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Home My WebLink About07/26/2001Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 8/9/01 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, July 26, 2001, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2) #11-01 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission regular meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Wong, Commissioners Gottlieb, Vitu, Clow & Cottrell Staff: Carl Cahill, Planning Director; Angelica Herrera, Assistant Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary 2. RE -APPOINTMENT OF PLANNING COMMISSION VICE CHAIR 4 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Wong and seconded by Commissioner Clow nominating Commissioner Vita as Vice -Chair AYES: Chairman Wong, Commissioners Clow, Cottrell & Vitu NOES: Commissioner Gottlieb 3. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -The Commission recognized the hard work and dedication of Commissioner Cottrell, the former Planning Commission Chair, by presenting him with a gift. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1 CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION/SPRINT PCS, 2350 Old Page Mill Road (107 -01 -CUP -Renewal); A request for a Conditional Use Permit renewal for an existing, previously approved wireless communications facility. The Planning Director introduced this item noting the application was for a renewal of a Conditional Use Permit. He noted there have been no issues or complaints regarding this permit to date. A� OPENED PUBLIC HEARING 4W Planning Commission Minutes Approved 819101 July 26, 2001 Page 2 4 Ivan M. Tjoe, 2420 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, Sprint representative, requested a renewal of the Use Permit for five (5) years indicating the Commission can review the permit anytime within the five years, if needed. When asked about landscaping, it was noted that their equipment is in the back area, well hidden. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Vitu to recommend approval to the City Council for a five (5) year renewal of a Conditional Use Permit, California Department of Transportation/Sprint PCS, 2350 Old Page Mill Road. AYES: Chairman Wong, Commissioners Clow, Cottrell, Gottlieb & Vitu NOES: None This item will be scheduled for a City Council agenda. 4.2 LANDS OF PURISSIMA HILLS WATER DISTRICT/SPRINT PCS, 12863 La Cresta Drive (106 -01 -CUP -Renewal); A request for a Conditional Use Permit renewal for an existing, previously approved wireless communications facility. The Planning Director introduced this item noting the application was for a renewal of a 40 Conditional Use Permit. He noted there have been no issues or complaints regarding this permit to date OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Ivan M. Tjoe, 2420 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, Sprint representative, again requested a renewal of the Use Permit for five (5) years indicating the Commission can review the permit anytime within the five years, if needed. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Clow to recommend approval to the City Council for a five (5) year renewal of a Conditional Use Permit, Lands of Purissima Hills Water District/Sprint PCS, 12863 La Cresta Drive. AYES: Chairman Wong, Commissioners, Gottlieb, Vito, Clow & Cottrell NOES: None This item will be scheduled for a City Council agenda 16 Planning Commission Minutes July 26, 2001 Page 3 k Approved 8/9/01 4.3 LANDS OF METRO PCS, 12345 El Monte Road (126 -01 -SD- CUP -ND); A request for a Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit for the placement of six (6) panel antennas on an existing pole, and 10 equipment cabinets within an existing telecommunication facility; and Negative Declaration. The assistant planner, Angelica Herrera, introduced this item noting the carrier will reduce the number of panel antennas from six to three. Also, she noted the receipt of a letter from Mr. and Mrs. Jackson at 26088 Duval Way. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Tom Swarner, 1624 Telegraph Avenue, Oakland, Metro PCS representative, stated they were looking at co -locating on the Foothill College site. The initial design is similar to the existing antennas. He had spoken to Mr. and Mrs. Jackson regarding their concerns indicating the reduction of the number of antennas from six to three, placing them flush to the pole with a mount design. They would like to use the existing facility. Commissioner Gottlieb felt a good location for the antennas was by the gym and/or tennis court facility. She would prefer the poles to be a green color. Ms. Herrera indicated the silver color actually blends better with the surroundings. Mr. Swamer continued stating there is room on the existing site for the panel antennas. In reviewing other sites, they did not provide adequate test results. Al & Mary Jackson, 26088 Duval Way, residents for 27 years, stated the large existing pole referred to in the notice was originally erected with no notice to or input from the immediate neighbors whose property it overlooks. The last public discussion of similar antennas was approximately three years ago. At that time they were advised that due to the rapid technology development, these antennas could be made obsolete quite rapidly and would be reviewed in three years, although it has not taken place. They further discussed the visual impact which dominates their view. They do not know if the antennas they see every day on Foothill College campus are active or obsolete, or even in use. They are an eye sore and adding more will not improve the situation for them. They invited the Planning Commission to view the site from their living room. They felt Duval Way has enough surrounding antennas without the proposed antennas with another one proposed at Saint Luke's Chapel next door to them. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, noted that in the past the Commission asked for the antennas to look like trees, although she felt plain poles where less obtrusive. Tom Swamer stated they have tested all around Foothill College with only this site meeting their requirements. They could put a shield around the antennas, if desired. When the existing carrier comes in for renewal, he would be willing to work with them. Engineering wise, this is the only good area. The height proposed is the minimum height needed. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING t Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/9/01 July 26, 2001 Page 4 Commissioner Gottlieb felt they should research the existing pole first. It was felt if there is a Use Permit, they should also be in for a renewal. She asked if there was a master plan for Los Altos Hills regarding wireless communication facilities. The Planning Director noted that each carrier would have their own master plan. Commissioner Gottlieb asked how many carriers is enough. Also, they should be on public land. