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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/22/2000�w Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 4/12/00 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Much 22, 2000, 7:00 p.m. mbers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2) #6-00 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANC The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 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; Land Smith, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR John Harpootlian, 26435 Anacapa Drive, commented on "development criteria for constrained lots" noting appreciation to the details the Planning Director has taken in all the tables and materials provided for review. He would have liked to see information on the lots that were not approved by the Planning Commission but later approved by the City Council. He discussed the concept of the lot unit factor (the steepness of the whole lot not just the building envelope) not sure if this is the only way to arrive at numbers. He suggested possibly thinking of a new way to measure potential development. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF TRIFELOS & RYAN, 13581 Wildcrest Drive (283-99-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Perinit for a major addition (continued from March 8, 2000). Staff introduced this item by noting the receipt of a letter from Howard Lee, 12922 Atherton Court, discussing privacy, view, and the height of the project as depicted by the story poles. The request in condition #1 for the deck area floor plans that are consistent with worksheet #2 was clarified by the Planner. Commissioner Schreiner questioned condition #21, request for a conservation casement over slopes over 30%. The Planner detailed the area which is below the 355 contour line, under the deck, which is also an existing oak forest. 4%, OPENED PUBLIC HEARING 9 6,9 Planning Commission Minutes Approved 4/t2/00 Much 22, 2000 Page 2 Stephanie Trifelos, 13581 Wildcrest Drive, applicant, provided a rendering of the project, discussing requested changes to the plan as follows: new addition wings stepped back on the second story by five feet, and lowered 3 feet; middle (existing section of the home) rooffine lowered 2 feet, and the back reduced an additional 3 feet, thus stepping down both the front and rest; middle portion roof now has various distinct elevations giving it a multi -dimensional appearance, not only lowering it, but also softening it; and incorporated a mansard in the back of the house to further soften the roofline and obscure the upper windows. The story poles were not changed to reflect the changes. She continued by stating the 7 foot deck in the center will break up the facade and provide shadows. They can plant redwood trees for screening in the portion exposed. Natural colors and material will be used to blend into the environment. The south elevation is covered in dense oak and olive trees except for a small portion. She has not discussed the changes with the neighbors. Discussion continued regarding the retaining wall beside and along the garage as well as the Fire Department approval of the driveway design, widening it wherever possible. The length of the deck is a little over 40 feet. Vazgen Babuyan, 12940 Atherton Court, requested the review of corrected story poles. He discussed the rendering, ceiling heights, and the section of the house that most impacts him due to the lack of screening. He would prefer that section be dropped further (2 feet) and a 1 foot drop from each floor. The Planning Director clarified that the sections show a 25 foot maximum which is a 2 foot �W reduction from the previous plan. Commissioner Gottlieb asked if they could drop the ceiling height one foot and dig in I foot. Ms. Trifelos was not aware they needed to correct the story poles. She again discussed the wall heights which have been reduced. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, discussed possible ways to screen the house from the neighbors, The applicant's idea of planting redwoods is good as they grow rapidly. For a 30 foot long area, she felt three redwood trees would be sufficient. Commissioner Schreiner asked the applicant if the three redwood trees would block her view. She replied yes. However, the trees could be placed at the comer of the deck to screen the house. Chairman Jinkerson felt they could add wording to condition #3 to work with staff and the neighbor to screen the area with a minimum of 2 to 3 redwood trees. The applicant was in agreement. Mr. Babuyan stated the peak will be 5 feet higher than the original house. He would like the center reduced by 2 additional feet although the Planning Director did not feel this was possible as the average house has 8 foot minimum ceilings. Ms. Trifelos stated the changes are well below the tree line. �W CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes Appro�ed 4/12/00 Much 22,2000 Page 3 Mr. Cahill noted the recommendation for a reduction to 24 feet; the plans show 25 feet. A one foot reduction is still needed. Commissioner Cottrell felt the center section was well screened. Perhaps the two wing portions could be lowered by I foot. He felt the screening