HomeMy WebLinkAbout5/5/2011 Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved June 2,2011
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
THURSDAY, May 5, 2011, 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The regular meeting of the Planning Commission was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council
Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Chairman Abraham and Commissioners: Clow, Harpootlian, and Partridge
Absent: Commissioner Collins
Staff: Debbie Pedro, Planning Director; Richard Chiu, City Engineer; Brian Froelich,
Associate Planner; and Victoria Ortland, Planning Secretary
2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR-none
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Planning Commission Ex Parte Contacts Policy Disclosure: Commissioner Harpootlian had met
the applicants for Item 3.1; Commissioner Clow had met the applicant and neighbors Dru
Anderson and John Hughes for Item 3.1; Chairman Abraham had met with neighbors Dru and
Bob Anderson for Item 3.1.
3.1 LANDS OF THRUN, 13818 Page Mill Road; File #257-10-ZP-SD-GD; A
request for a Site Development Permit for a 5,026 square foot new residence with
a 4,916 square foot basement and 780 square foot swimming pool (maximum
height: 24 feet). The applicant requests a Grading Policy Exception to cut up to
eleven (11) feet for the driveway and permission to remove four (4) heritage oak
trees. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (staff-Brian
Froelich).
Brian Froelich, Associate Planner, presented the staff report for the new residence and swimming
pool with a Grading Policy exception, and request for heritage oak tree removal. The proposed
5,147 square foot new glass sided residence would be constructed in a circular shape with a
pyramid shaped skylight constructed of a sky blue Teflon material. Eighteen trees, including four
heritage oaks were proposed for removal; however, according to a follow-up arborist's report,
the three heritage oak trees near the retaining wall can be preserved and the oak at the driveway
can be relocated on the site. The Grading Policy exception is required for the fire truck turn
around and vehicular access to the basement. Three letters in support of the project had been
received. Two neighbors had expressed concern over the color and reflectivity of the skylight,
removal of four pine trees on the front slope, grading of the hillside and subsequent removal of
existing vegetation, and the utility poles and the possibility for undergrounding.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved June 2.2011
May 5,2011
Page 2
Sebastian Thrun, applicant, explained that the heritage oak tree must be removed for compliance
with fire department driveway requirements but could be relocated to provide screening for the
existing guest house.
Eli Attia, architect explained the theory behind the design of the round structure, the properties
of the glass and other materials to be used in construction of the house.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
John Hughes, Saddle Court, expressed concern over the removal of several large trees and
existing vegetation onthe project site. The resulting loss of screening would allow the new
residence to be in view from his property. The new retaining walls would be visible from off-site
if the hillside north and northeast of the driveway was graded to bare ground.
Jitze Couperus, Page Mill Road, supported the project and was delighted by the design and size
of the new residence.
Dru Anderson, Saddle Court, said her home is on the ridge line opposite of the project location
and considered the mature trees important screening for the new house. She was concerned with
the light color of the skylight pyramid, suggested thought be given to the possibility of
undergrounding utilities, and water conservation.
John Dukes, Lupine Road, requested that the color of the skylight pyramid be changed to blue
from white. He encouraged relocation of the heritage oak tree to the area of the existing second
unit to block the view for the neighbors. The retaining walls should be softened with vegetation
if visible from off-site.
Mr. Chown, Page Mill Road, supported the design and size of the new residence.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Commissioner Clow asked for an explanation of the choice of color for the skylight pyramid and
the possibility of utility undergrounding.
Eli Attia said that the proposed color for the skylight pyramid is light blue, but because the
material is not reflective, it would not reflect the sky.
Mark Helton, Civil Engineer, stated a PG&E easement on the property contained overhead lines
that serve the applicant and a neighbor. The utility lines from the pole to the new residence and
existing second unit will be underground.
Commissioner Partridge supported the design and size of the proposed residence. He suggested
that the Planning Commission review the landscape screening plan. The Grading Policy
exception for the fire truck turnaround and resulting retaining walls was acceptable. The
retaining walls don't need to be terraced but should have railings at the top. The skylight should
be pale blue in color.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved June 2.2011
May 5,2011
Page 3
Commissioner Harpootlian supported the house design with the following requirements: any
retaining walls over six feet to be tiered, landscape screening reviewed by the Planning
Commission, and no light source visible from off-site.
Commissioner Clow supported the new residence project. The color of the skylight pyramid is
acceptable. The existing tall pine trees should be preserved to provide screening for the
neighbors. Regarding the oak tree proposed for removal, it was a good idea to transplant for
screening for the existing second unit. There should be no visible light source seen from off-site.
