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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/01/2018Approved December 6, 2018 1 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, November 1, 2018, 7:00 PM Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, CA, 94022 ______________________________________________________________________________ 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Absent: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Abraham, Chair Mandle None Staff: Planning Director Suzanne Avila, Principal Planner Steve Padovan, Assistant Planner Jeremy Loh, Building Technician Veronica Flores. 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Chair Mandle opened presentations from the floor. Seeing no one wishing to speak, Chair Mandle closed presentations from the floor. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS EX PARTE: Commissioner Smith said he spoke with Tom Cho and Stephanie Wu. Commissioner Patel said he spoke with the owners of 13335 Wildcrest, Stephanie Wu, Tom Cho, the prior owner's son of 26896 Alejandro Drive, and Jim Basiji. Commissioner Couperus said he spoke with the applicant and representative for item 3.1, Tom Cho, Stephanie Wu, and Chair Mandle. Commissioner Abraham said he spoke with Stephanie Wu, Tom Cho, and the prior owner's son of 26896 Alejandro Drive. Chair Mandle stated she spoke with the applicant of item 3.1, Stephanie Wu, Tom Cho, Commissioner Couperus, Scott Breier, and Scott Vanderlip. Commissioner Abraham stated that he would like to give unlimited speaking time for neighbors directly affected by project. Chair Mandle stated that she is okay with giving the neighbors more time to speak, but she would like to include some type of limit. She said she would allow ten minutes. 3.1 LANDS OF WILDCREST PROPERTIES, LLC; 13335 WILDCREST DRIVE; FILE #244-17-ZP-SD; A Request for a Site Development Permit to widen a Approved December 6, 2018 2 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 private driveway serving a new residence under construction to 14 feet. The driveway also serves three additional properties. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family residence in a residential zone (Staff-Suzanne Avila). This item is continued from Oct. 4, 2018 Planning Commission Meeting Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Director Suzanne Avila presented the staff report. She spoke of the geotechnical report that was submitted with the plans as well as the structural details that were provided prior to the approval of the site development plans. She said that contractors are responsible for the work they complete in the Town and any problem that occurs along the way with project will be handled by the contractor. Jess Field, project architect, summarized the project. He explained the intent for the driveway widening and how the project was designed to be as minimally impactful to the neighbors as possible. In his presentation he spoke of the three different sections of the driveway and how each section has been designed to accommodate the driveway and retaining wall. Cooper Alison, project engineer, made himself available for questions The Commission asked questions of the project engineer and received responses. Commissioner Couperus stated that there is an inconsistency in the information provided to the Commission on which portions of the existing driveway and retaining wall will be left alone, and which portions will be improved. He said that he would like clarification on the work to be completed with the project. He added that he would also like clarification on how the existing driveway on the Cho's residence would handle the expansion on the driveway without any regrading to be done. Mr. Alison explained the existing conditions and how the driveway widening would occur. Commissioner Patel asked a question regarding the overall height of the wall and how the driveway widening project would handle the existing pillar on the neighbor’s property. Mr. Alison explained the dimensions of the wall and stated that the pillar would not move; the driveway would stay 12 feet wide at the point of the pillar. Commissioner Smith asked a question regarding the transition between the Cho's driveway and the proposed new driveway. He stated he was concerned for the cars that would have to drive over the transition and possibly damage their back bumpers. Approved December 6, 2018 3 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 Mr. Alison explained that the transition would not be affected in anyway. Commissioner Abraham asked for clarification on the location of the new driveway. Mr. Alison described the scope of work for the project. Chair Mandle asked for clarification on the changes that were made on the current submission from the previous submission a month prior. Mr. Alison described the changes they made on the current submission. Commissioner Abraham asked for an explanation on how the H-beams would be installed for the retaining wall and how the installation process would affect the nearby oak trees. Mr. Alison explained the process of how to install the H-Beams and how deep the pillars would go into the earth. He explained that where the wall is nearby an oak tree, they can hand dig the holes. Chair Mandle opened the floor to the public Tom Cho, 13389 Wildcrest, spoke regarding his opposition to the project. The Commission