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Home My WebLink About09/11/1985PLANNING COMMISSION TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 Fremront Road Los Altos Hills, California Wednesday, September 11, 1985 Reel 119, Side II, Tract II 327 -End; Reel 120, Side I, Tract I, 000-500 Chairman Carico called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Present: Camdssioners Gottlieb, Kuranoff, Lachenbruch, Struthers, Yanez and Chairman Carico Absent: Canmissioner Siegel Staff: Nancy Lytle, Tuan Planner; Lori Scott, Assistant Planner; Leslie Mullins, Secretary 1: f 5 v — MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED; Moved by Kuranoff, seconded by Gottlieb and passed unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar, specifically: ( 1. Approval of Minutes - August 28, 1985 (with correction sharing Yanez as present) 2. Setting Public Hearings for September 25, 1985: a. Lands of McCandless, Site Development Revocation b. Lands of Solomon/Gray, File #'s VAR 2-85 & CUP 6-85 C. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF SEPTFNiBER 4, 1985: Staff reported the City Council approved the Use Permit for Osborne and Annual Review of Use Permit for Pinewood School; approved Special Sand Use Permits for Meyer and Reed; c tined discussion on Site Development Ordinance revision; approved Final Parcel Map for Lands of Ehnert; discussed evaluation of trees damaged by the July 1, 1985 fire; approved a motion to direct staff to prepare an ordinance which reflects the Planning Cannission as the approving body for variances and Use Permits with Council concurrence for these issues. D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. LANDS OF MXART, 11627 Dawson Drive, Referral frau Site Developrent Conmittee for garages and driveway Ms. Scott referred to Mr. Enrights Staff Report dated September 4, 1985, noting this item was referred to the full Planning Cacm.ission by the Site Development 4 Camdttee because their main concern was that the proposed structures are very �r large, more than Trost residences. Ms. Scott informed Crn ssio: of the projects Zoning information and project description. Ms. Scott referred to recamended Planning Commission Minutes - September 11, 1985 Page Two D. PUBLIC BEARINGS: 1. Lands of Mozart (continued) Conditions of Approval if the Site Development Permit is approved: 1) Landscaping Plan shall be reviewed and approved by the Site Development Committee prior to final of the building permit.; 2) Site Drainage to be mitigated to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.; and 3) Existing trees shall be preserved to the maxim= extent feasible. Ms. Scott recaa ended the Comussion take the following action: 1) Approve or deny application for a Site Development Permit; and 2) Recamnenda- tion to Council regarding the Special Land Use Permit. The Public Hearing was then opened. Mr. John Mozart, 11627 Dawson Drive, referred Commission to a landscape rendering of the proposed garage structures and a rendering of a site line distance from the neighbors residence to the proposed structures. Mr. Mbzart also presented photographs of the property frau on and off site. Mr. Mozart indicated he'd be happy to,if necessary, make a condition upon his property that it not be further subdivided. Mr. Mozart informed Commission he is an antique and classic car collector and has no intention of repair or restoration work on the cars at this site. Mr. Mozart indicated he has oampletely renovated the main residence and landscaped, and is planning on landscaping the proposed garages and replant the orchard area in back after construction. Mr. Dan McDonald, 24280 Elise Court, spoke against the proposed garages, asking why the need for a 34 car garage?; and indicated in his opinion the proposed structure is on a ridgeline. The Public Hearing was then closed. Commission and staff discussed the structure with regard to secondary dwelling regulations, referring to State and local Ordinances. Commission discussed ob- taining an opinion frau the City Attorney with regard to future camcercial use. Cocmissioner Lachenbruch noted he spent a considerable ameunt of tine reviewing this proposal as it is a enor sly long structure, noting with sore minor design changes, (i.e., move building away from property line to 465 contour line and drop the floor level by 4') thereby reducing the height of the structure by about 20%. Commissioner Lachenbruch indicated landscaping for the proposed structure is important, but can be easily achieved, with the function to have the structure effectively screened when viewed from off site. Mr. Mozart introduced Mr. John Markl, Engineer, noting they have spent over 1 year working on the siting of the proposed structure. Mr. John Markl, Civil Engineer, informed Camussion that a critical design factor was the slope of the driveway, from the existing to the first