HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/2003Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 2127/03
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
Thursday, January 9, 2003, 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers. 26379 Fremont R
cc: Cassettes (1)#01-03
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 Vitu, Commissioners Clow, Cottrell, Kerns & Wong
Staff: Carl Cahill, Planning Director; Debbie Pedro, Assistant Planner; Angelica Herrera,
Assistant Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary
2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -none
4 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1 LANDS OF KORMAN, 26157 Altadena Drive (203 -02 -LLA); A request for a
Site Development Permit for a lot line adjustment.
This item was continued to January 9, 2003 at the request of the applicant. It has been continued
to a date uncertain. The project will be re -noticed at a later date.
3.2 LANDS OF HUANG, 24905 La Loma Court (243-01-ZP-SD); A request for a
Site Development Permit for a basement expansion, and a landscape/hardscape
plan.
Staff (Debbie Pedro) introduced this item by providing an overview of the project and the Town
initiated arborist report with recommendations which have been incorporated into the conditions
of approval (#4). She pointed out that there is a 48" oak tree located on the north corner of the
property. The planting plans show plantings under this tree. Because oak trees do best with little
or no plantings directly under the canopy, staff recommends a condition of approval be added to
require minimal or no plantings occurs under that oak tree. Regarding the sunken patio, the
applicant has proposed to excavate a circular area approximately 40 feet in diameter to the north
of the house. The terrace garden design features planters and waterfalls surrounding a lower
patio area which is 10 feet below natural grade. She further discussed the Town's grading policy,
recommending approval of the proposed sunken patio based on the findings that activities
E` occurring in this area will be below ground level and will have minimal noise or visual impact to
4I the adjacent neighbors.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 9, 2003
Page 2
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Approved 2/27/03
Ken Pastrof, The Owen Companies, 445 S. San Antonio Road, Los Altos, project representative,
concurred with the staff report and the added condition of approval regarding plantings under the
oak tree canopy. The landscape architect was available for questions.
Commissioner Kerns asked why they added the driveway area in the front instead of asking for it
originally with the new residence. Mr. Pastrof responded stating this was a contract house and as
the owners saw the project developed, they did not want to back down a slope (safety). They
negotiated an easement with the adjacent neighbor so they could exit across his property at the
very bottom where it joins the cul-de-sac right of way.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Commissioner Wong felt it was a clear application with minimum impact with the 10 foot cut.
Commissioner Cottrell had no objections but he would be opposed to any future variance
requests since they are using all of their available development area numbers. Commissioner
Kerns' only concern was with the large oak tree in the front of the house. He would like to see
the driveway design modified to save the tree or to plant another tree on the left side to help
screen the house. Commissioner Clow supports staff's recommendations. Chairman Vitu also
supports the project.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by
Commissioner Wong to approve the request for a Site Development Permit for a basement
expansion, and a landscape/hardscape plan, Lands of Huang, 24905 La Loma Court, with the
following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: (1) the two heritage oak trees
proposed for removal shall be replaced with two 48" box oaks to be planted on the front of the
property; and (2) there shall be no planting or hardscape under the canopy of the existing 48"
oak tree at the north comer of the property.
AYES: Chairman Vitu, Commissioners Kerns, Cottrell, Wong & Clow
NOES: None
This item is subject to a 23 day appeal period.
3.3 LANDS OF AU, 12870 Robleda Road (239-02-ZP-SD); A request for a Site
Development Permit for a landscape screening plan.
Staff (Angelica Herrera) introduced this item by reviewing the landscape screening plan with the
modification to condition #5 placed on the approval for the new residence. She referred to Code
Section 10-2.805 and Attachment #2 from the applicant's landscape architect which outlines the
obstacles to installing fully grown mature trees at the 400 and 410 -foot contours. A letter from a
neighbor across from the project site indicated she had reviewed the proposed landscape plan and
had no particular concerns with it. The second part of condition #5 relates to plantings on the
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/27103
January 9, 2003
Page 3
east side of the home approximately 12 feet in height and which upon maturity reach a height
less than 20 feet... Attachment #3 provided photos of the site taken today. She was not sure
they were to address the 20 foot height at maturity unless they agreed to have the trees trimmed
or topped at that height or they may agree to substitute with a shrub that would grow to a
maximum height of 20 feet.
Commissioner Clow asked if there was any history of applicants planting 35 foot trees. The
Planning Director responded that there was a history in town to plant full size, very large trees
for immediate screening. Sometimes a condition is added and later they find that it is not
feasible to install.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Dean An, 707 Kao Court, Sunnyvale, applicant, discussed the original request for screening
trees. There were only concerns from two neighbors across the hill. One neighbor wrote a letter
stating no concerns. The problem with the original request for large trees is getting them to the
site and the difficulty and high cost to install them. He referred to a letter from his landscape
architect regarding this matter. In a spirit of cooperation, he proposed to install a variety of 24"
box size trees that will grow to 25-30 feet tall. These are considered specimen size trees, and are
considerably larger than the normal 15 gallon size trees. Depending on selection, a 24" box tree
can be as tall as 12 feet at the time of installation. The immediate impact would be to help
screen the first floor of the house. He requested a modification to condition #5.
