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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/02/2018Approved September 6, 2018 1 Regular Planning Commission Meting August 2, 2018 Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, August 2, 2018, 7:00 PM Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA, 94022 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Basiji, Chair Mandle Staff: Absent: Planning Director Suzanne Avila, Principal Planner Steve Padovan, Planning Technician Cody Einfalt None 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Chair Mandle opened presentations from the floor. Chair Mandle thanked Commissioner Basiji for his service to the Town by serving on the Planning Commission. Staff presented him with a gift. Birgitta Indaco, Los Altos Hills, said that she would like the Town to review the Fast Track Guidelines for new residences, specifically looking at how some projects are not complying with the guidelines stated in the document. Chair Mandle stated that staff could get involved to look into this issue. She also suggested placing this concern on an agenda for a later meeting. Planning Director Suzanne Avila said that there was a recent meeting that took place regarding the Fast Track process. She explained that guidelines are not inherently concrete in regulating development and there will always be some degree of subjectivity when applying them. She said that revisiting the guide would not be a bad idea. Commissioner Couperus said he would like to talk about it at a later date. The Commissioners were all in agreement. Seeing no one else wishing to speak, Chair Mandle closed presentations from the floor. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS Approved September 6, 2018 2 Regular Planning Commission Meting August 2, 2018 EX PARTE: Commissioner Basiji spoke with Vincent Zunino, Dylan Parker, Ivan Olds, several neighbors that were present at the July 31, 2018 informal neighborhood meeting, Mr. Swatt, Mr. Myers, Joseph Huettl, Bob Owen and Kjell Karlsson. Commissioner Couperus spoke with Vincent Zunino, and Duffy Price. Commissioner Patel stated he spoke with no one. Commissioner Smith stated he spoke with no one. Chair Mandle spoke with Vincent Zunino. 3.1 LANDS OF 26550 ANACAPA, LLC; 26550 Anacapa Drive; File #13-18-ZP- SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,395 square-foot residence with basement and pool (Maximum height 27'). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single- family residence in a residential zone and 15303(e) accessory structures including swimming pool (Staff-Dylan Parker). Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING Assistant Planner Dylan Parker presented the staff report. The Commission asked questions and received answers. Commissioner Basiji asked a question about the incorrect story-pole installation. Staff responded that the poles were installed six feet higher than they should have been. Commissioner Patel asked about the practicality of the proposed controllable dimmers that will be used for the outdoor light fixtures. Director Avila responded that it will be hard to enforce the programmable dimmers on the property, but the applicant has done a good job at reducing the number of light fixtures on the outside of the house. Commissioner Smith asked about how the overall height of the building was measured. Staff explained that the height of the building was measured correctly in accordance with Town code. Commissioner Couperus spoke about the Maximum Development Area (MDA) for the project and questioned how the level of development would affect the soil and drainage plan. Staff responded that the project's drainage plan meets the standards of the Town. Jimmy Chang, property owner, spoke about the layout of the house and how it was designed with his family in mind. He mentioned the neighborhood meetings that took place to understand his neighbors' concerns and the effort that was made to accommodate as many issues as possible. He explained that his project does not require any variances from the Town's code and the height of the building is below the maximum allowed. He added that he has included a sufficient amount of landscaping that will screen the house from his neighbors. Approved September 6, 2018 3 Regular Planning Commission Meting August 2, 2018 Commissioner Basiji asked if the applicant thought about moving the house to another location on the property or reducing the size of the house. Director Avila stated that when the house starts shifting location, it will require more grading to accommodate the steeper slope. Chair Mandle asked how long and how frequently the outdoor lights would be on. Mr. Chang said that the lights would not be on too long. He explained that he does not want to draw attention to himself and his family Commissioner Patel asked about the trees on the property and how high they will grow. He explained that he was curious if the height of the trees would be adequate for the height of the building. Mr. Chang said that the photos he showed the Commission of the landscape screening are from a downward viewpoint looking up. He said that the trees will be sufficient for screening purposes. Commissioner Patel asked about the neighbors' views that could be obstructed in the future when the trees in the landscape screening grow taller. Mr. Chang said that he would cut the trees in the future if they grow too tall and start to obstruct the views of his neighbors. Director Avila spoke of the View and Sunlight ordinance. Joseph Huettl, landscape architect, spoke about the proposed landscape screening plan and how it will adequately screen the house while not blocking the views of the neighbors. Rachel Ng, Los Altos Hills, stated that she does not like the size of the house. She mentioned that the house does not step down the hill which violates Town code. Danis Dayanov, Los Altos Hills, mentioned that the architects listened to the concerns of the neighborhood and adjusted the house to address the concerns. He stated that he is okay with the house because it meets code. Carol Gottlieb, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, spoke of the retaining walls on the property. She also mentioned the lighting on the house and said she does not think the trees below the house will adequately screen the light coming from the new residence. Ken Mixter, Los Altos Hills, said that he is only concerned with privacy for his home. He stated that he cannot screen his property sufficiently because the trees Approved September 6, 2018 4 Regular Planning Commission Meting August 2, 2018 would need to be 30 to 50 feet in height to adequately block the new house from his house. Bob Swatt, Project Manager, said that story poles in general have a hard time conveying the actual size of the new house and that they do not reflect architecture/building articulation. He also mentioned that the retaining walls on the site follow the natural contours of the land. Mr. Chang talked about the slope of the property and said that the house is on the flatter portion of the lot. He added that he is open to the most minimal amount of lighting that he can have on the property. Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Basiji stated he attended the neighborhood meeting for the proposed construction. He said that the overall feeling of the meeting was positive, and the neighbors were not trying to stop the house from being built. The main concern was about privacy for the neighbors. He said that the applicant has an openness to change the design and has listened well to the concerns of the neighborhood. He said that the size of the house meets all the design requirements of Town code and it is not bulky in his opinion. He said that planting will be very important to mitigate the visual impact on the neighborhood. Commissioner Couperus stated that when he first saw the home he was shocked at how it could be built under Town code. He spoke of the Maximum Floor Area (MFA) calculation and how it is used as a proxy for the bulk of the building. Less square footage generally correlates to a smaller building, but not with this style of house. The style of architecture used by this project includes a large roof with wide overhangs that is not counted towards the MFA, but only MDA. The large roof on the house can distort the perceived MFA of the property, making it look bigger by the neighbors. He called this the “Sombrero Effect”. He said that interior lights paired with floor to ceiling windows will emit light pollution to neighbors at night. He added that large windows during the day will cause the sun to be reflected to the property owners below. He called this the “Aquarium Effect”. He mentioned that because the house is on a slope, it needs to step down the hillside, roof included. He called this the “Wedding Cake Effect”. He stated that all of these problems are controlled by Town guidelines - which are less easily applied than measured. He said that the property might not be a ridgeline, but it is at least a defined slope. He said that the way he reads the guidelines, he has trouble seeing the house being approved. Commissioner Patel said that views are important, and people build two story homes to enhance the views from their property. He said that a house of this size might affect the views of their neighbors. He explained that a house can meet Town code, and still not be right for every lot in town. He stated that he is thankful that this project came to the Commission because he sees a lot of issues with the structure. He mentioned that he was happy with the proposed screening Approved September 6, 2018 5 Regular Planning Commission Meting August 2, 2018 mitigation and hopes that the image rendering shown during the presentation was correct. He said that light will be an issue but having a cantilevered ceiling will reduce the light pollution from the house. Commissioner Smith said that he agrees with his fellow commissioner regarding the Sombrero and Wedding Cake Effect. He said that he would like to see the house be less intrusive to the neighborhood. However, the house meets all the code requirements so the only issue is privacy and screening. Commissioner Mandle said she likes the architecture of the house but she is concerned if the house will emanate light onto the hillside. She mentioned that there is no code that regulates this concern but she believes that the cantilevered roof will help and will also break up the mass of the building. Commissioner Couperus spoke of colluvial soils and the concern of the development sliding down the hillside. He asked staff what the experts thought about this concern. Director Avila responded that the project was reviewed by Cotton, Shires and Associates, the Town's geologic review consultants, and was found to be geotechnically feasible. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Basiji moved to approve the Site Development Permit subject to the recommended conditions of approval in Attachment 1 with the added conditions that the large mitigation trees be planted at the start of the project, the programmable lighting on the property be set to default in the off position, the recessed exterior lighting shall have black baffles, the two additional conditions regarding lighting will run in perpetuity with the land, and the landscape screening plan will come back to be heard by the Planning Commission at a later date. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Smith. MOTION CARRIED: 4-1 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Basiji, Chair Mandle NOES: Commissioner Couperus ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 4. OLD BUSINESS - None 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Presentation by the Los Altos Hills History Committee regarding proposed Approved September 6, 2018 6 Regular Planning Commission Meting August 2, 2018 amendments to General Plan Appendix (Inventory of Historic Sites and Structures) Carol Gottlieb, History Committee, gave the presentation on the proposed edits to the historical structures list. She explained the significant history of the sites and hopes in the future the Town can work with the land owners to save the structures. Chair Mandle asked if there is any negative side to being on this list or if the builder/architect of the structure made it historical. Commissioner Couperus explained the importance of Appendix A and that there were no negative aspects to being on the list. The Commission agreed that they were unanimously okay with the edits to Appendix A This item will return to the Commission as a noticed public hearing. 5.2 Consideration of Draft Metal Roof Policy (Commissioner Couperus) Director Avila explained to the Commission the current situation with metal roofs in Los Altos Hills. Commissioner Couperus stated that the metal roof policy needs more explanation on what would be permissible. He said that a color sample should be included to help property owners know what is allowed. Chair Mandle asked how reflectivity is measured. Commissioner Patel explained that the reflectivity level of a metal roof changes throughout the day as the sun moves its location in the sky. Commission discussion ensued regarding how to evaluate a metal roof. This item will return to the Commission as a public hearing. 