door of the proposed garage, noting the structure is bent and configured to murmu.ze slope, balance cut and fill and not to encroach into the drip line of oak trees. monaV sEcOmED AND CARRIED: Moved by Yanez, seconded by Lachenbruch and passed by the following roll call vote to obtain the opinion of the City Attorney on the use of this structure ,(i.e., camrercial venture), present and future uses, and how the Town world regulate in the future. NOLs, CALL: AYES: Commissioners Gottlieb, Lachenbruch, Struthers, Yanez and Chairman Carico NOES: Commissioner Ruranoff Planning Cm dssim Minutes - September 11, 1985 Page Three D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Lands of Nnzart (continued) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Gottlieb, seconded by Carico and passed by the following roll call vote to approve the Site Development Pemuit for the lands of Mozart, 11627 Dawson Drive with Staff Recannended Conditions of Approval as in the September 4, 1985 Staff Report and as amended below for Condition #1. A landscape Plan shall be submitted to be reviewed and approved by the Site Development Committee prior to final inspection of the Building Permit. The Landscape Plan shall be prepared by a Registered landscape Architect, for the explicit purpose of screening the structure fnan off site views, year round. ROLL CALL: AYES: Camussioners Gottlieb, Euranoff, Iachenbxuch, Struthers and Ch iiinan Carico NOES: Cmudssimer Yanez MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kuranoff, seconded by Gottlieb and passed by the following roll call vote to recd mend approval of the Special Land Use Permit to the City Council for the Lands of Mozart as it meets all guidelines of Ordinance #295. ROLL CHIS.: AYES: Commissioners Gottlieb, Ruranoff, Iachenbruch, Struthers and Chainran Carim NOES: Ca:muissioner Yanez (noted because this would be setting a dangerous precedent, and before deciding should have the opinion of the City Attorney) 2. LANDS OF HPMILTCN, FILE #VAR 3-85, 24920 la Inm Court, Request for Variance to encroach into the front and side yard setbacks for addition Ms. Scott referred to her Staff Report dated Septanber 4, 1985, noting this is a public hearing to consider a variance request to encroach into the front yard setback by a nmci= of 10' and into the side yard setback by an additional 31. Ms. Scott indicated additionally, staff recamiends that the variance approval include the existing east side setback encroachment of 8', the west side setback encroachment by 16'd' and the front setback encroachment of 9'. Ms. Scott supplied Camnission with Zoning Ordinance information, property background and recomendation of approval for the Lands of Hamilton as it meets the required findings in Municipal Code Section 9-5.1107 (b) and supported by facts as presented in the applicants states t attached to the Variance Application. lime Public Hearing was then opened. Mr. Hamitlon, 24920 la Iona Court, asked Commission to grant approval of the subject variance request. The Public Hearing was then closed. NOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Yanez, seconded by Gottlieb and passed unanimously to approve the Lands of Hamilton, File #VAR 3-85, based on the required findings in Municipal Code Section 9-5.1107 (b) and the following criteria: I. The lot is large enough by present standards so that the open space is preserved and present development limits will not be violated. II. The lot shape and topography lead to development inconsistent with present setbacks. III. The addition can be made without a variance but it would be worse for all involved: 1) visible to neighbors where the addition with variance is not and 2) less practical for the applicant. Planning Commission Minutes - September 11, 1985 Page Four D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 3. IANDS OF ROBLES, FILE #SA 5-85, 14463 Liddicoat Circle, Request for approval of Site Approval Ms. Scott referred to her Staff Report dated September 6, 1985, noting the subject lot is located at the north end of Liddicoat Circle and is bordered on the north by I-280, noting the property is steelply sloping and is vege- tated with brush, grasses and numerous trees (mostly oaks, sone maples). Ms. Scott presented the lots Zoning and Subdivision Information, and noted the Project Issues related to this site: 1) Geotechnical and Soils Investigations; 2) Fire Safety; 3) Pathways; 4) Drainage; and 5) Conservation Easement. Ms. Scott moo ended that the Planning Commission adopt a motion recomiending that the City Council approve the Lands of Robles, subject to the Conditions of Approval attached to the September 6, 1985 Staff Report, and that the Planning Commission adopt a motion regarding granting Conditional Exceptions as requested by the applicant. The. Public Hearing was then opened. Mr. John Riley, Civil Engineer, asked Commission