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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/08/1994Lw Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 6/22/94 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, June 8,1994,7:00 P.M. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes #11-94 (4) 1. ROT L CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:04 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, McMahon, Schreiner, Stutz & Takamoto Staff: Linda Niles, Planning Director; Jeff Peterson, City Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Assistant Planner; Land Lonberger, Planning Secretary 4 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Persons wishing to address the Commission on any subject not on the agenda are invited to do so now. Please note, however, that the Commission is not able to undertake extended discussion or take action tonight on non-agendized items. Such items will be referred to Staff or placed on the agenda for a future meeting. None 910 0 • m -C Items appearing on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be adopted in one motion, except for any item removed for separate consideration elsewhere on the agenda. The Chairman will ask the Commission and the audience for requests to remove these items. None. 4. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF TUNE 1 1994 A public packet is available the Friday prior to the City Council meeting for the Planning Commission representative. 4.1 Commissioner Cheng reported the following items were discussed at the City Council meeting: Planning Commission consent items approved; report on Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 Page 2 4W motion sensor lighting condition for site development applications; Lands of Vucinich continued to the September 7,1994 meeting. 4.2 Planning Commission Representative June 15th will be Commissioner Ellinger. 5. ruiilm HEARINGS If you challenge the proposed action(s) in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described below, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. All applications approved or denied at tonight's Planning Commission meeting are subject to a 10 day waiting period during which any member of the City Council may initiate a Council review, or any member of the public may appeal the Planning Commission decision. If you challenge the proposed action(s) in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described below, or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing. All applications approved or denied at tonighrs Planning Commission meeting are subject to a 10 day waiting period during which any member of the City Council may initiate a Council review, or any member of the public may appeal the Planning Commission decision. 4W 5.1 LANDS OF CHEN, 27765 Lupine Road (33-94-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a New Residence, Pool and Spa (continued from April 27,1994). Chairman Comiso and Commissioner Takamoto disclosed that they have listened to the previous April 27th Planning Commission tapes regarding the Lands of Chen. Commissioner McMahon will abstain as she was not present at the original public hearing and had not reviewed the tapes. Ms. Niles reported three letters had been received at 6:00 p.m. from the applicants which have been placed in the Planning Commission boxes. She explained the recommendation in the staff report, originally staff recommended approval. However, they are now recommending denial. Through the two public meetings and the one primary review, many issues were brought up by the Planning Commission and the surrounding neighbors pointing out that staff s original analysis was not absolutely correct. There were issues that had not been noticed before, such as views. Through the evidence presented at the public hearing and the request by the Planning Commission for modification with only one change presented, was the reason for the recommendation for denial. Chairman Comiso commented on the letter received by the Chens in reference to the t statement regarding the staff s original recommendation. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 Page 3 4 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Pong Ng, 10009 Oakleaf Place, Cupertino, architect, presented a model of the project and overhead views of the surrounding area as he discussed the project, noting its conformance with the Town's Design Guidelines Handbook. He discussed some of the main points, including siting of the house; design guidelines recommendations; vegetation for mitigation; distance between neighboring properties; the Conte home location in relationship to the project; bulk and mass; the larger size lot; lowered roof pitches, front and back and grading which will lower overall height by three feet; following 11 of the Design Guidelines; the distance between close neighbors; the pool and pool equipment location, balancing all issues; and meeting all ordinances. He further discussed Mrs. Conte's view of the house; the modified design changes; and the remaining development and floor area remaining. He felt the acceptance or denial should not be based on one aspect such as blocking one neighbor's view, but on balancing all elements of the design. He requested approval of the project as proposed. Thomas Jordan, law firm of Hopkins and Carly, San Jose, applicant's attorney, discussed the land use aspects, asking for approval of the conditions with three exceptions; 14, 17 and 