HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/05/2017Approved September 6, 2018
1
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017
Minutes of a Regular Meeting
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
Thursday, October 5, 2017, 7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, CA, 94022
______________________________________________________________________________
1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Present:
Absent:
Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Couperus,
Commissioner Tankha, Chair Partridge
None
Staff: Planning Director Suzanne Avila, Consultant Planner Steve Padovan, Senior
Planner Marni Moseley, Assistant Planner Erin Horan, Administrative Technician
Veronica Flores
2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR
Chair Partridge opened presentations from the floor. Seeing no one wishing to speak,
presentations from the floor were closed.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
Ex parte: Commissioner Couperus said he spoke to Rajiv Patel, Carol Gottlieb, Kjell
Karlsson, and Commissioner Tankha. Commissioner Tankha spoke with Rajiv Patel,
Kjell Karlsson, and Commissioner Couperus. Commissioner Mandle spoke with Rajiv
Patel, Kjell Karlsson, and Kit Gordon. Commissioner Basiji spoke with Rajiv Patel,
and Kjell Karlsson. Chair Partridge spoke to Rajiv Patel and recused himself from item
3.3 due to the fact that he is neighbors of the applicant.
3.1 LANDS OF PATEL; 26620 Purissima Road; File #162-17-ZP-SD; A request for
a Site Development permit for a landscape screening plan for a previously
approved two story estate home approved at the March 19, 2015 Planning
Commission meeting. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section
15304(b) – Minor alterations to land - new landscaping (Staff: E. Horan)
Assistant Planner Erin Horan presented the staff report. The Commission asked
questions of staff and received responses.
Chair Partridge opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Approved September 6, 2018
2
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017
Rajiv Patel, applicant, spoke regarding the project’s history and introduced his
design team.
Kartik Patel, project architect, presented the proposed screening plans and
discussed the design process in preparing the proposal. He spoke about the
significant reduction in the number of light fixtures and addressed the
Commissions’ questions regarding the front gate. The Commission asked further
questions regarding the lighting and the Mr. Patel further discussed the
lighting design.
Martin Hoffman, landscape architect, spoke about the proposed light fixtures.
The Commission asked questions regarding the proposed screening trees and
received responses.
Carol Gottlieb, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, asked
about the reduction of lights from the original proposal and staff confirmed
that the number of lights was reduced to 58. She said she was concerned with the
dimmers and whether the lights were going to be on all at once. Further, she said
that bay laurel trees are conductors of the sudden oak death disease, so they may
not be good to mix with the oak trees and that the irrigation was supposed to be at
least five feet from the pathway. The Commission further discussed the laurel tree
that carries the disease and Mr. Hoffman confirmed that the proposed bay laurel
trees are not adjacent to the existing oak trees and that California laurel trees were
not being used.
Dan Siedel, Purissima Road, spoke about the wildlife problem in the rural
environment of Los Altos Hills. He said he had concerns of the view from his
property due to the redwoods proposed in the back of the property and about the
reflectivity off of solar photovoltaic systems that has already been addressed.
Mr. Hoffman addressed the concern regarding the proposed redwood trees. The
Commission asked questions of Mr. Hoffman and received responses.
Mr. Patel, architect, addressed concerns about the proposed lighting.
Chair Partridge closed the PUBLIC HEARING.
Commissioner Basiji said he was pleased with the project and believes it
integrates well into the environment. He complemented the effective construction
operation plan implementation and said that the landscape is logically placed. He
stated that he has no problem with redwood trees but would suggest that the
Environmental Design and Protection Committee have the opportunity to review
and make further comments on the modified lighting and that their feedback
should be considered by staff.
Approved September 6, 2018
3
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017
Commissioner Mandle said she that the proposal was a very well thought out
plan. She spoke regarding the redwood trees and stated she is willing to approve
them as proposed to benefit the rear and side neighbors and believes that Mr.
Patel would be responsive to any future problem that may arise due to growth.
She spoke of her concerns with the proposed lighting and said she would prefer to
see no more than ten lights at the front of the house where there are currently
eighteen or more proposed. She is willing to let the applicant work with staff to
discuss the safety issue and eliminate unneeded lights. Further, she says she
would like to remove the golf lights.
