HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/14/200116,
Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 2/28/01
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday February 14, 2001, 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
cc: Cassettes (2) #3-01
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 Vito, Wong, Gottlieb & Clow
Staff: Carl Cahill, Planning Director; Matt Weintraub, Associate Planner; Angelica Herrera,
Assistant Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary
2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -none
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1 LANDS OF CHANSLER, 25700 Deerfield Drive (240-00-ZP-SD-GD-CDP-
VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit and a Conditional Development
Permit for an addition and major remodel; and a variance to exceed the
MDAIMFA and to allow additional floor area and development area within the
setback.
Staff had nothing further to add to the report. Discussion ensued regarding the approved septic
system, drainage and the demolition connected to the addition/remodel. It was noted that the
patios and walkway areas will be decreased.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Rob Chansler, 25700 Deerfield Drive, applicant, discussed the property and meeting with staff
prior to purchase. They went into the project eyes wide open with this constrained lot. He felt
the design will be an asset to the community. Most of the near neighbors attended their open
house to discuss and share their plans. He provided a color rendering of the project for review.
He noted that the staff report mentioned "second unit" but the intent is for a garage/studio only.
He continued by discussing drainage.
taw
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/01
February 14, 2001
Page 2
Michael Ryan, project designer, Palo Alto, had a request from the engineering department to look
at the drainage. The new drainage design, working with a Civil Engineer, will be an
improvement and the best design for the site. Dry wells were discussed. and possibly an
additional dissipater on the west side to share the load. Chairman Cottrell was disturbed by the
additional floor area which was in excess of the current code. Mr. Ryan explained that the area
(crawl space) is already there. Mr. Chansler did not feel the rules applied to this proposal as this
is not a typical lot in Town and they should consider the merits of the improvements.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Discussion ensued and the Commission reviewed the rendering of the project comparing it with
the existing conditions/house. Commissioner Vitu noted if you take what is existing and what is
being proposed, she could approve this project. Also, it has neighborhood support.
Commissioner Wong agreed. He had no problem with the project as the house is being built on
the existing footprint. Commissioner Gottlieb expressed several concems, in particular, the
MDA/MFA exceeding the allowable although the argument that it already exists is a good one.
Also, the project encroaches into the setback as well as the 10 foot wall with a four foot railing,
with some areas within the 10 foot setback. She did not feel this was necessary. She would
agree with the numbers but not with the encroachment into the 40 foot setback. The three
parking spaces require a variance also. They are only proposing a one car garage. There is no
room for a carport. A studio/second unit is not allowed on lots below one acre. The conditions
of approval should include a disclosure statement regarding not allowing kitchen facilities and/or
a secondary unit as well as noting the property is at the maximum floor area and development
area allowed. She does not want the 40 foot setback excavated 10 feet down. Commissioner
Clow felt this was the most constrained lot he had ever seen. He felt the applicants have been
very creative with the design and have worked hard regarding the drainage concerns. He agreed
with Commissioner Gottlieb regarding the high retaining walls. In this case, the high retaining
walls face the house so no one will see them. He would like to give the applicants an opportunity
to create a home. Commissioner Gottlieb felt this was uncontrolled development which included
approximately six variances. She understood that some variances already exist but the house
should be stepped, not graded out. Chairman Cottrell discussed the remodeling and the digging
out floor area under the house. He felt this would set a precedent. He would support the remodel
but not the 728 square foot increase.
Mr. Chansler felt there were two issues; the sunken garden area, and the development area. He
felt the extra floor space under the house was the lesser issue. This is not the usual property in
the Town. Regarding the excavating in the front, he respected the reservation but the design
takes full advantage of the space, referring to the project on Lennox Way.
Richard Elmore, project architect, discussed the design noting this is not a large house. They
have a two story house with only one story exposed from the street. This is a lovely home. They
have been sensitive to the site and the excavation will provide safety to the rooms below.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/01
February 14, 2001
Page 3
Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, stated that the Pepper tree was the only
front area mitigation, asking that the tree be saved.
