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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11/03/2022Approved December 1, 2022 Town of Los Altos Hills Planning Commission Regular Meeting November 3, 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 November 3, 2022 Planning Commission Regular meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Present: Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Indaco, Vice-Chair Bredo, Chair Waschura Staff: Planning Director Mangalam, Associate Planner Loh, Assistant Planner Perez, Administrative Clerk/Technician Brunner 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Chair Waschura announced that the City Manager, Peter Pirnejad, would provide comments relevant to the Planning Commission's 2023 goal-setting agenda item after presentations from the floor. Chair Waschura opened PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. No presentations from the floor. Chair Waschura closed PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR. City Manager Peter Pirnejad shared a presentation highlighting the 2022 Commission goals that made it onto the City Council and offered guidance for the 2023 Commission goals. Commissioner Indaco asked about the format that was shared with the Commissioners last year and if that template was being followed again this year. City Manager Pirnejad provided a response. 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 October 6, 2022 Regular Meeting Minutes. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Chair Waschura moved to APPROVE the consent calendar, including the revised minutes as presented. 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 2 Planning Commission Meeting November 3, 2022 Minutes 4. PUBLIC HEARINGS Ex parte: Commissioner Indaco had communications with the owner, Mr. Petterson, on Item 4.2; John Lewis, a neighbor to the applicant, and Leo Camacho, a senior civil engineer from the Roads & Airport Department for Santa Clara County on Item 4.3. Commissioner Patel had communications with Chair Waschura on Item 4.3. Chair Waschura had communications with Commissioner Patel and the neighbor, John Lewis, and Leo Camacho, a senior civil engineer from the Roads & Airport Department for Santa Clara County on Item 4.3. Vice-Chair Bredo and Commissioner Couperus had no ex parte communications. 4.1 28010 Natoma Road – File #SD22-0094 – Lands of Gieseler Site Development Permit to convert an existing 896 square-foot accessory structure into a 1,218 square-foot habitable single-family residence and construction of two 200 square-foot carports. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Sections 15301(a); 15303(e) Project Planner: Jeremy Loh Associate Planner Loh presented the staff report. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and staff ensued. Chair Waschura opened the PUBLIC HEARING. The applicant, Todd Gieseler, read a prepared statement in support of his project. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and the applicant ensued. Public Comment No public comment. Chair Waschura closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission Discussion Chair Waschura asked staff to clarify the requirement of remodel vs. new construction where it applies to the electric requirements. Planning Director Mangalam offered clarifying comments where Reach Codes affect electric requirements on remodels and new construction. Commissioner Indaco asked staff questions on lighting. Commissioner Patel asked staff questions regarding the driveway width requirement. Commissioner Couperus asked the appellant about the correct pronunciation of his last name and noted that an ordinance should be created to preserve this site as historic. Commissioner Patel noted that this project did not involve a large development and noted the requirement of adding the oak trees seemed a bit excessive. Chair Waschura noted that the addition of the fire road would be a great improvement to the area. Vice-Chair Bredo asked that the pathway crossing be referenced in the conditions of approval for road widening and repaving. 3 Planning Commission Meeting November 3, 2022 Minutes Associate Planner Loh noted that the applicant will need to secure an encroachment permit to perform any work in the right of way. This permit is issued by the Engineering Department, and they request conditions such as pathway crossings be roughed in the plans. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Patel moved to adopt a resolution (Attachment 1) to APPROVE the Site Development Permit, subject to the conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Indaco. 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 26405 Ascension Drive – File #SD21-0102 – Lands of Petterson Site Development Permit for a new 4,979 square-foot two story residence with a detached 3-car garage and related hardscape improvements; and a request for grading policy exception for the rear deck and patio. CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Sections 15303(a); 15303(e) Project Planner: Areli Perez Assistant Planner Perez presented the staff report. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and staff ensued. Chair Waschura opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Peter Baltay, from Topos Architects, offered comments in support of his client’s project. Frank Petterson, the applicant, introduced himself to the Commission and noted he would be available to answer direct questions. Rachel Petterson, the applicant, was available to answer questions but did not comment. Public Comment No public comments. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and the applicants ensued. Chair Waschura closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission Discussion Chair Waschura offered comments in support of the applicants’ proposed design. Commissioner Patel agreed with Chair Waschura’s comments and noted that smart landscape screening could resolve potential design issues. Commissioner Indaco shared a presentation and offered comments regarding her suggestions for landscape screening. Commissioner Couperus shared his concerns regarding the amount of fill being proposed. Vice-Chair Bredo shared a presentation and noted her concerns regarding the proposed balcony lighting. 