Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/10/1988PLANNING COMMISSION TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California Wednesday, February 10, 1988 tt1/ Reel ig3, Side I, Tract I, O00 -End; Side II, Tract I, 000 -End Acting Chairman Kaufman called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Present: Commissioners Carico, Emling, Kaufman, Patmore, Struthers, Stutz Absent: Chairman Yanez Staff: Bill Ekern, Director of Public Works, Lori Scott, Acting Town Planner, Leslie Mullins, Secretary B. CONSENT CALENDAR: Item Removed - B.1. (Emling, Kaufman, Mullins, Stutz) Mrs. Mullins requested the minutes of January 27, 1988 be amended to read as follows: On page four, fourth paragraph, "...seconded by Stutz, and f passed unanimously..." � I Commissioner Kaufman requested the minutes of January 27, 1988 be amended to read as follows: On page four, sixth paragraph, "...main residence; Commissioner Stutz questioned the flat pad..." Commissioner Stutz requested the minutes of January 27, 1988 be amended to read as follows: On Page Six, sixth paragraph, "...2) No grad- ing...(remove suggesting the need for more front yard area)..." Commissioner Emling reported Mayor Tryon has requested the minutes of Jan- uary 27, 1988 be amended, under Report from City Council Meeting on Janu- ary 6, 1988, reflect the Contract with Santa Clara County Sheriff was con- tinued due to lack of adequate information, not because not enough Coun- cilmembers were present. Commissioner Kaufman noted he is the one who made the report from the City Council meeting on January 6th, and does not feel it necessary to change his report. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Stutz and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of January 27, 1988 as amended. C. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF FEBRUARY 3, 1988: Commissioner Patmore reported the City Council at their regular meeting on February 3, 1988 continued Lands of Eyvazov Dawson Drive for additional information; approved resolution adopting amended Housing Element; con- tinued contract between Town and Sheriff for additional information; con- tinued ordinance relating to number of hoofed animals for additional in- formation; appointed Mayor Tryon and Councilwoman Dronkert to work with %,City Attorney and Manager on alternatives and solutions to issue of solicitation in the Town; directed staff to not install signs regarding bicycles in Town; continued Raffin encroachment permit for fence in con- servation easement for further information; Cable TV continued for updated information; discussed letter received from resident regarding Land use at Byrne Preserve; discussed letter received from resident regarding swimming pool fencing requirements and passed on for review and recommendations by Safety Committee and Commission. D. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF FEBRUARY 2 AND 9,_1988: Commissioner Carico reported the Site Development Committee on February 2, 1968 continued Levin on Paseo Del Roble for swimming pool as no one was present to represent owner; approved fence for Carnes on Tracy Court; ap- proved landscape plan for Saviano on Robleda but denied driveway modifica- tion. Commissioner Patmore reported the Site Development Committee on February 2nd also reviewed and approved new residence and swimming pool for Chen on Berry Hill, subject to conditions, one of which is an agreement to be an- terred into between builder, applicant and adjacent neighbor. Commissioner Carico reported the Site Development Committee on February 9, 1988 approved new residence for Lot #1 O'Keefe with denial on circular driveway; approved swimming pool, pool house and solar panels for Dairiki on Paseo Del Roble. Commissioner Stutz requested staff investigate the barn on Saviano proper- ty on Robleda, noting she though it was a condition of Site Development to remove the barn. Mr. Ekern informed Commission he would investigate this and report back to Commission at next meeting. E. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR: F. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. LANDS OF MILLER, 24965 La Loma Drive, File #VAR 29-87, Continuation of variance request to allow further encroachment of roof overhangs and living room walls into setback and location of new buttress supports in setback by an additional 6' for total of 14', and Site Development Permit Ms. Scott referred to Staff Report dated February 3, 1988 informing Com- mission this item was before Commission on January 27, 1988 and a motion was made and failed to approve, noting after further discussion the Com- mission continued the item to allow for redesign by the applicant. Ms. Scott informed Commission 5 of the previously requested 10 buttress sup- ports have been eliminated, the false walls and chimeny enclosure have been scaled back, recommending that the Commission approve the redesigned variance request to encroach into the setback area by a maximum of 14' to allow location of roof