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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07/27/1988t PLANNING COMMISSION TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California Wednesday, July 27, 1988 Reel 127, Side II, Track I, 097 -End, Side I, Tract II, 000-023 Chairman Kaufman called the meeting to order at 7:34 P.m. in the Town Hall Council Chambers. A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Present: Commissioners Carico, Emling, Jones, Noel, Stutz and Chairman Kaufman Absent: Commissioner Patmore Staff: Bill Ekern, Director of Public Works; Sally Lyn Zeff, Planning Director; Leslie Mullins, Planning Technician City Council Representative: Councilman Siegel Br CONSENT CALENDAR: `Item Removed - B.1. (Carico) Commissioner Carico requested the minutes of July 13, 1988 be amended as follows: Page 6, first paragraph, to add: Commissioner Carico indicated she felt the secondary dwelling unit existing above the garage was not at- tached to main residence. With regard to her negative vote on denial without prejudice of the application, Commissioner Carico noted she preferred to process this application at the hearing on the 13th, rather than deny the application. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Stutz, seconded by Noel and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of June 22, 1988, July 13, 1988 as amended, and July 19, 1988 Commissioners Jones & Noel abstained from approval of minutes of June 22, 1988. C. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF JULY 26, 1988: Commissioner Carico reported the Site Development Committee on July 26th approved swimming pool for Gualtiert on Vinedo Lane; driveway modification for Wubbels on La Paloma for additional parking area to be closer to residence than the applicant proposed; approved swimming pool for Brunn on Purissima Road; approved landscape plan for Pittiglio on Alicante Lane. DWPRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR: Planning Commission Minutes - July 27, 1988 Page Two SEA PUBLIC HEARINGS: Y Chairman Kaufman informed Commission and public the applicant's for the Lands of Bennett, Tentative Map, item #3 under public hearings, has re- quested we continue their application to allow them more time to work on their submittal. Mr. Ekern informed Commission the applicant would like to gain additional land from neighboring property if at all possible to accommodate a two lot subdivision. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kaufman, seconded by Jones and passed unanimously to take public hearing #3, out of order. 3• LANDS OF BENNETT, SELLS & VALDEZ, FILE #TM 2-88, 12100 Hilltop Drive, I Request for Tentative Map and Negative Declaration for two lot sub- division Mr. Ron Bennett, 12100 Hilltop Drive, requested continuance of the tenta- tive map indicating he would sign an extension of time for processing of the map. Ms. Zeff informed Commission the next available date for public hearings with Planning Commission would be September 28th. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Stutz, seconded by Jones and passed 4eby the following roll call vote to continue the Lands of Bennett, Sells & Valdez, File #TM 2-88 to September 28, 1988 with the applicants consent. ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissioners Jones, Noel, Stutz and Chairman Kaufman NOES: Commissioners Carico and Emling ABSENT: Commissioner Patmore Commissioner Carico indicated she would like to hear from the public who are in attendance this evening on this item. 1. LANDS OF NORTHWOODS PROPERTIES, 13416 Middle Fork Lane, Request for Site Development Permit for New Residence and Pool Site Mr. Ekern referred to Staff Report dated July 20, 1988, informed Commis- sion this is a request for Site Development Permit for new residence and pool site, noting the subject property is 14% which requires afoundation to step on contour or be a pole design, by ordinance. Mr. Ekern noted there are no outstanding conditions of approval of the subdivision. Mr. Ekern also indicated that it should be noted that all of the allowed floor area has been used with this project, consequently, the applicant and all future purchasers should be advised that no pool houses or other struc- tures involving floor area may be constructed without either removal of existing floor area or a variance. Mr. Ekern recommended that if the Com- mission grants a site development permit, it be subject to the conditions of approval listed in the July 20, 1988 staff report. CeThe Public Hearing was then opened. Planning Commission Minutes - July 27, 1988 Page Three t Nr. Pong Ng, 10009 Oaklea£ Place, Cupertino, representing applicant as ar- chitect, informing Commission he met with some of the neighbors twice dur- ing the design process of the subject residence, noting at no time were there objections to the size of the house, noting there were some objec- tions to the style and look of architecture, informing Commission we have designed under the allowed development, floor and height limitations with this proposal. Chairman Kaufman recalled when subdivision was processed, the Commission was informed by Mr. Ken Pastrof of The Owen Companies, that the homes which would be built on this subdivision would be low in profile and character, noting his concerns over the roof height and pitch on this par- ticular submittal, as he indicated this style of house is inapproriate for hillside and this particular neighborhood. Commissioner Noel raised con- cerns over the drainage to properties below. Commissioner Stutz informed applicants they should investigate the following residences which are con- structed low in profile on hillsides: Carey on Country Way; Tyabji