Cheng, Commissioners Gottlieb & Aurelio Absent: Commissioners Schreiner & Jinkerson Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Associate Engineer, Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR None 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF DENNY & VENTURA, 25400 & 25398 La Loma Drive (170 -98 - LLA); A request for a lot line adjustment. Commissioner Aurelio stepped down from the public hearing due to the proximity of his residence to the proposed project. Due to the lack of a quorum, this item will be continued to the next scheduled Planning Commission meeting, January 13, 1999. 3.2 LANDS OF RABBANI, 25630 Darling Lane (222-98-MISC.); A request for a modification to delete a condition of approval requiring the installation of a fire hydrant. Staff had nothing to add to the report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/13/99 December 9, 1998 Page 2 Mehdi Mohammadian, 6222 Mojave Drive, San Jose, applicant, discussed reasons why the condition of approval requiring the installation of a fire hydrant within 500 feet of the new residence should be deleted. He also addressed his letter dated October 25`h which itemized the points for deletion. He further referred to the two letters from Dan Dunlap and Wayne Hokanson with the Fire Department, Santa Clara County, the cost of the hydrant not refundable, the two existing fire hydrants behind the property, the installed sprinkler system, and the inaccurate information regarding the water pressure. Commissioner Aurelio reviewed the fire department's minimum requirements and the fact that the Planning Commission does not overturn the Uniform Fire Code. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Ms. Davis responded to statements from the applicant regarding the requirements for a fire hydrant. Although there is a hydrant on Burke Road, it is across the intersection and more than 500 feet from the residence. This is the reason the fire department required a fire hydrant in addition to a sprinkler system. The optimum distance for a fire rig is 250 feet. It was suggested Mr. Mohammadian could contact the Fire Marshal supervisor for any errors he felt were made in the requirements. Also, the Town does not have reimbursement agreements for fire hydrants. ( MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by MV Commissioner Aurelio to deny the request to delete the condition of approval requiring installation of a fire hydrant within 500 feet of the new residence, Lands of Rabbani. AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Gottlieb & Aurelio NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Schreiner & Jinkerson 3.3 LANDS OF PATMORE & ZARCONE, 27690 Central Drive (207-98-ZP-SD- GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a 3,551 square foot new residence (maximum height 21 feet), including parking and storage areas. Ms. Davis introduced this item by noting the unique style of the residence, the use of a metal roofing material with a matte finish, and the use of straw bale construction. Commissioner Gottlieb questioned the driveway improvements as mentioned in the letter from Eric Clow, a neighbor. Ms. Davis explained that the driveway into the Patmore property is not changing; the driveway to this lot will be installed. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING David Patmore and Julia Zarcone, 27690 Central Drive, applicants, answered Mr. Clow's concerns clarified that the new utilities will be underground per the conditions of approval, and explained the driveway issue, using the lower road as it provides more privacy. Mr. Patmore further discussed the straw bale construction for the house which is more energy efficient than Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/13/99 December 9, 1998 Page 3 standard construction. There will be a matte finish on the zinc roofing which will not have high reflectivity. He further discussed the fire department requirements for a new hydrant and a residential fire sprinkler system. Ms. Davis will clarify this request with the Fire Marshal. Condition #25 can be modified for clarification to require a fire hydrant, and an additional fire hydrant, fire sprinkler system or other means to meet water flow requirements unless the fire department determines it is not necessary. Mr. Patmore continued, questioning condition #10 (clarified by staff), and condition #11, a pathway fee. He stated at the time of subdivision in 1972, the Town was deeded an entire acre for pathways. He felt this was enough of a burden on the property in terms of pathways, requesting the fees be waived. Staff will investigate and modify the condition, as needed. Rob Pena, 245 Gate Five Road, Sausalito, project architect, provided a color sample of the roofing material to show the dull, matte finish (not highly reflective). The roof would be this color at installation and will dull out with time. He felt due to the slopes of the roof it will not be seen from neighboring properties. He further discussed the adobe feel of the structure, the straw bale construction, the natural palette, deep window reveals, good insulation value, and with stucco or cement plaster siding making the residence fire retardant. They plan landscaping to mitigate any off-site views. Sandy Humphries, 26238 Fremont Road, noted she and her husband were also looking into straw bale construction. There is a recent construction in Los Altos and one at Hidden Villa using 4W straw bale construction. It is one of the least sensitive to earthquake damage and much safer than stone or a brick facade. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Gottlieb felt the house was designed for the environment. Her only concerns was the roof reflectivity. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Aurelio and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence with an attached carport, Lands of Patmore & Zarcone, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: condition #11, verify requirement for pathway fee; and modify condition #25, clarifying the use of either an automatic residential fire sprinkler system approved by the Santa Clara County Fire Department for the new residence or hydrant or hydrants of sufficient flow to meet the applicable fire code determined by the Fire Marshal. (The balance of paragraph would remain as written); and add to #7 that the carport roof material shall demonstrate 40% or less reflectivity. AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Aurelio & Gottlieb NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Schreiner & Jinkerson This approval is subject to a 21 day appeal period. CJ Planning Commission Minutes December 9, 1998 Page 4 Approved l/l3/99 3.4 LANDS OF ST. NICHOLAS SCHOOL, 12816 EI Monte Avenue (214-98-ZP- SD-CUP-ND); A request for a Site Development Permit and an Amendment to a Conditional Use Permit for additions of 3,688 square feet for a science classroom, expanded daycare, and restrooms; with a maximum height of 17'9"; and Negative Declaration. Commissioner Cheng stepped down from the public hearing due to the proximity of her residence to the proposed project. Due to the lack of a quorum, this item will be continued to the next scheduled Planning Commission meeting, January 13, 1999. 3.5 AMENDMENT TO SECTION 10-1.601 (off-street parking) of the Town's Zoning Code to require a minimum of two parking spaces to be enclosed in a garage; and proposed Negative Declaration. The Planning Director recapped previous discussions by the Planning Commission and the City Council regarding the proposed ordinance amendment. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING `, MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Aurelio and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to recommend to the City Council adoption of the proposed ordinance amending Section 10-1.601 of the Town's Zoning code to require that a minimum of two (2) parking spaces be enclosed in a garage; and adoption of Negative Declaration. AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Gottlieb & Aurelio NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioners Schreiner & Jinkerson This item will appear on the January 6, 1999 City Council agenda. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees -none 5. NEW BUSINESS None FE Planning Commission Minutes December 9, 1998 Page 5 Approved l/13/99 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for November 18" meeting - canceled 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for December 2", reported on the following: determination of roof color at 12840 Lucero Lane; Council consideration of changing the monthly meeting dates to the first and third Thursday of each month; the Draft Circulation and Scenic Roadways Element of the General Plan; and the reconsideration of Councilmember Siegel's 1990 proposal to have the City Council assume the site development review for new homes, major remodels and issuance of conditional development permits for a six month trail period. Further discussion ensued regarding the Planning Commissions role in the approval process. Commissioner Gottlieb felt a letter from the Commission to the Council indicating the different purposes of the Planning Commission was appropriate. Commissioner Aurelio agreed, in particular, adding the politicizing the planning process. The Commission is not an elected body and therefore somewhat non political. Commissioner Gottlieb felt with the Planning Commission, the applicants have a second appeal process. Removing the Commission does away with the appeal process. The Planning Director suggested: (1) put something together signed by individual Planning Commissioners; and/or (2) a joint letter presented at the following meeting, to be reviewed, signed, and adopted by all. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, asked what would happen to all of the Town committees who report to the Planning Commission if the Commission disassembles? Discussion ensued regarding process, adhering to the ordinances, architectural review committee, applicants versus neighbors, and minor changes requested. Commissioner Aurelio felt strict building regulations should be maintained (preserve long term value). Chairman Cheng asked if the changes the Commission requested regarding reduction in height for view considerations or lowering chimney heights made any difference except for extra cost to the applicants. Making minor changes was not productive. Sandy Humphries agreed with the changes requested by the Planning Commission and felt the changes made a difference. Diane Barrager, Pathways Committee, felt the Planning Commission served in the checks and balances. The Commission knows that the project can fit within the ordinances but the total package does not fit. She asked if they are answering someone's dreams or a developer's dreams for money. It was suggested to review this subject again with any draft letters from the Commissioners at the January 13, 1999 meeting. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/13/99 December 9, 1998 Page 6 4 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the October 28, 1998 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the October 28, 1998 minutes. 7.2 Approval of the November 10, 1998 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the November 10, 1998 minutes. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARINGS NOVEMBER 24 DECEMBER 1 AND 8. 1998 8.1 LANDS OF HABER, 13164 La Cresta Drive (215-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a 721 square foot addition, remodel of an existing residence, and driveway modification. Approved with conditions November 24, 1998. 8.2 LANDS OF TAYLORBACOBS, 25528 Hidden Springs Court (221-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening and hardscape plan. Approved with conditions November 24, 1998. 8.3 LANDS OF ZATPARVAR, 25461 Fremont Road (220-98-ZPSD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions December 1998. 8.4 LANDS OF WOOLEY, 12375 Melody Lane (234-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and spa. Approved with conditions December 8, 1998. 8.5 LANDS OF MOSHIER, 26010 Quail Lane (236-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a driveway modification. Approved with conditions December 8, 1998. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:15 p.m. Planning Secretary