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Home My WebLink About7.1Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, February 06, 2014, 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 ITEM 7.1 Note: This document contains links that work in combination with the online version of the Minutes. http://www.losaltoshills.ca. og v/city-government/planning-commission/reports 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Abraham Staff: Debbie Pedro, Community Development Director; Richard Chiu, Public Works Director; Cynthia Richardson, Consultant Planner; Jaime McAvoy, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR There were no presentations from the floor. PRESENTATIONS 3_1 Santa Clara County Deputy Fire Marshall John Justice Deputy Fire Marshall John Justice discussed the history and development of the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI) map. The Commission asked questions pertaining to WUI map, as well as other aspects of the Fire Code as they relate to Los Altos Hills. Chair Abraham shared the various pre-emptive efforts the Town has made in case of fire, and inquired as to why the WUI is not more specific to different areas. Fire Marshall Justice explained that while an area may be more fire resistant than another, other areas in proximity may still pose a risk. Commissioner Couperus requested that Ms. Pedro work with the Fire Marshall to ensure the Town is enforcing the regulation pertaining to roof mounted PV systems and fire safety. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 6, 2014 Commissioner Partridge asked the difference between a Class 'A' roof and a non - Class 'A' roof, as well as the reasoning behind residential sprinkler systems. John Justice replied that a Class `A' roof is made of non-combustible materials and the underlying is a thick solid sheathing so it takes more significant burn time to catch fire, and that residential systems are designed to save lives, not property. Chair Abraham asked about a reduction in fire truck turnaround size, and the Deputy Fire Marshall stated that the purpose of the turnaround size is to accommodate different size engines in the event that the Town requires assistance from other Fire Departments. 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS 4.1 LANDS OF ISCA ASSETS, 27640 Sherlock Road; File# 251-13-ZP-SD-GD- VAR; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,995 square foot new two story residence (Maximum height: 27, 34' - 11' overall), a new driveway access and a 366 square foot swimming pool. The applicant is also requesting a setback variance to locate portions of the one story house to be located 27 feet from the front property line where 40 feet is required. CEQ Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) & (e) (Staff -Cynthia Richardson). Ex Parte Communications: Commissioner Tankha disclosed that she spoke with the designer and a neighbor, Harold Watts. Commissioner Partridge disclosed that he spoke with the architect. Commissioner Couperus disclosed that he spoke with the architect and a neighbor, Harold Watts. Chair Abraham disclosed that he spoke with engineer. Consultant Planner Cynthia Richardson presented the staff report. Commission engaged in discussion about the easements and right-of-way dedications. Chair Abraham opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Designer Revital Meron spoke on behalf of her project. Commission asked questions of the designer. Commissioner Partridge expressed concerns over trees represented in the arborist report. What is the plan for preserving these trees? Karen Lemus, Los Altos Hills, expressed concern over drainage and planting that may screen the new residence. Ms. Meron addressed Ms. Lemus' concerns over the landscaping. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 6, 2014 Chair Abraham asked Public Works Director Richard Chiu about the width of the right-of-way. Chair Abraham closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Couperus noted a correction to the Conditions of Approval, "there shall not be exterior lighting in the setback", and requested it be changed to say "no exterior lights except to comply with building code". He also addressed the utility undergrounding condition, asking that the language be clarified to state from the pole to the house, not pole to pole. Commissioner Mandle would normally like the building farther from the street, but agrees this is a really constrained lot, and will support the project if the neighbors do. Commissioner Partridge agrees with Commissioner Mandle. He expressed concern regarding the tree near the parking area, and that he is skeptical it can be preserved. Would like to see the added condition that if the tree does not survive it must be replaced. Commissioner Tankha said this is great solution to a challenging lot. Chair Abraham agreed with the rest of the commission, but stated his opposition to the size of the right-of-way dedication. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Tankha moved to approve a request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,995 square foot new two story residence (Maximum height: 27, 34' - 11' overall), a new driveway access, a 366 square foot swimming pool, and a setback variance to locate portions of the one story house to be located 27 feet from the front property line where 40 feet is required, with the added amendment to replace the oak tree at a 2:1 ratio would it not survive, and to incorporate the new language for the undergrounding conditions, as well as the added lighting amendment. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Partridge. AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha NOES: Chair Abraham ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 6, 2014 4.2 LANDS OF SU 25701 Deerfield Drive; File #301-13-ZP-SD-GD-CDP; A request for a Condition Development Permit for a new 504 square foot swimming pool and spa CEQA Review: Cateszorical Exemption per Section 15303(e) (Staff- Nicole Horvitz). Chair Abraham opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Community Development Director Debbie Pedro presented the Staff Report. Architect Warren Barnes, Kikuchi and Kankel Design Group, spoke on behalf of the project and answered questions posed by the Planning Commission. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Chair Abraham closed the PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Tankha noted a correction to Attachment 1 of the staff report, where "new residence and cabana" should be changed to "pool and spa". MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to approve a request for a Conditional Development Permit for a new 504 square foot swimming pool and spa, with the noted correction to attachment 1. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Abraham NOES: None ABSENT: None FAI in 1�►��-. MOTION CARRIED. 4.3 ORDINANCE AMENDMENT TO TITLE 10, ZONING & SITE DEVELOPMENT, TITLE 1, ZONING, ARTICLES 2, DEFINITIONS, SECTION 202 (DESIGNATED) OF THE LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNCIPAL CODE (TEXT AMENDMENT TO FLOOR AREA DEFINITION): FILE #343- 13-MISC (Staff- Nicole Horvitz) Community Development Director Debbie Pedro presented the staff report. Commission asked questions of staff. 