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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/07/2017Approved January 11, 2018 1 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 7, 2017 Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, September 07, 2017, 7:00 PM Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Tankha, Chair Partridge Absent None Staff: Planning Director Suzanne Avila, City Attorney Adam Regele, Environmental Consultant Ron Sissem, Administrative Technician Veronica Flores 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Chair Partridge opened PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. Shani Kleinhaus, Environmental Advocate for the Santa Clara Valley Audubon Society spoke of two publications regarding resilient Silicon Valley landscape. Chair Partridge closed PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS Ex parte disclosures: Commissioner Couperus met with applicant Rosy Ko, project planner Jeff Peterson, landscape architect Stefan Thuilot, Kit Gordon, Alice Sakamoto, Sharon Schoendorf, Carol Gottlieb, Kjell Karlsson, Commissioner Basiji, and Nancy Couperus. Commissioner Tankha met with Rosy Ko, Jeff Peterson, Stefan Thuilot, Alice Sakamoto, Sharon Schoendorf, Nancy Couperus, and Kit Gordon. Commissioner Mandle met with Stefan Thuilot, Jeff Peterson, Rosy Ko, Sue Welch, Sharon Schoendorf, Alice Sakamoto, Kit Gordon, and Nancy Couperus. Commissioner Basiji met with Sharon Schoendorf, Alice Sakamoto, Kit Gordon, Sue Welch, Suzanne Avila, Rosy Ko, Jeff Peterson, and Stefan Thuilot. Approved January 11, 2018 2 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 7, 2017 Chair Partridge met with Alice Sakamoto, Sharon Schoendorf, Nancy Couperus, Kit Gordon, Rosy Ko, Jeff Peterson, and Stefan Thuilot. 3.1 LANDS OF TOP ELEGANT INVESTMENT, LLC (FORMERLY LANDS OF STIRLING); 28030 Natoma Road: File #193-15-TM and #112-15-MISC; A request for approval of a Tentative Map to subdivide an 18.18 acre property into nine lots. CEQA review: An Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration have been prepared for this project (Staff: S. Avila) Planning Director Suzanne Avila presented the staff report. The Commission asked questions of staff and the City Attorney and received responses. Chair Partridge opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Applicant Rosy Ko introduced her project and team to the Commission and audience. Stefan Thuilot, landscape architect, spoke regarding the proposed subdivision, how they plan to optimize land use, protection of current landscape, and preservation of open space. Further, he spoke about the number of oak trees expected to be planted. The Commission asked questions of Mr. Thuilot and received responses. Ms. Ko spoke regarding the master plan standards. She stated that they followed three main principles and spoke of each one in detail. The Commission asked questions of Ms. Ko and her team and received responses. Jeff Peterson, project engineer, summarized six key project features that were presented in the study session last fall, concerns that were expressed during and after last year’s Planning Commission meeting, and their plan to address those concerns. He stated that they are removing all wildlife impermeable fences along the boundaries of the subdivision on the eastern and northern side with the exception of two properties that have installed fences. The Commission asked questions of Mr. Peterson and received responses. Mr. Peterson continued discussing open space easements, fences, private and public views, pathways, storm water, and oak tree preservation. He briefly spoke regarding committee recommendations and explained how they have addressed them. Commission and applicant discussion ensued regarding concerns over lot 7. David Hextor, consulting certified engineer and geologist, spoke regarding requirements for a proposed basement. He stated that each lot would require a lot specific geotechnical investigation. The Commission asked questions of Mr. Hextor and received responses. Mr. Peterson continued his presentation on committee recommendations. Approved January 11, 2018 3 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 7, 2017 Tim Tosta, land use attorney, spoke regarding agreement enforcement mechanisms and stated that there is a self-enforcing mechanism built into the nature of the subdivision that will keep property owners vigilant. The Commission asked questions of staff and received responses. Kit Gordon, Open Space Committee, spoke regarding the committee recommendations and concerns about fences, preservation of oak woodlands, realignment of the road, an easement on the headwater of creek on lot 7, soil removal, and landslide and spring easements. Michael Kuranoff, Fork Lane, thanked the applicant for moving the pathway easement further away from the property line. He expressed concern over the enforcement of Covenants, Conditions, & Restrictions (CC&Rs) and stated that he thinks project is brilliant and he would benefit from it. Although, he worries that Los Altos Hills has never had architectural control and the project would require more management on the Town's end. The Commission asked questions of Mr. Kuranoff and received responses. Carol Gottlieb, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, encouraged the applicant to present to the committee at their next review of the new proposal. She further discussed the committee's concerns and recommendations. Sue Welch, Los Altos Hills resident, expressed concerns of cumulative impact on Matadero Creek and oak mitigation measure and monitoring. She stated that she agreed with Mr. Kuranoff that if done properly, this project would be great but is skeptical that it can be done in an enforceable way. Nancy Couperus, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, said that the committee considers lot 7 to be problematic. The Commission asked questions of Ms. Courperus and received responses. Alan Kaganov, Simon Lane, spoke regarding two oak trees, 107 and 108, that he believes could be preserved. Ed Smith, Debell Road, stated that he is bothered by the steepness of slopes of the entire subdivision, especially lot 9 and across the eastern part of the development. He said that CC&R's are not a value to the Town and believes the Commission should insist in adoption of all open space easements the Open Space Committee recommended. Ms. Ko and her design team responded to public concerns. Chair Partridge closed the PUIBLIC HEARING. Meeting went into recess at 10:29 pm. Approved January 11, 2018 4 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 7, 2017 Meeting reconvened at 10:35 pm. