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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/28/1999Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 5/12/99 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, April 28, 1999,7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2) #6-99 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: Commissioners Gottlieb, Jinkerson, Cottrell & Schreiner Absent: Chairman Cheng Staff: Suzanne Davis, Associate Planner; Shaunn O'Connor, Assistant Planner; Ola Balogun, Associate Engineer; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Terry Trumbull, Chairman, Santa Clara County Planning Commission, invited the Commission to attend the Santa Clara County Planning Commissioners 1999 Annual Workshop which will be held on May 3, 1999 at the Mountain View Center. He emphasized the importance of "doing planning well" 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF KAMANGAR, 24300 Summerhill Avenue (122-98-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a 1,329 square foot addition and remodel (continued from August 26, 1998). Commissioner Gottlieb stepped down from the hearing as she is the adjacent neighbor of the project. Commissioner Cottrell has reviewed the previous staff report and the taped minutes of the August 26, 1998 meeting. As noted in the staff report, staff believes that the applicants have adequately addressed the Commission's concerns, that the project complies with Town limits for development area and floor area, and that the project as revised will present a less obtrusive appearance from Summerhill Avenue and will minimize impacts on neighboring properties. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING n Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/12/99 April 28, 1999 Page 2 James Chu, One Waters Park Drive, San Mateo, project architect, was available for questions. He answered questions regarding the non -habitable cellar, and the size and use of the balcony (architectural feature only to break up the wall). Carol Gottlieb, 24290 Summerhill Avenue, adjacent neighbor, felt that the design was improved from the previous submittal, although she is still the most impacted. She was concerned with the pine tree appearing on the Kamangar site plan, when, in fact, it is on her property. She requested a correction to the map to avoid any future property line concerns. Mr. Kamangar agreed that the pine tree is on the Gottlieb property and he will have his surveyor adjust the map. Les Earnest, Pathways Committee, reiterated their request for the rehabilitated Type II -B pathway, separated from Summerhill Avenue by 5 feet. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the front tree to be removed and requested a replacement. Also, at the previous meeting, there was discussion regarding drainage coming off of the driveway area on the hillside. A curb along the downhill side of the driveway was suggested at that time. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Cottrell to approve the Site Development Permit for a major addition, Lands of Kamangar, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: the map (survey) shall be corrected to show the pine tree on the Gottleib property; add to condition #22 that the pathway shall be separated from Summerhill Avenue by 5 feet; require replacement landscaping near the southeast comer of the house at the parking area; and add to condition #21, that a curb shall be included along the southerly side of the driveway to divert drainage to the street (discussed at the August 26, 1998 meeting). AYES: Commissioners Jinkerson, Schreiner, Gottlieb & Cottrell NOES: None ABSENT Chairman Cheng This approval is subject to a 21 day appeal period. 3.2 LANDS OF SEUFFERLEIN, 13737 Wildflower Lane (143-98-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,571 square foot new residence, swimming pool & cabana. Commissioner Gottlieb stepped down from the hearing due to a business conflict of interest. Questions to staff referred to the exercise room not meeting the basement definition and the excessive 20% driveway slope. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING 4 Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/12/99 April 28, 1999 Page 3 �r Chuck Seufferlein, 10660 Eloise Circle, Los Altos Hills, applicant, provided a history of the purchase and design of the property. The buyer agreed with the seller's request for neighborhood support of the project. The applicants have spent a considerable amount of time adjusting the design for the neighbors. They have cut it into the hill providing a low profile. He was asking for some concessions as he has children and wants a functional back yard area. The neighbors are in support of the project. He asked for some forgiveness regarding the grading in the back yard. He would like to have the exceptions to the grading policy approved as shown on the plans. The setbacks limit how much the house can be shifted. . Mark Srebnick, 1644 Dallas Court, Los Altos, project architect, stated that they have tried to compromise between what the applicants want and the neighbors desires. They have stepped the rooflines, there are no two-story sections, and they have lowered the profile into the hill. Lowering the driveway would mean more grading. They are trying to get a usable back yard. Also, the rear of the house is stepped, not flat. He asked for more flexibility regarding the grading policy. Commissioner Jinkerson noted that the cut for the building is, in large part, due to the basement. Commissioner Schreiner felt the applicants should follow the suggestions of staff and try to disturb the site as little as possible. The grading policy is excessively ignored. They have asked other applicants to follow the grading policy. She asked if they followed staffs recommendation, what would they be losing? 