Debbie Chen, 25545 O'Keefe Lane, voiced concern with the trees which will block their view at
maturity. Coastal Oaks can grow to 70 feet in height. The maximum height should be between
12 feet and 20 feet. She agreed with the use of shrubs as long as they will grow to at least 12 feet
in height.
Dean An stated he could maintain the trees to 20 feet. It was difficult to find trees that would
only grow 20 feet, at maturity. He would be happy to plant shrubs that will grow to 12-20 feet.
Alan Chen, 25545 O'Keefe Lane, noted two concerns: (1) privacy; and (2) protecting their view.
He would like to speak to the landscape person and help select the plantings. His preference
would be for evergreen trees rather than shrubs, if possible.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Commissioner Clow felt the request for 25 foot to 35 foot trees was unreasonable (benefits
versus costs). The house is visible. He agreed with the request for something more than 12 feet.
He can support the compromise between Au and Chen regarding shrubbery or trees.
Commissioner Kerns did not agree with the trees along the north side as he felt the 24" box
would be fine. He felt sometimes smaller oaks grow faster because larger trees become root
bound. They could add a condition that would be a compromise stating that shrubs or trees
�r would be planted on the east side that would grow to maturity at the 12 foot to 20 foot range.
♦r Commissioner Cottrell and Commissioner Wong agreed. Chairman Vito also agreed.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 2/27/03
January 9, 2003
Page 4
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Kerns and seconded by
Commissioner Cottrell to approve the request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape
screening plan, and modification to new residence condition of approval , #5, Lands of Au,
12870 Robleda Road, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: The
applicant shall install either trees or shrubbery along the eastern property line with a minimum
height of 12 feet and at maximum height at maturity of 20 feet to provide screening and view
protection for the easterly neighbor.
AYES: Chairman Vitu, Commissioners Wong, Clow, Cottrell & Kerns
NOES: None
This item is subject to a 23 day appeal period.
4. OLD BUSINESS
4.1 Report from subcommittees -none
5. NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Recording meetings reviewed by the Planning Director.
4 5.2 Planning Commission schedule for February
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To change the regular scheduled meeting from February 13 to
February 27, 2003.
6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6.1 Planning Commission Representative for December 19', Commissioner Cottrell,
reported on the following items: concept of a plan for beginning the under grounding of existing
utility wires in the Town; interviews of prospective candidates for the "new Town Hall
Committee"; Open Space and Public Recreation Initiative; (Pathways Map, Resolution #1-3-02;
California Building Standards Code; and Lands of Campbell and Ligeti.
6.2 Planning Commission Representative for January 2°" -cancelled
6.3 Planning Commission Representative for January 16 1h -Commissioner Wong
6.4 Planning Commission Representative for February 6`h -Commissioner Vitu
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 Approval of December 12, 2002 minutes
4 APPROVED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the December 12, 2002 minutes.
Planning Commission Minutes
January 9, 2003
Page 5
Approved 2/27/03
7d 8. REPORT FOR FAST TRACK SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING OF DECEMBER 17
& 31, 2002 & JANUARY 7 200
4
8.1 LANDS OF KHOSRANI, 25698 Elena Road (215-02-ZP-SD); A request for a
Site Development Permit for an addition and major remodel. Approved with
conditions.
8.2 LANDS OF ASKARI, 27830 Elena Road (Parcel A) (187-02-ZP-SD-GD); A
request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Approved with
conditions.
8.3 LANDS OF PICA, 12000 Kate Drive (248-02-ZP-SD); A request for a Site
Development Permit for a basement. Approved with conditions.
9. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING- DECEMBER 17 & 31 AND
JANUARY 7, 2003
9.1 LANDS OF WESTRA, 10574 Blandor Way (237-02-ZP-SD); A request for a
Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with
conditions.
9.2 LANDS OF YANG, 13481 Mandoli Drive (233-02-ZP-SD); A request for a Site
Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions.
9.3 LANDS OF QUAIL MEADOWS, 26122 Duval Way (168-02-ZP-SD); A request
for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Continued to
January 14, 2003.
9.4 LANDS OF PARVARANDEH, 27210 Ohlone Lane (153-02-ZP-SD); A request
for a Site Development Permit for a swimming pool. Continued to January 21,
2003.
10.
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 7:45 p.m.
Respectfully sub�mittted,
L*,S�th
Planning Secretary