18. Number 14 related to the path which was determined to be on the other side of the road. Numbers 17 and 18 wording should be modified in timing to allow submittal prior to occupancy. He discussed the letter from the applicants noting there are only 16 residents on Lupine Road. One is the applicant, six have spoken against the project; five others have heard their presentation and have agreed they have no opposition; one lot is vacant; and three others could not be contacted, however they have not indicated opposition. Six out of 16 residents are the focal point of the opposition. Of those six, three cannot see the property or the house from their property. He noted the properties with an overhead of the area. Of the remaining three, two are across the street (two Harrisons) which will see the property and house which will not be a new element introduced into their view. There are currently six to seven houses which they can see. There is one house, the Conte house, which is at a distance of 197 feet from house to house. He further discussed the Conte's angle of view from the kitchen window and mitigating the view with plantings. He noted his disagreement with the staff report and felt they were in compliance in the zoning ordinance. He disagreed with general terms such as "rural atmosphere" to deny the project. They must use standards, not policies. He further discussed the Chens being under the impression after a meeting with the staff in December, 1993 that they had a tentative approval for a two story house, guest house, tennis court in the front yard, pool & jucuzzi, and U-shaped driveway which included six bedrooms and six baths on this site. He requested approval noting that the zoning ordinances apply throughout the city and do not differ street by street. Ed Stewart, 27850 Lupine, was not at the previous meeting noted there were two homes directly effected; the Dukes' and the Conte's. He suggested a project a little less �, dominate. A Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 Page 4 Sharyn Brown, 27673 Lupine, presented photos of the project noting the Betz, Silins and herself can see the house and can also see this view from the Harrisons which is looking up not down. She voiced opposition to the project. Bobbie Chuo, 27875 Fawn Creek Court, felt the design was elegant and voiced approval for the project. Berguita Silins, 27693 Lupine Road, noted that the Chens will be welcomed into the neighborhood, however what is not welcomed is a large two story house. Marc Betz, 27751 Lupine Road, will see the proposed house. The design would be fine if the house was not obtrusive at the proposed square footage. He felt the Chens should have discussed the project with the neighbors prior to submittal for public hearing. He discussed the possibility of lower property values. Michelle Harrison, 13490 Page Mill, neighbor across the street noted there were 483 feet from the project site and from that distance she can see five feet of the story poles viewed from her bedroom. She is not opposed to building or developing, however she agreed with the objective of Sec. 1041 to maintain the rural atmosphere associated with established residential areas and to ensure a similar atmosphere in future residential developments. Thomas Faunte, 27853 Lupine Road, discussed being approached by the applicants. He, like Ed Stewart who lives across the street from him, can see no personal objection as they cannot view the property. He felt the Chens were very desirable neighbors. He discussed Lupine Road in general. He hoped the Commission could find a way to reconcile the differences so the Chens can join the neighborhood. Phyllis Shih, 27865 Fawn Creek Court, supports the project and felt the size of the project was compatible in Los Altos Hills. Joanne Conte, 27771 Lupine Road, noting that she was the neighbor most effected by the project. She discussed blockage of her views and property values. Moving the house down would help her view in the back. She further discussed the house and driveway not being in a good area; Lupine Road being different from Fawn Creek; the height should be reduced; and the size of the house being big for the neighborhood. Mrs. Chen, applicant, discussed the design of the house and the new people from Fawn Creek who support the project. John Dukes, 27783 Lupine Road, discussed the model and some of the trees not shown and noting the model was not accurate. He discussed the house from his property, 44W presenting photographs. The story poles closest to him have not been put in place as Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 Page 5 4 yet. He discussed the fill and the rise of the driveway. They will definitely see the house and requested that the house be lowered. He also presented photos of the Conte's view of the proposed house. Mel Harrison, 27744 Lupine Road, has lived across the street since 1962 enjoying the hillside view from his driveway and from his front bedrooms. He would like the house lowered 14 feet which would give him the view of the top half of the hill in the spring. The new house will cut off half of the view of the hill. Pong Ng observed that the neighbors have showed what the house view might look like, however this project is not the first two story home approved in the general area (Lupine Fawn Creek, Page Mill). John Draeger, 27811 Lupine Road, discussed the current construction of his new one story house with a French country look. He likes the country feel. He