asked questions of Mr. Cho and received responses. Stephanie Wu, 13389 Wildcrest, spoke regarding her opposition to the project. Harry Price, Los Altos Hills, presented himself as the legal counsel representing Mr. Cho and Ms. Wu. He commented on the perceived need of the project and stated that because the driveway is shrinking down to 12 feet at specific points, the driveway could be 12 feet wide consistently for the entire length. Mark Hilton, Giuliani and Kull, stated he is not opposed to widening the driveway but indicated that the widening should not occur all on one side but rather be two feet on both sides. The Commission asked questions and received responses. Mr. Alison responded to the comments made by the public. He stated that there were alternative options to explore but those options were never submitted to the Town for review. He briefly explained the downside to the alternatives that were considered. Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued regarding the placement of the new driveway. Approved December 6, 2018 4 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 Commissioner Smith stated that the lower driveway is in good enough condition and wide enough and that he does not support pushing the retaining wall back on left side. He stated that an investigation should be made into widening the driveway to the east and the solution should minimize impact on surrounding neighbors. Commissioner Patel spoke about his observations from having walked around the area. He stated that there should be a different approach to balance the impact on all of the neighbors and there is enough room to widen the driveway on the east side. Commissioner Couperus stated that the direction that was provided to the applicant at the last meeting was to have as minimal impact as possible on the neighbor’s property. He said that the drawings submitted to the Commission do not show this effort. Commissioner Abraham spoke about the previous direction provided to applicant and stated that not much has changed in the plans. He was not convinced with new the proposal and expressed concern with health of surrounding trees. Chair Mandle said that the proposed work on the lower portion of the driveway was not included in the staff report. She stated that the lower portion of the driveway should remain the same and that the remaining portion of the driveway should have as little impact as possible on the neighbors. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to continue the requested Site Development Permit for a driveway modification with the following direction to the applicant: • The applicant shall repair the existing retaining wall located on the west side of the driveway to the property owner's satisfaction. • The applicant should prepare a design providing a driveway not more than 14 feet wide, not less than 12 feet wide from the 317-foot elevation line southward to the applicant’s property line. Where laterals to other driveways exist, a sufficient turning radius should be provided. The driveway may be reduced to 10 feet in width for trees with the approval of the Fire Department. • The applicant should prepare a design providing not less than 14 feet or more than 20-foot width between the 317 foot and 302 foot elevation lines. • The westerly side of the driveways shall be defined by the existing retaining wall. • The transitions from the new driveway and existing driveways must preserve the existing functionality. Approved December 6, 2018 5 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 • The driveway shall be sloped so as to protect the retaining wall from standing water. The motion was seconded by Chair Mandle. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Abraham, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 3.2 LANDS OF LAM AND STEPANOV; 26896 Alejandro Drive; File #SD18- 0015; A request for a Conditional Development Permit and Site Development Permit for a major addition and remodel to an existing single-family residence resulting in a new 3751 square foot single-family residence; CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - One new single-family residence in a residential zone; (staff-Jeremy Loh). Chair Mandle opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Assistant Planner Jeremy Loh presented the staff report. Nik Sernade & Michael Batryn, Mavericks Design, spoke regarding the proposed project and explained the inspiration behind the design. Birgitta Indigo, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, spoke regarding the proposed open parking space and provided three alternate solutions to different locations. She stated that she had other concerns regarding the amount of light that would emit through the glass stairwell and the windows on the garage door. The Commission asked questions and received responses. Mr. Sernade and Mr. Batryn responded to the comments made from the public. They stated they are more than happy to incorporate tinted glass into the building design to reduce light. Chair Mandle closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Abraham stated he thinks the new residence would be a huge improvement for the neighborhood. He said that he would like to see the windows on the garage doors darkened to reduce light being emitted at night. Approved December 6, 2018 6 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 Commissioner Couperus stated that the applicant followed every single one of the Town's Guidelines and said it was hard not to like the project. Commissioner Patel stated he shared the same concern regarding light emitting from the stairwell and garage and suggested the use of tinted glass. Commissioner Smith spoke of his concerns with light and reflection. He stated he would like the applicants to minimize that light and reflection impact on the neighbors. Chair Mandle stated she agrees with her fellow commissioners regarding the light concerns. She added that she would like to see a condition for an open space easement to be included as recommended by the Open Space Committee, as well as blinds in stairwell, coating on the roof deck railing, film on the garage door window, and light dimmers in the garage. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Patel moved to make the findings in Attachment 1 and approve the Conditional Development and Site Development Permits for an addition remodel subject to the recommended conditions in Attachment 2, with the added conditions that the open space easement shall be recorded as per the recommended actions by the Open Space Committee, blinds shall be installed in the stairwell, lights shall be installed with dimmable switches on a timer, film shall be applied to the windows in the garage to reduce light emanation, and coating shall be applied on the roof deck railing. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Abraham. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Abraham, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 4. OLD BUSINESS – None 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1. ADDITION AND REMODEL OF TOWN HALL - 26379 FREMONT ROAD: Request for the following: Study session for Town Hall expansion project which includes removal of the Approved December 6, 2018 7 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 Parks and Recreation building, construction of a 3,000 square foot addition, enclosure of a covered patio at the rear of the council chambers, removal of the Heritage House and creation of a town greenspace; 26379 Fremont Road; File #CUP18-0003, SD18-0050 and VAR18-0001. Principal Planner Steve Padovan presented the staff report. The Commission asked questions of staff and received responses. Scott Vanderlip, Parks & Recreation Committee, provided his input on the Town Hall expansion study session. He presented an alternative option for the expansion called "Plan B" which included the addition of a community center. The Commission asked questions and received responses. Diana Huffman, Los Altos Hills, said she was opposed to the presentation from Mr. Vanderlip. She stated she does not think Town Hall needs to do anything to the existing building. She explained that she is opposed to both options as well as any future proposals. Mark Breier, Los Altos Hills, shared his opposition to the expansion project. He said the Town should respect setbacks, preserve redwoods, and maintain the current entrance to the parking lot. Gary Patou, Los Altos Hills, mentioned the Town survey that was conducted three years ago and highlighted that the there was no support from the residents for a Community Center. He stated he opposes the expansion. Nobuko Cleary, Los Altos Hills, stated that she opposes the removal of the Heritage House and asked that the building be given back to the History Committee to display items of historical significance to the Town. Mike Huffman, Los Altos Hills, spoke of his opposition to any expansion of Town Hall. Jim Basiji, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of the expansion and advocated on behalf of senior citizens in the Town. Carol Gottlieb, Los Altos Hills, spoke on behalf of the Environmental Design and Protection Committee and herself as a resident. She stated the Town needs to provide space for the committee members to conduct their work and store their supplies and archives. Birgitta Indigo, Los Altos Hills, spoke on behalf of the Los Altos Hills Newcommers Club and herself as a resident. She stated she is in support of the project. Approved December 6, 2018 8 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 Nancy Couperus, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of the expansion. She explained that the committees need more room to conduct their reviews. Nia Sutaria, Parks & Recreation Committee, spoke in favor of “Plan B” as well as an expansion to Town Hall. Nanti Chu, Los Altos Hills, stated that she is concerned with the setbacks of the proposed project. She would like the Town to respect the setback requirements. Linda Swan, Los Altos Hills, stated that she agrees the Town needs more space for committees and residents. She said that she does not believe that traffic would become an issue. Commission discussion ensued regarding the project. Commissioner Patel stated that he learned a lot from the residents and thanked them all for coming to the meeting. He stated that he thinks the vision, requirements, and needs of the Town need to be understood first prior to any plans being drawn. He said he was curious as to what the architect was told when drafting the preliminary plans that were submitted to the Commission. He said that the Town should not spend any more money on preliminary designs until a vision of what the expansion project would be is decided upon. Commissioner Smith had no comment. Commissioner