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Home My WebLink About05/12/2022Approved June 15, 2022 Town of Los Altos Hills Planning Commission Special Meeting May 12, 2022 Minutes Zoom Meeting and Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Via teleconference according to the Government Code Section 54953(e), Chair Indaco called the May 12, 2022 Planning Commission Special meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Smith, Vice-Chair Waschura, Chair Indaco Absent: Commissioner Patel Staff: Planning Director Mangalam, Associate Planner Loh, Assistant Planner Perez, Management Analyst Einfalt, Administrative Clerk / Technician Brunner 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Chair Indaco opened PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. No presentations from the floor. Chair Indaco closed PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. 3. CONSENT CALENDAR 3.1 Motion of the Planning Commission of the Town of Los Altos Hills to continue meeting virtually through teleconference meetings and making related findings pursuant to AB 361. 3.2 Approval of March 3, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Chair Indaco moved to APPROVE the CONSENT CALENDAR. The motion had no second. MOTION PASSED: 4-0-0-0-1 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Couperus, Vice-Chair Waschura, Chair Indaco NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: Commissioner Patel 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS Planning Commission Ex Parte Chair Indaco had communications with Bob Elson from the Pathways Committee and Carol Gottlieb from the Environmental Design and Protection Committee (EDPC) on Item 4.3. No other ex parte to report from the remaining Commissioners. 4.1 25560 Fernhill Drive – File #SD21-0050 & VAR21-0005 – Lands of Hollenbeck Site Development Permit for a new 800 square-foot pool; Variance request to allow the proposed pool to encroach 15 feet into a required 30-foot side setback as measured from a driveway easement. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Sections 15303(e); 15305(a) Project Planner: Jeremy Loh 2 Planning Commission Special Meeting May 12, 2022 Minutes Chair Indaco opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Associate Planner Loh presented the staff report. Jay Hollenbeck, the applicant, introduced himself to the Commission. Jenna Bayer, the applicant's architect, provided comments in support of the proposed project. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and Ms. Bayer ensued. Public Comment Carol Gottlieb, representing the EDPC, offered comments regarding their concerns around the installation of trees and the proposed development. Jenna Bayer, the architect for the applicant, responded to public comment. Chair Indaco and Vice-Chair Waschura asked about the older septic system. Associate Planner Loh responded that the Santa Clara County Department of Environmental Health (SCCDEH) reviews and approves septic systems. Chair Indaco closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission Discussion Chair Indaco commented on her concerns regarding development around the oak trees, spoke about the difference between necessities and amenities, and noted that variances were meant for necessities to allow a property to function. Commissioner Couperus offered comments regarding reasons for requesting variances and in support of granting the variance request. Vice-Chair Waschura offered comments in support of granting the variance, noted concerns over development around the tree, and made suggestions regarding the septic system location. Commissioner Smith offered comments in support of the variance, noting that the easement the applicant granted his neighbor caused the issue to request a variance. Chair Indaco commented that she would like to see the size of the pool and driveway adjusted. MOTION MADE: Chair Indaco moved to DENY the request for a variance. The motion had no second. MOTION FAILED: No second MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Couperus moved to APPROVE the request for a variance. The motion was seconded by Vice-Chair Waschura. MOTION PASSED: 3-1-0-0-1 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Couperus, Vice-Chair Waschura, NOES: Chair Indaco ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: Commissioner Patel 3 Planning Commission Special Meeting May 12, 2022 Minutes 4.2 12869 La Cresta Drive – File #SD21-0079 – Lands of Sutardja Site Development Permit for landscape screening, fencing, driveway gate and new outdoor kitchen for an approved new residence. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Sections 15303(e); 15304(b) Project Planner: Areli Perez Chair Indaco opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Assistant Planner Perez presented the staff report. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and staff ensued. Nick Sutardja and Weijin Dai, the applicants, and Jared Wilcox, of Paragon CB, their contractor, were present but did not offer comment. John Todd, the applicant's architect, shared a presentation and offered comments regarding the proposed project. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and Mr. Todd ensued. Public Comment Vijay Chawla, representing the EDPC, shared a presentation and offered comments. John Todd, the applicant's architect, responded to public comment. Chair Indaco closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commissioner Discussion Vice-Chair Waschura offered comments regarding gate placement, project design, and the open space easement. Chair Indaco offered comments regarding the open space easement, fence design and placement, planting plan, and gate placement. Commissioner Couperus offered positive comments regarding the proposed landscaping design and expressed flexibility regarding the open space easement. Commissioner Smith offered positive comments regarding the proposed landscaping design. Vice-Chair Waschura asked staff questions regarding fence placement, design, and height. The Commissioners invited Vijay Chawla, from the EDPC, to speak. She stated a representative from the Open Space Committee (OSC) would be the best representative to offer comments regarding the easement and supported the report they drafted and submitted. Chair Indaco noted that the Commission, in the absence of a representative of the OSC at the meeting, should rely on the report that was drafted by the committee. Planning Director Mangalam asked staff to state the requirements for a driveway placement. Peter Carlino, from Lea & Braze Engineering, was invited back by the Commissioners to comment on the average slope of the proposed open space easement area and gate placement. Chair Indaco again expressed her concerns regarding the choice of installing eucalyptus trees in the planting plan, reiterated that the fence should be located outside the easements and setbacks, and requested the gate be relocated 15 ft from the property line. 4 Planning Commission Special Meeting May 12, 2022 Minutes MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Vice-Chair Waschura moved to APPROVE the application with the following two (2) changes: 1. Replace the proposed four (4) eucalyptus trees with evergreen trees that are not considered high-risk per the link provided below by Chair Indaco: https://firesafemarin.org/create-a-fire-smart-yard/plants/fire-smart-plants/ 2. Work with staff on the placement of the automobile gate on the driveway to reduce blocking the road by delivery trucks visiting the property. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Smith. MOTION PASSED: 4-0-0-0-1 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Couperus, Vice-Chair Waschura, Chair Indaco NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: Commissioner Patel 4.3 25240 Cantata Way – File #SD21-0104 – Lands of Deco Homes LLC Site Development Permit for a new 7,551 square-foot, two-story residence with attached garage, swimming pool and spa, and 1,114 square-foot detached ADU with a firetruck turnaround and private road improvements to create a conforming emergency access roadway with a 20-foot width. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Sections 15303(a) and 15303(e) Project Planner: Areli Perez Chair Indaco opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Assistant Planner Perez presented the staff report. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and staff ensued. Much of the discussion revolved around the proposed pathway easement. The applicant, Kathleen Liston, offered comments on the proposed project and in response to the Commissioners' comments. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and Ms. Liston ensued. Public Comment Carol Gottlieb, representing the EDPC, offered comments regarding the house height, ADU, metal roof color, landscaping lights, riparian habitat protection, and pathways. Pete Carlino, of Lea & Braze Engineering, offered comments on the project regarding the septic system and the proposed pathway easement. Vice-Chair Waschura asked about grading and the septic system location. Kathleen Liston, the applicant, offered rebuttal comments. The Commissioners asked staff for clarification on items in the Conditions of Approval. Chair Indaco closed the PUBLIC HEARING. 5 Planning Commission Special Meeting May 12, 2022 Minutes Commission Discussion Chair Indaco noted her requests regarding an adjustment to the Conditions of Approval: 1. Hire an acoustical engineer to conduct a sound study and submit their report to the Town prior to a building permit issuance, 2. Protect the riparian corridor during construction by providing fencing along the open space easement area, and 3. Dedicate a 10-foot pathway easement along the northern property line. Commissioner Couperus noted his concerns regarding using well water, propane and septic. The other Commissioners noted that there was no utility easement on this property. Staff noted that the applicant would be providing their own utilities. He offered comments regarding the location of a pathway easement and that the logical choice for a pathway would be to locate it on Cantata Way. Vice-Chair Waschura restated Chair Indaco’s three requests and offered comments on each. Commissioner Couperus offered comments cautioning against potential issues with requiring conditions of approval around the creek and overstepping into various government agencies’ jurisdictions. Planning Director Mangalam offered clarifying language regarding protecting the riparian habitat. Chair Indaco noted that she would like the minutes to reflect the Planning Commission’s preference to locate any potential pathways in this area on Cantata Way. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Chair Indaco moved to adopt a resolution (Attachment 1) to APPROVE the Site Development Permit, subject to the listed findings and conditions of approval with these additions: 1. Construction fencing to be added to protect the 25ft. from the top of the bank of the riparian area of Adobe Creek from construction materials, debris, and equipment adjacent to construction. (add to COA#18) 2. An acoustical engineering report to be submitted and recommendations to be followed before issuance. 3. The applicant shall dedicate a 10ft. pathway easement along the northerly property line. The property owner shall provide a legal description and plat map exhibits that are prepared by a licensed land surveyor and the Town shall prepare the agreement/grant document. The agreement document shall be signed, notarized, and recorded by the property owner and returned to the Town prior to building permit issuance. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. MOTION PASSED: 4-0-0-0-1 AYES: Commissioner Smith, Commissioner Couperus, Vice-Chair Waschura, Chair Indaco NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: Commissioner Patel 6 Planning Commission Special Meeting May 12, 2022 Minutes 5. REPORTS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS 5.1 Past Meeting • March 17, 2022 – Commissioner Patel • April 21, 2022 – Commissioner Couperus Administrative Clerk/Technician Brunner read highlights of Commissioner Patel's March 17, 2022 City Council meeting summary. Commissioner Couperus provided highlights from the April City Council meeting. 5.1 Upcoming Meeting Assignments • May 19, 2022 – Vice-Chair Waschura • June 16, 2022 – Chair Indaco • July 21 2022 – Commissioner Smith Chair Indaco confirmed upcoming meeting assignments. Vice-Chair Waschura noted that the date for May City Council meeting was changed to May 25, 2022. 6. REPORT ON PAST FAST TRACK/SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS 6.1 MARCH 8, 2022 CANCELLED 6.2 MARCH 15, 2022 CANCELLED 6.3 MARCH 22, 2022 13673 La Paloma Road – File #SD21-0073 – Lands of Lee Site Development Permit for landscape screening and fencing for an approved new residence. CONTINUED TO A DATE UNCERTAIN 6.4. March 29, 2022 12874 Viscaino Road – File #SD21-0100 – Lands of Firouzdar Site Development Permit for landscape screening, a new swimming pool and fencing for a new residence under construction. APPROVED 12869 La Cresta Drive – File #SD21-0079 – Lands of Sutardja Site Development Permit for landscape screening, fencing, and driveway gate for an approved new residence. REFERRED TO MAY 12, 2022 PLANNING COMMISSION HEARING 6.5 April 5, 2022 CANCELLED 6.6 April 12, 2022 CANCELLED 6.6 April 19, 2022 CANCELLED 6.8. April 26, 2022 14221 Miranda Road – File #SD21-0011 Lands of Irani Site Development Permit for landscape screening and trellis for an approved new residence. CANCELLED 6.9. May 3, 2022 CANCELLED 7 Planning Commission Special Meeting May 12, 2022 Minutes 6.10. May 10, 2022 12023 Adobe Creek Lodge Road – File #LLA21-0001 – Lands of 12023 Adobe Creek Lodge LLC Lot-Line Adjustment between Parcel A: 12023 Adobe Creek Lodge Road (1.258 acres), Parcel B: vacant lot APN 351-37-014 (1.265 acres) and, Parcel C: 26220 Moody Road (4.376 acres) to adjust property lines between Parcel A and B, and Parcel B and C. The resultant Parcel A will be 1.337 acres, Parcel B will be 1.139 acres, and Parcel C will be 4.388 acres and will have Lot Unit Factors greater than 1.0. 14221 Miranda Road – File #SD21-0011 Lands of Irani Site Development Permit for landscape screening and trellis for an approved new residence. Continued from April 26, 2022 26874 Nina Place – File #SD21-0061 – Lands of Bowers Site Development Permit for a new 4,971 square-foot two-story residence with a 1,684 square-foot basement, a detached 782 square-foot accessory dwelling unit (ADU), and a 560 square-foot swimming pool. Planning Director Mangalam provided a summary of past Site Development / Fast Track hearings. She noted the Adobe Creek Lodge Road project was CONTINUED to a date uncertain, the Miranda Road project was APPROVED with conditions, and the Nina Place project was also APPROVED with conditions. Additionally, the video of the last site development meeting has been posted on the Town’s website on the planning department’s Public Meeting Resources page. 7. PLANNING DIRECTOR REPORT Planning Director Mangalam provided these highlights in her report to the Planning Commission: Staff continues to work with the consultant on the Housing Element Update. Another Joint meeting with the Planning Commission, the City Council, and the Community is proposed for the second week in June, but the exact date has not yet been finalized. During their last meeting, the City Council approved an addendum to their service agreement with 4Leaf, Inc., which will streamline the permitting process for electrification. Staff will present text amendments to Zoning Ordinance in a study session at the next Planning Commission meeting, and suggestions for what to consider are welcomed. 8. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 9:45 PM by Chair Indaco. Respectfully submitted, Keren Brunner Planning Technician