does not oppose or approve the Chen project. Property value was discussed. The Chairman noted that real estate values are not to be taken into consideration in planning issues. ( CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner discussed the Design Guidelines Handbook, noting the items the proposed project did not follow, such as siting the house on the lot; and the design to be neighbor friendly, with everyone wanting their zone of privacy with respect for others privacy. No one is saying "don't build a house". They are only asking for some mitigation measure in the design and architecture of the house so that everyone will have their zone of privacy. She felt that the few mitigation measures the applicants have put forth were only token. They have not attempted to lower the house or slide it further down the lot. She noted that the project is on a prominent knoll with off-site views. Commissioner Stutz noted the house was lowered two feet and the pad one foot from the previous design. She read a portion of the Couperus' letter which had been provided to the Planning Commission and she suggested grading six feet to help lower the house. Commissioner Ellinger discussed the General Plan, looking at neighborhoods which stands on equal footing with ordinances. The Conte's will not be able to see the hill with the present proposed project. He further discussed the Dukes property in relationship to the proposed property having the view of an undercarriage of an automobile parked on top of two retaining walls, a garage door behind and a building t facade behind. He felt this was not acceptable. He suggested sliding the living areas around to another place. He did not know why this has not been tried. The issue is two Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8,1994 Page 6 houses sitting very low looking up at something that blocks out their view. He was not sure how to condition this for mitigation. Lowering the house 81/2 to 9 feet would help, however it would not work with this design. Commissioner Takamoto agreed there was not an easy solution. He had no problem with the siting of the building. However, because of the concerns with neighbors and the bulk, he suggested a one story, removing the two story element facing the Dukes. He noted that there was no way to design a house that would not block views. This is a difficult design and the neighborhood will change in time. He would like the bulk and size mitigated. Chairman Comiso liked the house. She discussed only one of the Conte's views impacted; the character of the neighborhood; not being able to preserve all the views; lowering the house for some views; the ordinances regarding size of houses; and the proposed project being on two acres. The problem is the height of the house. Mr. Ng was asked if they could cut the pad out and lower the house, what difference it would make. He responded that the difference would be in cost. There is only a certain amount of the pad that can be lowered. They would have to grade the front and back areas. Yes, it can be done but at what cost is the question. Commissioner Schreiner was impressed with the staff report, page 5, paragraph four and asked Mr. Ng if he had discussed this with Ms. Niles. He noted yes, however he can only redesign as much as the property owners can accept. Ms. Niles commented that staff always states that two story houses are allowed in the Town and may be able to be constructed on the site but they need to take into consideration site constraints, surrounding neighbors, etc. and on highly visible lots, they may not get a full story house. She did not believe that they have ever told anyone that yes, they can absolutely have a two story house on any lot. It was noted that the applicant had been asked prior if they were willing to redesign with the response being no. The Commission felt that the applicants had received input relating to redesign in previous meetings. It was felt the property could be mitigated to some degree with trees and shrubs. Commissioner Stutz noted that they cannot mitigate effectively by doing rows of trees on property. They should be closer to the house. She felt that some of the older trees will be going soon. Chairman Comiso and Commissioner Stutz liked the design but would like it lowered or moved down the property. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to deny the site development permit for a new residence and pool. `:J Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 Page 7 4 AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Ellinger, Schreiner, Stutz, Takamoto & Cheng NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner McMahon Ms. Niles discussed the appeal process. 5.2 LANDS OF FREMONT HILLS COUNTRY CLUB (19-94-ZP-SD-CUP-VAR), 12889 Viscaino Place; A request for a Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit and Variance to allow club house and pool house entry elements to exceed the 27 foot height limit for a Major Remodel and Addition (continued from May 25,1994). Ms. Niles noted that there was a letter provided to the Commission from Mr. and Mrs. Chen on Canario Way and a letter from the Santa Clara Valley Water District regarding some of the discussion regarding the grading plan for the upper area around the tennis courts. Commissioner Schreiner asked how much more MDA is being required (added to) for the tennis court, the pedestrian circulation and for the upper parking lot. The applicant ( will discuss this question. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Ken Rodrigues, 50 W. San Fernando, San Jose, project architect, discussed issues as noted in the staff report. He provided the Commission with a handout showing a breakdown of the MDA figures. He discussed the worksheet, line by line, noting the breakdown of the practice tennis court (1,400 square feet) and the future court (7,000 square feet) which totals the 8,400 square feet overage. He felt it was very important to provide adequate parking which is the largest proposed number (33,370 square feet) on the worksheet. Commissioner Schreiner noted there had been a previous suggestion to delete the proposed future court and the practice court which would eliminate the need for a variance. The worksheet figures do include the barn area. The buildings were not broken down on the form. They would like to return with a better design for the proposed modular home. He discussed numbered items listed in the staff report. #5 addresses the safety concerns for the construction of a bridge across the creek from the FHCC parking lot to Purissima Road and directing pedestrians to cross the road where there is no intersection or light. He noted this would involve re-routing the entry to the club which he felt was inappropriate. Also building a bridge over the Santa Clara Valley Water District right-of-way would be very difficult task. Ms. Niles clarified the bridge was only for pedestrian traffic. Mr. Rodrigues felt this request raised a liability issue, having people park and cross the street at an unprotected intersection. The club has been asked to provide on-site parking spaces -they have provided 148 stalls. The 4 club is making a commitment through the Use process not to have overflow parking. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 ( Page 8 The only two events which would be a potential risk for overflow parking are two of the large swim meets. These will be monitored by the club. Mr. Rodrigues continued. #6 addresses the total number of rest rooms in the club house upstairs area. The rest rooms do meet UBC standards and will be upgrade to ADA standards. They will add rest rooms in the future locker facility. #7 addresses adequate parking spaces. They felt parking was adequate adding for more stalls than currently exist. The FHCC has made a commitment to make sure that parking does not spill over off-site. There is a possibility of valet parking. #9 addresses paving or gravel in the upper parking lot. He discussed the positive aspects of gravel. #12 addresses the Santa Clara Valley Water District requirements. He provided the Commission with letters from that agency. #13 addresses the eucalyptus trees which were removed. They will replace those trees (four to one) with specimen boxed trees as shown on the plan. #17 addresses the Type IIB pathway. They would like to put off this request to a later date. Commissioner Schreiner asked if he had seen the letter from the Pathway Committee. He responded no and the letter was provided. They are asking for relief from the other two poles noted in #16. #23 addresses the three story element with Mr. Rodrigues noting this is not a residential structure and is the one commercial structure in Town. He requested that they look at the proportion, size and scale of the entry and make sure they do not depress and push down the entry element just for the sake of size. They are willing to remove the windows if needed but to reduce the tower height would be totally out of character, making the elevations seem very out of proportion. They are only asking for a few feet of relief. He further discussed colors noting they are not proposing colors at this time but will select a color palate from the approved Town color board. Chuck Alloo, 1288 Thurston, Los Altos, member of the Board of Directors of FHCC, member of the renovation committee, liaison to the tennis committee, discussed the history and the degeneration of the courts; the illegal size courts (standard court is 60'X 120'); the future courts; the present 33 to 1 ratio tennis players to courts; and the importance of the construction starting date for July for courts 3 through 9. Patrick King, General Manager, FHCC, noting 418 current memberships at FHCC. He commented that the horses are moved in and out of the lower coral and he addressed the concerns regarding health and sanitation at the barn, providing the Commission with a handout covering school horse corrals; removal of manure in stalls daily; removal of manure from the property every two months; shavings provided in stalls to absorb urine; daily cleaning of grounds for manure control; and the chemical fly control system. He provided the Commission with a letter from the County of Santa Clara Department of Environmental Health discussing the septic system that provides waste water disposal service and swimming pool facilities; inspection of the stable operation; drainage patterns from areas where horses are confined; and lower area corral adjacent to Purissima Road. Commissioner Schreiner noted that Full House Farms was required 4W Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 Page 9 to remove manure weekly. Commissioner Stutz noted that the horses kept below are school horses. She asked if they also board horses at the barn. He responded yes. Commissioner Ellinger discussed the foul creek; dust control of horses; and maintenance of horse rings. He was not sure what was causing the foul creek, the leach field or the