to recommend approval of the Site Approval, with an exception to Condition l.A. and 1.B. Mr. Michael Hu, questioned if a swimming pool could be placed within the Conservation Easement? The Public Hearing was then closed. Commissioners indicated the need for the Conservation Easement is to preserve vegetation on the lower half of the lot because of aesthetic value and the lot is located on a scenic corridor. With regard to the uses within the Conservation Easement, 0mmission indicated they would not allow a swimming pool. M'DrION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kuranoff, seconded by Iachenbruch and gassed by the following roll call vote to Mend Condition 1.A. as follows: The owner shall dedicate a ten foot wide pathway easement along the northerly property line (along 1-280), to the satisfaction of the City Engineer and Pathway Connittee. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Gottlieb, Kuranoff, Lachenbruch, Struthers and Chairman Carico NOES: Commissioner Yanez PASSED BY CONSENSUS TO AMEND CONDITION 1.B. as follows: The owner shall dedicate to the Town a Conservation Easement to include all the lot north of the 325' contour elevation. Construction necessary for pathway described in Condition l.A. shall be allowed within the Conservation Easement, and clearing of vegetation as required by the Los Altos Fire Protection District in Condition 3.13. shall be allowed within the Conservation Easement. Landscaping will be permitted within the Conservation Easement only with approval of the Site Development Committee. Passed by Consensus to Add a new Condition P.A. to read as follows: In the development of the site, care shall be taken to preserve as many trees as is practicable_ _ MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kuranoff, seconded by Gottlieb and passed unaninnusly to recommend approval to the City Council for the Lands of Robles, File #SA 5-85 subject to Conditions of Approval as amended. Planning Cmvdssion Minutes - September 11, 1985 Page Five D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: t 4. HANDS OF JONES, FILE #7M 1-85, 12600 Page hull Road, (Dexter Ahlgren, Engineer), Request for approval of Tentative Map and Negative Declaration, 2 lots Ms. Lytle referred to her Staff Report dated Septamber 6, 1985, noting this is a proposed two lot subdivision located at Page Mill Road and Via Ventana, noting the property measures 5.08 acres and is surrounded by low density residential developrent and open land, the southern lot is occupied by a single family residence and accessory building and the proposed northern lot is undeveloped, the property has an average slope of 27% sloping to the northwest and is vegetated with significant stand of oak woodland. Ms. Lytle gave Cminission lot information with regard to the Tarot's Subdivison and Zoning Ordinances and referred to issues related to the proposed subdivision: 1) Geotechnical Constraints; 2) Pathways; 3) Drainage; 4) Conservation Easemnt and 5) Access to Lot #1. Ms. Lytle recaanended that the Planning anTaission: 1) Adopt a motion reccmTending the granting of a Conditional Exception to the requ rarest for contour intervals, Section 9-4.506 (9) and (22), based on findings as required in Section 9-4.1501 (a) and (b).; 2) Adopt a motion reconrending the City Council approve the filing of a Negative Declaration for this project with the Santa Clara County Clerk; and 3) Adopt a m tion recomending that the City Council approve the Lands of Jones Tentative Map, subject to Conditions of Approval attached to the September 6, 1985 Staff Report. The Public Hearing was then opened and closed with regard to the Negative Declaration. MOTION SECONDED ASID CARRIED: Moved by Gottlieb, seconded by Struthers and passed unanimously to recomend the City Council approve the filing of the Negative Declaration for this project with the Santa Clara County Clerk. MOTION SECONDED ASID CARRIED: Moved by Iachenbrich, seconded by Gottlieb and passed unanimously to recamend the granting of a Conditional Exception to the requinrent for contour intervals, Section 9-4.506 (9) and (22) based on findings as required in Section 9-4.1501 (a) and (b) of the Municipal Cade. The Public Hearing was than opened. Mr. Dexter Ahlgren Civil Engineer, asked Coimuission to keep the Conservation Ease ent as proposed by him and not as redlined by staff, noting the purpose is to provide screening frau adjacent properties and screening fran Page Mill Road. Mr. Ahlgren asked that it be possible to clear brush within the Con- servation Easement (due to recent fire) and allow a fence. Mr. Ahlgren asked that at this time the Ckmnission delete the pedestrian pathway construction, noting currently there is no easement southwest of the property and the adjacent pathway ends abruptly at a bluff. With regard to Septic Drainfield System, Mir. Ahlgren asked that it be allowed to