on Story Hill Lane for examples of approriate structures to step on contour. Commissioner Emling raised concerns over the maximum utilization of Floor and Development Area with this proposal. Mr. Ng informed Commission they have provided area for swimming pool, decks, noting the residence is as self-contained as possible. Mr. Ng in- dicated the color of residence would be beige to light tan, roof shall be fire retardant heavy wood shakes most likely. `Mrs. Bobbie Dolton, 781 Westminister Lane, questioned why the neighbors did not object to this proposal earlier when Mr. Ng met with them. Mrs. Dolton informed Commission they have met all ordinance requirements with regard to height, floor area and development area. Mr. Paul Reneau, 13149 Byrd Lane, expressed concern to Commission over style and size of structure proposed, noting we have been trying very hard to keep our community small in character, noting the largest home is 3,500 sq.ft. Mr. Reneau informed Commission he attended the meetings with Mr. Ng at Mr. Stegnar's residence, noting he was appalled over the first review they had proposed, indicating they would prefer to see something contemporary California style architecture, as we are not so much con- cerned over the square footage but the style. Mr. Jim McVernon, 13147 Byrd Lane, informed Commission he attended both meetings held with neighbors and Mr. Ng, noting his concern over five chimneys, as this residence will set a format for the style and size of the remaining lots to be developed. Mr. Carey Sheedy, Mr. Stegner's caretaker, informed Commission Mr. Stegner was not able to attend this hearing, but does have comments from Mr. Steg- nar and Mr. Von Huene, noting they were first horrified by the proposal, as the structure is 2-3 times larger than other houses in neighborhood, as they have concern this will pave the way for larger homes in the area, referred to General Plan, Page 11 as they believe there is a violation to this section. Mr. Cordell Greene, 13460 South Fork Lane, informed Commission that the developer seems to be at fault in not informing the buyers of promises Planning Commission Minutes - July 27, 1988 Page Four ( Wade during the subdivision process, noting with regard to this neighbor- hood meeting, I was not informed. Mr. Greene informed Commission the hillside has been filled twice, once by Mr. Bahr when he owned property and now by the developer, raising concern over drainage. Mr. Greene noted the need for architectural control. Mrs. Chris Greene, 13460 South Fork Lane, agreed with comments husband and others made, noting this should be a family house, not just a residence for two people. Ms. Zeff informed public, applicant and Commission that the Planning Com- missin during the processing of the Tentative Map did make a condition that the houses be low profile, wood sided, however, the City Council removed that condition from the conditions of approval when the Tentative Map was formally approved. The Public Hearing was then closed. Commissioners questioned if the applicant was informed of the neighbors concerns regarding low profile homes when the application was submitted? Ms. Zeff informed Commission the applicant had a pre -conference meeting for submittal of this proposal, noting they reviewed the conditions of ap- paroval for the approved subdivision, noting there were no conditions regarding low -profile. Commissioners noted concern over using up the al- lowed development and floor areas with this proposal, noting the need for re -design to lower profile, less bulkiness and leave enough MDA - MFA for ,future owners. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Noel and passed unanimously to continue the Lands of Northwoods Properties, 13416 Middle Fork Lane, Site Development Permit for New Residence and Pool Site, for re -design to be less obtrusive, lower profile, less bulkiness, and allow remaining MDA & MFA for future development area. 2. LANDS OF SCHARFETTER, 13373 La Cresta Drive, Request for Site Develop- ment Permit for driveway and wall modification Mr. Ekern referred to Staff Report dated July 20, 1988 informing Commis- sion this is a request for site development permit for driveway and wall modification, indicating that the Scharfetter's received variance and site development permits previously from the Commission which included the house and driveway to be supported on columns, rather than present solid facades, noting since that time the applicant's have discovered that the cost of the elevated driveway was more than their budget would allow. Mr. Ekern informed Commission the proposal now is to construct a retaining wall system which wil be as much as 111- 12' in certain portions, and modified to provide additional protection for the large oak tree it abuts, further noting the wall is proposed to be of a material which allows planting of the fascia. Mr. Ekern recommended that the Planning Commis- sion grant the requested site development permit for driveway and wall modification subject to the Conditions of approval listed in the July 20, [ 1988 staff report. �r The Public Hearing was then opened. Planning Commission Minutes - July 27, 1988 Page Five CwMr. John Stanely, Project Manager, presented Commission with view graphs of the crib block wall proposed for this project, asking Commission to ap- prove the modified site development permit. Commissioner Emling noted concern over the looks of the wall, asking if a condition could be added that the wall be irrigated to ensure plantings. Mrs. Susan Schmdt, 13367 La Cresta Drive, informed Commission if the pro- posed wall is planted, it would be far more desirable than what was pre- viously approved. The Public Hearing was then closed. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Noel and passed unanimously to approve the Lands of Scharfetter, 13373 La Cresta Drive, Site Development Permit for driveway and wall modification, subject to Conditions of Approval as listed in the July 20, 1988 Staff Report, and subject to new condition k4. Drip irrigation shall be incorporated into wall to ensure maintenance of plantings. 4. LANDS OF LOTUS INVESTORS, FILE NTM 3-88, 26131 Elena Road, Request for Tentative Map and Negative Declaration for three lot subdivision Ms. Zeff referred to Staff Report dated July 21, 1988 incofmring Commis- sion this is a public hearing to consider a request for approval of tenta- `Itive map to subdivide 4.13 acres into 3 lots, noting the applicant is re- questing a conditonal exception with regard to width of right-of-way. Ms. Zeff informed Commission of the following items of interest with this tentative map: septic tanks and leach fields; water from Purissima Hills County Water District; Access, noting all three lots would gain access by a driveway off of Elena Road, proposed to be a private road, with right- of-way width of 35', noting a conditional exception is being requested to allow the width of this right-of-way to be 35' rather than the standard 601, referring to findings required for approval of a conditional excep- tion in the July 21, 1988 staff report; lot sizes and slopes; and noise and visual impacts, noting there is a report from the applicant's noise consultant, Charles Salter & Associates, describing the noise impacts on the project and the proposed sound barrier, which is included in the nega- tive declaration for approval. Ms. Zeff recommended that the Commis- sion: 1) certify the negative declaration; and 2) recommend to the City Council that the City Council approve the requested Tentative Map, with the requested conditional exception, subject to the recommended conditions of approval attached to the July 21, 1988 staff report. Commissioner Stutz questioned if there were plans on file for the proposed sound berm? Mr. Ekern informed Commission the requirements would be met prior to final map approval by the City Council and would also require site development permit, as we did with the Currie Subdivision on O'Keefe Lane. Law The Public Hearing was then opened. Mr. Tim Sandia, Sandia & Associates, informed Commission he has worked with staff and committees on the subject map, requesting the Commission Planning Commission Minutes - July 27, 1988 Page Six (recommend approval of the subject tentative map with conditional excep- W tion, subject to the conditions of approval as listed in the Staff Report. Commissioner Emling questioned why there is no berm provided for Lot #1. Ms. Zeff noted this lot is not part of the subdivision, as the house is existing. Chairman Kaufman noted concern over the water problems on this lot and location of drain fields on the subject lots, as this property was reviewed by the Commission a couple of years ago when Mrs. Hansen owned the property. Chairman Kaufman noted the existing interceptor drain needs to be shown on the map. Commissioner Stutz raised concern over the proposed tentaive map, noting in 1985 the Hansen's requested tentative map approval, at that time the Santa Clara County would not approve the subdivision due to failure of percolation tests, noting concern that now four years later it passes due to drought year. Commissioner Stutz questioned why letter of approval from the Santa Clara County Health Department was not an attachment listed in the July 21, 1988 staff report by Ms. Zeff? Commissioner Stutz also noted that the Pathway Committee has requested a Type IIB pathway from driveway to Olivera property, noting as the trees exist, the pathway should be allowed to meander. Commissioner Stutz also requested that the oleanders be cut back so that vehicles can see out onto Elena Road. Mr. Ekern informed Commission there is a letter on file from the Santa Clara County Health Department, noting it should have been part of the packet, .noting the letter does indicated if drainfields are built as shown on plans, they will work. Mr. Sandia assured Commission that they had an expert look into the water problems associated with this property, as he too had concerns over the past problems with obtaining approval of the percolation tests, noting the expert and Gene Nelson from County Health worked carefully together. The Public Hearing was then closed. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was passed by consensus to add New Condition #10 a as follows: Bring pathway up to Type IIB standards along Elena Road. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Jones and passed unanimously to recommend to the City Council approval of the Nega- tive Declaration for the Lands of Lotus Investors, File #TM 3-88. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Jones and passed unanimously to recommend to the City Council approval of requested conditional exception to allow 35' right-of-way, for the Lands of Lotus Investors, File #TM 3-88, based on findings listed in the July 21, 1988 Staff Report. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Stutz, seconded by Carico and passed unan mous y o recommend to the City Council approval of the Lands [ of Lotus Investors, File #TM 3-88, 26131 Elena Road, based on findings W provided in the July 21, 1988 Staff Report, and subject to Conditions of Approval listed in the July 21, 1988 and as amended at this public hear- ing. Planning Commission Minutes - July 27, 1988 Page Seven �W5. LANDS OF McCULLOCH, Stonebrook and Prospect Roads, Draft Environmental Impact Report Ms. Zeff referred to Staff Report dated July 21, 1988, informing Commis- sion this is a public hearing to hear public comments on the Draft En- vironmental Impact Report on the Lands of McCulloch subdivision, noting the public review period for the Draft EIR is from June 23rd to August 10th, 1988. The Public Hearing was then opened. Mr. Dennis Hollwedel, 12631 Priscilla Lane, referred to letter prepared by Walt Gregorwich who could not attend, noting major concerns over drainage. Mr. Hollwedel also requested preservation of oak trees. Mr. Richard Slevin, 12358 Priscilla Lane, noted concerns over traffic in- crease, suggesting acces through to Magdalena Road, and need for some type of mitigation of total loss of views with the proposed subdivision. Mr. Iry Kaplan, 11653 Dawson Drive, informed Commission he believes this subdivision will be an asset, by removing open space for four wheelers. Mr. John Hettinger, 12372 Priscilla Lane, noted concerns over drainage which is currently a problem and will be increased with this subdivision, noting he would like to see that the water be channeled down street to `yFreeway. Dr. Saah, 12000 Stonebrook Drive, informed Commission he is pleased with the development, as it will provide water, gas, etc. to the area, but also noted concerns over view blockage and existing unstable soils. The Public Hearing was then closed. Chairman Kaufman informed public the reviewing period is open through Au- gust 10th if anyone would like to put their comments in writing. Chairman Kaufman also informed public and commissioners there is a Subdivision Com- mittee meeting on Tuesday, August 2nd at 4:00 p.m, for review of the pro- posed Tentative Map. Commissioner Emling noted concerns over drainage, noise, traffic and the donkey who resides on the property, noting he would like to seem some pro- tection for his survival. Commissioner Stutz noted the Draft EIR, indicates the school system is K-8 and 9-12; noting it should be corrected to K-6, 7-8, 9-12. Commissioner Noel noted no additional comments than those made by public. G. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Preliminary Review of General Plan Amendment to add mineral resource W protection policies to the General Plan Planning Commission Minutes - July 27, 1988 Page Eight L Ms. Ze££ referred to Staff Report dated July 21, 1988 recommending that ♦/the Planning Commission review the proposed preliminary text of the Gener- al Plan Amendments to add Mineral Resource Protection Policies to the Gen- eral Plan as requlrred for compliance with the provisions of the Surface Mining and Reclamation Act (SMARA), concerning adoption of Mineral Resource Management policies, and make a recommendation to the City Coun- cil concerning the proposed amendments. Commission and staff discussed proposed amendments, areas designated within the Town's area: Neary Quarry and the hills to the southwest of the existing quarry. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was passed by consensus to recommend to the City Council amendments as listed in the July 21, 1988 Staff Report. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Planning Commission reivew of proposal to change definition of secondary dwellings Ms. Zeff referred to Staff Report dated July 21, 1988 recommending that the definition of secondary dwelling be changed to be consistent with the State definition of dwelling unit. Commissioners and staff discussed state definition, Ms. Zeff's proposal 4Wandcurrent ordinance wording. MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Moved by Stutz, seconded by Jones, and failed due to the following roll call vote to recommend to the City Council adop- tion of the Government Code definition of Second Unit ROLL CALL: AYES: Commissiners Jones and Stutz NOES: Commissioners Carico, Emling, Noel and Chairman Kaufman ABSENT: Commissioner Patmore MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Emling and passed by the following roll call vote to recommend to the City Council adoption of staff recommended definition as follows: "Secondary Dwelling" means an attached or a detached residential dwelling unit which provides complete independent living facilities for one or more persons. A Secondary Dwelling shall include facilities for living, sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation, and be located on the same parcel as a primary dwelling. ROLL CALL: AYE�mmissioners Carico, Emling, Jones, Noel and Chairman Kaufman NOES: Commissioner Stutz ABSENT: Commissioner Patmore 2. Discussion of Road right-of-way dedications Commissioner Stutz informed Commission she spoke with Mayor Tryon regard - L ing dedication of road right-of-ways and the need for consistency and clarifiction of the policy. Commissioner Stutz referred to old policy adopted 8-9 years ago, and newer used by City Manager and past City Planning Commission Minutes - July 27, 1988 PaGE Nine (Engineer Michael Enright, noting the need to be consistent when requesting r, additional road right -o£ -way. Mr. Ekern informed Commission private roads and cul-de-sac have 401; County roads (i.e., Magdalena Road) have 501; noting predominantly most of the Town roadways are 60' right-of-way. Commissioners and staff noted that major roadways need 60' right-of-way for separation of vehicular traffic and pedestrians/equestrians, and many other roads could be 401. Commissioners noted the need for consistency when reviewing road right-of-way dedications as addressed in the General Plan, noting need for review and possible update to General Plan with regard to road right-of-ways. I. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further new or old business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 p.m. Leslie Mullins Planning Technician kme L41