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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/01/2022Approved October 6, 2022 Town of Los Altos Hills Planning Commission Regular Meeting September 1, 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 Waschura called the September 1, 2022 Planning Commission Special meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Indaco, Vice-Chair Bredo, Chair Waschura Staff: Planning Director Mangalam, Senior Planner Ling, Associate Planner Loh, Assistant Planner Perez, Administrative Clerk/Technician Brunner 2.PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Chair Waschura opened PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. No presentations from the floor. Chair Waschura 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 the July 21, 2022 Special Meeting Minutes. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Chair Waschura moved to APPROVE the consent calendar. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patel. MOTION PASSED: 5-0-0-0-0 AYES: Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Indaco, Vice-Chair Bredo, Chair Waschura NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None 4.PUBLIC HEARINGS Prior to ex parte, Chair Waschura proposed the Commission hear and address agenda Item 4.2 first during the public hearing phase and the Commission agreed. Ex parte: Commissioner Couperus had communications with Commissioner Indaco on Item 4.1 and with a neighbor to the applicant on Item 4.3. Commissioner Indaco had communications with Commissioner Couperus, the applicants, Andreas and Angie Bibl, Carol Gottlieb of the Environmental Design and Protection Committee (EDPC), and Bob Elson and Judy Nagy of the Pathways Committee on Item 4.1; on Item 4.2, 2 Planning Commission Meeting September 1, 2022 Minutes Stan Gamble of Trafalgar Homes, and Carol Gottlieb of the EDPC; on Item 4.3, Carol Gottlieb of the EDPC. Vice-Chair Bredo had communications with the neighbors to the south of the applicants on Kinsley Avenue on Item 4.1. Commissioner Patel and Chair Waschura had no ex parte communications. 4.1 14403 Kingsley Ave – File # SD21-0081– Lands of Bibl Site Development Permit for landscape screening, fence, and driveway gate for approved new residence. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b) Project Planner: Areli Perez This agenda item was presented after Item 4.2. Assistant Planner Perez presented the staff report. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and staff ensued. Chair Waschura opened the PUBLIC HEARING. The applicants, Angela and Andreas Bibl, and their landscape architect, Jarrod Baumann, introduced themselves and were available for comments and questions. A question-and-answer session between the applicants and the Commissioners ensued. Public Comment Saasha Zbrozek, a resident of Los Altos Hills, spoke in favor of this project. Vijay Chawla, chair of the EDPC, spoke in favor of this project and shared a presentation. Chacho Mariscal, a member of the public, addressed the commissioners and noted his intention to comment on Item 4.3. The applicant, Angela Bibl, and her landscape architect, Jarrod Baumann, provided comments to landscape screening concerns raised by their neighbors and offered rebuttal statements to concerns raised by the public. Chair Waschura closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission Discussion Commissioner Indaco stated her appreciation for the design of the home and property. She shared a presentation, offered comments regarding discrepancies between the submitted plans and the actual build, and suggested outdoor lighting changes. Commissioner Patel stated his appreciation for the design of the home and property and noted some concerns regarding the planting, outdoor lighting, and fencing. Vice-Chair Bredo noted her agreement with the previous statements made by Commissioners Indaco and Patel. Commissioner Couperus noted his agreement with previous comments by the Commissioners. Chair Waschura noted his agreement with the previous statements provided by the Commissioners and called out the discrepancies between the plans and the build. 3 Planning Commission Meeting September 1, 2022 Minutes Commissioner Indaco noted her preference that no fence be placed in the public utility easement (PUE), reduce some of the outdoor landscape lighting, relocate the plantings out of the PUE, and remove the lighting in the retaining wall and anything that not indicated in the previously approved plans. Commissioner Patel agreed with Commissioner Indaco’s list of items and indicated his preference to have installation match the previously approved plans. Planning Director Mangalam commented on the existing PUE and the language. Vice-Chair Bredo commented that easements, once dedicated, are not released, and that plantings are not allowed. Planning Director Mangalam suggested the Commissioners consider adding an additional condition of approval, where the applicant provides the planning department updated plans that reflect the approval. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Indaco moved to ADOPT a resolution (Attachment 1) to APPROVE the Site Development Permit, subject to the listed conditions of approval, with the following conditions added: 1. Minimize pathway and wall lights to what is reflected in the provided diagram, where the ones with the red strikes are removed. 2. Relocate the fence out of the public utility easement (PUE.) 3. Move plants from the PUE closer to the house and make all screening plants evergreen. 4. Existing lighting in the retaining walls are not approved with this application. 5. The planting of the pittosporum tenufolium (Kohuhu) to be moved to 10 feet in from the southern property line. 6. Updated drawings of the approved plans to be provided to the planning department. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Patel. MOTION PASSED: 5-0-0-0-0 AYES: Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Indaco, Vice-Chair Bredo, Chair Waschura NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None 4.2 24020 Oak Knoll Circle – File #SD22-0015 – Lands of Qing Trustee Site Development Permit for a new approximately 1,350 sq.ft. swimming pool and spa, 1,976 sq.ft. sunroom, deck, and related hardscape improvements; and a request for a grading policy exception for the swimming pool deck. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(e) Project Planner: Areli Perez Chair Waschura proposed the Commission address this agenda item first during the public hearing phase and the Commission agreed. Assistant Planner Perez addressed the commission and public, and recommended this item be continued to the October 6, 2022, Planning Commission Regular Meeting as staff missed out on story poles requirements. The applicant, Stan Gamble of Trafalgar Homes, has agreed to the continuance. 4 Planning Commission Meeting September 1, 2022 Minutes MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Indaco moved that Item 4.2 be CONTINUED to the October 2022 Planning Commission Meeting. The motion was seconded by Vice-Chair Bredo. MOTION PASSED: 5-0-0-0-0 AYES: Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Indaco, Vice-Chair Bredo, Chair Waschura NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None 4.3 27640 Sherlock Road – File #VAR22-0003 – Lands of CDLJE Trust Variance request to exceed Maximum Development Area (MDA) by 1, 191 sq.ft. for a new 640 sq.ft. deck and 560 sq.ft. of patios. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(e) Project Planner: Jeremy Loh Chair Waschura RECESSED the meeting at 7:44 PM. Chair Waschura RECONVENED the meeting at 7:49 PM. Planning Director Mangalam introduced the new Senior Planner Elaine Ling and elevated her to a panelist. Associate Planner Loh presented the staff report. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and staff ensued. Chair Waschura opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Domitille Farabet, the applicant, addressed the Commissioners and commented on her project. Chacho Mariscal, the project manager for the applicant, addressed the Commissioners and offered comments on the project. Chair Waschura asked staff questions regarding clarification between MDA and MFA and Associate Planner Loh responded. Public Comment Carol Gottlieb, representing the EDPC, offered comments regarding penalties for an unpermitted structure and the glare that would be caused by the installation of glass panels. Bailey Souza, the assistant project manager of this property, offered comments in support of retaining the deck. Karen Lemes, a downhill neighbor to the applicant, offered comments against the Commission’s approval regarding allowing the deck to remain. Domitille Farabet and Chaco Mariscal, the applicant, and her project manager, offered rebuttal statements to the public comments. Commissioner Indaco asked staff a question regarding safety measures for the infinity. Associate Planner Loh responded. Chair Waschura closed the PUBLIC HEARING. 5 Planning Commission Meeting September 1, 2022 Minutes Commission Discussion Commissioner Couperus shared a presentation and offered comments against allowing the deck to remain. Chair Waschura thanked Commissioner Couperus for his presentation and asked the Commissioners if they were close to proposing a motion or if they needed further discussion. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Indaco moved to ADOPT a resolution (Attachment 1) to DENY the Variance, subject to the listed findings. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. MOTION PASSED: 5-0-0-0-0 AYES: Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Indaco, Vice-Chair Bredo, Chair Waschura NOES: None ABSTAIN: None RECUSE: None ABSENT: None 5. ONGOING BUSINESS 5.1 Housing Element Update 2023-2031 Staff: Sofia Mangalam Planning Director Mangalam noted that the Housing Element draft document has been made available on the Town’s website on Auguste 10, 2022 and will remain until September 8, 2022. She additionally noted various methods the public can provide comments to staff on this document. She noted there would be a joint Planning Commission/City Council meeting in the future to discuss this issue, where the public can also share their comments. Chair Waschura thanked Director Mangalam and asked the Commissioners if they had any questions or comments. Commissioner Couperus responded that he had attended a meeting hosted by an independent organization and shared slides. He noted that he received positive feedback from the attendees at that meeting. Chair Waschura added that he had read every page of the document, expressed his appreciation for work that went into producing this document, noted his concerns regarding the forced up- zoning on the Twin Oaks Court property, and cited his reasons. Commissioner Couperus noted that a resident has recently provided a comment pertaining to that area. Commissioner Indaco also thanked the Planning Director for the work that went into producing the document and that she needed to review it over several sessions because of its size. Commissioner Patel noted he felt the joint Planning Commission and City Council meeting was a great venue for discussing this issue and suggested the public consider sharing their concerns with the planning staff in advance of the meeting. Sasha Zbrozek asked how the Town would identify or add new sites and Planning Director Mangalam provided a response. Josh, a housing activist and resident of south Pasedena, CA, informed the Commission that college sites are automatically eliminated when municipalities submit their numbers. 6 Planning Commission Meeting September 1, 2022 Minutes 6. REPORTS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS 6.1 Past Meeting • August 18, 2022 – Commissioner Patel Commissioner Patel provided a summary of the past City Council meeting and noted the Altamont appeal was denied without prejudice and would return to the Planning Commission for review. Commissioner Indaco suggested a 4-way stop at the Altamont intersection and expressed a wish to see all the commissioners at the upcoming volunteer dinner event. Commissioner Couperus noted the public’s reaction to Chair Waschura’s report on roadway widths and reminded the Commission they had drafted a letter to the City Council and were still awaiting a reply. Chair Waschura offered further comments on that agenda item on the past Cit y Council meeting. Commissioner Patel offered comments regarding the Council members becoming aware and this issue would possibly be gaining some traction. 6.2 Upcoming Meeting Assignments • September 15, 2022 – Commissioner Couperus • October 20, 2022 – Vice-Chair Waschura • November 17, 2022 (unconfirmed) – Commissioner Indaco • December 15, 2022 (unconfirmed) – Vice-Chair Bredo Chair Waschura confirmed upcoming meeting assignments. Commissioner Patel requested he swap the January 2023 meeting assignment with another commissioner. 7. REPORT ON PAST FAST TRACK/SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS 7.1 JULY 26, 2022 26880 Ortega Drive – File #SD22-0006 – Lands of Rajwar Site Development Permit for a 1,866 sq.ft. addition, which includes a new 789 sq.ft. lower floor, to an existing single-story residence and new patios and walkways. CONTINUED TO AUGUST 2, 2022 7.2 AUGUST 2, 2022 26880 Ortega Drive – File #SD22-0006 – Lands of Rajwar Site Development Permit for a 1,866 sq.ft. addition, which includes a new 789 sq.ft. lower floor, to an existing single-story residence and new patios and walkways. Continued from July 26, 2022 APPROVED 7.3 AUGUST 9, 2022 26685 Purissima Road – File #SD22-0035 – Lands of Stemm and Hsia Trustee Site Development Permit for landscape screening of an approved new residence. APPROVED 27577 Samuel Lane – File #SD22-0021 – Lands of Spowhn Site Development for a new 680 sq.ft. swimming pool and spa, and a 2 ft. retaining wall. APPROVED 7 Planning Commission Meeting September 1, 2022 Minutes 7.4 AUGUST 16, 2022 24490 Amigos Court – File #SD22-0018 – Lands of Teng Site Development Permit for landscape screening of an approved new residence. APPROVED 26455 Saint Francis Road – File #SD22-0041 – Lands of Hwang and Son Site Development for landscape screening for a new residence, a new 432 sq.ft. swimming pool with associated hardscape and new fencing /driveway gate. APPROVED 7.5 AUGUST 23, 2022 12187 Kate Drive – File #SD21-0093 – Lands of Nearly-Vidovich Site Development Permit for a new 7,925 sq.ft. two-story residence with a detached 1,212 sq.ft., 4-car garage, and related hardscape improvements. APPROVED 7.6 AUGUST 30, 2022 27385 Deer Springs Way – File #ZP21-0008 – Lands of Anqguist Zoning Permit to approve a front yard fence and driveway gate requiring an exception from minimum requirements. 6 ft. fence and driveway gate are proposed at 30 ft. from the centerline of Deer Springs Way, where 45 ft. is required. APPROVED Planning Director Mangalam provided highlights on past Site Development/Fast Track hearings and noted that the 24490 Amigos Ct. project received 2 appeals and the Planning Commission would be reviewing those at the October 2022 meeting. 8. PLANNING DIRECTOR REPORT Planning Director Mangalam had no report. 8. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 9:19 PM by Chair Waschura. Respectfully submitted, Keren Brunner Planning Technician