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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/03/2014Approved May 8, 2014 1 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes April 3, 2014 Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, April 03, 2014, 7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 ______________________________________________________________________________ Chair Abraham called the meeting to order at 7:03 P.M 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; Nicole Horvitz, Assistant Planner; Steve Padovan, Consultant Planner; Jaime McAvoy, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF BAKER AND MATSUOKA, 27030 Elena Road; File #244-13-ZP- SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,280 square foot tennis court, a 603 square foot swimming pool, and a grading policy exception for the proposed tennis court of up to 8' 6" of cut where 6' is allowed. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (a) (Staff-Nicole Horvitz). Assistant Planner Nicole Horvitz presented the staff report. Ex parte disclosures: Commissioner Mandle said that she visited the property; Commissioner Partridge stated that he spoke with the applicant; Commissioner Tankha said she also visited the property; Chair Abraham shared that he visited the site and spoke with neighbors Mr. Herriman and Ms. Scott. Chair Abraham opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Landscape Architect Thomas Klope spoke on behalf of the project. Commission asked questions of the applicant and staff. Commissioner Partridge asked for clarification on a change in the development numbers. Approved May 8, 2014 2 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes April 3, 2014 Commissioner Mandle asked questions regarding the requested location of the tennis court. Don Herriman, Los Altos Hills, speaking on behalf of his parents, shared his concerned with drainage issues. Joanne Scott, Los Altos Hills, said she is opposed to the tennis court, due to drainage issues. Don Herriman Sr., Los Altos Hills, spoke to the existing drainage issues reported by Ms. Scott. John O'Connell, Los Altos Hills, expressed concerns about the court fence being too close to the road and addressed drainage concerns. Mr. Klope addressed the drainage concerns from the neighbors. Chair Abraham closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Tankha addressed the drainage concerns. She inquired if it was existing or if it was a Town issue; and if it could be corrected by the Town. She stated her concern about granting a grading exception for recreational purposes. Commissioner Partridge stated that he saw the positives in the grading policy exception request and acknowledged the effort the applicants have put into finding a middle ground for the project. Commissioner Mandle also acknowledged the effort the applicants put into making the tennis court fit into the site, but did not see the tennis court as a necessity. Commissioner Couperus stated that he was torn on the grading exception due the fact that the exception would cause less impact than if they followed the rules. He was concerned that it would exacerbate existing drainage and runoff issues that are being reported by neighbors. Public Works Director Richard Chiu spoke to the drainage issues and what the Town uses for its drainage systems. He did not see it causing a bigger issue than what currently exists in that neighborhood. Chair Abraham sees the drainage issue as pre-existing condition and requested information from Town engineers on what can be done. Commissioner Partridge proposed the applicant change the upper parking area from an impervious to a more pervious material to help with runoff concerns. Approved May 8, 2014 3 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes April 3, 2014 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to approve a request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,280 square foot tennis court, a 603 square foot swimming pool, and a grading policy exception for the proposed tennis court of up to 8' 6" of cut where 6' is allowed, with the added condition that the upper parking area be converted to a more pervious material to prevent additional runoff. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. AYES: Commissioner Tankha, Commissioner Couperus, Chair Abraham, Commissioner Partridge NOES: Commissioner Mandle ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 4 to 1. Chair Abraham called for a recess at 8:25 P.M. The meeting reconvened at 8:31 P.M. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 REVIEW RECOMMENDED AMENDMENTS TO THE 2013 CALIFORNIA BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, including but not limited to proposed code changes to the Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing, and Fire codes; File #380-13-MISC Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report. Councilmember John Harpootlian spoke to the reasons why the City Council returned the item to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Mandle expressed concern that the Town only had the State Building Code at the moment and that suspending local safety ordinances could cause danger to the Town. Mr. Padovan informed the Commission that they are not required to adopt any new amendments if they don't want to. Commissioner Mandle also made mention of a subcommittee suggested by the City Council, and stated her support, suggesting it consist of two Commission members and a member of staff. Commissioner Partridge inquired if this meant that the Town no longer had to enforce certain requirements they had in the past, such as mandatory sprinkler systems and Class A roofing. Approved May 8, 2014 4 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes April 3, 2014 Commissioner Couperus requested confirmation that if the Town did not do anything, the added amendments the Town has adopted in addition to the standard Code over the years would not be enforceable. Mr. Padovan stated that until the Town decides to adopt the amendments there will be no enforceable local codes. Commissioner Tankha stated that she did not see the harm in prolonging the adoption of the amendments, with the exception of sprinklers and Class A roofing. She also stated her support of a subcommittee to look at the amendments, and requested an industry expert attend the committee meetings. Commissioner Partridge discussed how many of the codes came from subject matter experts. Chair Abraham spoke in support of a subcommittee and suggested the Town's Building Official assist in evaluating amendments the committee is not able to analyze on their own. He also requested a cost/benefit analysis. Commissioner Couperus agreed that some amendments require a subject matter expert and that he is opposed to some amendments that are mentioned. He then stated his support of a subcommittee with people more equipped to research and explain the document. Chair Abraham opened the floor to public comment. Bill Balson, Los Altos Hills, spoke to the updates that he did not support. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to form a subcommittee to examine the local amendments to the Building Code. This will include two Planning Commissioners and a member of staff. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Tankha, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Chair Abraham NOES: Commissioner Partridge ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 4 TO 1. The Commission agreed that Chair Abraham and Commissioner Couperus will represent the Planning Commission on the subcommittee. Consultant Planner Steve Padovan will represent the staff. 5. NEW BUSINESS - none Approved May 8, 2014 5 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes April 3, 2014 Chair Abraham requested a discussion on scheduling the May Planning Commission meeting as he will not be available on May 1. There was a consensus to schedule a special Planning Commission Meeting on May 8. Community Development Director Debbie Pedro suggested moving the July 3 meeting. The Commission agreed but did not decide on a date. Commissioner Couperus shared his experiences at the Planning Commissioner's Academy. Chair Abraham requested a discussion to restrict the length of the Planning Commission's meetings. He suggested following the City Council's format of resolving to end the meetings at a particular time, with the ability to vote to extend the meeting if necessary. The Commission agreed it is a good idea and staff will look into any necessity for agendizing and how to follow through. It was also suggested that the Commission may be open to more than one meeting a month if it allows for a standard ending time. 6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for February 20 - Commissioner Partridge Commissioner Partridge reported on this meeting. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for March 20 - Chair Abraham Chair Abraham reported on this meeting. Commissioner Mandle excused herself from the meeting and left the dais at 10:10 P.M. 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for April 17 - Commissioner Couperus 6.4 Planning Commission Representative for May 15 - Commissioner Tankha 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of February 6, 2014 minutes. Commissioner Partridge requested staff re-check the recordings to confirm the added tree condition the Commission had decided on for Item 3.1, Lands of ISCA Assets. Approved May 8, 2014 6 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes April 3, 2014 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to approve the February 6, 2014 minutes, with corrections. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Tankha, Commissioner Couperus, Chair Abraham, Commissioner Partridge NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Mandle ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 4 to 0. 8. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - FEBRUARY 11, FEBRUARY 18, MARCH 18, 2014. 8.1 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 FROM JANUARY 28, 2014. 8.2 LANDS OF DETTER, 11921 Hilltop Drive; File # 408-13-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 5,343 square foot single story new residence (maximum height 27') with a 1,884 square foot basement. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff- Nicole Horvitz). 8.3 LANDS OF EASTBROOK VENTURES, LLC, 11768 Magdalena Road; File #138-13-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 8,682 square foot two story residence (Maximum height 27'), a 1,000 square foot detached secondary dwelling unit, a detached 624 square foot garage, a 366 square foot cabana and a 1,500 square foot swimming pool. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) & (e) (Staff- Nicole Horvitz). 8.4 LANDS OF PATEL, 27200 Deer Springs Way; File #336-13-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 8,009 square foot two-story new residence (Maximum height 27') with a 3,046 square foot basement, 765 square foot pool, 441 square foot pavilion and removal of one heritage oak. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (Staff- Cynthia Richardson) - CONTINUED TO A DATE UNCERTAIN. Approved May 8, 2014 7 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes April 3, 2014 9. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - FEBRUARY 11, FEBRUARY 25, MARCH 11, MARCH 25, 2014. 9.1 LANDS OF URBAN WEST, 12085 Hilltop Drive; File # 153-13-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a 4,286 square foot new residence with 2,480 square foot daylighted basement approved on August, 7, 2012. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b) (Staff- Cynthia Richardson). 9.2 LANDS OF KLEIN, 27772 Lupine Road; File # 357-13-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a major remodel of an existing 4,471 square foot two story barn (maximum height 26' 10"). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff- Nicole Horvitz). 9.3 LANDS OF RAJ, 12805 La Cresta Drive; File # 401-13-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 576 square foot swimming pool, spa, and equipment. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301(e) (1) (Staff- Cynthia Richardson). 9.4 LANDS OF DJNH, LLC, 26420 Eshner Court; File #337-13-ZP-SD; Request for a Site Development Permit for an 898 square foot second unit, 188 square foot accessory structure, 2,340 square foot sport court, modifications to driveway access and new hardscape and pathways improvements. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff- Cynthia Richardson). 9.5 LANDS OF P-MILLER, LLC, 13276 E. Sunset Drive; File #360-13-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 1,800 square foot sports court and 324 square foot barn. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (e) (Staff- Nicole Horvitz). 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:25 P.M. Respectfully Submitted, Jaime L. McAvoy Jaime L. McAvoy Planning Secretary Approved May 8, 2014 8 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes April 3, 2014 The minutes for the April 3, 2014 Regular Planning Commission Meeting was approved on May 8, 2014.