5.3 Discussion of grading within 10 feet of property lines with regards to retaining wall installation (Staff: Suzanne Avila) Director Avila explained that a resident was concerned that a construction project in Town violated the Town's grading code because a retaining wall was installed within 10 feet of the property line which required grading closer than 10 feet to the property line. The practice of over excavating for installation of retaining walls has been allowed (for walls located within 10 feet of a property line) for many years and is not considered a violation. Approved September 6, 2018 7 Regular Planning Commission Meting August 2, 2018 Commissioner Couperus said it is good practice to allow grading sufficient enough to install a retaining wall, which might include grading within 10 feet of a property line. George Tyson, Los Altos Hills, said this issue is so small that it should not be controversial. He believes the way the current policy is written is sufficient. The Commission did not see a need to consider a code amendment. 6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for June 19 - Commissioner Couperus Commissioner Couperus provided a summary of the June 19 City Council Meeting 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for August 16 - Commissioner Patel 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for September 20 - Commissioner Smith 6.4 Planning Commission Representative for October 18 - Chair Mandle 6.5 Planning Commission Representative for November 15 - TBD 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of June 7, 2018 - Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Couperus moved to approve the June 7, 2018 Planning Commission minutes as corrected. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Basiji. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Basiji, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 7.2 Approval of June 25, 2018 - Special Meeting Minutes Approved September 6, 2018 8 Regular Planning Commission Meting August 2, 2018 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Couperus moved to approve the June 25, 2018 Planning Commission minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Basiji. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Basiji, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 7.3 Approval of July 5, 2018 - Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Couperus moved to approve the July 5, 2018 Planning Commission minutes as corrected. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Smith. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 AYES: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Basiji, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 8. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - JULY 24 & 31 8.1 LANDS OF WHEATLEY; 26644 Purissima Road; File #61-18-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 741 square foot basement and a 360 square foot addition to an existing residence, and an 823 square foot second unit with a 228 square foot garage. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301(e) and 15303(a) (Staff- Suzanne Avila). 8.2 LANDS OF EATON; 12791 West Sunset Drive; File #SD18-0009; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 499 square foot, second floor addition to an existing two-story residence (Maximum height 27') including modifications to the existing hardscape; CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family residence in a residential zone district (Staff- Steve Padovan). Approved September 6, 2018 9 Regular Planning Commission Meting August 2, 2018 8.3 LANDS OF BERTELSEN; 27411 Altamont Road; File #55-18-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 932 square foot, two-story addition to an existing two-story residence for an attached secondary dwelling unit (Maximum height 27') including modifications to the existing hardscape; CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family residence in a residential zone district (Staff-Steve Padovan). 9. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - JULY 10, 17, 24, 31 9.1 LANDS OF SAND BROOK, LLC; 11871 HILLTOP DRIVE: File#SD-18-0006; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,819 square foot residence with basement and attached two-car 507 square foot garage (maximum height feet 27 feet), a 1,908 square foot barn (maximum height 18 feet), 784 square foot second unit (maximum height 16 feet), and swimming pool. A CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) and (e) (Staff-Suzanne Avila). 9.2 LANDS OF 26550 ANACAPA, LLC; 26550 Anacapa Drive; File #13-18-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,395 square-foot residence with basement and pool (Maximum height 27'). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family residence in a residential zone and 15303(e) accessory structures including swimming pool (Staff-Dylan Parker). 9.3 LANDS OF LEE; 13673 La Paloma Road; File #SD18-0004; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,483 square foot, two-story residence (Maximum height 27') including a 3,897 square foot basement with an attached 3-car garage, and associated hardscape improvements; CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family residence in a residential zone district (Staff-Steve Padovan). 9.4 LANDS OF TROPEA; 27447 Edgerton Road; File #60-18-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 4,990 square foot, two-story residence (Maximum height 27') including a 4,463 square foot basement which includes a four-car garage, and a relocated swimming pool and pool house. A grading exception to exceed 4 feet of cut is requested for a portion of the driveway. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family residence in a residential zone district (Staff-Steve Padovan). 9.5 LANDS OF DUTCHINTS DEVELOPMENT, LLC; 26088 Duval Way; File #68- 18-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 4,999 square-foot residence (Maximum height 18' 9"). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family residence in a residential zone district (Staff-Jeremy Loh). Approved September 6, 2018 10 Regular Planning Commission Meting August 2, 2018 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 10:30 PM Respectfully Submitted, Cody Einfalt Planning Technician The minutes of the August 2, 2018 Regular Planning Commission Meeting were approved as corrected at the September 6, 2018 Regular Planning Commission Meeting.