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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/09/2001Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 9/13/01 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, August 9, 2001, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (1) #12-01 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission regular meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Commissioners Gottlieb, Clow & Cottrell Absent: Chairman Wong & Commissioner Vito Staff: Carl Cahill, Planning Director; Mintze Cheng, City Engineer; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary t Planning Consultant: Drummond Buckley �r 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF EPISCOPAL LAYMENS GROUP OF LOS ALTOS / SPRINT PCS, 26140 Duval Way (122-01-ZP-SD-ND-CUP); A request for a Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit for the placement of a wireless communications facility consisting of three (3) panel antennas and 6 equipment cabinets at an existing church site also containing other telecommunications facilities; and Negative Declaration. Mr. Buckley introduced this item by reviewing the staff report. The three antennas would be mounted completely within a new flagpole that would replace the existing 25 foot tall flagpole on the site, and the equipment cabinets would be fenced and screened by vegetation. The new flagpole would measure 35 feet tall with a diameter of 8" to 9". The equipment enclosure would be located 40 feet from Duval Way and the flagpole/antenna structure would be approximately 53 feet from Duval Way. The project also includes a proposal to replace a "carriage house' structure that is 11 feet tall, 220 square feet, and located approximately 10 feet from the rear property line. This structure would be used for church purposes only. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes approved 9/13/01 August 9, 2001 Page 2 kav Ivan M. Tjoe, 2420 Camino Ramon, San Ramon, Sprint representative, reviewed the request and possible landscape screening. It was noted that the carriage house could be reviewed under a separate application. Mr. and Mrs. Savin, 12540 Robleda Road, questioned the size of the cabinets, the height of the fence, and the replacement of the carriage house. They provided a history of the carriage house, in particular, when it burnt down in 1982 with their car inside. They do not want the structure to be placed within 10 feet of the property line. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, asked why the location of the pole is being moved when the current location provides better mitigation. Mr. Tjoe stated it was to adhere to the 40 foot setback although they have no problem using the existing location. Rev. Michael Penfield, St. Luke's Chapel, discussed the rebuilding of the carriage house which is/was a historical site/structure. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Clow felt the antennas within the flagpole was brilliant. He preferred the existing location of the flagpole. Commissioner Gottlieb and Cottrell agreed. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by lkw Commissioner Clow to recommend to the City Council approval for a Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit for the placement of a wireless communications facility consisting of three panel antennas and 6 equipment cabinets at an existing church site also containing other telecommunications facilities; and Negative Declaration. The carriage house is not a part of this recommended approval and will be reviewed under a separate application. AYES: Commissioners Clow, Gottlieb & Cottrell NOES: None ABSENT: Chairman Wong & Commissioner Vitu This item will be scheduled for a City Council agenda. 3.2 LANDS OF ASKARINAM, & YAZDANI, 2 7830 Elena Road (162-01-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit (grading) for 2,224 cubic yards of additional fill. The Planning Director introduced this item with a brief overview of the request for an additional 2,236 cubic yards of fill to place on the site for a total fill quantity of 4,890 cubic yards. The Planning Commission can grant exceptions to the grading policy if the site conditions warrant. The proposed cumulative placement of 4,890 cubic yards of fill should not drastically alter the appearance of the terrain from offsite because the majority of the fill is being placed in a shallow depression on Parcel C. Also, it should not affect any significant trees or other vegetation that may be valuable for screening. Normally, staff does not authorize site grading before site Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/13/01 August 9, 2001 Page 3 4W development approval and issuance of a building permit. However, in this case, the Commission may want to consider, as a mitigation factor, that, according to the applicant, the requested fill placement is generated from spoils excavated in the process of the applicant completing a sewer pipeline and lift station project that was a requirement for the proposed subdivision. Commissioner Cottrell disclosed that he had met the applicant on the site and had a phone call from him. Commissioner Gottlieb referred to the uniqueness of the request, measuring new construction from natural grade, and allowing them no additional development area (sloped lot into a flat lot) than previously allowed. The Planning Director noted that the original grading approval was on parcel C; now some of it will extend onto parcel A. OPENED