The retaining walls do not need to be terraced for the project.
Chairman Abraham supported the project and Grading Policy exception for the driveway and
related retaining walls without terracing. The landscape screening should be reviewed by the
Planning Commission. The skylight pyramid color should be as unobtrusive possible. The pine
trees should be retained until landscape screening. The south retaining wall should be modified
to protect the oak trees nearby. Utility undergrounding along the road and PG&E easement was
not the responsibility of the applicant.
MOTION MADE, AMENDED, SECONDED, AND,PASSED BY ROLL CALL VOTE: Motion
made by Commissioner Clow and seconded by Commissioner Partridge to approve the requested
Site Development Permit with the following additional conditions: the rear yard retaining wall
shall be redesigned to preserve the three heritage oak trees; the heritage oak at the driveway shall
be transplanted to screen the existing second unit; modify the grading plan to preserve a
minimum of three pine trees and the fourth pine tree to the greatest extent possible; interior fixed
lighting sources shall not be visible from off-site; the retaining walls shall have railings at the top
as required by the Building Code; the skylight pyramid color shall be a darker blue than the
material board exhibit and reviewed by staff; and the landscape screening shall be reviewed by
the Planning Commission at a noticed public hearing.
AYES: Commissioners Clow and Partridge, Chairman Abraham
NOES: Commissioner Harpootlian
ABSENT: Commissioner Collins
Commissioner Harpootlian could not support the retaining walls without terracing.
This item will be forwarded to a future City Council meeting.
BREAK TAKEN AT 8:56 PM AND RECONVENED AT 9:10 PM
3.2 Chaparral Way Public Service Easement Vacation: To consider a General Plan
Conformity Finding, pursuant to Government Code Section 65402(a), for
vacation of a Public Use Easement on Chaparral Way and reserve a public utility
easement of equal dimensions, and a seven (7) to ten (10) foot pathway easement
within the Public Use Easement. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per
Section 15061 (b) (3) (staff-Richard Chiu).
Richard Chiu, City Engineer, presented the staff report for the resolution finding that the
vacation of the public use easement on Chaparral Way is consistent with the Town of Los Altos
Planning Commission Minutes Approved June 2.2011
May 5,2011
Page 4
Hills General Plan. The intent is to clarify and resolve the confusion over maintenance of
Chaparral Way. The City Council, in May 2009, directed staff to proceed with modification of
the public use easement on Chaparral Way to clarify it for a pathways easement for non-
vehicular use.
Commissioner Harpootlian asked about the installation of the road gate and the $20,000
improvements requested by the City Council in 2009.
Richard Chiu stated that some improvements had been made in 2009 and gate construction had
not been completed because any plans must have resident consensus and approval.
Commissioner Harpootlian requested information on the Pathways Committee recommendation
for Chaparral Way.
Debbie Pedro replied that the Pathways Committee in 2009 had discussed the safety issues
brought up by the residents of Chaparral Way. After a site visit the Committee the stated that
Chaparral Way was an important pathway connection, remain open, was not dangerous, and the
Town should not abandon the easement for pathways purposes.
OPEN PUBLIC HEARING
Ron Badger, Chaparral Way, was concerned about an unimproved ten foot pathway easement
within a fifteen foot driveway that services four homes. He was worried about safety along the
steep cliff along road. He does the road grading, and wondered about the pathway and road
maintenance and his liability
Commissioner Clow asked staff to have the Town attorney to examine the liability of the
homeowners related to the pathway.
MOTION MADE, SECONDED, AND PASSED BY ROLL CALL VOTE: Motion made by
Commissioner Clow and seconded by Commissioner Harpootlian to forward a recommendation
to the City Council to pass and adopt the resolution with the inclusion of a request for the City
Attorney to review the information and clarify possible liabilities, because of the pathways
easement, for Chaparral Way residents conducting routine road maintenance.
AYES: Commissioners: Clow, Harpootlian, Partridge, and Chairman Abraham
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Collins
This item will be forwarded to a future City Council meeting.
4. OLD BUSINESS —none
5. NEW BUSINESS —none
Planning Commission Minutes Approved June 2.2011
May 5,2011
Page 5
6. REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
6.1 Planning Commission Representative for March 17—Commissioner Collins
6.2 Planning Commission Representative for April 21 —Commissioner Clow
6.3 Planning Commission Representative for May 19—Commissioner Partridge
6.4 Planning Commission Representative for June 16—Chairman Abraham
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 Approval of March 3, 2011 minutes
MOTION MADE, SECONDED, AND PASSED BY VOICE VOTE: Motion by Commissioner
and seconded by Commissioner to approve the March 3, 2011 minutes as presented.