4 Planning Commission Meeting November 3, 2022 Minutes A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and staff ensued regarding lighting. After a motion was made and seconded, Commissioner Indaco noted that she appreciated the modest changes proposed by the applicant. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Patel moved to adopt a resolution (Attachment 1) to APPROVE the Site Development Permit and the exception to the Town’s Grading Policy, subject to the attached conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner 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 27600 Altamont Road – File #TM22-0004 – Lands of Auqui A request for a tentative map to create a two-lot subdivision of an existing 2.20 gross acre parcel. The subdivision of the 2.2 gross acres parcel into two lots will result in 1.010 net acres (Parcel A) and 1.073 net acres (Parcel B) CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption per Sections 15061(b)(3) Project Planner: Areli Perez Assistant Planner Perez presented the staff report. A brief question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and staff ensued. Planning Director Mangalam advised the Commission that the traffic consultant, Jamie Rodriguez was available to answer technical questions regarding the Hexagon traffic study. Jaime Rodriguez, the traffic consultants who performed a peer review of the Hexagon traffic study, offered comments and answered Commissioner questions regarding the technical aspects the Hexagon traffic study. He further noted that he spoke with members of Santa Clara County and forwarded a recommendation to post a 25mph speed limit sign, which is the assumed speed limit for that stretch of the road. A question-and-answer session between the Commissioners and Mr. Rodriguez ensued. Melanie Griswold, the attorney representing the applicants, offered comments in support of the proposed development. Gary Black, traffic consultant representing Hexagon Transportation Consultants, Inc., shared a presentation and offered comments in support of his company’s traffic study. Chair Waschura opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Public Comment Waidy Lee, a Los Altos Hills resident, provided comments against the proposed development. Kit Gordon, a Los Altos Hills resident, questioned the 200-foot stopping distance around that curve and suggested the development be proposed as a tenants-in-common to allow for a shared driveway. 5 Planning Commission Meeting November 3, 2022 Minutes John Lewis, a Los Altos Hills resident, provided comments regarding the corner-line site measurements and cited the LAHMC regarding safe ingress and egress for properties. Melanie Griswold asked Mr. Black to offer rebuttal comments addressing speed limiting around turns. Mr. Black explained the concept of speed limiting. Another question-and-answer session between the Commissioners, the applicants and staff ensued. Chair Waschura closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission Discussion Commissioner Couperus shared a presentation and offered comments on the proposed dedicated pedestrian and equestrian easements and line of sight around the curve of the proposed driveway. Commissioner Patel offered comments regarding the suggestion of a shared driveway and noted that it was determined that that wasn’t an option. He further itemized other complications with this driveway project. Commissioner Indaco offered comments regarding answering 2 questions: can the lot be subdivided and do the lots meet the minimum 1-acre minimum. Vice-Chair Bredo offered comments regarding the safety concerns and the traffic studies. Chair Waschura offered comments regarding the safety of the road, citing bad drivers and referenced the posted videos of speeding on that road. He commented on the site distance of the curve and noted measurement inaccuracies in the submitted traffic report. Commissioner Patel noted that there may be site development issues in the future with this property. Commissioner Couperus offered comments in agreement with Commissioner Patel’s comment and made suggestions regarding other ways this property could be subdivided. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Chair Waschura moved to adopt a resolution (Attachment 1) to APPROVE the Site Development Permit and the exception to the Town’s Grading Policy, subject to the attached conditions of approval. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Indaco. MOTION PASSED: 4-0-1-0-0 AYES: Commissioner Patel, Commissioner Indaco, Vice-Chair Bredo, Chair Waschura NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Couperus RECUSE: None ABSENT: None The meeting recessed at 9:12PM. The meeting reconvened at 9:18PM. 6 Planning Commission Meeting November 3, 2022 Minutes 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Request by a member of the Open Space Committee requesting Planning Commission support in naming the pathway Chair Waschura noted that this item was introduced to Planning Commission before, and we asked Commissioner Couperus to draft a letter stating commission’s support to communicate to the Pathway committee. A letter has been drafted and attached. The Planning Commission has no authority to approve this item and can only state our support to the Committee. Planning Director Mangalam noted there is no staff report, and Commission may hear from the public on this item. Commissioner Indaco offered comments regarding procedures on how to go about naming the Pathways. Commissioner Couperus commented on his intent of the letter, which recognized this individual who was very influential in shaping our town as a Planning Commissioner. Kit Gordon, noted that she was representing herself as a neighbor to Art and Los Altos Hills resident, not an Open Space Committee member and offered other clarifying comments in support of her request for a recommendation. Chair Waschura read a portion of Commissioner Couperus’ letter noting the Planning Commission’s support to name a pathway after a very influential resident and noted that the Commission would not suggest pathway locations. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Chair Waschura moved to have the Planning Commission go on record to advise the Pathways Committee of its strong support of the proposal to recognize the contributions to our Town by Art Lachenbruch, a former Planning Commissioner, by naming a Pathway in his honor – the selection of which specific pathway to be chosen by the Pathway Committee – but probably the most appropriately one that was both near to where he lived, dear to his heart, and one that is immediately proximate to an area of residential development that owes its very character and desirability as a place to live directly to his efforts. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus and passed by unanimous consent. 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 5.2 Status of the Commission’s goals for 2022 and Preparation for 2023 Goal Setting Commission discussion ensued regarding the previous year’s goals and the setting of 2023 Planning Commission goals. Commissioner Patel noted items fall into 3 different categories: 1. “Keep the Train Running” Items, which are not what should be listed in their 2023 goals; 2. Mandatory Items, which must be completed whether they are listed on the goals or not, such as the SB9 Ordinance and Objective Standards Update and the Housing Element Update 7 Planning Commission Meeting November 3, 2022 Minutes 3. Items the Commission would like to work on but could potentially be vetoed by the City Council due to lack of budget, not on their priority list, etc. He suggested these 3 items could be added to category #3: • Fence Ordinance Update • Modernizing and Streamlining Processes and Policies • Fire Code Changes (maybe) He further suggested that the Commission review new items because some of the older ones will automatically have to be prioritized to being added to the list. Chair Waschura clarified with Commissioner Patel that the Fire Code changes were carried forward from last year. Commissioner Indaco noted that they could just cut and paste last year’s goals to this year and then tweak. She noted that last year’s goals included addressing SB9, the Housing Element, and updating Ordinances with Policy and Guidelines. Last year’s prioritized updates were Lighting and Fencing policy updates and Fire Code changes. Chair Waschura confirmed Commissioner Indaco’s suggestions as: 1. Housing Element 2. SB9 Updates 3. Update Ordinances a. Fire Code b. Fencing Commissioner Couperus noted a frustration that the Planning Commissioners could not provide input for themselves and provided examples. Commissioner Patel noted that there were items that the Commission had placed on their goals list in the past that were vetoed by the City Council for over 4 years, citing the Fence, Tree, and Lighting Ordinances as examples. He noted that these were important to the Planning Commission’s day-to-day issues. He wished to pick updating the Fence Ordinance and the Fire Code Updates. Chair Waschura noted that choosing to place SB9 and Housing Element Updates on their goals list would allow the Commission to highlight major projects on their list were completed. He further noted that selected items should be items the Planning Commission would have jurisdiction over. Chair Waschura noted that the fire road access issue and the fire code updates are two separate items. Planning Director Mangalam noted that the planning staff is actively working with the fire department on updating the building codes with regards to fire code updates, which includes the fire road access. Chair Waschura confirmed that the Housing Elements, SB9 Updates, Objective Standards and Fence Ordinance as potential items for their 2023 goals. Planning Director Mangalam noted that the Planning Commission will have to consider the issue of rezoning for multifamily in the future. She reiterated the four (4) goals that Planning 8 Planning Commission Meeting November 3, 2022 Minutes Commission discussed including, Housing Element, SB 9 ordinance and objective design standards, Fence ordinance and Housing Element implementation. Chair Waschura noted that he was ok with presenting 4 goals to the City Council. Planning Director Mangalam noted she would circulate the discussed list to the Commissioners for their approval. NO MOTION. 6. REPORTS FROM THE COMMISSIONERS 6.1 Past Meeting • October 20, 2022 – Chair Waschura Chair Waschura provided a summary of the past City Council meeting. Commissioner Couperus and Chair Waschura discussed what was considered the contentious item on the agenda. Motion to continue the meeting past 10:00PM — approved by unanimous vote. 6.2 Upcoming Meeting Assignments • November 17, 2022 (unconfirmed) – Commissioner Indaco • December 15, 2022 (unconfirmed) – Vice-Chair Bredo Chair Waschura confirmed upcoming meeting assignments. Vice-Chair Bredo asked if she could switch out her November 2022 meeting with another Commissioner. Chair Waschura noted Vice-Chair Bredo could attend the January 2023 City Council meeting and Commissioner Patel could attend the November 2022 City Council meeting. 7. REPORT ON PAST FAST TRACK/SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS 7.1 OCTOBER 11, 2022 CANCELLED 7.2 OCTOBER 18, 2022 26321 Alexander Place – File #SDD22-0044 – Land of Field Site Development Permit for a new 5,582 square-foot single-story residence with a 4,757 square- foot basement, a detached 558 square-foot garage, and a 720 square-foot swimming pool. APPROVED 7.3 OCTOBER 25, 2022 CANCELLED 7.4 NOVEMBER 1, 2022 24151 Dawnridge Drive – File #SD22-0050 – Lands of Wu-Hsiao Site Development Permit for landscape screening and fencing for an approved new residence. APPROVED Planning Director Mangalam provided highlights on past Site Development/Fast Track hearings and noted that the November 1, 2022 project was approved. 9 Planning Commission Meeting November 3, 2022 Minutes 8. PLANNING DIRECTOR REPORT Planning Director Mangalam noted the draft Housing Element Update was completed and submitted to the State on October 27, 2022 and waiting to hear back from HCD. She noted that for December, there are a lot of planning projects that needed to be considered by the Commission and proposed scheduling a special meeting, noting one of the agenda items would be a study session for SB9, plus some public hearing items. Tentatively, Monday, December 12 was agreed upon by the Commissioners for a special meeting. Commissioner Indaco noted that the January meeting is usually the second Thursday of the month. Chair Waschura noted that tentatively, January 12 be an all-day goal-setting meeting and selecting a different date would be preferred. 9. ADJOURNMENT Meeting was adjourned at 10:15PM by Chair Waschura. Respectfully submitted, Keren Brunner Planning Technician