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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/25/1988 (2)PLANNING COMMISSION TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California Wednesday, May 25, 1988 Reel 126, Side II, Tract I, 300 -End; Side I, Tract I, 000-180 Chairman Yanez called the meeting to order at 7:35 P.M. in the Town Hall Coun- cil Chambers. A. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Carico, Emling, Kaufman, Patmore, Struthers and Chairman Yanez Absent: Commissioner Stutz Staff: Bill Ekern, Director of Public Works, Sally Lyn Zeff, Planning Director, Leslie Mullins, Planning Technician IB. CONSENT CALENDAR: MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Yanez and ,passed unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar, specifically: 1. Minutes of May 11, 1988 C. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF MAY 18, 1988: Commissioner Emling reported the City Council at their May 18, 1988 meet- ing was standing room only, due to the San Antonio Hills Annexation item on the Agenda, noting Mayor and other Councilmembers would be present at the LAFGCO Public Hearing for the proposed Annexation to present both sides of the issues for the County's consideration; Council determined the letter prepared by the Commission to the Department of Water Resources regarding Hale Creek should not be sent; continued consideration of an in- crease to allowed MDA for Viso on Matadero Creek. Ms. Zeff informed Com- mission Council discussed and continued this item to Thursday, May 26th at 10:00 a.m., noting basically Mr. Viso does not want to be considered under the Matadero Creek rules, as his proposal has some problems with floor area and basement calculations, and would like City Council to consider Matadero Creek Subdivision be handled under the current zoning ordinance. Chairman Yanez questioned why this item went to the City Council and not the Commission. Ms. Zeff informed Commission the Matadero Creek Subdivi- sion has approved Conditions of Approval from the Tentative Map which regulate building, noting any changes to Conditions of Approval must be granted by the City Council. t Tor the record, Commissioner Carico indicated she felt very strongly that 41@ven though the City Council does not want the Commission to write a let- ter without their approval, that individuals may write their own letters, planning Camiission Minutes - May 25, 1988 Page Two noting we (Commission) have been advised by the City Attorney that Commis - t v sion can write letters without Council approval. Chairman Yanez also noted concern over this decision, as he did not feel the letter to the De- partment of Water Resources was negative or threatening to the applicant. ID. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF MAY 17 & 24, 1988: Commissioner Struthers reported the Site Development Committee on May 17, 1988 approved four re -builds, 1) Bettencourt on La Loma; 2) Varsanyi on Mira Loma; 3) Wilson Swimming Pool on Bentley Court; 4) Pratt Swimming Pool remodeling on Garth Lane and Landscape Plan; and 5) landscape plan for Haeckl on Blandor. Commissioner Kaufman reported the Site Development Committee on May 24, 1988 approved: 1) New Residence and driveway modification for Bettencourt on Stonebrook Drive; 2) New Residence for Kushner on Hill Way; 3) Driveway Modification for Fung on Wild Plum Lane; 4) Setback determination for Snyder on Elena Road; and a Subdivision Committee review for Lotus Invest- ments Property on Elena Road (previously Hansen property), for three lots, noting substantial concerns over the percolation tests, noise impacts from I-280, noting Subcommittee gave the applicant a list of items which need to be corrected prior to the map moving on to the Planning Commission for review. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR: IFIL,PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. LANDS OF WUBBELS, 13831 La Paloma Road, Appeal of Site Development Permit for 6' redwood fence Mr. Ekern referred to Staff Report dated May 16, 1988 informing Commission a permit for the requested fence was granted by staff and subsequently ap- pealed by the neighbors, the appeal was forwarded to the Site Development Committee for review who upheld the staff decision to issue the fence permit on May 3, 1988. Mr. Ekern informed Commission neighbors have indi- cated concern for loss of neighborhood during the entire process of ap- proval of the house and present issue of fence issue, noting the neighbors feel the need for openness in the area as in general, most of the lots in the immediate vicinity of the subject property are long and narrow and the lack of fencing provides a feeling of expanse which might be more normally provided with lots which would conform with today's standards for width. Mr. Ekern further informed Commission the applicant stated that they wish the fence to provide security and privacy. Mr. Ekern recommended the Com- mission uphold the site development permit and that if a fence along the Wubbel/Glathe property line is constructed that it be more than 509 open, with landscaping for further mitigation. The Public Hearing was then opened. Dr. John Glathe, 13801 La Paloma Road, expressed concern that the proposed ( fence is totally out of character with the neighborhood, noting other wX ghbors have indicated the same feeling, asking Commission to deny the proposed fence. planning Oamission Minutes - May 25, 1988 Page Three `,Mr. John Coovert, Maurer Lane, informed Commission he too feels the pro- posed fence is out of character, noting he has raised his children in this neighborhood with no safety problems, and never have had or heard of a problem with the dogs at the Alvarez property. Ms. Morrisy and