Commissioner Tankha said she liked that the applicant kept in mind the look
and feel of the Town in terms of the residence design. She said she was not fond
of redwood trees but understands that it is a personal choice and could serve for
screening purposes. She spoke of the lighting plan and would like to see the
amount of lighting reduced. She suggested the applicant work with staff on a
lighting plan that works for everyone.
Commissioner Couperus commented on metal roofs and stated that Mr. Patel
studied them in depth as part of a subcommittee. He spoke in terms of the lighting
and stated that there is a problem in Town with too much lighting. He commented
on his initial impression of the lighting plan and explained that what was not
apparent on paper but was in person when he did a site visit is that the front of the
house sinks down behind a retaining wall that will prevent you from seeing the
lights in front of the house from Purissima Road. He said that the lights in the
back of the house may be seen by neighbors but does not believe they will all be
on simultaneously. He spoke of his experience with redwood trees and stated that
you can control the height and said that they screen more towards the bottom but
less as they grow taller. Further, he said that redwood trees will not be as effective
as the eucalyptus tree with the acoustic screening from the I-280 freeway.
Chair Partridge stated that the Patel residence was a beautiful house. He said
that although it is a large number of lights, he understands that it is a big property
and will need lighting in the driveway for safety concerns. He said he loves
redwood trees in their native environment and not so much in an oak
woodland environment such as Los Altos Hills but does believe the trees will
provide screening.
Commissioner Basiji complimented the design of the landscape.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Couperus moved to
approve the requested Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan,
subject to the conditions of approval in Attachment 1 and with the added
condition that the Environmental Design and Protection Committee review the
revised lighting plan and make recommendations to staff who will work with the
applicant to make any necessary modifications. The motion was seconded by
Commissioner Mandle.
Approved September 6, 2018
4
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner
Couperus, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Partridge
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3.2 LANDS OF HANABE; 26691 Moody Road; File #206-17-ZP-SD; A request for
a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a previously
approved single-family residence. The applicant is also requesting a creek
setback variance. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b)
(Staff: M. Moseley)
Senior Planner Marni Moseley presented the staff report. The Commission
asked questions of staff and received responses.
Chair Partridge opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Jeff Heid, landscape architect, spoke of the applicant’s goals for the landscape
screening project. He explained that there is already significant screening on the
property which helps them with the job.
Mr. Hanabe spoke about the safety concerns with the location of the property
and the need for proper screening. He spoke of cars that have veered off the road
and entered his property. The Commission asked questions of the applicant and
received responses.
Chair Partridge closed the PUBLIC HEARING.
Commissioner Tankha said she understood the safety concerns that the applicant
brought forward. She stated that she thinks there is a compromise to allow
planting on the lot with the added condition to prune plantings at exit and entry
points.
Commissioner Couperus said safety is a big concern but there are two aspects
to creating a safe screening plan. The first is protecting the residents from an out
of control car coming down Moody Road and the second is visibility from cars
exiting Moody Court and merging onto Moody Road. He shared with
Commissioners pictures to help explain his two points. The Commission
discussed the screening plan on the right of way easement
Approved September 6, 2018
5
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017
Commissioner Mandle said she understands both sides of the problem. She
stated she would like to see the planting in front of the house but that's just from
an aesthetic point of view. She added that she would not recommend crepe
myrtles due to their size.
Commissioner Basiji explained that there is a need for a solution that will
address safety concerns and also take into account not blocking visibility for
cars. He stated that he would like to see the two pieces of fencing near the creek
removed.
Chair Partridge said he believes more screening is necessary than what is
currently proposed. He explained that the house is bulky and very close to the
road.
Commission discussed ensued.
Mr. Heid responded to the Commission's concerns. The Commission discussed
what is expected from the applicant when they come back to the Commission at a
future meeting.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Couperus moved to
continue item 3.2 to the November 2 regular Planning Commission meeting with
the direction that the applicant add additional screening such that no vegetation
will interrupt the line of sight along the edge of Moody Road for a distance of five
feet from the pavement. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Basiji.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner
Couperus, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Partridge
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
3.3
LANDS OF KARLSSON; 12251 Menalto Drive; File #273 -10-ZP-SD-GD; A
request for a Site Development Permit for a 2,083 square foot addition to the
main floor and a 1,973 square foot addition on the lower level (total addition of
4,056 square feet) to an existing 6,179 square foot single-story residence with a
detached garage resulting in a total floor area of 10,235 square feet that is
compliant with height, setback, floor area and development area regulations.