Abraham stated that he recognizes that the Town may be divided on this issue; there has been presentation both in favor and against the expansion. He said that there are several issues with the "Plan B" alternative that Mr. Vanderlip proposed, and thanked Mr. Vanderlip for being so passionate about his proposal. Commissioner Abraham stated that there is no doubt that Town staff needs more room and that the expansion project would help increase the productivity of staff and committee members. He added that the Heritage House could be possibly be relocated to Edith Park and dedicated to history preservation for the History Committee. Commissioner Couperus, started by explaining the purpose of having a Town Hall and listing out the services that Town staff provide to residents. He said that committee members and Town staff would benefit greatly from expansion the building. He added that he would like the Heritage House to remain in its current location but dedicated to the committee members as it was promised to them many years ago. Commission discussion ensued regarding how the current proposed plan does not give enough room for staff inside the building. Approved December 6, 2018 9 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 Chair Mandle stated that she believes the plan submitted to the Commission was very constraint driven. She said that she is opposed to encroachment into setbacks and that she supports keeping the Heritage House where it is currently located. She said that she believes staff needs more room, however the plans do not show how the additional room would be obtained. She agrees with Commissioner Patel that a vision for the expansion must be formed before any future plans are drafted. She suggested that staff work with Committee members to understand their needs as well. 5.2 Planning Commission Procedures: Time limit for applicant presentations Commission discussion ensued regarding establishing a time limit for applicants to present their projects during Planning Commission meetings. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to approve a time limit for applicant presentations to 15 minutes The motion was seconded by Chair Mandle. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Abraham, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 5.3 Review of January Planning Commission meeting date MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Patel moved to cancel the Regular Planning Commission Meeting on January 3, 2018 The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Abraham, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None Approved December 6, 2018 10 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to a schedule a Special Planning Commission Meeting on January 10, 2018 The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Abraham, Chair Mandle NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 6. REPORTS FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for October 18 - Chair Mandle Chair Mandle shared her observations from the October 18, 2018 Regular City Council Meeting. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for November 15 - Commissioner Abraham 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for December 13 - Commissioner Couperus 6.4 Planning Commission Representative for January 17 - Commissioner Patel 6.5 Planning Commission Representative for February 21 - Commissioner Smith 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of October 4, 2018 - Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Abraham moved to approve the October 4, 2018 Regular Planning Commission Meeting minutes as presented. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patel. MOTION CARRIED: 5-0 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Abraham, Chair Mandle NOES: None Approved December 6, 2018 11 Regular Planning Commission Meeting November 1, 2018 ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 8. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS - OCT. 9 8.1 LANDS OF CORRIGAN; 13920 Fremont Pines Lane; File #SD18-0044; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new pool and spa; CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(e) - Accessory (appurtenant) structures including garages, carports, patios, swimming pools, and fences; (Staff-Cody Einfalt). 8.2 LANDS OF SINGH AND SARANGI; 26890 Alejandro Drive; File #SD18-0035; A request for a Site Development Permit for landscape screening for approved new residence; CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b) - New gardening or landscaping, including the replacement of existing conventional landscaping with water efficient or fire resistant landscaping; (Staff-Jeremy Loh). 9. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS - OCT. 23 9.1 LANDS OF MOSTAAN & BAGHERI; 26100 Duval Way; File #53-18-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 4,252 square-foot single-story residence (Maximum height 27') and a 999 square-foot secondary dwelling unit. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) - construction of a new single-family residence in a residential zone (Staff-Dylan Parker). 10. ADJOURNMENT The Meeting adjourned at 11:26 PM The minutes of the November 1, 2018 Regular Planning Commission Meeting were approved as corrected at the December 6, 2018 Regular Planning Commission meeting. Submitted Respectfully, Cody Einfalt Planning Technician