HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/10/2003k. Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 5/8/03
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
Thursday, April 10, 2003, 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
cc: Cassettes ( 1 ) #04-03
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; Angelica Herrera, Assistant Planner; Lam Smith,
Planning Secretary
2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -none
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1 LANDS OF ASKARI, 27830 Elena Road (Lot C) and LANDS OF WOO AND
TAM, 27890 Elena Road (200-02-ZP-SD-GD-VAR); A request for a Site
Development Permit for grading, and variance to grade within 10 feet of joint
property line (staff -Angelica Herrera).
Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. Commissioner Clow asked if it had not been
for the property line grading, would this have been a routine application which was answered by
the Planning Director by discussing the question of consistency with Town Code and the General
Plan.
Bruce Askari, 27830 Elena Road, applicant, stated that this project would return and restore the
existing ground to its natural state. This project has been discussed with all of the neighbors who
are in support of the project. The elongated hole was trenched for the existing driveway which
will be abandoned. This project will restore and return the area to a natural state and will
eliminate soil erosion and will beautify the ground. This is the right thing to do.
Hsien-Chung Woo, 27890 Elena Road, applicant, agreed with Mr. Askari's comments, noting,
4W for him, the steep slope of both parcels at the shared property line poses an issue of safety.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/8/03
April 10, 2003
( Page 2
V
Commissioner Cottrell had no issues with the application and felt this improved drainage and all
the neighbors were in agreement. Commissioners Wong, Kerns and Clow also agreed as well as
Chairman Vitu who noted that the variance process is for the protection of neighbors. In this
case both property owners want this change.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by
Commissioner Kerns to approve the request for a Site Development Permit for grading, and
variance to grade within 10 feet of joint property line, Lands of Askari, 27830 Elena Road (lot C)
and Lands of Woo & Tam, 27890 Elena Road, with the recommended conditions of approval
and variance findings.
AYES: Chairman Vita, Commissioners Kerns, Wong, Cottrell & Clow
NOES: None
This approval is subject to a 23 day appeal period
4. OLD BUSINESS
4.1 Report from subcommittees -none
5. NEW BUSINESS
5.1 Analysis of Fast Track Review Process (staff -Angelica Herrera) -Commissioner
Cottrell, for the record, felt this was a very thorough and complete report prepared by staff. All
Commissioners felt it was a very informative report. The report indicates the success of the Fast
Track process with neighbors working together to resolve concerns, when needed.
Commissioner Clow discussed how much money is saved by the applicants and time saved by
the staff with applications meeting all codes and regulations. The Commissioners felt the report
should also be presented to the City Council.
Brief discussion ensued regarding the status of the Lands of Campbell and Ligeti application.
5.2 Los Altos Hills Web Site -Planning Commission Agendas and Minutes -the
Planning Secretary reviewed the Los Altos Hills web site for accessing Planning Commission
agendas and approved minutes. Commissioner Clow would not want to see house plans on the
web. Further discussion ensued regarding security issues involving floor plans being available
on the web. Policy regarding reviewing and copying documents was addressed.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 5/8/03
April 10, 2003
Page 3
6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6.1 Planning Commission Representative for March 20'", Commissioner Kerns,
reported on the following: Lands of Leung; Lands of Mehta; new Town Hall, undergrounding of
utilities; the Master Pathway Map; View Protection ordinance; Lands of Corrigan; Goldman
invoices; wood burning fireplaces; and closed session regarding Lands of Campbell & Ligeti.
6.2 Planning Commission Representative for April 3rd, Commissioner Wong, reported
on the following: Lands of Yu; Lands of Mendez; new Town Hall status; View Protection
ordinance; presentation by the Town Hall architects; and Lands of Santa Clara Water District.
6.3 Planning Commission Representative for April 17'h — Commissioner Vitu
6.4 Planning Commission Representative for May I" — Commissioner Clow
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 Approval of March 13, 2003 minutes
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the March 13, 2003 minutes.
8. REPORT FROM FAST TRACK MEETING- APRIL 1, 2003
8.1 LANDS OF DESIGNED ENVIRON, INC., 24666 Nicole Lane (19-03-ZP-SD-
GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,917 square foot new
residence (maximum height 27 feet) (continued from March 25, 2003). Approved
with conditions.
9. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING — MARCH 25 & APRIL 8.2003
9.1 LANDS OF MANNES, 25351 Moody Road (265-02-ZP-SD); A request for a
Site Development Permit for a 1,107 square foot addition, and a 341 square foot
secondary dwelling unit (maximum height 16.6 feet). Approved with conditions.
9.2 LANDS OF EPSTEIN, 23828 Ravensbury Avenue (10-03-ZP-SD); A request for
a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with
conditions.
9.3 LANDS OF SPIRTOS, 23801 Camino Hermoso (245-02-ZP-SD); A request for
a Site Development Permit for a new driveway access. Continued to a future
Planning Commission meeting.
9.4 LANDS OF FERRELL, 26300 Silent Hills Lane (17-03-ZP-SD); A request for a
Site Development Permit for a 910 square foot wine cave. Approved with
t. conditions.
Planning Commission Minutes
April 10, 2003
Page 4
Approved 5/8/03
9.5 LANDS OF WANG, 28100 Laura Court (16-03-ZP-SD); A request for a Site
Development Permit for a 645 square foot pool, landscape screening and
hardscape. Approved with conditions.
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 7:33 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
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Lani Smith
Planning Secretary