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Basiji stated that this project is new ground to deal with and that it has come a long way. He said he wanted more discussion on the notion of a master plan specifically related to property line fences and lot 7 runoff and viability. Commissioner Mandle stated that lot 7 is an issue, and was specifically concerned with drainage. Also, she wanted to better understand how CC&Rs will work relative to easements. Commissioner Tankha stated her main points of concern were lot 7, enforceability of the CC&Rs, exploring other options that could have the same control over the development as the applicant envisions with the CC&Rs, and the landscape design. Commissioner Couperus said he would like to discuss lot 7 and enforcement of CC&Rs. Chair Partridge added the two topics of whether a road alignment is feasible to preserve more trees and a pathway easement to offer the possibility to connect pathways in the future. Commissioner Couperus stated that the Town geologist signed off on the feasibility of lot 7 but that the general plan does not talk about certifying as feasible. He quoted the general plan and said that the Town geologist did not sign off on the area as being undisturbed. Commissioner Tankha agreed with Commissioner Couperus and stated that there are several reasons why lot 7 is problematic such as unstable soil, disturbance of the site, and concern over the process of removing and reinstalling soil. She further commented on feasibility. Commissioner Mandle quoted the general plan and stated that there are riparian areas in lot 7 and should be protected. Commissioner Basiji agreed with fellow Commissioners and said he was leaning in favor of lot 7 remaining undisturbed and is struggling with deciding whether or not it should be developed. Chair Partridge added another quote from the general plan and said that he believes that the applicant has a good geotechnical team but that it feels like they are re- engineering the geography of the site. He said that although the applicant's plan meets the Town's basic requirements, there is a consensus that the current proposal for lot 7 is not the right solution. Approved January 11, 2018 5 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 7, 2017 The Commission further discussed recommendations and possible outcomes for lot 7. Commissioner Tankha spoke regarding landscape success and said that she appreciates the applicant self-imposing restrictions so that they could achieve what they set out to do. She commented on concerns with CC&Rs and thinks it would be beneficial for the applicant to explore other mechanisms to achieve the same purpose. Commissioner Basiji said he did not believe two years for tree success was reasonable and stated that there is a need for more time for the trees to grow and ensure their health. Commissioner Mandle suggested the Santa Clara County standard of seven years. Chair Partridge spoke regarding a cluster of trees (97, 98, 99, 100) between lot 2 and lot 8 proposed for removal due to their proximity to the road and pathways. He said he wanted to explore the idea of moving the road 10 feet south to protect that cluster of trees. The Commission and staff further discussed the road alignment. Chair Partridge spoke regarding a pathway easement near the upward northern boundary near lot 3 and lot 4. After further discussion regarding the line on the map, Chair Partridge said he was in agreement with leaving the topic as proposed. Commissioner Couperus commented on the location of the project on the map. Commissioner Tankha stated that she would like to see the applicant explore other mechanisms that would achieve the same effect as CC&Rs, such as a Homeowners Association (HOA), and revisit the topic at a later meeting. Commissioner Mandle said she is optimistic that the CC&Rs could work but needs more time to read the information in more detail. She said she agreed with Commissioner Tankha that another meeting is needed to further work through all the issues. She stated that she is inclined to think there will be a combination and balance between a HOA, CC&Rs, and easements to satisfy everyone's needs. She said she believed that the applicant did a great job responding to concerns that were heard. Commissioner Basiji said that he believes the plan has incredible potential. Commissioner Coupures said that there is an idea here that gives the Commission everything they want and more but has an issue with whether or not they believe it will function. He stated that instead of looking for an alternative, there should be a last defensive line in case the CC&Rs fail although it may be overly restrictive. Chair Partridge commended the applicant for their proposal. He stated that the concept is revolutionary for Los Altos Hills and it is breathtaking to talk about planning a development of this caliber and to preserve the natural beauty of the land Approved January 11, 2018 6 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 7, 2017 that exists there now. He agreed with Commissioner Mandle that he wants to read further into the details and would like to see a more concrete proposal to better understand what they are approving. Commissioner Couperus commented on the Town's previous mandatory design guidelines, the applicant's design binding guidelines, and other aspects of the proposal. Commissioner Basiji asked questions of staff and received responses. Ms. Ko summarized with the Commission the feedback she received and what topics her team will focus on. The Commission and applicant further discussed what she is expected to address prior to their next meeting. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Tankha moved to continue item 3.1 to the November 2, 2017 Regular Planning Commission Meeting. 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 – None 5. NEW BUSINESS – None Chair Partridge stated that he wants to bring the Master Path Map back to the Commission. 6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for August 17 – Commissioner Couperus Commissioner Couperus shared with fellow Commissioners his observations of the August 17, 2017 City Council meeting. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for September 21 – Commissioner Basiji 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for October 19 – Chair Partridge Approved January 11, 2018 7 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 7, 2017 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES - None 8. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - AUGUST 8 & 15, SEPTEMBER 5, 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) 9. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - AUGUST 8, 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 propert y (Staff: M. Moseley) Approved January 11, 2018 8 Regular Planning Commission Meeting Minutes September 7, 2017 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 11:48 pm. Respectfully submit, Veronica Flores, Administrative Technician The minutes of the September 7, 2017 regular Planning Commission meeting were approved as presented at the January 11, 2018 special Planning Commission meeting.