horses, but he would like to know. Mr. Rodrigues noted they have meet Santa Clara Valley Water District standards. They will work to help to improve the creek, however it will take time to research the problem. They can commit to improving the water quality, if possible, and to improve the landscaping. Commissioner Stutz discussed another letter from the Santa Clara Valley Water District noting that the existing leach field next to the parking lot does not meet the regional water quality control board's minimum setback requirement of 100 feet from the creek. As proximity of the leach field to the creek can contribute significant amounts of nutrients, they recommended in conjunction with the current remodeling that the leach lines be relocated to meet the minimum setback requirements. She asked what have they done in response to this letter. Mr. Rodrigues noted they were presently looking into this as it is in conflict with another letter received by another member of the SCV WD. He felt the horses and the leach field are two different issues. Sandy Tanaka, Rodrigues and Associates, discussed the SCV WD letter in question which was written prior to the Water District actually calling the Health Department. The Health Department has verified the leach field in proximity to the creek. She will be receiving a follow up letter from the Water District stating their conversation with the Health Department and the Health Departments approval of the leach field. Chairman Comiso commented that there was some confusion over the Conditional Use Permit for 30 horses and a Business License for 60 horses. Ms. Niles investigated the business license application which stated how many horses they had. The license is charging for the number of horses noted and does not go into investigating the CUP. The club stated at that time they had 58 horses and paid for that number. Chairman Comiso noted that they are not in compliance with the Conditional Use Permit. Mr. King asked that the CUP be changed to horses rather than be reduced down to the 30 horses. He noted that FHCC owns the stables along with the rest of the property and leases the stables to Fremont Hills Stables, Inc. managed by Richard Sereni. Alex Ingram, 1737 N. First Street, San Jose, project manager, discussed the concern with the aggressive schedule at the previous meeting. He provided the Commission with the construction schedule. Commissioner Stutz discussed phasing the project. They would like to start tennis courts 3 through 9 and the upper parking lot. Commissioner Ettinger noted that the pathway upgrade was not on the construction schedule. Richard Sereni, 26941 Purissima Road, stable manager since 1973, discussed the manure; fly control; mud in lower coral; the health department recommendations; and kthe business license for 60 horses. 4W Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8,1994 Page 10 Carol Gottlieb, Co-chairman of the Pathway Committee, requested not putting off upgrading of the paths. The pathway committee provided a letter targeting areas that they felt were critical to the pathway system. She further discussed parking on Purissima and their solution to the problem. Wes Henderson, 12720 Canario Way, introduced many neighbors from Canario Way, Viscaino Place and Viscaino Road. He noted his letter and petition dated June 3rd which was part of the staff report which discussed Purissima recreational corridor; major recreational activities; the changing demographics; the visits to recreational facilities; and the FHCC renovation and expansion as viewed by the petitioners. He presented several problems associated with the project which involved safety and the overflow parking. His suggested solutions involved closing the entrance to the FHCC on Viscanio Place to automobile traffic at the cul-de-sac and having a new entrance approximately 330 feet south of Viscaino Road on Purissima Road. He further discussed the new entrance involving a short bridge or culvert into the lower parking lot. He provided costs for the wooden bridge or culvert. He noted the dangerous situation on Viscanio Place with visibility. He suggested taking out the 8500 square feet from their parking lot. He noted that across the street in the Little League parking lot there are approximately 90-100 spaces for parking. if you add that to the 111 spaces that are now in the parking lot at Fremont Hills, you have around 200 spaces for parking. He addressed the architect's commitment to parking and to the neighborhood in 4W reducing event sizes. He noted that the parking overload occurs at least two to six times per year. He further discussed emergency vehicles; parking at the Little League Field; and ticketing of cars parked illegally. Barton Evans, 12896 Viscaino Road, presented photographs noting that if you come out of Viscaino Place and miss the turn you end up in his living room. He noted the number of times he had to replace his mail box after it was damaged. He would like to see the club renovated, however this will make the situation worse because of a possible enlarged membership. The roads around the club are very narrow and when parking on the street, you have to walk down the middle of the road. There is no enforcement for illegal parking. He heard the word "commitment" used several times by the club, however he felt the next time the club had a swim meet, the streets would again be over run with cars. He did not know of a way to enforce their commitment. He was very concerned with parking illegally and emergency vehicles not being able to get through and/or reaching a hydrant. Dave Philby, 12849 Canario Way, discussed his concern for accidents in the area especially when turning onto Canario Way and the possibility of increased membership. 