described by the application should be adequate. Commissioner Gottlieb requested a I foot reduction of the wings or an overall reduction of I foot. The problem is the inaccuracy of the story poles by not providing an accurate view of the bulk and mass of the project, Commissioner Schreiner agreed. The applicant has done much to address concerns expressed at the previous meeting. She would like an additional one foot reduction as requested by staff for the wing area. She also requested explicate wording for conservation and landscaping easement. Chairman Jinkerson appreciated the efforts made by the applicant. It would have been nice to have the story poles lowered. The center area does have an impact on the neighbors. He suggested the applicant work with staff for a 1 foot reduction. Ms. Trifelos stated they have already lowered the project as requested. The living room ceiling is modest at 11 feet. Discussion ensued regarding the applicant's efforts to address issues presented at the previous meeting, Chairman Jinkerson asked for a good faith effort to see if any more height could be taken from the house. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Cottrell and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development Permit for a major addition, Lands of Trifelos & Ryan, 13581 Wildcrest Drive, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: work with staff to attempt a further reduction in structure height; plant three redwood trees 20 feet in height at the rear of the addition and work with staff and the neighbors to locate the trees for optimal screening; and add to #21, that the property owner shall grant a conservation easement to the Town over all slopes 30% or greater at and below the 355 -foot contour line. AYES: Chairman Jinkerson, Commissioners Gottlieb, Cottrell & Schreiner NOES: None absent: Commissioner Wong This approval is subject to a 22 day appeal period. 3.2 LANDS OF LE & DO, 24018 Oak Knoll Circle (125-99-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 5,451 square foot residence (maximum height 27 feet). Staff stated the applicant requested additional time to locate a contractor to erect the story poles for the proposed residence and requested a continuance to April 26, 2000. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue Lands of Le & Do, 24018 Oak Knoll Circle, to April i1w 26,2000. Planning Commission Minutes Much 22, 2000 Page 4 4W 4. OLD BUSINESS l6sw Approved 4/12/00 4.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Schreiner reported on the Land Use Element meeting, and discussion of the revised proposal for Town survey. They will be discussing basements, pathways, facilities and programs at the April P meeting. 4.2 Discussion of Development Criteria for Constrained Lots Discussion ensued. The Planning Director commented on the previous City Council meeting at which time a review of the use of 10 foot wide driveway with the use of 2 feet of impervious surface on each side which would not be counted toward development area. If put in place, it would allow the use of more development area, approximately 400 square feet. There was a consensus to give the 400 square feet to the hillside lots and take the 400 square feet from the valley lots (based on slope). This use would need to be reviewed application and application due to the area of the driveway (slope) and also by the Fire Department. Discussion ensued regarding Fire Department requirements. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To direct staff to prepare Zoning Code amendments, according to the recommended option stated in the staff report, and set April 26, 2000 for a Planning Commission public hearing and review. 5. NEW BUSINESS -none 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for March 16 1h, Commissioner Schreiner, reported on the following items: continuance to authorize City Manager and City Attorney to negotiate a contract for preliminary architectural services for Town Hall; acceptance of Eshner Court subdivision improvements, Lands of LeFevre, Altamont Road; discussion of privacy issues related to parcel data base information available on the Town's Webpage; approval of charges for the newly established Investment Committee; Lands of Spreen; and Lands of Humble. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for Apri I 6� - Commissioner Schreiner APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of minutes -Minutes for February 23d and Much 8` not available due to Lani's vacation. They will be available on the April 12'h agenda. Planning Commission Minutes March 22, 2000 Page 5 �ar 8. REPORT FROM FAST TRACK HEARINGS — MARCH 21, 200 Approved 4/12/00 8.1 LANDS OF BALLARD, 26117 Todd Lane (13-OO-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition of 1,751 square feet to the west of the residence (17.5 feet in height) and a single car carport. Approved with conditions. 9. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING -MARCH 21,2000 9.1 LANDS OF SANDERS, 23442 Toyonita Road (34-OO-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a swimming pool. Approved with conditions. 10. ADJOURNAIENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:10 p.m. ReApectfully submitted, ' �� 4AV Planning Secretary on,