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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/12/2000liar Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 1/26/00 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, January 12, 2000, 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2) #1-00 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Commissioners Gottlieb, Jinkerson, Wong & Schreiner Absent: Commissioner Cottrell Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Ola Balogun, Associate Engineer, Planner; Shaunn O'Connor, Assistant Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR - None 4 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF WANG, 27581 Samuel Lane (111-99-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence (continued from August 11, 1999). Staff introduced this item by stating the applicant has revised the plans so that the portion above the garage does not exceed 27 feet in height. The structure height has been lowered by 1 to 2 feet for a 31 foot section of ridgeline. The revision has resulted in the lowering of 22 linear feet of the ridgeline, compared to the 11 linear feet on the previous submittal. Staff recommended condition #1 be revised to the standard wording (deleting the height reduction requirement). OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Daryl Harris, 10091 Streeter Road, Auburn, project architect, discussed the changes to the plan from the previous meeting and the conceptual landscape plan. They have tried to share the plans with as many neighbors as possible by way of Mr. Darosa, the project manager. They have lowered the highest ridgeline by 2 feet in height for an 11 foot length, and they have reduced the square footage of the house from the neighbor's coral (Anderson). Johnny Duress, 1299 Bayshore Highway, Burlingame, project manager, reiterated his November 19' letter regarding contacting the impacted neighbors. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1126/00 January 12, 2000 Page 2 Stanley Wang, 2150 California Street, Mountain View, applicant, commented on the letter to the Planning Director and Planning Commission from the neighbors regarding the height of the building and the use of the maximum floor area. He was disturbed by the statement that his wife was reluctant to move to Los Altos Hills and whether or not the Wangs would actually be living in the house. Julie Wang, 2150 California Street, Mountain View, applicant, discussed the long process, moving to Los Altos Hills, and her son attending Gunn High School. David Pilling, 12849 Canario Way, one of the neighbors who had sent the letter to the Planning Director and Commission voiced disappointment in never meeting the applicants, only the project manager, to discuss the project. Jerry Anderson, 12829 Canario Way, stated he had no problem with the house except for the height on the hill. At the last meeting the applicants were told to contact the neighbors. He has had no contact. He felt the story poles have not changed since August and the house should be lowered (moved down the hill). Stuart Bessler, 12777 Canario Way, voiced support of the neighbors (Anderson and Pilling). The house does not impact him but he felt there were problems with long term versus short term residents. He felt lowering the house would have a positive affect as he did not feel landscaping would mitigate this large house. Daryl Harris, architect, noted that from Mr. Anderson's view, the structure has a one story element (18 feet). David Pilling stated the one story house starts at the highest point of the lot. He had the opportunity to review Mr. Zatparvar's projects at meetings which included the neighbors. He would like to understand what the Wangs are doing. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING The Planning Director clarified who will be living in the house should not be an issue (not relevant). Commissioner Wong noted that it appears the neighbors want to communicate with the applicants although it is not required but recommended. Commissioner Gottlieb felt this was a nice looking house with a height problem. The Commission had required Mr. Zatparvar to lower his house. This is an imposing single story home which cuts the neighbor's view, building on the highest point of the hill. She felt a 1 to 2 foot reduction would help the neighbors (other neighbors on Samuel Way made changes). Commissioner Schreiner discussed the subdivision restrictions noting that the future developer of any lot may not be able to utilize the maximum floor and development areas or the maximum height. In view of the subdivision very clear restrictions and the appropriate changes made on the other two lots, she did not feel the request to lower the structure was unreasonable. Commissioner Wong felt the same neighbors discussed height and size. It appears the applicants have made the changes as requested. He understands the importance of communicating with the neighbors but it is not required. They cannot continue asking the applicants to change the plans. Chairman Jinkerson had reviewed the August 11's Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/26/00 January 12, 2000 Page 3 4 minutes. He noted that the Zatparvar house was moved down the hill and both lots come in on one driveway. When neighbors talk to each other accommodations are made. He felt the applicants have only made a token attempt to address requests made by the Commission at the previous meeting. Lowering the pad would help. The direction given at the previous meeting has not been followed. Stanley Wang stated he sincerely wants to talk to the neighbors so he hired Mr. Derosa as it is difficult for him to appear in person with his business schedule. He felt landscaping will shield the house. They have tried to lower the height and/or shift the building but there is no room. He would prefer not having another continuance but after speaking to his architect, it was felt they could work on the concerns and meet with the neighbors. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to continue the request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Wang, 27581 Samuel Lane, to address concerns expressed by the Commission which included reduction in height by either lowering the roof or pad or a combination of both, and to meet with the neighbors to address their concerns. AYES: Chairman Jinkerson, Commissioners Wong, Gottlieb & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cottrell 4 This item will be re -noticed for a future public hearing. 3.2 LANDS OF TORABI & MAJIDI, 26861 Purissima Road (228-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence (continued from December 9, 1999). Staff introduced this item by fielding questions regarding eliminating the three-story facade and providing a complete separation of the basement and garage. The applicant has proposed rotating the garage so that it is accessed from the side. The garage will not be visible from the street and is stepped in such a manner so that no portion of the proposed second story will align over the proposed garage. Additionally, the applicants have added square footage to the garage area and reduced the second story by 39 square feet and the proposed basement has been enlarged. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Kamran Torabi, 1348 Bob White Avenue, Sunnyvale, applicant, discussed the modifications to the plan as previously requested. Glush, 6572 Northridge Drive, San Jose, project architect, discussed the light wells Harry Emetzian, Pathways Committee, reiterated their request for a IIB pathway along 460 Purissima Road. Planning Commission Minutes January 12, 2000 Page 4 4 CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Approved 1/26/00 Commissioner Wong was supportive of the changes and the project. Commissioner Schreiner felt the applicants have tried to address their concerns. Commissioner Gottlieb voiced support, thanking the applicants for the changes. Chairman Jinkerson agreed with all comments. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Torabi & Majidi, 26861 Purissima Road, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: verifying the total height from lowest to highest not exceeding 35 feet; and light wells not exceeding the minimum required by the 1997 Uniform Building Code. AYES: Chairman Jinkerson, Commissioners Schreiner, Wong & Gottlieb NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cottrell This approval is subject to a 22 day appeal period. 3.3 LANDS OF BARATTA, 11675 Dawson Drive (222-99-ZP-SD-VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool, and variance to exceed the maximum development area (continued from December 9, 1999). The applicant requested a continuance to a future meeting. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue to a future date. This item will be re -noticed. Brief break at 7:10 p.m. 3.4 LANDS OF BOYD, 12150 El Monte Avenue (8-99-ZP-SD-GD-CDP-VAR); A request for Conditional Development and Site Development Permits for a new residence, and variances to exceed allowable floor area and development area, and to allow parking to encroach into the required setback (continued from December 9, 1999). The Planning Director introduced this item noting this project was continued from the December 9, 1999 meeting, at the applicant's request . The applicant has made revisions to the plans to address some of the concerns raised by staff in the previous staff report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Ron Harris, RH Associates, 10091 Streeter Road, Auburn, project architect, stated the project was continued by the applicant from December 9`" to address staff concerns as noted in the staff report. He discussed the comparisons and noted that the development and floor area figures have been corrected and/or reduced. There is very little outdoor area proposed to keep the grading down. Commissioner Gottlieb suggested a deck. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/26/00 January 12, 2000 Page 5 David Boyd, 13300 Robleda Road, applicant, discussed the isolated lot and the house blending into the site. Fire sprinklers will be installed throughout the house and non combustible exterior materials will be used. The geotechnical issues have been addressed and they are only asking for two variances, with only three oak trees out of approximately 200 proposed to be removed. Moving the house has eliminated any outdoor area. This is a modest house and it cannot be reduced further. He cited two previous variance requests on Estacada Drive and Chapin Road. He continued by discussing stabilizing the slope (geotechnical recommendations). Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, requested open fencing, not chain link, to allow for movement of wildlife. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the proposed floor and development area numbers. The average slope on this site is higher than any example on page 3 of the staff report. With the proposed numbers, this lot would enjoy what others do not. Commissioner Wong voiced support of the project with engineering approval. Commissioner Gottlieb felt so much of the house was designed to meet the slope except for the front which appears flat. She was concerned with not retaining any development area for future use. The examples as presented in the report all have much lower average slopes. Chairman Jinkerson discussed the comparison table as presented in the staff report. In the past, his general rule for Conditional Development Permits is 20-25% above what is allowed for floor area, and a little more flexibility on development area maximums. The proposal is for 160% increase over allowable levels per slope density formula. He cannot justify the request for the MFA/MDA. He suggested 2500/4000 with a carport as this would be the most this site could support. It is important to treat everyone equally. Discussion ensued regarding a Conditional Development Permit and the MDA/MI7A which will be set for this site. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to approved the Conditional Development and Site Development Permits for a new residence, and variances to exceed allowable floor area and development area, and to allow parking to encroach into the required setback, Lands of Boyd, 12150 EI Monte Avenue, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: comply with the maximum floor area limitation of 2,800, and the maximum development area of 5,400 square feet; and, grant a conservation easement to the Town over undeveloped areas on the property where the slopes are 30% or greater, below the building site and development area. Only open fencing permitted which allows for the unobstructed movement of wildlife, and no grading shall be permitted within the easement area and only native vegetation may be planted within the easement. The conservation easement should allow for the installation and operation of the septic system. AYES: Commissioners Wong, Gottlieb & Schreiner kW NOES: Chairman Jinkerson ABSENT: Commissioner Cottrell Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/26/00 January 12, 2000 Page 6 This approval is subject to a 22 day appeal period. 3.5 LANDS OF DETRICK, 12120 & 12160 Kate Drive (278 -99 -LM); A request for a lot merger. Staff had nothing further to add to the report. It was clarified that the subdivision conditions of approval will still be upheld with the approval of the lot merger. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb to recommend to the City Council approval of the lot merger, subject to the applicant's submittal of a legal description and plat map for review and approval by the City Engineer and recordation of a certificate of compliance. AYES: Chairman Jinkerson, Commissioners Wong, Gottlieb & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Cottrell 4 This item will be on the February 3rd City Council agenda 3.6 LANDS OF HUMBLE, 14475 Liddicoat Circle (138-99-ZP-SD-GD-CDP-VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit and a Conditional Use Permit for a new residence, and variances to exceed the maximum development and floor areas, to allow parking within the front setback, and grading within 10 feet of the front and side property lines. This item had been continued to the January 26, 2000 meeting. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees. The Land Use Committee meeting of January 10`" was discussed. 5. NEW BUSINESS -none 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for January 6, 2000, Commissioner Wong, reviewed the meeting. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for January 20, 2000 -Commissioner ibv Schreiner Planning Commission Minutes Approved 1/26/00 January 12, 2000 Page 7 4 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the December 9, 1999 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the December 9, 1999 minutes. 8. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARINGS —12/21/99 AND 1/11/00 8.1 LANDS OF JOY, 25599 Fernhill Drive (311-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions December 21, 1999. 8.2 LANDS OF MIELKE, 26750 Tanglewood Lane (277-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and landscape screening. Approved with conditions December 21, 1999. 8.3 LANDS OF VIDOVICH, 12260 Kate Drive (308-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions January 11, 2000. 9. REPORT FROM FAST TRACK HEARINGS — JANUARY 11 2000 9.1 LANDS OF GILE, 26070 Fremont Road (294-99-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new secondary dwelling unit. Approved with conditions January 11, 2000. 9.2 LANDS OF MC GRAW, 27413 Natoma Road (292-99-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition. Approved with conditions January 11, 2000. 10. The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:40 p.m. Redly submitted, Lani Smith Planning Secretary