PUBIC HEARING Bruce Askari, 27830 Elena Road, applicant, discussed the sewer project which has grown to include more and more sites. They obtained what they thought was a grading approval back in August, 2000. They have not changed anything with regard to the design. He submitted letters of approval from his neighbors regarding the grading. There will be no significant impact on the neighbors and this will be an enhancement to the drainage. He further discussed condition #1, deed restriction, which he felt was not fair. He felt this deed restriction would lower the property t value. He noted that Parcel B will be brought in with a one story home proposal. ` Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, felt the drainage swale should remain untouched which is a normal policy (less disturbance to the land). She thought the 7 feet of fill was excessive and was accidentally approved originally. To add any more to it would set a precedent. There are many properties in town with swales and/or dips like the one who could request filling it in to increase their development area. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Gottlieb appreciated the sewer issues but normally, when sewers are built, the excess is hauled off. She could see a small amount of fill but felt the requested amount was excessive. She has not seen anything like this in 30 years, anyone being allowed to fill this much. She did not vote for the previous increase in fill. She felt a deed restriction regarding height was needed and the development area should be restricted as well. Commissioner Clow felt the previously approved fill looks more natural. He did not feel the proposed fill would look different from the neighbors than a natural slope. What they are trying to do with the regulations regarding large amounts of fill is to prevent unnatural topography which is objectionable to the neighbors. We have a situation where all of the neighbors have signed letters of support. This project is a result of the sewer project which will benefit so many of our residents, he can support the request. He did not feel the deed restriction would be a burden. The Planning Director agreed. This is an effective way to communicate this change to future property owners. This is a significant issue to anyone who buys this property but an appropriate way to notify potential buyers. He recommended that the condition remain. Commissioner Cottrell has mixed feels Planning Commission Minutes August 9, 2001 Page 4 Approved 9113101 about the fill and allowing so much fill sets a precedent but he was strongly influenced by the fact that the subdivider had to put in so much sewer for the benefit of the town and the dirt has to go somewhere. He can support the fill and the deed restriction as this is a standard mechanism. It was clarified that the MDA/MEA will be based on the original numbers per the approved Tentative Map. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by Commissioner Cottrell to approve a request for Site Development Permit for grading, Lands of Askarinam, 27830 Elena Road, including the recommended conditions of approval AYES: Commissioners Clow & Cottrell NOES: Commissioner Gottlieb ABSENT: Chairman Wong & Commissioner Vitu This approval is subject to a 22 day appeal period. 3.3 BUILDING HEIGHT AND SETBACKS: a. Increase front and rear yard setbacks for two story homes that are larger than 6,000 square feet. b. Allow increases in building height to promote architectural diversity, provided that setbacks lengthen in proportion to building height. 4 This item was continued to the September 13, 2001 meeting per staff request. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Gottlieb mentioned the newly formed committee which is reviewing policies and guidelines. 5. 5.1 Cancellation of the August 23, 2001 Planning Commission meeting PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To cancel the August 23, 2001 meeting. 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for August 2"", Commissioner Gottlieb, reviewed the following: Lands of Mendez; Lands of Macomber; Lands of Schaepe & Chiu; approval of agreement with Goldman Architects for Town Hall project; update of goals and objectives; upcoming joint meeting with the Planning Commission; Lands of Mora Drive sewer project; and the net area definition and review of the initial study and negative declaration. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for August 16° — cancelled Planning Commission Minutes Approved 9/13/01 August 9, 2001 Page 5 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the July 26, 2001 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the July 26, 2001 minutes with minor changes. 8. REPORT FROM FAST TRACK MEETING -JULY 31, 2001 8.1 LANDS OF IJESARI & DERAK, 26520 Conejo Court (43-01-ZP-SD-); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, cabana, and pool. Continued to August 21, 2001. 8.2 LANDS OF YEN, 26640 Purissima Road (301-00-ZPSD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for an addition to an existing residence. Approved with conditions. 9. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING—JULY 31, 2001 9.1 LANDS OF PERRY, 27411 Altamont Road (115-01-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for an addition to an existing residence, and an addition to an existing garage. Approved with conditions. 60 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:18 p.m. Respectfully submitted, LanSmith Planning Secretary