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Home My WebLink About7.1 ITEM 7.1 Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION "44p, Thursday,December 03, 2015, 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 L ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Couperus Staff: Suzanne Avila, Planning Director; Genevieve Fernandez, Assistant Planner; Jaime McAvoy, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR There were no presentations from the floor. I PUBLIC HEARINGS 3A CONSIDERATION OF AN INITIAL STUDY AND MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR THE MATADERO CREEK RESTORATION AND BANK STABILIZATION PROJECT; Page Mill Road, File#426-15-MISC (Staff- R. Chiu/T. Tseng). Ex Parte Disclosures: Commissioner Mandle said she spoke with Kjell Karlsson. There were no other disclosures. Planning Director Suzanne Avila presented the staff report. Senior Engineer Tina Tseng and Director Avila answered questions posed by the Commission. Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Tankha moved to forward a recommendation that the City Council approve the Initial Study and adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration for stabilization and restoration of 330 feet of Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 3,2015 Matadero Creek to reduce erosion and undercutting of the creek channel, and consider installing vegetation that appears in the nature of the existing vegetation with a more natural look and feel. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Couperus NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 3.2 LANDS OF POLYAKOV/SABSOVICH; 25541 Fremont Road, File #297-15-ZP- SD-VAR; A request for a Conditional Development Permit for additions totaling 329 square feet and a variance to allow an addition within the front setback. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301 (e) (Staff-G. Fernandez). Ex Parte Disclosures: Each Commissioner said they had spoken with the applicants. Assistant Planner Genevieve Fernandez presented the staff report. Commission asked questions of staff. Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Applicant Jenny Polyakov spoke on behalf of her project and answered questions posed by the Commission. Seeing no one else wishing to speak Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Mandle said she was torn on this project as it was currently over the current Maximum Floor Area (MFA) standards, and while she was philosophically opposed to this size project on this size property, the additional floor area requested was largely within the footprint of the existing building. Commissioner Abraham said that he was skeptical about the floor area numbers the staff report stated were granted by the Planning Commission in 1986 and whether there was logic behind them. He then said that the development rules have 2 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 3,2015 changed and this proposal was over the allowable area. And while he agreed that certain changes were apparent, he asked how the Commission would justify denying another applicant a similar request if they grant this. Commissioner Tankha said that she was also torn over the project because it was more MFA than anything that was been granted over the last year, but that there was some merit in the argument that the existing addition sits in the foot print of the existing home. And while the impact on neighbors is minimal, she asked if this type of project falls under the exceptions that the Commission can approve. She then said that she would like to consider granting the variance. Commissioner Partridge said that he too was torn on how to proceed with this project. He said that he was not too concerned with changing parts of the roof line, but the look that the homeowner was going for in the front would make it more visible from the street, and therefore more bulky. He said he was sympathetic to the request to make the entry way bigger, but had trouble supporting the argument for increasing the floor area in the back simply because the neighbors would not see it. He did not feel that was the right case to make. Chair Couperus said that he did not think extending the hallway was a huge issue and he was ok with approving it. He saw enclosing the balconies as more problematic, and agreed that the notion that neighbors were unable to see the additions was not grounds for granting the variance. Commissioner Tankha asked the applicant if they were agreeable to just closing up the balconies, and not adding the square footage outside the footprint. Ms. Polyakov said that the added square footage was necessary for a functional floor plan, but would accept what the Commission was willing to grant her. Commissioners Mandle and Abraham suggested not allowing the balcony enclosure. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to continue the application with the request to reconfigure the house without the rear addition, but to allow the two side balconies to be enclosed, and allowing the front entry way to be expanded and encroach into the setback. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Mandle. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle., Commissioner Partridge, Chair Couperus NOES: Commissioner Tankha ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 3 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 3,2015 MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Director Avila requested the item be moved to a date certain. The Commission agreed to continue the item to the January 7, 2016 Regular Planning Commission Meeting. 3_3 LANDS OF PICHAI; 25857 Westwind Way, File #338-15-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 9,717 square foot two-story residence with an 840 square foot garage and 3,651 square foot basement (maximum height 24'6") and a swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff-S. Avila). Commissioners Partridge said that he had spoken with neighbor Nader Mousavi. Commissioner Tankha said that she spoke with the applicant, neighbor Nader Mousavi, and another neighbor whose name she could not recall. Commissioner Mandle and Chair Couperus said that they had also spoken with Mr. Mousavi, and neighbor Bob Gardner. Commissioner Tankha recused herself as she has a personal relationship with the applicant. Director Avila presented the staff report. Commission asked question of staff. Anjali Pichai, applicant, greeted the Commission and introduced her architect. Robert Swatt, Swatt/Miers, spoke on behalf of the project and answered questions posed by the Commission. Phoebe Wong-Oliveros, Swatt/Miers, answered questions about the trees. Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Nader Mousavi, Los Altos Hills, neighbor, said the presentation relieved his initial concerns, but he will not know if all of his concerns have been addressed until installation. Bob Gardner, Los Altos Hills, neighbor, said he had similar concerns to that of Mr. Mousavi, and that screening would be important for the neighbors with this project. Mr. Swatt made a closing statement. Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. 4 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 3,2015 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to approve the requested Site Development Permit, subject to the recommended conditions of approval in Attachment 1 for the Lands of Pichai, 25857 Westwind Way. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge,Chair Couperus NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Tankha MOTION CARRIED 4-1. Commissioner Tankha returned to the dais. 14 INTRODUCTION OF AN AMENDMENT TO SECTIONS 10-1-503 AND 10- 1.1007 OF THE LOS ALTOS HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE MODIFYING DEVELOPMENT REGULATIONS FOR SUBSTANDARD LOTS; File#342-15- MISC; CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15061(b)(3) (Staff-S. Avila). Commissioners Partridge and Tankha said they had spoken with Forrest Linebarger and Oskar Kalbali. Commissioner Mandle said that she also spoke Mr. Linebarger and Mr. Kalbali, as well as Doug Rimer, Gina Jackman, Thierry Maupile, and Kjell Karlsson. Commissioner Abraham said that he had spoken with Mr. Linebarger. Chair Couperus said that he had spoken with Mr. Linebarger, Mr. Karlsson,Mr. Kalbali,Ms. Jackman, and Enrique Klein. Planning Director Suzanne Avila presented the staff report. Commission asked questions of staff and Ad hoc Committee members. Chair Couperus opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Forrest Linebarger, Los Altos Hills, stated his opposition to the proposed amendment. Barry Smith, Los Altos Hills, asked the Commission to consider if this was happening because of two developers maximizing lots in Town, or if there really was an issue with homeowners building on substandard lots. David Kehlet, Los Altos Hills, stated his support of the proposed amendment. 5 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 3,2015 Abbie Bourgon, Los Altos Hills, said he did not support the amendment as presented. Bob Kamangar,Los Altos Hills, stated his opposition to the proposed amendment. Enrique Klein,Los Altos Hills, stated his support of the proposed amendment. John James,Los Altos, stated his opposition to the proposed amendment. Norm Happ,Los Altos Hills, stated his opposition to the proposed amendment. Esther John, Los Altos Hills, stated her support of the proposed amendment. Jade Lum,Los Altos Hills, stated her opposition to the update. Judy Klein,Los Altos Hills, stated her support of the proposed amendment. Ray Strimitis, Los Altos Hills, said he was not opposed to an update, but this may not be the right direction. Gina Jackman, Los Altos Hills, said she could not support the amendment as proposed. Ling Su,Los Altos Hills, said he could not support the amendment as proposed. Will Bachalo, Los Altos Hills, said that he was not necessarily opposed to an amendment but this proposal seemed arbitrary. Oskar Kalbali,Los Altos Hills, stated his opposition to the proposed amendment. Chair Couperus closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Abraham said that he was in favor of an update, awhile he preferred a Floor Area Ratio (FAR) of 0.14 he could support the proposed 0.16. Commissioner Mandle said that she appreciated all the input, but in reality this was not more restrictive for smaller lots as we do not currently have a FAR, and this was more generous than the FAR of a 1 acre lot. Commissioner Tankha said that an alternate way of regulating floor area for substandard lots was needed, and as smaller lots are already constrained, she was concerned about further constraining them. She said that she appreciated the work of the Sub-Committee but felt that a slightly larger FAR would help smaller lots while still maintaining a balance. 