4 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 6, 2014 Commissioner Tankha asked staff how the attic space figures in to the floor area calculations. Ms. Pedro replied that attic space of 7' or lower does not count as floor area. Commissioner Mandle provided a suggested amendment to clarify to ordinance. Commissioner Couperus and Chair Abraham stated their approval of the amendment. Chair Abraham opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Chair Abraham closed the PUBLIC HEARING. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Couperus moved to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approve the draft amendment to Section 10-1.202 of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mandle. AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Abraham NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED. Chair Abraham called for a recess at 9:34. The meeting resumed at 9:37. 4.4 AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 6 SANITATION AND HEALTH. CHAPTER 4 SEWAGE, ARTICLE I SEWAGE DISPOSAL, OF THE LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE WITH REGARD TO PRIVATE SEWAGE DISPOSAL SYSTEMS; FILE # 376-13-MISC; CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per section 15061 (b) (3) (Staff- Debbie Pedro) - CONTINUED FROM JANUARY 9, 2014 PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING. Community Development Director Debbie Pedro presented the staff report. Commission asked questions of staff. 5 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 6, 2014 Public Works Director Richard Chiu answered questions regarding the sewer and septic system costs and connection requirements. He also discussed reimbursement agreements that residents have in Town, and what that means for the new and existing property owners. Chair Abraham opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Patrick Berger, architect, asked the Commission to consider allowing the Department of Environmental Health (DEH) approval to run concurrent with the building process, as opposed to with the initial submittal packet. Chair Abraham requested a discussion of this for a future meeting as it is not currently agendized. Colin Irwin, Los Altos Hills, new ordinance would allow more choices for people who cannot connect. Chair Abraham closed the public hearing Commissioner Partridge expressed concern about how the new code amendment would affect the sewer reimbursement agreements. Commissioner Mandle stated her preference for the 200' limit. Mr. Chiu answered questions pertaining to gravity and pressurized systems and how they affect the distance qualifier. Exception is clarified to include the people on pressurized system who are within a reimbursement agreement zone. Chair Abraham expressed concern that the system may run out of capacity and a person may not be able to develop their property. Would like to see an option where people would not have to connect if they can provide an acceptable septic system. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to forward a recommendation to the City Council to approved the draft ordinance, with the added amendment that a new residence or major addition connects if it is within 200' or less from the sewer main, except where the sewer main does not facilitate gravity flow, and a pressurized system is not available, and not subject to a reimbursement agreement. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mandle. AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha NOES: Chair Abraham ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 6 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 6, 2014 MOTION CARRIED. 6. NEW BUSINESS The Planning Commission now considered item 6.1 6.1 Review of Traffic Calming Measures for Fremont Road and Robleda Road (Staff - Richard Chiu). Public Works Director Richard Chiu presented the staff report. Commission asked questions of staff. Chair Abraham opened the floor to public comment. Kim Cranston, Los Altos Hills, spoke in favor of deer crossing signs to slow traffic. Kjell Karllson, Traffic Safety Committee, asked the Commission to consider which sign would cause drivers to slow down more; deer versus horse crossing. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to forward a recommendation to the City Council for the Town to places deer crossing signs at the recommended locations, on wooden posts, single sign, and preferably combined with another sign if possible, and that the bots dots be installed on Robleda Road between Atherton Court and Dori Lane. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Abraham NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED. 5. OLD BUSINESS The Planning Commission now considered Item 5.1 5.1 Fremont Hills Country Club Application Status Update. Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 6, 2014 Community Development Director Debbie Pedro gave an update on the most recent project details. 5.2 Discussion of Joint Planning Commission Meetings. Debbie Pedro shared options to facilitate meetings, but discussed there may be issues with the Brown Act. 7. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS The Planning Commission now considered Item 7.1 7.1 Planning Commission Representative for January 14 - Commissioner Mandle Commissioner Mandle reported on this meeting 7.2 Planning Commission Representative for February 20 - Commissioner Partridge 7.3 Planning Commission Representative for March 19 - Chair Abraham 7.4 Planning Commission Representative for April 17 - Commissioner Couperus 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8_1 Approval of January 9, 2014 minutes. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to approve the January 9 2014 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mandle. AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Abraham NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED. 8 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 6, 2014 9. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - JANUARY 28, 2014. 9.1 LANDS OF RED ORCHID LLC, 26420 Fremont Road; File #325-13-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development for a 8,521 square foot two-story new residence (Maximum height 29') and a 1,000 square foot swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff -Cynthia Richardson). - CONTINUED TO FEBRUARY 11, 2014. 10. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - JANUARY 14, JANUARY 21, 2014. 10.1 LANDS OF KELLY & CHAING, 10455 Lone Oak Lane; File# 308-13-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a new residence with a basement and swimming pool approved at the Fast Track hearing on August 14, 2012. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b) (Staff -Nicole Horvitz). 10.2 LANDS OF FATEMI, 25691 La Lanne Court; File # 187-13-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 946 square foot swimming pool. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(e) (Staff- Nicole Horvitz). 11. ADJOURNMENT 9 Planning Commission Regular Meeting Minutes February 6, 2014