remain within Conservation Ease ent, noting he does not believe it will kill existing oaks, noting this is a matter which should be handled at the Site Develogr t time with the approval of the location by the Health Deparbrent, noting there are no sewers available to this site. Mr. Ahlgren asked that the location of access for the 2nd lot be as proposed, noting another home on the existing road wmuld add additional traffic next to the residence. Mr. Carey Jones, 12600 Page Mill Road, informed ConTnission the existing drainfield is located under oaks and they have not had any troubles. With regard to the Conservation Easement, Mr. Jones asked it be approved as shown by Engineer, not as redlined by staff. With regard to the pathway, Mr. Jones asked it not be required to be constructed until a time when it would continue further. Planning Counmission Minutes - September 11, 1985 Page Six 173iiEYFfit:i�9:i1� lfoA 4. LANDS OF JONES: (continued) Mr. Ahlgren further noted with regard to the oak trees on the site, that no matter what type of residence is constructed, trees will have to be removed, noting an appraisal of the trees shall be rade as to which are healthy and which could be re caved, asking that this ratter be handled at the Site Development titre. The Public Hearing was then closed. Camnissioners, Staff and applicant discussed the proposed pathway location, septic drainfield location and Conservation Easement. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Lachenbruch, seconded by Carico and passed unanimously to amend Condition 1.D. to allow within the Conservation Easement an open rail type fence which would not prevent movement of animals. MOITON SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by lachenbruch, seconded by Gottlieb and passed unanimously to add a new Condition S.A, to read as follows: Forty feet (40') setbackshall be from Page Mill Road, because of potential impact as Page Mill Road is a scenic highway. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Gottlieb, seconded by Carico and passed unanimously to add a new Condition #S.B. to read as follows: In the development of the site, care shall be taken to preserve as many trees as is practicable. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Yanez, seconded by Carico and passed by the following roll call vote to delete Staff Fded Condition S.A. (pathway construction), requiring at this tine easement only. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Kuranoff, Lachenbruch, Yanez and Chairman Carico NOS: Cmnissioners Gottlieb and Struthers MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Moved by Yanez, seconded by Carico and failed by the following roll call vote to amend Condition 1.D. to allow the Con- servation Easement as proposed by the applicant with modification which would not include the septic drainfield within the Conservation Easement. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioner Yanez NOES: Coavdssioners Gottlieb, Kuranoff, Lachenbruch, Struthers and Chairmn Caries MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Lachenbruch, seconded by Kuranoff and passed by the following roll call vote to amend Condition I.D. to read as follows: The owner shall dedicate a Conservation Ease t as shown on the Tentative Map, as proposed by applicant and redlined by staff, to the satis- faction of the City Engineer and Town Planner. Part or all of septic drain - field for Lot #2 shall be allowed within Conservation Easement if it is demon- strated to the satisfaction of the Town that such piacerent will minimize damage to existing oak trees. Open rail type fences shall be allowed which would not prevent nnvenent of animals. No other structures, grading or vegetation removal shall be allowed with exception to brush clearing for fire protection. ROLL CALL: AYES: Comiissioners Kuranoff, Lachenbruch, Yanez and Chairman Carico NOES: Commissioners Gottlieb and Struthers Planning Cmmission Minutes - September 11, 1985 Page Seven D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 4. LAIC OF JONES: (continued) MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by xuranoff, seconded by Iachenbruch and passed unanimously to recdnnend to the City Council approval of the Lands of Jones, File #TM 1-85 subject to Conditions of Approval as amended. F. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Chairman Carico stressed the need for Comnissimers to come prepared for the meeting, noting it is not fair to Staff or the applicant to be unprepared. Chairman Carico asked that C=i.ssimers speak through the Chairman during public hearings and discussims. Chairman Carim also indicated the need for more Study Sessions m the near future. [l�1RC�11.1\lull\IIF There being no further new or old business, the meeting was adjourned at 11:50 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Leslie Mullins Engmeermg/Planning