4W Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8,1994 Page 11 Victor Hesterman, 12715 Canario Way, was concerned with safety especially around the Little League Field. He felt it would be better if the traffic came out on Purissima and noted that the bridge would not solve all of the problems but it would help. Rosemary Damon, 12660 Roble Ladera Road, noted that there had been a petition signed by the neighbors on Roble Ladera Road who had two major concerns; the character of the club and the concern with the environment. She did not see why there should be a variance for height for the club as a very attractive facade could be done without exceeding the height limit. She felt the requested $5,000 for the landscape deposit was too small of an amount for what needs to be done. John Arnold, 12750 Canario Way, noted safety issues were a concern. Ming-Jeh Chen, 12712 Canario Way, he also was concerned with safety and discussed parking and traffic. He felt parking could be controlled and agreed with changing the entrance to Purissima Road for safety. Commissioner Ellinger asked if anyone considered redesigning Purissima Road, moving it closer to the freeway, having it go around the other side of the ball field, getting rid of Purissima Road as they know it. Mr. Henderson noted that the outfield fence along the freeway is a State fence that is the property line between the freeway 4 and the ballpark. There is no space to move the road. Mr. Rodrigues answered previous concerns raised by the neighbors suggesting the entrance street should be signed for no parking; add a stop sign at the end of the cul-de- sac; trim the landscaping on both sides of the street; having the employees park at the upper parking lot for swim meets; provide information in their newsletter that part of the parking is to be used by tennis members; and the bridge being a significant problem and more expensive than $50,000 as previously mentioned. Mr. Henderson noted that 55% of the FHCC do not live in Los Altos Hills and 98% or more of the members do not suffer the impacts of the Fremont Hills Country Club neighborhood. 4111GI"I 0l-fl1f4W4XAz4Q Ms. Niles noted that the staff does not have a problem with separating the project; the tennis courts 3-9 and the upper parking lot. The Planning Commissioners agreed with the suggestion. Further discussion ensued. Commissioner Ellinger did not feel signs or the sheriff would solve the parking problems. The discussion involved the drainage in the area being adequate which staff has addressed; separating the conditions of approval for the 4W tennis courts 3-9 and the upper parking lot before forwarding to the City Council. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 Page 12 4W Commissioner Stutz noted that previously she mentioned that she would not approve the project with the extra tennis court being proposed and it should be removed from the plan. Commissioner Schreiner agreed. They did not want every square foot of the property developed. Commissioner Stutz would rather see them remove two tennis courts so they would have some leeway. Chairman Comiso was not in favor of the future court. Commissioner Schreiner clarified that the practice court plus the future court totaled 8400 square feet. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Ellinger and seconded by Commissioner Takamoto to approve the upgrading of the tennis courts 3 through 9 and the upgrading of the upper parking lot (gravel) and the grading required for the improvements and direct staff to separate out the specific conditions of approval required for completion. AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner, McMahon & Takamoto NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar June 15, 1994. It was noted that Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng and McMahon will not be at the June 22, 1994 meeting. Discussion ensued regarding a special meeting for the continuance of this application. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Chairman Comiso, seconded by Commissioner Ellinger and passed by consensus to continue the remainder of the application to June 29, 1994 at 5:30 p.m. The Commission requested additional cost information from the applicant regarding a vehicular bridge. Commissioner Ellinger suggested contacting the Santa Clara Water District to make a determination of what is the condition of the creek and what is going into it. They would like to make a determination to see if the problem is the leach fields or the location of the horses. 5.3 LANDS OF SCHWARTZ, 26030 Elena Road (72-94-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a Secondary Dwelling Unit, Pool, Landscaping and Related Improvements. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report Commissioner Schreiner suggested placing two site cards on properties that are hard to locate. She asked if they were planning to keep the barn. The response was yes. She further discussed MDA and MFA figures; the grandfathered barn not being removed; 4 and the additional parking. 