The lower level addition includes a new secondary dwelling unit. The applicant
is also requesting a grading exception and an interpretation on restorative
grading on a hilltop property. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per
Approved September 6, 2018
6
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017
Section 15301(e) – addition to an existing single-family residence (Staff: S.
Padovan)
Chair Partridge stated he lives within 500 feet of the project location, recused
himself, and stepped down from the dias.
Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report. The Commission
asked questions of staff and received responses.
Vice Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Kjell Karlsson, Applicant, spoke regarding his project. The Commission asked
questions of Mr. Karlsson and received responses.
Carol Gottlieb, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, stated
her committee never saw the design. She added that she drove up to the property
and did not see any impact on neighbors.
Mr. Karlsson responded to public comments.
Vice Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING.
Commission discussion ensued
Commissioner Basiji spoke about basements and how it affects contouring on
the site. He commented on the things he learned from his site visit.
Commissioner Tankha stated it might be best not to look at the re-contouring
but rather a grading policy exception to achieve the purpose of why grading
exceptions are granted.
Commissioner Couperus spoke from opposite point of view to explain why he
agrees with Mr. Karlsson's proposal and think it would effectively do what the
town wants.
Vice Chair Mandle stated that retaining the original house is wonderful and
adding grading is also something she wants to see more of in the right purposes.
Vice Chair Mandle re-opened the PULIC HEARING to allow the applicant to
speak.
Mr. Karlsson said there is no room to add to the current house. The Commission
asked questions and received responses.
Vice Chair Mandle closed the Public Hearing.
Approved September 6, 2018
7
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to
approve the Site Development Permit and grading exception subject to the
recommended conditions of approval in Attachment 1 and the findings for a
grading policy exception in Attachment 2 and not to use the re-contouring or
restorative grading to define the lower floor level as a basement and rather to
grandfather the basement to the 2011 basement definition; with the added
condition that any future addition to floor area greater than 500 square feet be
brought back to the Planning Commission for approval. The motion was seconded
by Commissioner Couperus.
MOTION CARRIED: 4-0
AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner
Couperus, Commissioner Tankha
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
RECUSE: Chair Partridge
Chair Partridge returned to the dias.
3.4
UPDATE TO TITLE 9 (SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE) OF THE LOS ALTOS
HILLS MUNICIPAL CODE. The Subdivision Ordinance consists of regulations
related to the subdivision of land within the Town of Los Altos Hills and were
enacted for the purpose of promoting orderly development of property and the
public health, safety, convenience and general wel fare of Town residents. These
regulations insure that the development of land is consistent with the general
community objectives in the General Plan and the established rural character of
the Town. The Town has determined that an update to the Subdivision
Ordinance is necessary in order to bring the Town’s subdivision code into
conformance with the State Subdivision Map Act and to streamline and clarify
the existing regulations. File #349-16-MISC, CEQA Review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15061(b) (3) (Staff: S. Padovan)
Consultant Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report. Commission
asked questions of staff and received responses.
The Commission and staff discussed in further details the subdivision ordinance
update.
Chair Partridge opened the PUBLIC HEARING.
Approved September 6, 2018
8
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017
Carol Gottlieb, Los Altos Hills, stated she would like the tree section to add the
words "when no other design is feasible." Staff and the Commission discussed the
addition of such language in the appropriate section.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Tankha moved to make
a recommendation to the City Council to adopt the subdivision as amendment
with the added condition that section 9-1.607B to read "trees with the above
mentioned dimensions may be removed only when necessary to facilitate..." The
motion was seconded by Commissioner Basiji.
MOTION CARRIED: 5-0
AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner
Couperus, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Partridge
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
4. OLD BUSINESS
4.1
Master Path Map Update Process (Staff: S. Avila)
Planning Director Suzanne Avila asked for further direction from the
Commissioners on how to proceed with the next pathway segments.