overhangs and buttress supports and replastering of -2- living room walls, noting this recommendation is based on findings sup- ported in the January 20, 1988 Staff Report. v The Public Hearing was then opened. Mrs. Maureen Miller, 24965 La Loma Drive, requested approval for the redesigned variance request as supported by staff, giving Commission a slide presentation of the subject property as viewed from on site, roadway and adjacent neighbors views; presented Commission with letters of ap- proval from adjacent neighbors most affected by this variance request; presented Commission with reduced copies of redesigned plans, highlighting the requested areas of encroachment for easier review by Commissioners. Mr. Jim Lyle, Pacific Design Group, presented Commission with structural details on height, chimeny, walls and commented on reductions made with the redesign presented this evening to the Commission, requested approval of the modified variance request. Mr. Lyle also noted the existing struc- ture is almost totally screened from neighbors view with mature landscape. Mrs. Dorothea Schreiner, Pathway Committee, informed Commission the Path- way Committee requests that a Type IIB pathway be installed along the road right-of-way, noting this pathway is shown on the Master Pathway Plan. The Public Hearing was then closed. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Emling and passed unanimously by those members present to approve the Lands of Mil- ler, File #VAR 29-87, 24965 La Loma Drive, as amended per presentations made at this evenings meeting, plans and findings made in the January 20, 1988 staff report, noting the variance requset is an improvement over non- conformity of this subject lot. Variance request includes: to allow fur- ther encroachment of roof overhangs and living room walls into setback and location of new buttress supports in setback by an additional six feet (61) for a total encroachment of fourteen feet (14')• Mr. Ekern referred to Staff Report dated February 4, 1988 for the Site De- velopment Conditions of Approval. Mr. Ekern informed Commission, pathways are not developed along La Loma, noting we could informed residents along La Loma that we would like to upgrade within the road right-of-way, noting there are Oleanders planted very close to road which would have to be cleared if we decided to do this. Commissioner Stutz requested the pathway be Type IIA rather than IIB. Commissioner Struthers noted it would be appropriate to ask that residents keep plantings outside of road right-of-way. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Stutz, seconded by Carico and passed unanimously by those members present to approve the Site Development Permit for the Lands of Miller, 24965 La Loma Drive, subject to Conditions of Approval as listed in the February 4, 1988 Staff Report, and with two new conditions to read as follows: N5• Roof cap shall be non -reflective. N6. Pathway shall be upgraded to Type IIA standards prior to final in- spection of building permit. -3- 2. LANDS OF KRAUSE, 25855 Westwind Way, File #CUP 9-87, Request for Con- ditional Use Permit to allow secondary dwelling unit, and Site Devel- opment Permit for New Residences, Guest House, Tennis Court and Swim - kw Pool Ms. Scott referred to Staff Report dated February 3, 1988 informing Com- mission the applicant is requesting a conditional use permit for the pro- posed mother's unit which is located on the same lot as the main residence. Ms. Scott informed Commission the applicant is also requesting site development permit for living unit and tennis court on the adjacent property, noting this unit though small in size is considered a primary dwelling on a separate parcel. Ms. Scott gave Commission zoning informa- tion based on proposed project and property for both lots included in the site development permit application. Ms. Scott informed Commission the proposed second unit meets all applicable ordinance requirements, recom- mending that the Planning Commission approve the Conditional Use Permit to allow a secondary dwelling unit 947 square feet in size as staff can posi- tively make the required findings per Municipal Code Section 10-1.1107 (1), as shown in staff report, subject to Conditions of Approval attached to the February 3rd staff report. Mr. Ekern referred to his Staff Report dated February 4, 1988, recommend- ing approval of site development permits for new residences, guest house, swimming pool and tennis court, subject to conditions of approval listed in the staff report. Mr. Ekern informed Commission the drainage as pro- posed on the site plans is not adequate, noting there are other alterna- tives which should be addressed. Mr. Ekern noted it is not good engineer- ing practice to place drainage from one basin and direct it to another, noting La Paloma has curb, gutter and a new culvert to be installed in the spring noting this will be a benefit to Westwind Way; with regard to directing some drainage to Concepcion, Mr. Ekern noted this would be