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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/24/2001Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 2/14101 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday January 24, 2001, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (3) #2-01 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 Cottrell, Commissioners Vitu, Gottlieb & Clow Absent: Commissioner Wong Staff: Carl Cahill, Planning Director; Angelica Herrera, Assistant Planner; Lani Smith, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -none 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF CHAN, 27413 Deer Springs Way (220-00-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Staff had nothing further to add. Commissioner Gottlieb questioned Fire Department requirements and the lack of a fire turnaround. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Doug Thompson, 435 Brannan Street, San Francisco, project architect, discussed the 30 year old home and the applicants occupancy for the same period of time. The original design did not take advantage of the views and has limited outdoor area. He discussed the features of the new design which included moving the garage, being respectful of the neighbors, tucking it into the hillside, creating an outdoor area, height of the retaining walls, natural appearance, and heavy landscaping. He further discussed fill, minimal impact on vegetation, reestablishing landscaping, extensive erosion control, drainage and choice of materials. Mrs. Chan, 27413 Deer Springs, applicant, has met with her neighbors without any opposition. There will be a change from wood to metal and concrete for fire protection. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/14/01 January 24, 2001 Page 2 Commissioner Gottlieb questioned the cut for the garage, referring to the Design Guidelines. Mr. Thompson stated that the side walls could be reduced by stepping. However, there is limited development area for the garage. Setting it into the hillside provided less impact to the neighbors. Also, the existing driveway is close to the proposed one. Commissioner Gottlieb asked for a berm to prevent going off of the side. Mr. Thompson felt this was a good idea. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Vitu felt this was a good project with the second retaining wall for stepping. Commissioner Gottlieb felt the project exceeds the grading policy and the existing house steps down more than the new design. The house is being extended over the property rather than across the contours. She suggested greater eaves to give the appearance of flowing with the hill. She further discussed the garage location, landscaping and the retaining walls which were all concerns. She also asked why a fire turnaround was not required when it is a requirement on all other properties. A conservation easement over areas of 30% slope should be a condition of approval as well as adding the reflectivity condition even though the materials provided fit within the reflectivity value. Commissioner Clow was impressed with the number of trees to be saved and neighborhood support. It is a lovely home, blending in from below the site. Chairman Cottrell noted this was a difficult lot. He liked the garage placement and the stepping walls for landscaping. He agreed that a fire tumaround should be added (contact the Fire Department). MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by Commissioner Vita to approve the Site Development Pemtit for a new residence, Lands of Chan, 27413 Deer Springs Way, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: the applicant shall submit plans for revised terraced retaining walls that, where feasible, do not extend more than 4 -feet in height; add standard color condition due to the high visibility of the site; grant conservation easement to the Town over all slopes 30% or greater (below area of development; and the applicant shall construct an on-site fire truck turnaround or provide alternative mitigation measures as determined by the Fire Department. AYES: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Gottlieb, Vitu & Clow NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Wong This approval is subject to a 22 day appeal period. 3.2 LANDS OF VASUDEVAN, 13428 Carillo Lane (227-00-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence (continued from November 28, 2000 Fast Track heating). This item was introduced by staff noting the height, as indicated on the Fast Track report, as 18 feet actually scales out to 16 feet. The story poles should be an accurate depiction of the height. Letters have been received from the neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Cuff, as well as from their attorney, 16 Robin Kennedy. Planning Commission Minutes January 24, 2001 Page 3 0410 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Approved 2/14/01 Kermit Cuff, 13418 Carillo Lane, a 38 year resident. His main concern was the height of the structure which is 4'to 5' above the existing stmcture. Also, he does not like the windows which will invade their privacy. At the Fast Track meeting they only asked for some Compromise but to no avail. He was hoping the Planning Commission would consider a long term resident and his view. Robin Kennedy, 545 Middlefield Road, Menlo Park, attorney for the Cuffs, referred to her letter addressed to the Planning Director. The conclusion reached in approving the project at the Fast Track meeting with respect to the impact of the Vasudevans' building plans on the Cuffs' property was based upon a significant inaccuracy. The decision relied upon the construction plans prepared by Tony Carrasco. The plans indicate the grade for the Cuff's property as being five feet higher than it actually is. This error creates the illusion that the highest point of the proposed new residence is level with the grade. This is simply not the case, as became vividly apparent to the Cuffs when the story poles were installed at the Vasudevan's property. The Cuffs will lose not some of their view but all of their view. In addition to obscuring the Cuff's view, the height of the proposed structure means that four vertical plane clerestory windows will directly face the Cuff's bedroom and patio windows. She further discussed the Design Guidelines and a letter from Wayne Kelly, architect, who had visited the Cuff property to observe the height of the story poles on the Vasudevan property that were presumably placed for the purpose of L indicating the height of the proposed new roof line per plans developed by Carrasco & Associates. He indicated that the connecting orange plastic mesh outlining the proposed roof line were approximately 5 feet above the Cuffs patio overlooking the Vasudevan property and that there were inconsistencies between what he saw and what was indicated in the referenced documents. He recommended that the questionable elevations be surveyed to verify the Cuffs patio elevation and to validate the height of the proposed roof line story poles. She asked that the Planning Commission postpone a decision for two weeks in order to have the property surveyed. Mr. Vasudevan, 13428 Carillo Lane, applicant, has lived on the property for over five years. When considering remodeling, they were careful to check the Town requirements, ordinances, etc. Their first plan was for a 27 foot high structure which would be within Town ordinances. Realizing this would impact the Cuff property, they looked at the minimum height which would still provide them with what they wanted. They have worked with staff on the project which adheres to Town codes and is