Ms. Grizinsky, Real Estate Agents representing Wubbels and new buyers the Io's, presented Commission with photographs of views from neighboring properties to the subject lot, and presented Commission a fence with louvers which they felt was more open than the redwood fence. Mr. John Keigler, 12692 Roble Veneno, expressed concern over so much fenc- ing around the property, noting it will not protect their privacy, asking which way the louvers will face on the fence proposed by the Realtors. Mrs. Laurie Graham, Jessica Lane, in response to comments made by the neighbors, what difference does it make if neighbor wants a fence? Noting the Ordinances allow fencing around properties. Mr. Lynn Wubbels, 40 Oak Street, Los Altos, informed Commission and neigh- bors that the proposal is mostly replacement of existing fences. Mr. Ray Rossi, Nicole Lane, suggested that as the neighbor feels a fence is necessary, perhaps landscaping can be placed on both sides of the fence for screening. Mrs. Carol Glathe, 13601 La Paloma Road, informed Commission that the sub- ject lot has a steep slope so that the residence and swimming pool in their location create its own privacy, noting she did not feel a 6' red- wood fence is appropriate to the neighborhood, and would prefer a chain link fence with landscaping. Mrs. Sue Dumas, 13555 La Paloma Road, representing the seller, informing Commission the fence proposed will not have that much of an impact on the neighbors, reminding Commission and neighbors the site development permit has already been approved by staff and the site development committee. The Public Hearing was then closed. Commissioners discussed the concern of the buyers over security and privacy, noting however, 6' redwood fencing surrounding the entire proper- ty is a little much and similar to a compound, some Commissioner suggested perhaps chainlink fence with landscaping, or not fencing around the entire property and only replacing existing fencing. Commissioners questioned realtors if they informed new buyers of the rural atmosphere, preservation of the existing neighborhood. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Kaufman and passed by the following roll call vote to approve a black or vinyl chain link with proper landscaping to mitigate the views of the fence from off- site. ROLL CALL: YES: Commissioner Carico, Emling, Kaufman and Chairman Yanez NOES: Commissiners Patmore and Struthers Planning CmTnissim Minutes - May 25, 1988 Page Four ABSENT: Commissioner Stutz Commissioners Patmore and Struthers questioned how the Commission could approve something that has not been applied for. Commissioner Kaufman noted he did not like the look of a compound on the property with a 6' redwood fence surrounding the entire property, suggest- ing that the applicant do a combination of chain link fencing and landscaping to surround the property. Applicants and neighbors were informed they could appeal the decision of the Planning Commission to the City Council. Commissioner Carico left meeting at 9:15 p.m. 2. LANDS OF DAWSON, FILE #CUP 8-88, 13875 Mir Mirou Drive, Request for approval of Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Permit for secondary dwelling unit (cabana) Ms. Zeff referred to Staff Report dated May 19, 1988 informing Commission this is a public hearing to consider a request for a conditional use permit and zoning and site development permits for a secondary dwelling unit, noting the applicant proposes to construct a pool cabana/secondary dwelling unit at north end of their driveway next to the swimming pool, the unit will be 576 sq.ft. in size and will include a bathroom, kitchen, sauna and recreation room. Ms. Zeff indicated the application meets the required findings for granting of a Conditional Use Permit, recommending approval of the requested Conditional Use Permit subject to conditions of approval attached to the May 19, 1988 staff report. Mr. Ekern referred to Staff Report dated May 17, 1988 noting if the Com- mission grants approval of a Site Development Permit for the second unit, the conditions as recommended in the Staff Report should be made condi- tions of approval of the site development permit. The Public Hearing was opened and closed with no one speaking for or against this item. Commissioners questioned the location of the swimming pool equipment as it is not shown on the plans received. Staff informed Commission the loca- tion is shown on site plan which went through site development committee for the swimming pool. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Struthers and passed unanimously by those members present to approve the Lands of Daw- son, File #CUP 8-88, 13875 Mir Mirou Drive, for a secondary dwelling unit (cabana) 576 square feet in size subject to Conditions of Approval as at- tached to the May 19, 1988 Staff Report; and Site Development Permit sub- ject to the conditions of approval attached to the May 17, 1988 Staff Report. ` 3. LANDS OF MEYER, FILE #CUP 7-88, 26007 Torello Lane, Request for ap- W proval of Condiional Use Permit and Site Development Permit for a new residence with a second unit planning Ca ssion Minutes - May 25, 1988 Page Five %.Ms. Zeff informed Commission the applicant has requested continuance of this item to the June 8, 1988 meeting. Passed by consensus to continue the Lands of Meyer, File #CUP 7-88, to June 8, 1988 Planning Commission Meeting as per the applicant's request. 