ade- quate; noting the best solution is to distribute as best we can, put wter in ground as naturally as possible. Mr. Ekern noted with regard to Condi- tion #4, in the Site Development Conditions, Mr. Hoskins, Civil Engineer has provided a certificate to the Town today. Commissioner Struthers questioned earth work performed on property, by current owners. Commissioner Struthers also noted the name of this road is Westwind Way due to the wind in summer, suggesting that the Krause's switch the location of the swimming pool and driveway due to the climate to the south side for protection from the wind. The Public Hearing was then opened. Mr. Bill Krause, 27275 Julietta Lane, (Owner), informed Commission he has purchased the former Philbrick Estate, noting it is his intention to con- solidate the lots at a later date and to preserve the orchard area and keep the property rural in character. Mr. Krause informed Commission they have already demolished all existing structures on the property, noting they have reviewed plans with neighbors and have letters of ap- proval for review. With regard to grading performed, Mr. Krause informed Commission the earth mounds are a result of demolition and will be used for landscape fill. ae Mr. Peter Wright Shaw, Landscape Architect, presented Commission with a colored landscape rendering of the proposed project, noting the proposed residence is located on the same pad as the previous residence, noting 44wwith regard to square footage (footprint) the previous residence was larger in size. Mr. Shaw noted the orchard area is to be preserved and added to. Mr. Keith McFarland, 13661 La Paloma Road, raised concern over drainage, noting there is a problem along La Paloma Road now and has been for some years as there is no ditch to divert water to, asking that the water be drained to Concepcion Road not La Paloma Road. Mr. Wayne Abraham, 12630 Corte Madera Lane, informed Commission they has reviewed plans and are pleased, but has concerns over drainage, especially from the tennis court area, asking that drainage be carried to Concepcion Road. Mr. Abraham also requested that the tennis court be moved further south as possible and that it be rotated. Mrs. Fran Stevenson, Chairman Pathway Committee, requested a pathway ex- tension along Concepcion Road. The Public Hearing was then closed. Commissioner Kaufman raised concern over a single story residence at 27' in height with a 10+12 roof pitch located on top of a ridgeline, suggest- ing a 4+12 pitch which would lower approximately 101, as this property is extremely visible from all over the valley. Commissioner Kaufman thanked Rick Bell for placing posts for proposed height on the site for commis - W sioner review. Commissioner Carico suggested the house be lowered in pro- file as it sits on top of ridgeline, referring to a Special Land Use Permit issued by the City Council and recommended approval by Commission for the Fenwick residence on Elena Road for reference. Mr. Peter Shaw informed Commission and neighbors that the landscape screening will provide protection to adjacent properties, with regard to tennis court and views. Mr. Shaw indicated he would be glad to work with the Director of PUblic Works on drainage concerns. Mr. Krause added that the tennis court will have a dark color fence, will be well landscaped, and noted he does not play tennis to often. Mr. Krause indicated that with regard to Commissioner Struthers comments on the loca- tion of the swimming pool, he is not concerned with the wind, as the swim- ming pool is part of the landscape scheme. Mr. Krause informed Commission that he had Triangle Associates prepare an alternative plan for Commis- sioners review, incase there were concerns raised over height of the pro- posed structure. Commissioner Kaufman added lighting is not allowed for tennis courts by ordinance. Mr. Safwat Malek, Architect, informed Commission he has prepared an alternative plan which shows a reduction in roof pitch. -5- Commissioners reviewed the submittal lowering roof pitch presented at the meeting, commenting the roof reduction less visible from adjacent properties, but still very visible from Fremont Road. Mr. Krause added another proposal for the Commissioners review, which moves the main residence ten feet to the right, which would make the structure even less visible from neighboring properties. Commissioners commented they prefer the roof reduction and ten foot move, subject to it conforming to the zoning ordinance requirements for roof height checks. Ms. Scott added this should not be a problem with this revision presented this evening. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Carico and passed unanimously by those members present to approve Parcel #7, Lands of Krause, 25855 Wetswind Way, for Site Development Permit as conditioned in the February 4, 1988 Staff Report, and as amended as follows: Condition #2, change "foundation is" to "foundations are". Add: #14. Pathway shall be installed along Concepcion Road (parcel 6 to join pathway on parcel 5) to Type IIB standards prior to final inspection of building permit, sub- ject to the satisfaction of the Director of Public Works and Pathway Com- mittee. #15. Approved subject to lower roof line profile as presented to Planning Commission at their regular meeting on February 10, 1988. #16. Approved subject to shifting main house as shown on overlay presented to Planning Commission at their regular meeting on February 10, 1988. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Stutz, seconded by Patmore and passed unanimously by those members present to approve the Conditional Use Permit for the Lands of Krause, File #CUP 9-87, 25855 Westwind Way for secondary dwelling unit 947 sqaure feet in size, subject to conditions of approval as outlined in the February 3, 1988 Staff Report, and based on ( required findings per Municipal Code Section 10-1.1107(1) as outlined in the staff report. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Emling, seconded by Stutz and passed unanimously by those members present to approve the Site Develop- ment Permit for Parcel #6, Lands of Krause, 25855 Westwind Way, subject to conditions of approval as outlined in the February 4, 1988 staff report and as amended in motion above (parcel #7). 3. LANDS OF MARKOFF, 27961 Central Drive, File #VAR 23-87, Request for Variance to encroach into a northerly setback area by a maximum of 21 1/2' for replacing barn and Site Development Permit Ms. Scott referred to Staff Report dated February 3, 1988, informing Com- mission this was previously reviewed by Commission on December 9, 1987, at that time the applicant was requesting a setback encroachment of 29.5' (including overhangs), noting the item was continued with the suggestion that the applicant attempt to reduce the encroachment by moving the barn 10-20 feet. Ms. Scott informed Commission the barn has been moved in from the property line 8', for a total encroachment, including overhangs, of 21.5'. Ms. Scott recommended that the Planning Commission deny the vari- ance request for setback intrusion, based on an inability to make the necessary findings as documented in the previous staff report dated Decem- ber 3, 1987. Ms. Scott informed Commission the old barn had 725 square feet within setback; new barn has 803 square feet within setback. M The Public Hearing was then opened. Mr. Paul Markoff, 27961 Central Drive, informed Commission that as sug- gested at the December 9th meeting, we have moved the side wall 111, 13' from Wilson property with 1' overhang, noting he cannot move the barn any further due to drainage culvert pipe, asking Commission to approve his re- quested revised variance and site development permit for barn reconstruc- tion. Mrs. Fran Stevenson, Chairman Pathway Committee, questioned if it would be possible to contact Mr. Markoff's adjacent property owner (Mountain View Industrial Park) to install a pathway along property line to connect to Zappettini property, as Mr. Markoff has previously indicated it would be a hardship on him to move the fence on his property for a pathway. Mrs. Mary Steers, Buena Vista Drive, informed Commission Mountain View In- dustrial Park lot has been shown on the record books since 1910. The Public Hearing was then closed. Commissioners, staff and applicant discussed a proposed pathway, concerns raised over roadway, who owns Central Drive, costs of legal descriptions, surveys, recordation, and location of a pathway uncertain of its connec- tions. With regard to barn location, Commissioners made the following comments: Commissioner Kaufman expressed concern over asking for 20' from setback, and applicant returning 10' from setback, noting his concerns over future development of the Wilson property. Commissioner Stutz noted this revi- sion is a big improvement over what is on the site now, noting she would still like to see it moved a little further from setback. Commissioner Struthers indicated this submittal looks very much the same as the first review, noting however, she feels the pathway connection would be very im- portant to obtain. Commissioner Patmore indicated she would like staff to re-calcuate the floor area if this proposal is approved. Commissioner Em - ling indicated he would like to see barn moved back more. Commissioner Carico had no comment on new proposal. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Stutz, seconded by Struthers and passed by the following roll call vote to approve the Lands of Markoff, File #VAR 23-87, 27961 Central Drive, to allow reconstruction of barn to encroach into a northerly setback area by a maximum of 21 1/21, based on findings required by Municipal Code Section 10-1.1107. As there are ex- ceptional circumstances existing as there is not other location on site for barn location, and cannot be moved closer into property due to exist- ing drainage swale; there are existing structures on neighboring properties within setback area; structure will not create a problem to neighbors; and barn structure is an allowed use per the Town's Zoning Or- dinances. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Kaufman, Struthers and Stutz NOES: Commissioners Emling and Carico ABSTAIN: Commissioner Patmore ABSENT: Chairman Yanez -7- Mr. Ekern referred to Staff Report dated February 4, 1988, recommending if the Planning Commission grants the Site Development Permit for reconstruc- tion of barn the approval should include conditions of approval as listed in the staff report. Commission, staff and applicant discussed road right-of-way and pathway dedication. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Struthers, seconded by Carico and passed by the following roll call vote to add Condition H7 to the Condi- tions of Approval as listed in the February 4, 1988 Staff Report for Lands of Markoff, to read as follows: V. Prior to issuance of Building Permit, applicant shall dedicate a ten foot (101) pathway easement to con- nect to the Zappettini Property (Altamont Road) to Central Drive. The location of pedestrian/equestrian trail easement shall be to the satisfac- tion of the Director of Public Works and Pathway Committee. (Commis- sioners indicated this easement should be equal to that on Reiser and Bor- ral properties) ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Carico, Emling, Kaufman, Struthers and Stutz NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Patmore ABSENT: Chairman Yanez MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Stutz and passed by the following roll call vote to approve the Lands of Markoff Site Development Permit for barn reconstruction, 27961 Central Drive, sub- ject to conditions of approval as attached to the February 4, 1988 Staff Report and including new condition N7. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Kaufman, Struthers and Stutz NOES: Commissioners Carico and Emling ABSTAIN: Commissioner Patmore ABSENT: Chairman Yanez G. NEW BUSINESS: Mr. Safwat Malek addressed the Commission on negative comments which are made in reference to Triangle Associates designs presented to Site Development Committee and Planning Commission, informing Commission it is not the intention as the architect to construct these designs, but a desire of the client. Mr. Malek informed Commission he has designed and constructed many residences in the Town which would meet a defini- tion of rural character, asking that they keep this in mind when they review their proposals. Commissioners thanked Mr. Malek for address- ing them with his concerns, noting the Town prefers to see rural atmo- sphere, low style, unobtrusive, nestled into hillside. Lot Line Adjustments to increase MDA Ms. Scott informed Commission she has two requests in her office awaiting a decision on the matter of allowing lot line adjustments for the purpose of increasing MDA on one of the lots involved in the adjustment, prior to QD making a precedent setting decision. Ms. Scott questioned must the lot size be increased such that the new MDA eliminates the existing non- conforming development area condition or just enough to allow the new pro- posed development? Ms. Scott noted her initial feeling is increasing the lot size is equivalent to removing development area and that it would be consistent to allow a lot line adjustment (as long as no non -conformities are created on the other lot and no other serious issues arise) which adds just enough MDA to the property to allow the proposed development. Ms. Scott asked Commission for feedback on this issue. Commissioners indicated Ms. Scott interpretation was in the right direc- tion. H. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Road right-of-way dedications - referral from City Council Mr. Ekern informed Commission, the City Council at their regular meeting on January 20, 1988 referred the policy guideline on road right-of-way dedications prepared by Nancy Lytle and amended by City Council to the Planning Commission for review, modifications and consideration of ap- proval. It was passed by consensus to continue this item to allow staff to prepare a staff report and return in 2 or 3 meetings. 2. Letters received from City Attorney regarding Earnest driveway access, and Adobe Creek Initiative Petition; and letter from Dr. Howard Martin regarding Hale Creek. �I MOTION FAILED DUE TO LACK OF SECOND: Moved by Carico and failed due to lack of second that the Planning Commission should make a statement to support the City Council on Adobe Creek Initiative. Commissioners and Mr. Ekern discussed the City Attorney's memo regarding Earnest lot on Stirrup Way, noting the City Attorney's memo indicates the Commission cannot tell Mr. Hansen to let Mr. Earnest use Hansen's driveway. With regard to letter received from Dr. Martin, Commission requested staff investigate and report back to Commission on his concerns. I. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further new or old busisness, the meeting was adjourned at 11:45 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Leslie Mullins Planning Technician -9- It