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Home My WebLink About09/04/2014Approved October 2, 2014 1 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, September 04, 2014, 7:00 P.M Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA 94022 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle Staff: Suzanne Avila, Interim Planning Director; Steve Padovan, Consultant Planner; Jaime McAvoy, Planning Secretary Chair Mandle reordered the Agenda as follows: Item 3.2, Item 3.1, Item 4.1 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Bill Balson, Los Altos Hills, requested a revision to the Town’s code in reference to secondary structures and whether they are a privilege or a right. Chair Mandle asked staff to return to the next Planning Commission meeting with direction on how to approach this topic. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS The Commission now considered Item 3.2 3.2 LANDS OF HONG; 12501 Zappettini Court, File #12-14-ZP-SD; A continued public hearing of a Site Development Permit for a new 6,706 square foot, two- story single-family dwelling with a 2, 563 square foot basement which includes a 1.000 square foot secondary dwelling unit (maximum height of 27') approved at the Fast Track Hearing on June 10, 2014. The applicant is also requesting a three- foot Grading Policy Exception by the Planning Commission. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff- S. Padovan). Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report. Commissioner Partridge asked questions pertaining to the new retaining wall and if it abides by Town code. Mr. Padovan confirmed that it did. Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Approved October 2, 2014 2 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 Architect Daryl Fazekas addressed the changes made in the revised plans. Seeing no one else wishing to speak Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Tankha said that the Hongs had done everything requested by the Commission, and that the new design fit better with the feel of the neighborhood. Commissioner Couperus offered his support of the revised proposal, stating it had exceeded his expectations. Commissioner Abraham agreed that the Hongs had done everything that was asked and more, and stated that he felt this design would be more beneficial to the Hongs and their neighbors. Commissioner Partridge agreed with the other Commissioners, and stated that this was clearly an improvement. Chair Mandle agreed that the applicants had done exactly what was asked, and thanked them for doing it quickly and graciously. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Tankha moved to approve the request for a Site Development permit and grading policy exception for a new residence with a basement and secondary unit, subject to the grading policy exception findings in Attachment 1 and the recommended Conditions of Approval in Attachment 2. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. The Commission now considered Item 3.1 3.1 LANDS OF BOCK; 12403 Hilltop Drive, File #87-14-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a new 5,592 square foot, two-story residence with an attached four (4) car garage, basement, and a swimming pool previously approved under Site Development Permit File #276- Approved October 2, 2014 3 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 12-ZP-SDGD at the City Council hearing on May 20, 2013. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) (Staff- S. Padavon). Ex Parte Disclosures: Commissioner Tankha disclosed that she had met with the neighbor Donna Gorzynski. Commissioner Partridge disclosed that he met with the applicant Laszlo Bock. Commissioner Couperus disclosed that he was emailed by Mr. Bock but did not meet with him. Commissioner Abraham disclosed that he had spoken with Mr. Bock, and Chair Mandle disclosed that she had spoken with Mr. Bock and Ms. Gorzynski. Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report. Commissioner Tankha asked about the height of the shrubs along the shared property line and the view corridor. Chair Mandle asked if the current fill exceeded that of the grading plan. Mr. Padovan stated the engineering department was already in the process of establishing whether or not the property was in conformance. Commissioner Partridge asked for a description of an apparatus that appears on the roof of the Bock residence. Mr. Padovan said that the applicant disclosed that it was a satellite dish and was within the Town’s height limits of 35 feet. Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Applicant Laszlo Bock spoke on behalf of his application. Landscape Architect Steve Kikuchi spoke to the changes made to the landscape screening plan. Commissioner Abraham inquired into the purpose of the weatherhead. Mr. Bock confirmed that it was for a satellite dish and that they had already discussed having it lowered. Commissioner Tankha asked Mr. Kikuchi inquired about the shared property line between the Bock and Gorzynski properties, as well as what she referred to as the "oak tree corridor" and the proposed height for each of these. Commissioner Partridge asked about certain trees and their estimated maximum height. Charley Bronisky, Esq. representing Donna Gorzynski, said that a decision should not be made based on plans that were presented to the Commission on the day of the meeting. He requested the Commission continue the item so his client could have time to look at the plans and decide if she still had objections. Approved October 2, 2014 4 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 Joanne Morris, Los Altos Hills, stated that the property value of Ms. Gorzynski's home has gone down since the building of the Bock home. Richard Scott, Los Altos Hills, asked if the zoning laws were being followed, and how the overall aesthetics would affect the Town. He also expressed concern with the brief amount of time the Commission had been given to review the revised plans. Christina Clark, Los Altos, stated her opposition to the project. Faye Brown, Los Altos, spoke to Ms. Gorzynski's character, and said the approval of this project would affect the enjoyment of her property. Donna Gorzynski, Los Altos Hills, expressed concern over the height of the bushes and how they will obscure her views. She requested the Commission continue the item so she may have more time to look over the revised plans. Pat Ley, Chair, Los Altos Hills Environmental Design and Protection Committee, said the Committee had not seen the plans yet, and that this discussion could have been avoided if they had been able to review them. Chair Mandle asked Mr. Bock how he felt about continuing so that people may see the new plans. He requested an answer today, rather than a continuance. Commissioner Partridge asked Mr. Kikuchi questions to clarify aspects of the revised plans. Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Partridge stated his appreciation of the effort the Bocks had put into correcting the concerns from the original design. He said he sympathized with Ms. Gorzynski in regards to the last minute submittal, but if the staff confirmed the cherry trees would not exceed 8-10 feet, he did not see an issue. Commissioner Tankha said she was not comfortable approving the plans due to their last minute submittal. She did not think the applicants provided enough time for the Commission to thoroughly review them. Commissioner Couperus reiterated that the purpose of a landscape screening plan was to screen the house from the neighbors. The Town does not regulate what or where you plant, to a certain extent. He stated that he was prepared to go with these plans, given the staff recommendations. Approved October 2, 2014 5 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 Commissioner Abraham said the Bocks had worked very hard to accommodate the neighbors. He understood that the revisions were last minute, but offered his support of the new drawings. Chair Mandle thanked the neighbors for their input, as well as the applicant for revisions that were responsive to the concerns of the neighbors. She then apologized to the neighbors for the plans being submitted at the last minute, but that that they were a sincere effort by the applicant. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to approve the requested site development permit for the landscape screening plan as presented at the meeting this evening subject to the conditions of approval in attachment 1, with the amendment that the 5 Caroliniana Laurel Cherry trees labeled compact in the northwest of the property be modified to only Caroliniana trees. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Partridge. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Chair Mandle NOES: Commissioner Tankha ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 4-1. The Commission now considered Item 4.1 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 LANDS OF TOPRANI; 26630 Ascension Drive, File # 118-14-ZP; Status Update (Staff- S. Padovan). Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report. The Commission asked questions of staff. Commissioner Partridge asked if the resident could step the fence as opposed to a straight three foot tall fence. Mr. Padovan confirmed that it could be stepped based on where it was in the setback. Commissioner Couperus asked for clarification over which fences were actually being discussed that evening. Approved October 2, 2014 6 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 Chair Mandle asked what was required to grant an exception as opposed to a variance. Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Applicant Subodh Toprani addressed the Commission and stated why he felt he should be granted a variance. Seeing no one else wishing to speak Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Abraham said that he thought the request was reasonable given the applicant's circumstances, but he could not agree to a variance based on past applications brought before the Commission. Commissioner Couperus shared his sympathy for the security issue, but the Commission was not denying the applicant a six-foot fence, only that he could not have one at the requested location. Commissioner Tankha said that she could not see any justification to grant a variance for this project. Commissioner Partridge said he was surprised to hear the applicant request an exception when it was not brought before them prior to the meeting. He said he agreed with the other Commissioners that the Town needed to be consistent, but that anything he puts here would be an improvement over the old barb wire fence. Chair Mandle stated that fencing was sensitive issue in the Town, and as such it was important to be consistent and apply the ordinance uniformly. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Couperus moved to approve the three foot solid fence along the property line, retain the six (6) foot fence on the northerly property line, and approve the six (6) foot fence on the southerly property line such that it conforms with the fence ordinance. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Approved October 2, 2014 7 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 3.3 ORDINANCE AMENDMENTS TO TITLE 8 OF THE MUNICIPAL CODE (Building Regulations); To adopt the 2013 California Building Standards Code, including but not limited to Building, Residential, Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Energy, Fire, and California Green Building Standards Codes with local amendments. File #380-13-MISC, CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15061(b) (3) (Staff- S. Padovan). Commission recess at 9:15 P.M. Commission reconvened to open session at 9:21 P.M. Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented a staff report on the remaining code amendments. Commission discussion ensued. Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Bill Balson, Los Altos Hills, asked the Commission to consider at what point the Town would require the residents to spend money on their safety. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to affirm the recommendations of the Committee and the Fire Chief on Item D1 as listed in Attachment 5. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: Commissioner Partridge ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 4-1. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Tankha moved to affirm the recommendations of the subcommittee as it pertains to items E1, E2, and E3 of the 2013 California Building Standards Code amendment. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Approved October 2, 2014 8 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to affirm item F1 as recommended by the subcommittee and agreed to by the Fire Chief as listed in Attachment 5. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to accept the recommendations in Attachment 5 for items A3, A4, A8, and A9. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Tankha moved to affirm the recommendations of the subcommittee pertaining to items A1, A2, A5, A6 and A7 as listed in Attachment 5. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham. Approved October 2, 2014 9 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING. The Commission agreed to continue the rest of the amendments to a future meeting. 5. NEW BUSINESS/ CONSENT CALENDAR 5.1 Filing of EEPSRD Tentative Map; 13651 Burke Road, File # 238-14-TM; (Staff- S. Avila). Chair Mandle asked questions pertaining the flood plain and right-of-way easement on the property. Commissioner Partridge inquired about the historical report that had been included. Interim Director Avila stated that the applicants chose to address this issue preemptively as they had a few older buildings on the property. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Tankha moved to accept the filing of the tentative map and the accompanying data and information for filing at the time the application is accepted by the town. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 5.2 Designate a Planning Commission representative to the Subdivision Committee Approved October 2, 2014 10 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 for the EESPRD, LLC Subdivision, 13651 Burke Road (Staff- S. Avila). Chair Mandle appointed Commissioner Tankha as the Planning Commission Representative. 6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for August 21 - Commissioner Couperus Commission Couperus presented a report on the meeting. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for September 11 - Commissioner Partridge 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for October 16 - Commissioner Tankha 6.4 Planning Commission Representative for November 20 - Chair Mandle 7. MINUTES 7.1 Approval of July 10, 2014 Minutes 7.2 Approval of July 24, 2014 Minutes 7.3 Approval of August 7, 2014 Minutes MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to approve the July 10, July 24, and August 7 2014 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha. AYES: Commissioner Abraham, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Partridge, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None MOTION CARRIED 5-0. 8. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - AUGUST 12, AUGUST 19, SEPTEMBER 2, 2014. 8.1 LANDS OF MERU, LLC; 27241 Altamont Road, File #187-14-ZP-SD; A request Approved October 2, 2014 11 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 for Site Development Permit for a 899 square foot second story addition to an existing residence (Maximum height 24'). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301(e) (Staff- S. Avila). 8.2 LANDS OF FOUR EIGHTEEN ESTATES, LLC; 12810 Deer Creek Lane, File #154-14-ZP-SD-GD; A request for Site Development Permit for a new two-story residence with an attached three (3) car garage (Maximum height 26'11"). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a) (Staff- S. Avila). 8.3 LANDS OF HYDER AND FAROOQI; 11778 Magdalena Road, File #230-13- ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 3,733 square foot new residence with a 1,132 square foot garage (Maximum height 20'). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) (Staff- S. Avila). 8.4 LANDS OF HARRIS; 25311 O'Keefe Lane, File #169-14-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for first floor additions totaling 424 square feet and an 824 square foot second story addition to an existing residence (Maximum height 21'6"). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301 (e) (Staff- S. Avila). 8.5 LANDS OF MECKER; 10180 W. Loyola Drive, File # 159-14-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for first and second floor additions to an existing residence totaling 1,574 square feet (Maximum height 23'2"), a 690 square foot guest house, and new hardscape. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301 (e) and 15303 (e) (Staff- S. Avila). 9. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - AUGUST 12, AUGUST 19, 2014. 9.1 LANDS OF BURKE LANE HOMES, LLC; 25611 Burke Lane, File #170-14- ZP-SD; A request for Site Development Permit for a landscape screening and lighting plan for 5, 063 square foot new residence with a 1,866 square foot basement and a pool that was approved at the Fast Track Hearing on July 9, 2013. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) (Staff- S. Avila). 9.2 LANDS OF KLAUSNER; 26020 Elena Road, File #111-14-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new pool, pool equipment shelter, and an expansion of the rear patio area at an existing single-family dwelling. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301 (e) (Staff- S. Padovan). 10. ADJOURNMENT Respectfully Submitted, Approved October 2, 2014 12 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 4, 2014 Jaime L. McAvoy Jaime L. McAvoy Planning Secretary The minutes for the September 4, 2014 Regular Planning Commission Meeting we approved on October 2, 2014