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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/24/19994w Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 4/14/99 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, March 24,1999, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont RoE cc: Cassettes ( 2 ) #4-99 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Gottlieb, Jinkerson, Cottrell & Schreiner Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Ola Bakigun, Associate Engineer; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -None �V 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF CONGREGATION BETH AM, 26790 Arastradero Road (6-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening and lighting plan. The Planning Director introduced this item. Condition #6 of the original approval required review of an outdoor lighting plan by the Planning Commission. As the installation of electrical conduit was tied to the building plans, staff allowed the applicant to present the plans for lighting to the neighbors in advance of Planning Commission review and to install replacement lighting, as there appeared to be no neighborhood objections. The applicant was advised that lighting specifications would be part of the landscape review before the Commission, in the event that any of the lighting was deemed objectionable. The architect has provided the timing of the lights which satisfies condition #5. He indicated that the neighbors were involved in the lighting plan. It was noted that comments under "Environmental Design Committee Review," second sentence, the word "not" should be deleted. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Rob Steinberg, 60 Pierce Avenue, San Jose, project architect, was in agreement with the conditions of approval. He discussed the construction and the proposed landscaping. 46V Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/14/99 Much 24,1999 Page 2 Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, requested a cluster of trees to be planted behind the third light post so the light will not shine onto neighboring properties. Mr. Steinberg was agreeable to the request. Les Earnest, Pathways Committee, recommended consideration of building a pathway along Arastradero Road originally recommended by the Planning Commission and deleted by the City Council. He felt Arastradero Road was very busy and it is not always convenient to cross the road to be on the path. Mr. Steinberg stated he was not prepared to discuss a pathway since it had already been discussed at prior meetings. The existing situation will be left as -is to be used as it is currently. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner felt the project has turned out well, especially the fence and enclosure. The additions blend well. Commissioner Jinkerson agreed noting that the applicant and staff have worked well together. He also felt that the landscape and screening plan was well thought out with the cooperation of Beth Am and their neighbors. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Conamissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to approve the landscape screening and lighting plan, Lands of Congregation Beth AM, with the following additions/changes to the recommended conditions of approval: add to Condition #1, that a cluster of trees shall be planted behind the third light post 4JV parallel to Thendara Lane. AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Schreiner, Gottlieb, Cottrell, & Jinkerson NOES: None This approval is subject to a 10 day appeal period. 3.2 LANDS OF LOGAN, 14250 Berry Hill Lane (227-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. The Planning Director introduced this item by noting the receipt of letters from Mr. & Mrs. Yelton, and Mr. & Mrs. Chin. He clarified the legality of the lot to be developed. The applicants have provided the appropriate ownership documents which the City Attorney has reviewed. This is a legal lot to be developed. He also went to the site to verify the 30 foot setback measurement from the Yelton property. If there is any question regarding the distance, it could be verified by Wilsey Ham prior to construction. Mr. Williams also provided the Commission with a memo regardi% "Enhancements" which is being considered for adoption by the City Council at the April 15' meeting. He asked if the Commission makes any reductions to the proposal, it would be helpful to make "Findings" as outlined in the proposed ordinance. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING �w Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/14/99 March 24, 1999 Page 3 4W Jeff and Nita Logan, 2912 Kiperash Drive, San Jose, applicants, have worked diligently with the planning and engineering staff to design a house within code. Mrs. Logan thanked staff for all their long and hard work on this project. She also stated that they have tried to reach all their neighbors to review the project with them. Dolores Yetton, 14100 Berry Hill Lane, stated she has never met with the Logans to review the plans. This house will have a direct impact on the front of her garage area. She asked how they were going to landscape when there we no areas available for planting. She felt the house was too big and should be reduced in size. She felt the driveway was closer than 10 feet, requesting a surveyor to verify the distance. The house should be pushed down and away from her property. Lloyd Yelton, 14100 Berry Hill Lane, felt the lot was substandard and it was not intended for a house. The house will be too close to his house and it does not match the neighborhood. The staff report indicates dropping the pad level would not allow for gravity sewer flow to Berry Hill Lane, suggesting they tap into the sewer line on Page Mill Road. He felt the roofline was incorrect as shown by the story poles as well as the setback measurement. Also, the car lights off of the driveway will shine onto his house. The staff report is incorrect as the roof level is not two feet below his floor plan. According to the Los Altos Hills Civic Association, their stated mission is to encourage friendship among neighbors. He did not feel this project is creating friendship when they were never contacted to review the plans. Les Earnest, Pathways Committee, recommended to realign and construct a new 1113 path along kir Page Mill Road and the northern boundary of the property along the fence for the Park and Ride, and that the path remain open for use during construction. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, wanted the applicants to be aware of the amount of water coming down the hillside. For the record, she noted the difficulty when there is driveways, turnarounds and backup areas in the setback which makes it very difficult to mitigate between properties in situations such as this project. They have great difficulty trying to keep mitigation between properties to preserve the green belt which is so vital to everyone in the hills, not only for the residents, but for the creatures who live here as well. As the homes get larger, the green belts become more and mom vital. CLOSED PUBLIC BEARING Discussion ensued regarding the following: the utility pole, the sewer line connection; the shape of the lot; landscaping, the stamped and signed site plan; pushing the house away from Berry Hill Lane and closer to Page Mill Road; and the minimum area for landscaping. Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the visual impact. She quoted from the Site Development Policy Statement regarding minimum standards and the discretion to apply stricter standards to reduce floor area, development area, and/or height, or to increase setbacks, where site specific constraints dictate further limitations. She suggested a 600 square foot minimum reduction. She also asked if they ever considered having the driveway conning straight in off of Berry Hill Lane and having the garage on or near the left hand side. The Planning Director responded by �ar discussing the resulting slope of the driveway. He further discussed other challenged lots and Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/14199 Much 24, 1999 Page 4 (#AV their allowable numbers. Commissioner Jinkerson felt the house was low profile but too close to Berry Hill Lane. Because this is a confined lot, he felt it was reasonable to ask for a 40 foot setback on both Page Mill Road and Berry Hill Lane. The driveway is at least 75% of the mass. There should be a better way to have this overwhelming pavement which is also a drainage concern. He felt the house could be pushed back. Commissioner Gottlieb agreed. If the house was pushed back, it would provide a 20 foot strip for landscaping. She suggested moving the garage to the other side to shorten the driveway and to eliminate the circular element to open areas for landscaping. Commissioner Cottrell felt the applicants have done a good job with the design. He agreed that the house should be pushed away from Berry Hill Lane which would help with the neighbors concern. Chairman Cheng felt this was the most highly visible lot she has ever seen. A 40 foot setback from Berry Fhll Lane would make a significant difference. Further discussion ensued regarding for construction vehicles. It was felt they could either park on the old pathway or on Page Mill Road, keeping the new pathway free and clear. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner finkerson and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Logan, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval, including findings: revise plans to reflect 40 -foot setbacks on all sides of the lot except parallel to the Park -and -Ride; work with staff to reduce driveway pavement, and at a minimum, delete the circular drive element; and the 5 foot wide, Type IIB pathway within the easement shall be installed prior to issuance of a building permit and shall remain open during construction. Findings: (1) The property is unusual in that it is very highly visible from Page Mill Road, especially as it is at the entrance to Town from Hwy. 280; it is a substandard size lot (0.76 acre) created as a remainder parcel by CalTrans; it is long and narrow and surrounded by roadways and the Park-and-Ricle lot; and its proximity to uphill property and the location of the proposed driveway adjacent to the slope between the lots, would preclude effective landscape mitigation. Therefore, the project as proposed would have adverse visual impacts on the public from Page Mill Road, and on the uphill neighbors, unless the setback is increased from Berry Hill Lane to lower the siting on the hillside and to provide for adequate landscape mitigation. (2) Other available means would not mitigate the visual impacts as the site is so exposed that landscaping would not be effective and inadequate landscape area is provided between the site and the neighbor's lot; and grading lower into the site would not reduce the visual impact. Repositioning of the structure will occur as a result of the increased setback. AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Gottlieb, Cottrell & finkerson NOES: Commissioner Schreiner This approval is subject to a 21 day appeal period. Sandy Humphries asked, in the case that the lot is not built on and comes up for sale, that the Town purchase the site to keep it as open space. N Planning Commission Minutes Much 24,1999 Page 5 Approved 4/14199 04W 3.3 LANDS OF LYONS & WHISLER, 15833 Stonebrook Drive (231-98-ZP-SD- VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit for a 770 square foot accessory structure, and a variance to encroach into the front setback and to exceed the maximum floor area (continued from Much 10, 1999). Continued indefinitely. Staff provided a memo to the Commission stating that the applicants have indicated that the Structure will not be used as a second unit and that plans will be revised to delete the garage and driveway and to meet the setbacks and maximum development and floor areas for the site. With these modifications, variances will not be required and Planning Commission review will not be necessary for this project. Staff recommended an indefinite continuance of this item in the event that the applicant reconsiders and wishes to again pursue a variance. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue this item indefinitely. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees. 5. NEW BUSINESS None �av 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for March 18 Ih, Commissioner Schreiner, reported on the following items: appointment of Youth Commissioner; appointments to Utility and Infornration Systems Committee; Subcommittee recommendations for enhancements to the Site Development Review Process and for "Fast -Track" review; and Solid Waste Issues - extension of contract with the Los Altos Garbage Company, Los Altos Hills and the Los Altos Hills County Fire District for disposal of yard waste, increase debris box rates, and discussion on collection of past due solid waste accounts. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for April I" — canceled 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for April 15'h — Chairman Cheng 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the Much 10, 1999 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the March 10, 1999 minutes, adding "and applicant" to the last sentence on page 2. �r Planning Commission Minutes March 24,1999 Page 6 Apprmed 4/14/99 (60 8.1 REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARINGS OF MARCH 16, AND 23,1999 8.1 LANDS OF BARTH, 14350 Manuella Road (43 -99 -SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for removal of eucalyptus trees around the perimeter of the property. Approved with conditions March 16, 1999. 8.2 LANDS OF ANDRIACCHL 12167 Altannont Court (36-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a swimming pool, pool pavilion, and landscape improvements. Approved with conditions Much 16, 1999. 8.3 LANDS OF WILSON, 11471 Buena Vista Drive (45-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions March 23, 1999, 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Stab Planning Secretary 06