4 Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 Page 13 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Paula Blanchfield, One Waters Park Drive, San Mateo, landscape architect, noted the sewer connection was 1,900 feet away from the property. The cost to connect would be over $200,000. She discussed the new owners of one year; the project design; the vineyard; the pool; the cottage; the native landscaping, the view of the creek; and taking advantage of the swale. She agreed with the conditions of approval. Commissioner McMahon asked how they plan to work a pathway from point of entry to the cottage. Ms. Blanchfield discussed the steps going down from the principle house to the cottage. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Stutz to approve the Site Development Permit for a secondary dwelling unit, pool, landscaping and related improvements, correcting the name of the street in condition 16 to Elena. AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Takamoto, Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner, McMahon & Stutz NOES: None 4 This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar June 15,1994. Commissioner McMahon suggested consistency with wording in the conditions of approval. 5.4 LANDS OF CHAN,14295 Saddle Mountain Road (61-94-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a New Residence and Pool. Mrs. Davis introduced this item noting there had been some discussion in the staff report regarding the requirement to connect to sewer. Typically the Town required connecting if the property is within 400 feet of the lateral. This property is 800 feet from the lateral. The Engineering Department has requested the sewer hook up because the adjacent property is apparently on sewer now and the adjacent property would be next in line. Since it is the Town's policy to connect whenever possible, the Engineering Department made the request. There is some question as to whether the adjacent property is really connected to sewer. The property owner states they are not, however Town records indicate they are connected. Commissioner Schreiner had concerns regarding the placement of the story poles; the height which did not appear to be 27 feet and the distance from the emergency road shown by the drawing to be 55 feet did not appear to be that distance from the edge of LA Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8,1994 Page 14 4 pavement on the emergency road. It was clarified that Commissioner Schreiner's property was 700 feet away from the proposed project. Commissioner Stutz noted that the story poles were not accurate and bent over. She did not want to discuss the project and would ask for continuance for correct placement of the poles. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Steve Hubbard, 745 Distel Drive, Los Altos, discussed the goals of the design having multi-levels, stepping the house down the hill, and keeping a low profile. They tried to create as much interest with massing, shading, shadowing and form as they could. John Komo, 23225 Ravensbury, Komo Construction, discussed the story poles and noted that they were true height. When the wind was not blowing, they were standing straight. Unfortunately, they were done is a fast manner and needed reinforcement. Commissioner Schreiner noted that standing at the edge of pavement on the emergency road and measuring back, it did not appear to be 55 feet. Mr. Komo noted the measurements should be accurate as shown. He discussed the 125 foot view easement from Saddle Mountain Road which is a deed restriction on the property. Sharyn Brown, 27673 Lupine Road, had concerns regarding drainage and discussed prior drainage problems. She asked where the proposed property drainage would flow. Mr. Peterson noted that it was difficult to tell from the plans. It appears the natural drainage will sheet in two different directions; half heading towards the Lupine drainage basin and the other half heading toward Fawn Creek. The Civil Plan which was a separate part of the submittal was reviewed. Mr. Peterson commented that there was not any detailed drainage shown, however the applicant indicated that they are primarily planning on sheet flowing. This should have a minimal impact. Berguita Silins, 27693 Lupine Road, stated that her main concern was drainage and asked that they be very careful when investigating the drainage situation. Mr. Peterson noted that the reason for the request for hook up was that the intent of the policy, as it stands now, is that they want to get sewer mains extended and if the next available lot is within 400 feet of the sewer main, staff recommends a connection. In this particular case there was one lot in between the applicant's lot and the existing sewer main. From the records it indicated it was connected to sewer. With the new information that the applicant's lot is 800 feet away and would require pumping, and in light of the lot in between not connected, he would recommend that they not be required to hook up to sewer. Kim Tam, 1257 Saddle Mountain Drive, noted he could not support the project. The house does not comply with the Design Guidelines (page 14); the driveway will have to Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 Page 15 4 be filled 10 feet; the roof line in the living room area is unacceptable; the design looks like an office building; and the top of the roof line will be 40 feet above the road. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING The Commissioner discussed the design. Commissioner Schreiner gave a brief history of the Schwartz subdivision and what was required of the houses. The neighborhood has a horizontal feel. This design has no step down quality; creating a level pad. It was noted that the Civil Plan was not included in the Planning Commission packet although Mr. Komo noted that they were submitted. The cut and fill was discussed. The 2300 cubic yards of cut will be balanced on the site. Chairman Comiso liked the design. Commissioner Stutz asked if this was an appropriate house for the grade of the house runs a 15 foot difference in height. She felt that they were making a flat lot in an area that is not flat. She also discussed William Cotton's report regarding the 10 foot cut. She suggested marking out the pool on the plan as the application is not for the pool. The Commissioners noted that they did not have the Civil Engineering Plan. Commissioner McMahon discussed the floor levels noting at the highest point of the property (435 contour) they are showing a floor level of 427. As they descend down the hill 10-15 feet, they have the next adjoining floor level at 429. As the site downs 10-12 feet, they are in fact raising the floor two feet. Mr. Komo noted that if you follow the contours they have dropped the house as the contours go down the hill and the garage is at grade level. It was noted that Commissioner McMahon was reading the plan 4/ correctly. Brief break at 10:25 p. m. Chairman Comiso noted that because they did not have the Civil Engineering Plan it would not be fair to discuss the application. They would also like to see some sections of the house showing cuts and fills. She asked the applicant if this was agreeable to continue to the next Planning Commission meeting of June 22, 1994. It was suggested addressing the drainage and correct the story poles. It was noted that there were concerns regarding cut and fill and the floors actually going up and not going down with respect to finished floor; going with the contours; and perhaps taking the driveway off the emergency vehicle easement like their neighbor across the street. Ms. Niles noted that there was considerable discussion regarding the driveway and it was originally shown to be one street in and one street out. Staff had told the applicant that it would be better to have one or the other. The problems with having the driveway on the emergency access were the proximity to the other driveway and the back and forth of the lights. They were trying to hide the driveway more by coming down and on contour from the neighboring properties. In this way they could also put screening between the house they are proposing and the neighboring property with trees which would hide the house and driveway and the vehicular movement. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8, 1994 Page 16 4 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Chairman Comiso and seconded by Commissioner to continue the application to the June 22,1994 Planning Commission meeting. AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner, McMahon, Stutz & Takamoto NOES: None 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Discussion of setbacks from emergency roads. Ms. Niles noted that the discussion on setbacks from emergency roads will be coming up on more than one project (Clausen Subdivision and McCulloch Subdivision) . It appeared that when those subdivisions came, in a number of years ago, for some reason the owners were led to believe that there were not the standard setback requirements from emergency access roads. This is not a standard in the Town ordinances and she enforces the standards. If access is only infrequent, perhaps the setbacks from emergency roads should be less. Perhaps less for accessory uses and more for primary dwellings. She discussed previous projects. She could write something into the ordinance (subject to approval) to allow a lesser setback or if the Commission would prefer, leave the ordinance as is. Commissioner Ellinger noted that there were at least two classes of emergency access roads; those on property lines and those that are not. The ones on property lines should have a larger setback, at least 30 feet, for example. Chairman Comiso recommended that they delete setbacks from emergency roads and count from the property line. Comments will be forwarded to the City Council. 6.2 Council direction on lighting conditions. Discussion ensued regarding motion sensors and motion sensors on a timer. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue the remaining items to the June 22,1994 meeting. 7. OLD BUSINESS 7.1 General Plan Elements -Update schedule for work sessions. a. Land Use Element -Continued. b. Circulation Element -Staff Review. C. Conservation Element -Continued. d. Scenic Highways Elements -Continued. e. Open Space Element -Continued. 7.2 General Plan Elements -Review Status Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94 June 8,1994 Page 17 M 7.3 Rotating Schedule for attendance of City Council Meetings 1994/1995. 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8.1 Approval of the April 27,1994 Minutes. 8.2 Approval of the May 11, 1994 Minutes. 8.3 Approval of the May 25, 1994 Minutes. 9. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETING OF TUNE 7. 1994 9.1 LANDS OF TSUI,13928 La Paloma Drive; A request for a Site Development Permit for a Pool, Hardscape and Landscape. 9.2 LANDS OF YOUNG, 27840 Saddle Court; A request for a Site Development Permit for a Landscape Plan. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 1:40 a.m. 4 R(ee/speectt''fully submitted, LaniLonberger Planning Secretary