4. LANDS OF SARRAF, Lot #3, Hilltop Drive, Request for approval of Site Development Permit for new residence (referred by Site Development Committee) Mr. Ekern referred to Staff Report dated May 18, 1988 informing Commission the proposed residence was issued a zoning permit on April 18, 1988, and scheduled for Site Development Committee on May 10, 1988, noting the Site Development Committee and applicant agreed that this project should be ad- dressed by the entire Commission, due to bulk of the project and large retaining wall and its visual impact off site, and impact of freeway noise on the lifestyle, noting the decking has been proposed on the freeway side of the house, and the general lack of outdoor living space. Mr. Ekern in- formed Commission the applicant has resubmitted plans since the Site De- velopment Committee review, which have lowered grade, reduced retaining wall height, noting due to the time of resubmittal staff has not yet reviewed for zoning ordinance conformance, recommending that Commission uphold the decision of the Site Development Committee to not issue a site development permit for the originally proposed project, however, as the applicant has resubmitted plans, Commission should determine if they L satisfy the Commissions site development concerns, it is further recom- mended that the Commission issue a site development permit subject to verification by the Planning Department that the project does, in fact, conform to the zoning ordinance. Mr. Ekern informed Commission the MDA - MFA has not changed with the new submittal. Commission questioned deck located on site plan within setback area. Mr. Ekern informed Commission decks at grade are allowed to be 5' into set- back, noting it does appear that the deck as shown violates zoning or- dinance. The Public Hearing was then opened. Mrs. Sarraf, asked why the deck is being questioned now, as it was pre- viously shown on first submittal. Ms. Zeff informed applicant and Commis- sion the deck was shown on the old plans, noting she needs to review the new proposal for height conformance, which will also review the deck shown on the plans. Mr. Mark Sandoval, Architect, informed Commission they have redesigned to comply with the requests of the site development committee and staff, as- king Commission to approve site development permit for revised plans. Mr. Steve Lewis, 14690 Saltamontes Way, informed Commission the Sarraf's purchased a lot next to him in Los Altos several years ago, noting they did an outstanding job on restoring the house and landscaping, noting this 4,rwill be a marvelous addition to the Hills, as they have shown in the past they've done a spectacular job. Planning Commission Minutes - May 25, 1988 Page Six 4b,Mr. Dieter Kopal, Barley Hill Road, informed Commission the proposed residence is not offensive and Sarraf's will do a fine job with landscape mitigation. The Public Hearing was then closed. Commissioners questioned why they did not receive a copy of the South Elevation of the new design. Mr. Sandoval informed Commission they did not have time to change all the elevations with the new submittal, noting the retaining wall was the most obvious on the south elevation, with regard to the materials and color the retaining wall, Mr. Sandoval in- formed Commission the wall will be stucco stone materials, and landscaping is proposed. Commissioners reviewed the new proposal, noting the redesign has met the concerns of the Site Development Committee, and felt they could now ap- prove the Site Development Permit subject to Planning Director's review for zoning conformance with regard to height and the deck, and standard site development permit conditions of approval. Commissioners did note some concern over the minimal amount of development area left for outdoor living area, noting the applicant may wish to move the deck to the other side of the residence so that it is not on the freeway side of the proper- ty. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Emling and (', passed unanimously by those members present to approve the Lands of Sar- raf, Lot #3, Hilltop Drive, Site Development Permit for construction of a new residence subject to the following conditions of approval: 1) Plans shall be reviewed by the Planning Director for conformance with zoning or- dinances, (i.e., height, setback, etc.); 2) recommendations by Wm. Cotton & Associates; 3) landscape plan prior to final inspection; 4) color chip at time of landscape plan review; 5) drainage to the satisfaction of City Engineer; 6) location of foundation; 7) recommend fire retardant roofing; 8) chimney caps and flashing non -reflective; 9) construction materials for residence shall conform to State Health Standards with regard to noise im- pact from I-280; and 10) no planting allowed within pedestrian/equestrian easement. G. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Ms. Zeff informed Commission she has prepared a list of tentative map applications to be scheduled for subdivision committee hearings through July. 2. Commission requested that the election of new Planning Commission Chairman be scheduled in July, due to the two upcoming vacancies the end of June. 3. Commissioner Struthers requested staff to provide Commission with in- formation on requirements per the Santa Clara County Health Department for Percolation Tests, asking how they adjust for drought years. H -OLD BUSINESS: Planning Commission Minutes - May 25, 1988 Page Seven �w 1. Staff informed Commission on the next agenda, there will be a zoning ordinance interpretation. 2. Commissioner Struthers informed Commissioners again of the Pathway Walk, scheduled for Saturday, June 4 at 10:00 a.m., starting at Hidden Villa, to hike to Westwind Barn and have brunch, noting there will be transportation provided to get back to Hidden Villa, or you can con- tinue the hike with Pathway Committee. I. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further new or old busisness, the meeting was adjourned at 10:20 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Leslie Mullins Planning Technician