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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/23/2000Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 4117100 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, February 23, 2000, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2) #4-00 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Commissioners Gottlieb, Jinkerson, Cottrell & Schreiner Absent: Commissioner -Wong Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director, Ola Balogun, Associate Engineer, Carl Cahill, Associate Planner; Shaunn O'Connor, Assistant Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -None PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 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 carport, 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 (continued from January 26, 2000). Staff had nothing further to add to the report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Rod Humble, 290 Laura Lane, Mountain View, discussed the site analysis meeting of February 91h, summarizing the changes made to the plans as follows: reduction of the proposed development area (by 30 square feet) and floor area (by 412 square feet) by converting the garage into a carport; reduction of the proposed retaining wall heights; relocation of the garage not feasible; and additional safety measures for the proposed retaining wall adjacent to the garage (adding a railing). Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the development area figures which are larger than previously approved and/or allowed by other applicants. Mr. Humble stated his project was smaller than the Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/00 February 23, 2000 Page 2 kw majority of the houses in the area. He felt they were within the limits of what has been granted in the past. He also stated that they plan to plant heavy vegetation around the guest parking area. Commissioner Gottlieb discussed the backfill under the upper levels so that the height from pad to ceiling does not exceed seven feet. Further discussion ensued regarding the development area numbers. Dianne Barrager, Pathways Committee, reiterated the recommendations. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Gottlieb would have liked the house moved as the setbacks are being crowded. Also, she would rather see the garage closer to the entrance instead of stretching it across the property. She liked the design of the house. She did not like the location of the garage, the amount of development, or the height of the retaining walls. She would rather give a variance for the garage (reverse plan). There is also a safety issue concerning the driveway. Commissioner Schreiner agreed. She had expressed concern regarding the high development area numbers previously. She would like to see the garage at the entrance to reduce the development area. This is a difficult lot. She liked the house design but she was concerned with the location of the garage and the high retaining wall. Numbers closer to 2800/5200 or 5400 would be better for this lot. Chairman Jinkerson agreed. Mr. Humble stated they had extensively looked at placing the garage closer to the street which would require a variance. They are trying to meet the grading policy. It is not logical to have the garage high with the house stepped. Structurally, it's a nightmare. They would have to build a bridge. Putting the structure in the setback would be more damaging than putting the driveway in the setback. Also, he cannot flip the plan without bringing the structure way out of grade. Commissioner Schreiner asked staff if this is the best design and configuration available for this lot. Mr. O'Connor felt this was a much improved plan on this very steep lot. The Planning Director felt changes would require another set of problems. There is really no good solution. Jeff Peterson, City Engineer, was involved with the review of the walls and driveway. He did not feel it was a hazardous situation. They could make sure that the railing did not appear to be a wall. Commissioner Gottlieb suggested shortening the house. Commissioner Cottrell felt the applicants have worked long and hard with many compromises. He agreed that the development area is a little large compared to what has been approved previously. Perhaps they could reduce the development area to 5, 700 square feet. There was a consensus to reduce the development area to 5,700 square feet. Chairman Jinkerson asked if the applicants could work with staff to possibly reduce the height of the retaining walls. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/00 February 23, 2000 Page 3 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Cottrell to approve the Site Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit for a new residence and carport, 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, Lands of Humble, 14475 Liddicoat Circle, with the following changes/additions to the conditions of approval: the proposed development area reduced to 5,700 square feet; and work with staff to attempt to lower the proposed heights of the retaining walls; and fencing within the conservation easement shall be limited to split -rail only. AYES: Chairman Jinkerson, Commissioners Cottrell & Schreiner NOES: Commissioner Gottlieb ABSENT: Commissioner Wong This approval is subject to a 22 day appeal period. 3.2 LANDS OF PAN, 11481 Magdalena Road (316-99-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and tennis court. Staff had nothing further to add to the report. The setback of the residence to an active and/or non-active fault was discussed. Commissioner Gottlieb discussed the retaining walls which appear to be in poor condition, the lawn area (grading), the location of the tennis court, and adequate parking for this site. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Doug Dahlin, 2671 Crow Canyon Road, San Ramon, project architect, discussed the following: the retaining wall which will be removed; the fault line location; the MDA/MPA numbers; parking on the site; the solarium (12x12); meeting the basement definition; colors which are below the preferred reflectivity value, and working with the neighbors on the north side regarding privacy and screening. Peter Shaw, 139 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto, project landscape architect, discussed the concept of the landscape plan and addressing the Colet's concerns regarding privacy. They plan to replace each removed pine tree with 2 to 3 oaks. He further discussed drainage and the use of a French drain. They contacted 38 neighbors to review the plans. Eight responded voicing support. He felt the house, with the use of proper colors, will blend into the surroundings. He was aware of the voluntary request to use one third drought tolerant plantings. He felt they could meet this goal. Discussion ensued regarding the proposed lights (46) and the recessed lights which will show from below. It was noted that the courtyard lights are not approved at this time. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/12/00 February 23, 2000 Page 4 V Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, felt it was important to find out which trees will actually be removed as she was not sure why so many behind the house are marked for removal. Ralph Colet, 11630 Jessica Lane, requested the Planning Commission review the project from all areas. He invited the Commission to review the project from his bedroom window (privacy issue). He further commented on earthquakes, possibility of blocking access, and drainage coming off of the Pan driveway. Mr. Dahlin stated they will bring the water down to a safe area using a dissipater and/or a detention basin. He was asked about additional parking on the site. Mr. Dahlin stated they had considered grass cell around the curve of the driveway beyond the 30 foot setback. Mrs. Colet, 11630 Jessica Lane, would like to make sure their privacy is maintained. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner noted that the development will be doubled. She was concerned with the two-story house on a prominent knoll. When the site is striped of all the trees, it will be very exposed. She felt the placement of the house was very important due to the visibility with two sets of windows. This is a lovely house but too prominent on this site (should be one story). She also felt there needed to be more designated parking. She further discussed drainage, the solarium and the basement. Commissioner Gottlieb felt there are so many windows so high up creating an abundance of light on this very exposed site. So much of the development impact the neighbors. There is also a need for additional parking. She suggested open fencing in the conservation easement for the flow of wildlife, and moving the house toward Magdalena Road. Chairman Jinkerson does not a support two-story house on a ridgeline. However, the second story is only 14% of the total development. He felt additional parking was needed on the site and the solarium should be counted in the development area numbers. The lighting should be reviewed. The colors will make the house blend into the site so he was not sure the house should be one story. He suggested making the windows smaller and the house moved so it does not impact the neighbors. He would like the project continued. Stephen Pahl, 27431 Black Mountain Road, discussed the two Commission options; approve or continue to the next meeting. 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 and tennis court, Lands of Pan, 11481 Magdalena Road, to March 8'a, at 6:30 p.m. to address concerns expressed by the Commission which included changes to the home design, building location, parking, visibility, excessive lighting, interior basement opening to a the solarium, impact on the adjacent neighbor's privacy, the large windows particularly at the second story level, and by concerns expressed by kMr. and Mrs. Colet (privacy and drainage impacts). Planning Commission Minutes February 23, 2000 Page 5 Approved 4/12/00 AYES: Chairman Jinkerson, Commissioners Gottlieb, Cottrell & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Wong 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees. None 5. NEW BUSINESS 5.1 Discussion of Development Criteria for Constrained Lots The Commission discussed the information presented in the staff report, asking staff to prepare an analysis of how the options presented would affect the allowable development for each of the projects listed in the tables attached to the report. Suggestions for looking at percentages and at a more restrictive option of a baseline of 3,000 square feet of floor area for a lot with a lot unit factor of 0.50 were briefly discussed. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue the discussion to the next meeting due to the request for further information and due to the absence of Commissioner Wong. 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for February 17d, Commissioner Gottlieb, reported on the following items: Lands of Spreen; discussion of current topics under Finance Committee review; discussion of off-road pathway easement on Lands of Cheng; and appeal of amendment to Site Development Permit for an accessory building and a variance to exceed allowable floor area for the property; and adoption of a resolution approving conservation agreement, Lands of Finn, 12000 Finn Lane. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for March 2nd - Commissioner Jinkerson 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the February 9, 2000 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the February 9, 2000 minutes. 8. REPORT FROM FAST TRACK HEARINGS — FEBRUARY 15 AND 22,200 8.1 LANDS OF PACIFIC PENINSULA GROUP, 28000 Laura Court (lot 1) 205-99-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, and a guest house. Approved with conditions February 15, 2000. Approved with conditions February 15, 2000. Planning Commission Minutes February 23, 2000 Page 6 Approved 4/12/00 8.2 LANDS OF PACIFIC PENINSULA GROUP, 12000 Kate Drive (lot 2) 201-99-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Approved with conditions February 15, 2000. Approved with conditions February 15, 2000. 8.3 LANDS OF LAUB, 28140 Story Hill Lane (288-99-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a guest house and pool. Continued to February 29, 2000 to lower the height of the guest house. 9. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING -FEBRUARY 22 2000 9.1 LANDS OF NEWMAN, 13456 Mandoli Drive (4-0o-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a swimming pool and landscaping. Approved with conditions February 22, 2000. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:40 p.m. Res ectfully submitted, kW Lanth Planning Secretary Ll