6 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 3,2015 Commissioner Partridge said that he was supportive of a FAR of.16 or .18 but in the end it will come down to the City Council to decide. Chair Couperus said that the MFA calculation has been successful for so many years because it generates a feasible development number that has not caused multiple requests for variances. The FAR should achieve the results. If everyone has to ask for a variance then there is something wrong with the rule. He then said the thought 0.18 would be a workable number. MOTION MADE: Commissioner Abraham moved to forward a recommendation to the City Council for approval of Zoning Ordinance amendments reducing the allowable floor area for substandard lots and adding findings for setback variances as described in the staff report using a FAR of 0.16 as recommended by the subcommittee and making rules applicable to all projects that have not been presented to the Planning Commission as of this date. The motion failed due to lack of a second. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to forward a recommendation to the City Council for approval of Zoning Ordinance amendments reducing the allowable floor area for substandard lots and adding findings for setback variances as described in the staff report using a FAR of 0.18 and making rules applicable to all projects that have not been presented to the Planning Commission as of this date. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge,_ Commissioner Tankha, Chair Couperus NOES: Commissioner Abraham ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 4-1. 4. OLD BUSINESS -none 5. NEW BUSINESS -none 6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6_1 Planning Commission Representative for November 19 - Chair Couperus Chair Couperus presented a report on this meeting. 7 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 3,2015 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for December 17- Commissioner Mandle 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for January 27 - Commissioner Abraham 6.4 Planning Commission Representative for February 18 - Commissioner Partridge 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of October 1, 2015 minutes. 7.2 Approval of October 22, 2015 minutes. 7.3 Approval of November 5, 2015 minutes. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to approve all three items. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Couperus NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 8. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS — NOVEMBER 24, DECEMBER 1, 2015 8.1 LANDS OF WOLAK; 14511 De Bell Road, File #354-15-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 4,000 square foot two-story residence (maximum height 26'6"). The existing garage and cottage will remain on the property. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff-S. Avila). 8.2 LANDS OF DEWI, 12234 Tepa Way, File #384-15-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for fencing, hardscape and landscape screening for a previously approved new residence. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(e) and 15304(b) (Staff-S. Avila). 8 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 3,2015 9. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS — NOVEMBER 17, NOVEMBER 24, 2015. 9.1 LANDS OF HADDEN; 24874 Olive Tree Lane, File #327-15-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan related to a major remodel and addition of an existing single-family residence which included a variance for a new garage that was previously approved under Site Development Permit File #273-13-ZP-SD-GD-VAR at a Planning Commission hearing on December 5, 2013. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b); new landscaping. (Staff- S. Padovan). 9.2 LANDS OF LIN; 11588 Old Ranch Lane, File #131-15-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development permit for a sports court, pool, and hardscape improvements. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e) (Staff- G. Fernandez). 9.3 LANDS OF RAMGOPAL; 14085 Seven Acres Lane, #213-15-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for landscape screening for a remodel/new residence and second unit approved at the August 27, 2013 Fast Track meeting. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b); new landscaping. (Staff- G. Fernandez). 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:53 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, 4 r� Jaime L. Mc1:1/42/ Planning Secretary 9 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes December 3,2015