reasonably modest. Tony Carrasco, 120 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, project architect, discussed the accuracy of the plans noting neither Robin Kennedy or Wayne Kelly are surveyors, referring to the stamped and signed site plan for this project. He noted that the contractor double checked the story poles for accuracy. He provided a diagram of the site illustrating a 27 foot height versus the proposed 16.3 foot height. He referred to Article 7 of the Site Development Ordinance and to the Design Guidelines. When asked if they could drop the grade down, he responded no, and maintain the driveway slope. He further discussed balancing the outside lighting to help with Mrs. 06 Vasudevan's migraine headaches. He concluded by noting this is only a one story structure Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/14/01 January 24, 2001 Page 4 Commissioner Clow discussed the proposed basement, the definition and the two foot exposure. He would prefer the house be moved down two feet to preserve the neighbor's view. Commissioner Gottlieb felt they should work on the proposed tree which will block the neighbor's view and on the cone shaped skylights. Mr. Carrasco felt they could work with the neighbor regarding these issues. Sharyn Brown, Environmental Design Committee, voiced concern regarding the outdoor lighting (runway lighting) and the proposed skylights (no lighting shall be placed in skylight wells). CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Clow did not feel the diagram provided by Mr. Carrasco was accurate. He felt the project should be two feet lower than the story poles. If the applicant can dig a basement they should be able to dig an extra two feet. The view from the Cuff property indicates a loss of view which lowers property values. He supported amending the proposed outdoor lighting and not planting trees or shrubs that would obstruct the neighbor's view. Commissioner Gottlieb agreed, adding a request for a mat finish on the roofing material in addition to the 40% reflectivity. Commissioner Vita, while sympathetic with the Cuffs, felt the applicants had already made significant compromises in their design (height) which is 11 feet below the 27 foot allowable height. She encouraged the applicants to explore dropping the building pad in consideration of their neighbors, if feasible, but felt the application should be approved as submitted and did not L require any reduction in height or lowering of the building pad. She was happy to hear about the night shades for the clerestory windows which would help the neighbors. Chairman Cottrell had mixed feelings about this project. He certainly appreciated the Cuffs point of view, enjoying the view for many years. He felt the Vasudevans have made an effort to compromise although he felt they could do more. In the interest in maintaining good relationships he suggested continuing the hearing to see if the architect over the next few weeks could see what could be done to lower the structure without compromising the design, relative to the driveway. Everyone seems to like the house design but it needs to come down one to two feet. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Vasudevan, 13428 Carrillo Lane, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: story pole roof shall be two feet lower than the story poles on site; lighting being consistent with Town standards for lighting; night time shade on the skylights; applicants shall not plant vegetation with a mature height that would obstruct the view of the uphill neighbor; and roofing material shall also be a mat finish. AYES: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Vitu, Gottlieb &. Clow NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Wong Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/14/01 January 24, 2001 Page 5 Mr. Carrasco asked if the story poles tum out to be accurate as depicted in the picture, is the Commission then okay with that picture. Commissioner Clow stated if the story poles are not what they really meant and what they really meant was two feet lower than the story poles on the site, they are in good shape. He noted that the story poles on the site do obstruct the view. They want the home to be two feet lower than what they saw from the story poles. Commissioner Gottlieb explained what they were looking for was a house that does not come much above the top part of the Cuff property so they can see out when they are in their home and when they are sitting down (ridge lowered two feet from what was viewed from the story poles). The Planning Director felt the Commission should refer to the plans not the story poles. Discussion ensued regarding the accuracy of either the plans and/or the story poles and setting the height of the new house after knowing the elevation of the Cuff's property and the proposed house. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To rescind the previous motion. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to continue the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Vasudevan, 13428 Carillo Lane, to return with a new design indicating the roof line two feet lower than the story poles or a number which will retain the Cuff's view; lighting being consistent with Town standards for lighting; night time shade on the skylights; applicants shall not plant vegetation with a mature height that would obstruct the view of the uphill neighbor; and roofing material shall also be a mat finish. AYES: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Vita, Gottlieb & Clow NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Wong Brief break at 8:40 p.m. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees -none 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1 2001 Planners Institute -March 21-23, 2001. The Planning Director reminded anyone who was planning to attend to make their reservations. 5.2 Basement definition discussion. Chairman Cottrell introduced this item by reviewing his changes and/or additions to the ordinance. Luis Yanez, 26879 Moody Road, Dot Schreiner, 14301 Saddle Mountain Road, Richard, and Jim Abraham also provided comments. After discussion, staff was directed to provide a draft basement ordinance for review by the Planning Commission prior to notice for public hearing. C11 Planning Commission Minutes January 24, 2001 Page 6 Approved 2/14/01 5.2 Town -wide survey draft. Discussion ensued by reviewing the survey, line by line, for any additions, omissions, or changes. A letter was received, jointly authored by Dot Schreiner, Sandy Humphries, Sharyn Brown and Dom Hubbard. The Planning Director will make all necessary changes prior to presenting it to the City Council for review. 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for January 18'h — cancelled. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for February I"—Commissioner Vito 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for February 15th — Commissioner Clow APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of January 10, 2001 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the January 10, 2001. 8. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING- DECEMBER 19, 2000 AND 4 JANUARY 2, 2001 8.1 LANDS OF CHASE & ARNOLD, 12180 Kate Drive Lot 9 (272-00-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and a landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions December 19, 2000. 8.2 LANDS OF KAHN, 27868 Via Codta (289-00-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and decking. Approved with conditions January 2,2001. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lani Smith Planning Secretary