Commissioner Mandle said she was asked to look at old subdivision maps. She
explained she would do so next week and send out copies of the ones she selects.
5. NEW BUSINESS – None
6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS
6.1
Planning Commission Representative for September 21 – Commissioner Couperus
Commissioner Couperus shared his observations of the September 21, 2017 City
Council meeting
6.2 Planning Commission Representative for October 11 – Chair Partridge
6.3 Planning Commission Representative for November 16 – Commissioner Tankha
6.4 Planning Commission Representative for December 21 – Commissioner Mandle
Approved September 6, 2018
9
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1
Approval of July 6, 2017 minutes.
MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Basiji moved to approve
the July 6, 2017 minutes. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Tankha.
MOTION CARRIED:5-0
AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner
Couperus, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Partridge
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
8. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - AUGUST 8 & 15,
SEPTEMBER 5, 12, & 19, 2017, OCTOBER 3, 2017
8.1
LANDS OF MINTON; 10730 Mora Drive: File #143-17-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a 1,060 square foot single story addition (Maximum
height 23’-10” feet). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a)
(Staff: E. Horan)
8.2
LANDS OF JOHNSON; 27001 Appaloosa Way; File #182-17-ZP-SD-GD; A
request for a Site Development Permit for a 428 square foot main floor addition
with 133 square foot deck and a 427 square foot expansion to the basement garage
at an existing residence (Maximum height 21’-6’). CEQA review: Categorical
Exemption per Section 15301(e) – addition to an existing single-family residence
in a residential zone district (Staff: E. Horan)
8.3
LANDS OF LAI; 25700 Deerfield Drive; File #146-17-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a new pool and driveway modification. CEQA
review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b) – ancillary residential site
improvements (Staff: M. Moseley)
8.4
LANDS OF KRUEP, 26860 ROBLEDA COURT; File #169-17-ZP-SD; A request
for a Site Development Permit for landscape screening and lighting plans for a
previously approved new residence and pool. CEQA review: Categorical
Exemption per Section and 15304(b) (Staff: S. Avila)
8.5 LANDS OF BIBL, 14403 Kingsley Ave, APNs 175-21-121, 175-21-100, and 175-
Approved September 6, 2018
10
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017
21-038. File #280-17-ZP-SD-GD. A request for a modification of an approved
permit to expand light wells for an approved single-family residence with a
grading policy exception. CEQA Review: Exempt per Section 15303(a) (Staff: M.
Moseley)
8.6
LANDS OF LEE; 13020 La Paloma Road; File #311-16-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan for a previously approved
addition/remodel. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304 (b)
(Staff: M Moseley)
9. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - AUGUST 8, 2017, OCTOBER 3, 2017
9.1
LANDS OF DUTCHINTS DEVELOPMENT LLC; 24925 Oneonta Drive; File
#174-17-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,654
square foot one story residence (Maximum height 19’ feet) with a 2,905 square
foot basement. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303 (a)
(Staff: E. Horan)
9.2
LANDS OF WONG; 10574 Blandor Way; File #152-17-ZP-SD; A request for a
Site Development Permit to construct a 717 square-foot second story addition
(23’3” maximum height). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section
15303(a) – additions to existing single family residential property (Staff: M.
Moseley)
9.3
LANDS OF CHANG; 26464 Taaffe Road; File #240-16-ZP-SD-GD; A request
for a Site Development Permit for a new 4,402 square-foot two-story residence
(Maximum height 27’), a 589 square-foot detached garage (Maximum height
16’6”), a 146 square-foot cabana (Maximum height 13’) and pool. CEQA review:
Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) – construction of a new single-family
residence in a residential zone (Staff: M. Moseley)
10. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting adjourned at 11:48 PM
Respectfully Submitted,
Cody Einfalt
Planning Technician
The minutes of the October 5, 2017 Regular Planning Commission Meeting were approved as
presented at the September 6, 2018 Regular Planning Commission Meeting.
Approved September 6, 2018
11
Regular Planning Commissioner Meeting
October 5, 2017