RE -CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by
Commissioner Vita to approve the request for a Site Development Permit and a Conditional
Development Permit for an addition and major remodel; and a variance to exceed the MDA/MFA
and to allow additional floor area and development area within the setback, Lands of Chansler,
25700 Deerfield Drive, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: a
deed restriction shall be recorded stating that the property is at the maximum floor area and
development area allowed and that the studio shall not be converted to a secondary dwelling and
that no kitchen or cooking facilities are permitted in the lower level; the Pepper tree in the front
yard shall not be removed and, if necessary, grading in the front yard shall be modified, subject
to review and approval by the City Engineer, to protect the tree's root system; add to #5,
"including the Pepper tree"; and add to #15, the applicant's engineer shall demonstrate, to the
satisfaction of the City Engineer, that the project will result in no increase in quantity or rate of
storm water discharge onto adjacent properties prior to submittal of plans for building plan check.
Findings: the project is staying within the existing building envelope; the project reduces the
hardscape; and will improve drainage on the site. The project, on a very constrained lot, has
neighborhood support and will be improving off road parking.
\I AYES: Commissioners Wong, Vita & Clow
NOES: Chairman Cottrell & Commissioners Gottlieb
This approval is subject to a 22 day appeal period.
4. OLD BUSINESS
4.1 Report from subcommittees -none
4.2 Proposed draft basement ordinance amending zoning code with regard to
basement definition (discussion).
Discussion ensued by reviewing items "A" through "G" of the staff report with the Planning
Director making the recommended changes. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design
Committee, discussed future underground buildings for energy efficiency. The Planning
Director will make the appropriate amendments (as noted by the Planning Commission) to the
draft ordinance and schedule a public hearing at the City Council level for further review.
5. NEW BUSINESS
Commissioner Vita requested a change to the Planning Commission meeting day from
Wednesdays to Thursdays.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/28/0t
February 14, 2001
Page 4
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: As of March 8th, the Planning Commission meetings will be held
on the second and fourth Thursday of each month.
6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6.1 Planning Commission Representative for February I", Commissioner Vitu,
reported on the following items: presentation on fluoridation and request for letter of opposition
to the SFPUC's consideration of fluoridating all Belch Hereby water; introduction of ordinance
amending Section 2-2.102 (members) of Article 1 (Planning Commission) of Chapter 2
(Commissions and Boards) of Title 2 (Administration) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code;
introduction of ordinance adding Section 6-4.504 (sewer improvement agreement; retroactive) to
Article 5 (sewer improvement reimbursement) of Chapter 4 (sewage) of Title 6 (sanitation and
health) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code; approval of Town Wide Survey; appointment of
Town committee to study slope density formula (LUF) which determines allowable floor area
and development area; Lands of Campi; Lands of Micheletti; Lands of Congregation Beth Am;
and introduction of ordinance amending Section 10-1.502(c) and 10-1.503(c) of the Los Altos
Hills Municipal Code regarding allowable development area and floor area on constrained lots
and adoption of a negative declaration.
6.2 Planning Commission Representative for February 15'b — Commissioner Clow
L 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for March I" — Commissioner Cottrell
�y 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 Approval of January 24, 2001 minutes
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the January 23, 2001 minutes with an addition to page
4, last paragraph.
8. REPORT FROM FAST TRACK MEETING — JANUARY 30 AND FEBRUARY 6 &
13 2001
8.1 LANDS OF MAHER, 26307 Esperanza Drive (212-00-ZP-SD-GD); A request
for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Approved with conditions
January 30, 2001.
8.2 LANDS OF DEERING, 24840 Summerhill Avenue (292-00-ZP-SD); A request
for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool. Approved with
conditions February 6, 2001.
8.3 LANDS OF MC CABE, 25179 La Loma Drive (182-00-ZP-SD-GD); A request
for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Approved with conditions
February 13, 2001.
Planning Commission Minutes
February 14, 2001
Page 5
Approved 2/28/01
8.4 LANDS OF HUGHES, 25005 La Loma Drive (155-00-ZP-SD-GD); A request
for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool. Approved with
conditions February 13, 2001.
9. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING—JANUARY 30 AND
FEBRUARY 13. 2001
9.1 LANDS OF WONG, 25879 Fremont Road (280-00-ZP-SD); A request for a Site
Development Permit for a barn conversion to a secondary dwelling unit.
Approved with conditions January 30, 2001.
9.2 LANDS OF UNGERMANN & CADY, 13300 Country Way (301-00-ZP-SD-
GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a greenhouse and pool.
Approved with conditions February 13, 2001
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Smit
Planning Secretary