AYES: Commissioners: Clow, Harpootlian, Partridge, and Chairman Abraham
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Collins
8. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS — MARCH 8, APRIL 12, AND APRIL
26, 2011
8.1 LANDS OF SAPPHIRE BAYOU, LLC, 13833 Barton Court; File #279-10-ZP-
SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 7,692 square foot new
residence with a 1,860 square foot basement, a 646 square foot secondary unit, a
800 square foot swimming pool, and a 1,800 square foot sport court (Maximum
height: 27'). CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Sections 15303 (a & e)
(staff-Brian Froelich) (approved with conditions).
8.2 LANDS OF RIZZI, 12595 & 12615 Miraloma Way; File #24-11-LM; A request
for a lot merger of two existing parcels into one 3.11 acre parcel. CEQA Review:
Exempt per Section 15305 (a) (staff-Nicole Horvitz) (approved with conditions).
8.3 LANDS OF MOKKARALA, 27807 Via Ventana Way; File #22-11-ZP-SD; A
request for a Site Development Permit for a 172 square foot addition and major
remodel (Maximum height: 25'). The plate height is proposed to be increased
from 8' to 10' with a new hip roof design. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption
per Section 15303(a) (staff-Nicole Horvitz) (approved with conditions).
8.4 LANDS OF FOSTER, 13060 La Paloma Road; File #269-10-ZP-SD; A request
for a Site Development Permit for a 7,620 square foot new two story residence
(Maximum height: 28'), a 840 square foot swimming pool, and 1,664 square foot
sports court. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Sections 15303 (a) and
(e) (staff-Nicole Horvitz) (approved with conditions).
Planning Commission Minutes Approved June 2.2011
May 5,2011
Page 6
8.5 LANDS OF FERRARI, LANDS OF FERRARI FAMILY TRUST, AND LANDS
OF DIARD, 25800 Altamont Road and 25860 Altamont Road (APN#'s 182-17-
045, 182-17-046, & 182-17-047); File #28-11-LLA; A request for a lot line
adjustment between three (3) adjoining lots. CEQA Review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15305(a) (staff-Brian Froelich) (approved with
conditions).
9. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS —MARCH 22, MARCH 29,
APRIL 5, APRIL 12, AND MAY 3, 2011.
9.1 LANDS OF VERMA, 25911 Elena Road; File #256-10-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a 614 square foot
addition and major remodel approved on February 24, 2009. CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) (staff-Nicole Horvitz) (approved
with conditions).
9.2 LANDS OF CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE, East Sunset Drive; Assessor's
Parcel #175-37-014; File #87-10-ZP-SD-VAR; A request for a Site Development
Permit and a fence height Variance for an eight (8) foot tall black vinyl chain link
perimeter fence. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e)
(staff-Brian Froelich) (approved with conditions).
9.3 LANDS OF CALIFORNIA WATER SERVICE, Junipero Serra Highway;
Assessor's Parcel #336-42-022; File #85-10-ZP-SD-VAR; A request for a Site
Development Permit and a fence height Variance for an eight (8) foot tall black
vinyl chain link perimeter fence. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per
Section 15303 (e) (staff-Brian Froelich) (approved with conditions).
9.4 LANDS OF LEE, 27751 Lupine Road; File #27-11-ZP-SD; A request for a Site
Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a 6,266 square foot new
residence approved on May 11, 2010. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per
Section 15304 (b) (staff-Brian Froelich) (approved with conditions).
9.5 LANDS OF RIGA, 14174 Liddicoat Drive; File #38-11-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a 4,993 square foot
new two-story residence approved on July 20, 2010. CEQA review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15304 (b) (staff-Brian Froelich) (approved with
conditions).
9.6 LANDS OF BERGMAN, 26310 Esperanza Drive; File #33-11-ZP-SD; A request
for a Site Development Permit for a major remodel of a 5,095 square foot two-
story residence (Maximum height: 24'). CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption
per Section 15302 (staff-Brian Froelich) (approved with conditions).
Planning Commission Minutes Approved June 2.2011
May 5,2011
Page 7
9.7 LANDS OF PEDERSEN, 25750 Josefa Lane; File#15-11-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a 1,496 square foot
two story addition approved on February 2, 2010. CEQA review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15304 (b) (staff-Nicole Horvitz) (approved with
conditions).
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:06 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Victoria Ortland
Planning Secretary