4W house, Srebnick stated that the applicants need a back yard otherwise there is no reason to build the house. They knew they were not meeting the grading policy, however, they are only asking for relief for the backyard and the cut for the driveway. A vast portion of the property is left undisturbed. Mr. Seufferlein stated if they move the house, they would need the approval of six neighbors. His neighbors understand the policy but they are all in agreement with the siting. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Cottrell would have liked the house shifted but he understands the applicant's view. The driveway should be brought down to 15% slope. He was okay with the grading. Commissioner Schreiner discussed the cumulative effect; the grading policy is not being met, the retaining walls are high, the basement is not in conformance, and the driveway is too steep (20%). Past projects are not justification to exceed Town policy today. If the staff's recommendations are followed, the house would better fit the lot. Commissioner Jinkerson discussed other similar challenged lots. He has reviewed the letters from the neighbors and respects their opinions. However, the Commission has to apply the rules and regulations. He would like the applicants to redesign their plans. Also, he did not feel a steep driveway was good planning. Other concerns were the 1,100 cubic yards of cut for the backyard, and the height of the retaining wall, preferring terraced walls to a single high wall. He Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/12/99 April 28, 1999 Page 4 ` agreed that it is nice not to see the garage, but it could also be screened with landscaping. He did not feel the parking spaces work as there is no adequate backup. Given the cumulative factors, the conclusion is that the house does not fit the site. He asked the applicants if they were willing to redesign. Mr. Srebnick asked if a two story house was preferable to high volume of grading? Commissioner Jinkerson responded that the basement grading was not an issue, but grading for the backyard and driveway is high. Commissioner Schreiner felt the staff recommendations as noted on page 5 of the report (step the decking around the pool, set the pool parallel to existing contours and either move the spa to a lower deck or break up the proposed retaining wall behind it) were reasonable. They could terrace the backyard with a 3 foot retaining wall with a space and another 3 foot retaining wall. The applicants indicated their willingness to work on the plans. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Cottrell and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to continue the application for Site Development Permit for a new residence, swimming pool and cabana to May 12 or 26, 1999 for redesign as discussed, and in particular, to include revisions noted in conditions kl, and complying with the grading policy. AYES: Commissioners Jinkerson, Cottrell, Gottlieb & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Chairman Cheng 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Gottlieb provided a report from the Pathways Committee regarding the Town Spring Picnic, and a pathway walk through the Juan Prado Mesa Preserve with a dedication to Mary Stutz in October. NEW BUSINESS None 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for April 15ih, Commissioner Schreiner reported on the following: appointment to Pathways, Recreation and Parks Committee; 1998-99 Mid -Year financial summary continued; Sun Country Cable presentation on request for consent to transfer cable TV franchise from Sun Country Cable to Suntel Communications, LLC; responsibility for tree maintenance letter from Soren Johnson; prioritization of goals and objectives and estimated hours continued; fast track; request from John Vidovich for modification of subdivision conditions and staff recommendation for process; signage and dedication of Fran Stevenson Path for the May 23rd Spring picnic; and the Lands of Nextel Communications. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/12/99 April 28, 1999 Page 5 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for May 6'" — Commissioner Cottrell APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the April 14, 1999 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the April 14, 1999 minutes S. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARINGS OF APRIL 20 & 27, 1999 8.1 LANDS OF ZATPARVAR, 27585 Samuel Lane (lot 1) (70-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions April 20, 1999. 8.2 LANDS OF ZATPARVAR, 27589 Samuel Lane (lot 3) (71-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions April 20, 1999. 8.3 LANDS OF WHEATLEY, 26644 Purissima Road (50-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions April 20, 1999. 04W8.4 LANDS OF SANDER, 11640 Jessica Lane (58-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a swimming pool and gazebo. Approved with conditions April 20, 1999. 8.5 LANDS OF CRAIG, 12910 Cortez Lane (64-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for additions totaling 1,424 square feet. Approved with conditions April 27, 1999. 8.6 LANDS OF LE FEVRE, Lots 1 through 4, Eshner Court (93-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan for Eshner Court in accordance with a subdivision condition of approval. Approved with conditions April 27, 1999. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lani'" Smith Planning Secretary