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Cottrell and seconded by Commissioner Clow to continue the request for Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit for the placement of six (6) panel antennas on an existing pole, and 10 equipment cabinets within an existing telecommunication facility; and Negative Declaration, Lands of Metro, PCS, 12345 EI Monte Road, to a future date. AYES: Chairman Wong, Commissioners Vitu, Clow, Cottrell & Gottlieb NOES: None 4.4 LANDS OF WILLIAMSON, Adobe Creek Lodge Road (351-37-016) (62-01-ZP- SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool. Ms. Herrera introduced this item by noting the issue of the driveway drainage. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING 4 Mont Williamson, 9471 Molokai Drive, Huntington Beach, applicant, was available for questions. He provided a rendering which plotted the existing trees and provided color samples for the house. Walter Levison, consulting arborist, was also available for questions. Mr. Williamson was open to suggestions for replanting. The row of trees in front of the house will stay. Commissioner Gottlieb questioned the width of the driveway proposed at 17 feet instead of the usual fire department requirement of 14 feet in width (excessive cut). She suggested a 10 foot width with two feet on each side which may help with the cut. Mark Helton, Giuliani & Kull, Inc., 4880 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, project engineer, discussed the reason for the extra shoulder, the comments from Wilsey Ham, minimizing the slope of the driveway, and the height of the retailing wall. Mr. Williamson stated that they have redesigned the driveway 10 times. This is the only design that works. They are willing to plant trees to replace trees that provided screening. They have sited the house so it would not be obtrusive (tucked in with the trees). They have a very difficult site. Fred Fallah, Memarie Assoc., project designer, commented on the access road and the design of the project. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/9/01 July 26, 2001 Page 5 Chris Trumbull, geotechnical consultant with Harza, addressed water and the landslide area. Their main focus was the house on top of an old fill. There will be no heavy sprinkler use and will use drought tolerant plants. He further discussed Cotton, Shires & Associates report and recommendations, in particular, the sandy deposit which drains well. Also, they will use three dissipaters. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, would prefer they preserve trees 13, 14, 15, & 16. She suggested pushing the driveway into the setback to save the trees. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING In reviewing the color choices, Commissioner Gottlieb requested a deeper shade. Commissioner Vitu felt the site was very difficult and she would have liked to have left some of the trees that are to be removed but understood the reasoning. They have tried to keep the height of the retaining walls down. The pathway easement is questionable. She could support the project. Commissioner Cottrell referred to the geotechnical engineers who have tried many solutions. He questioned the pathway easement as there is no future connection. Commissioner Clow agreed. He was satisfied they had analyzed the water and slide issues. The house on the upper site will be less of an impact on the neighbors. He supports the project without the pathway. Commissioner Gottlieb questioned the width of the driveway, hoping it will be narrowed as much as possible. She would like the house colors to be a deeper earth tone (condition #2), the landscape screening plan to be reviewed by the Planning Commission, and felt the pathway request was valid. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by Commissioner Cottrell to approve a request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool, Lands of Williamson, Adobe Creek Lodge Road, with the following addition to the conditions of approval: #3, the landscape screening, lighting and erosion control plan to be reviewed by the Planning Commission. AYES: Chairman Wong, Commissioners Vita, Cottrell, Gottlieb & Clow NOES: None This approval is subject to a 22 day appeal period. 5. OLD BUSINESS 5.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Gottlieb mentioned pathway walks scheduled for August and September. 6. NEW BUSINESS Discussion regarding change in Planning Commission meeting time. The Commission Lwas in agreement to leave the starting time at 7:00 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/9/01 July 26, 2001 Page 6 7. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7.1 Planning Commission Representative for July W, Commissioner Cottrell, reported on the following items: approval of request for proposals for engineering consulting services; report on website redesign and enhancement project; analysis of Wilsey Ham expenses with in-house City Engineer; Ravensbury pathway status; the appointment of Eric Clow to the Los Altos School District's Citizen's Advisory Committee; Lands of Wiesler; and objections and protests to the proposed adoption of sewer service charges for the Palo Alto and Los Altos Sewer Basins. 7.2 Planning Commission Representative for August 2"d — Commissioner Gottlieb 7.3 Planning Commission Representative for August 16i' — Commissioner Wong 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8.1 Approval of the July 12, 2001 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the July 12, 2001 minutes 9. REPORT FROM FAST TRACK MEETING -JULY 17, 2001 9.1 LANDS OF SCHAEPE & CHIU, 24150 Hillview Drive (49-01-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, a secondary dwelling, and pool. Approved with conditions July 17, 2001. 10. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING—JULY 3, 10 & 24, 2001 10.1 LANDS OF KRUEP, 27466 Sunrise Farm Road (91-01-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and landscape/hardscape improvements. Approved with conditions July 3, 2001. 10.2 LANDS OF TOMUSHEV, 27920 Roble Blanco Court (38-01-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a minor addition and a pool. Approved with conditions July 10, 2001. 10.3 LANDS OF GODINHO, 12250 Menalto Drive (124-01-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a swimming pool. Approved with conditions July 31, 2001. 10.4 LANDS OF OWEN, 26208 Maurer Lane (147-01-ZP-SD); A request for a fence, pillars, and landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions July 31, 2001. 4 Planning Commission Minutes July 26, 2001 Page 7 OW 11. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lauth Planning Secretary 4 to Approved 8/9/01