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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/28/2000Ln Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 7/12/00 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, June 28, 2000, 6:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2) #12-00 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Commissioners Jinkerson, Wong, Cottrell & Schreiner Absent: Commissioner Gottlieb Staff: Carl Cahill, Acting Planning Director; Ola Balogun, Associate Engineer, Shaunn O'Connor, Assistant Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary 2. REORGANIZATION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To elect Commissioner Gottlieb as Planning Commission Chairman and Commissioner Cottrell as Planning Commission Vice -Chair. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR 4.1 LANDS OF NAIR, 24680 Prospect Avenue (330-99-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence (continued from June 14, 2000). The applicant's architect had requested that the project be continued to the July 12th meeting due to time constraints with the proposed revisions. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To continue Lands of Nair to the July 12`" Planning Commission meeting. 4.2 LANDS OF NUENHUIS & BROERING, 12175 Hilltop Drive (89-00-ZP-SD- GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence (continued from June 14, 2000). Staff had nothing further to add to the report. Commissioners Jinkerson, Schreiner and Cottrell disclosed they had either spoken to the applicants, their architect or the neighbors at the time of the site visit Chairman Jinkerson discussed the site analysis meeting held at 5:30 p.m. at which time the changes to the plans were discussed. Present at that meeting were the applicants, the project architect, project engineer, effected neighbors, and staff. Discussion included the easement issue noting that the driveway has been surveyed. The architect indicated that they Planning Commission Minutes Approved 7/12/00 June 28, 2000 Page 2 have discovered that the driveway falls mostly on the Brenner property. If they widen the road they could go along the entire road without infringing on the Darmohray property. The access to the property would be from two locations: one from below and one from the existing driveway. The access below would be for the garage (partially under the house) that would come out from the residence, and one below to serve for guest parking (subject to obtaining access approval from the Brenners). They also discussed a trellis style Plexiglas roof carport and lowering the height by 3 feet which they felt would destroy more of the land (natural vegetation) and require one additional retaining wall and other lowering possibilities. It was preferred, if there were no easement issues, to locate the garage under the house, no carport above, and lower the height to 25 feet with the driveway coming in as illustrated. Further discussion ensued regarding off-street parking and grading within 10 feet of the property. Mr. Kirkeby, project engineer, discussed the driveway, parking and drainage. The story poles are 24 feet above existing ground. Commissioner Schreiner suggested an option of reducing the height one foot and taking off two feet which would reduce the bulk. The architect noted that they could provide two trees for screening for the Stewart property. It was noted that all structures on the property including the storage sheds will be demolished. For clarification, it was noted that the requirement for road right of way dedications for one property accessing the roadway is 35 feet; between two and four is 50 feet; and anything more than four is 60 feet. Marvin Kirkeby, project civil engineer, discussed the access and options for garage placement (applicant's preference is under the family room). They have enough development area for the garage which will be 22x20 to accommodate two cars. He discussed the issue of a prescriptive easement, obtaining access from the Brennen, and widening the fire turnaround on their side of the right of way. The prescriptive easement should be a non issue if the Brenners give them access. Jade Lum, 25935 Estacada Drive, project architect, questioned how the 10 foot pathway will be handled, as it feels more like hardscape and some oak trees would need to be removed. She further discussed the reduced height of the house to 25 feet with the garage under the family room. Regarding the roadway, they are willing to widen it to 14 feet along the road for the neighbors as two cars have difficulty passing each other. She reiterated the design style for the carport (trellis, Plexiglas). She also provided a sketch of the modified roof line of the house. Bob Brenner, 12173 Hilltop Drive, had discussions with the applicants regarding the access and he is willing to discuss it further with them. However, there needs to be more analysis. He has reviewed some sketches of the proposed driveway. However, the driveway sounds like it will be wider than he imagined. When questioned, he responded that there is a very informal road maintenance with the neighbors. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 7/12/00 June 28, 2000 Page 3 At Stewart, 12165 Hilltop Drive, felt if the applicants would just lower the roof line, it would take care of the numbers for the development area and garage. He noted that there is decking around the entire house asking who does the MDA/WA calculations? He has over 200 feet of visibility of this property and there was still a concern regarding storage. Peggy Stewart, 12165 Hilltop Drive, felt the plans were still vague. She would like to see more concrete plans. She also provided photographs to demonstrate sun exposure on the site. Roger Cruickshank, 12179 Hilltop Drive, referred to the June 22"d letter from the applicants, disputing the accuracy of some of their statements. He further noted that from his property the proposed structure will be very imposing. The proposed plans are unclear (i.e. driveway, height of structure). He is the most impacted by the proposal. He agreed that it was obtrusive and not fitting into the neighborhood. He asked for the location of the Plexiglas carport and additional parking as there is nothing to demonstrate what is being asked. Tina Darmohray, 12171 Hilltop Drive, stated it seems like the applicants are making tradeoffs. She has not seen a sketch of the proposed underground garage and she was having a hard time following what was being proposed. She felt Mr. Brenner would need to understand all the implications of the proposed changes. She was also concerned with additional traffic coming further down on the road and preferred the straight -in drive for safety reasons. Harry Emerzian, Pathways Committee, and Shaunn O'Connor, Planner, reviewed the Master Pathway Plan and the effort to connect Voorhees Drive with Hilltop Drive. Marvin Kirkeby indicated widening the pavement will not effect the Brenner maximum development area numbers. Roland Nijenhuis, 12175 Hilltop Drive, applicant, stated that the garage under the house should not have a huge impact on the site. The extra height will not be an impact. Also, they never said they had a problem with sun exposure. He understands the confusion, but they are trying to make changes to be accommodating. Discussion ensued regarding necessary permits for the pool. Ms. Lum stated that the retaining wall was never a wall but a planter box 2'/z feet high and would not need engineering. Chairman Jinkerson referred to the letter from Engeotech, Inc. They indicated that if the pool was designed and constructed properly, it should not become unstable during an earthquake. It was agreed that there should be a letter submitted omitting the word "if". The area would work without the retaining wall. Mr. Kirkeby stated the area could be tested for compaction to insure safety of the area. Mr. Nijenhuis did not understand the risk associated with the pool. Chairman Jinkerson explained the required permits to insure safety needed prior to construction (electrical in particular). CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes Approved 7/12/00 June 28, 2000 Page 4 Discussion ensued regarding the driveway which will not impact neighbors and the proposed carport. Commissioner Schreiner had a problem with a Plexiglas material for the carport. She felt the material should adhere to the color board reflectivity value. She would prefer the carport construction in a more traditional form. Regarding the pool, there have been many suggestions to make it safe (electrical and plumbing permits and compaction test). She further discussed the height of the house and felt there was not enough information to approve the project or they would have to add many conditions. Commissioner Wong felt it was important to have safety inspections for the pool and have a proper final inspection. Regarding the structure, he felt it was confusing to try to visualize the options with the driveway. He asked for drawings and provide options for a clearer understanding. Chairman Jinkerson felt if the grade stayed the same the house should be 24 feet in height. The pathway along the eastern property should be dedicated, there should be parking in the upper area, and the pool issues addressed with pool equipment enclosed. There should be final drawings and an agreement with the Brenners regarding access and widening the road. He asked that the applicants and neighbors work together. He was not in favor of a carport; only a garage. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Cottrell to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Nijenhuis & Broering, 12175 Hilltop Drive, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: roofline of the house be reduced to 24 feet above the existing pad; the ( garage be beneath the family room extending out; the driveway to come through (with accommodation from Mr. and Mrs. Brenner) in a straight line; the pathway shall be along the easterly boundary of the property; off street parking in the area of the existing driveway be limited to 600 square feet in some shape of 20' X 30' to accommodate three cars comfortably which will also provide a walkway into the property; a partial landscape plan shall be provided showing screening for the Stewart property and along the driveway side so the bulk of the property is not seen by the neighbors and by people driving down to their homes; the swimming pool permitted with appropriate fees paid with enclosure of all appliances which need to be enclosed (electrical, pumps); appropriate inspections with regard to the grading, compaction, electrical, plumbing and any other Town code requirements; the drainage from the Stewart property and across to the neighbor's property resolved; and to include all conditions of approval noted in the staff report. Condition #4 to be rewritten based on Mr. Brenner approving the widening of the road and access. AYES: Chairman Jinkerson, Commissioners Wong & Cottrell NOES: Commissioner Schreiner ABSENT: Commissioner Gottlieb This approved is subject to a 22 day appeal period. 4.3 LANDS OF GHAFFARI, 27020 Purissima Road (51 -00 -LLA); A request for a lot line adjustment. ` Staff had nothing further to add to the report. Commissioner Schreiner asked for clarification regarding the figures on page 2 which were explained by staff Planning Commission Minutes June 28, 2000 Page 5 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Approved 7/12/00 Firooz Ghaffari, 27020 Purissima Road, applicant, indicated that the figures submitted were approved by his engineer. He was available for questions. It was noted that the wooden shed on the property line would be removed or relocated. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner and seconded by Commissioner Cottrell to recommend to the City Council approval of the lot line adjustment, Lands of Ghaffari, 2720 Purissima Road. AYES: Chairman Jinkerson, Commissioners Cottrell, Wong & Schreiner NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Gottlieb This item will appear on the July 20'a City Council agenda 4.4 LANDS OF ALVARES, 14360 De Bell Road (10-00-ZP-SD-FM-ND); A request for a Final Map Amendment (Tract 1286), removing a recorded building setback line, and Negative Declaration. Staff had nothing further to add to the report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Cottrell and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to recommend to the City Council approval of the requested modification of the Final Map Tract 1286; and adopt the Negative Declaration, Lands of Alvares, 14360 De Bell Road. AYES: Chairman Jinkerson, Commissioners Schreiner, Wong & Cottrell NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Gottlieb This item will appear on the July 20' City Council agenda. 4.5 LANDS OF YU, 12981 La Batranca Road (83-00-ZP-SD-VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new 678 square foot barn (maximum height 19 feet), and variance to exceed the allowable Maximum Development Area for the site. `. Staff introduced this item by providing a memo with a corrected Worksheet #3, a photo of the bam and the barn elevation. P9 Planning Commission Minutes Approved 7/12/00 June 28, 2000 Page 6 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING John Yu, 12981 La Barranca Road, applicant, was available for questions. Ron Spencer, Redwood City, project builder, was only concerned with the amount of time already spent on the project and when they may be able to start construction. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Wong felt this was a great project. Commissioner Schreiner was originally concerned with the amount of driveway area and found that this request was right in line with other similar application approvals. Commissioner Cottrell felt this project was in keeping with the rural atmosphere of the Town. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Wong and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development Permit for a new 678 square foot bam, and variance to exceed the allowable Maximum Development Area for the site, Lands of Yu, 12981 La Barranca Road, with the recommended conditions of approval, adjusting the variance findings to include the figures as indicated on the corrected Worksheet #2. AYES: Chairman Jinkerson, Commissioners Wong, Schreiner & Cottrell NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Gottlieb This approval is subject to a 22 day appeal period. 5. OLD BUSINESS 5.1 Report from subcommittees. None. 6. NEW BUSINESS -none 7. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 7.1 Planning Commission Representative for June 15`h, Commissioner Schreiner, reported on the following items: reorganization of the City Council (Finn/Casey); presentation on televising Council meetings; interviews and appointments to the Planning Commission (Eric Clow and Janet Vim); appointments to Community Relations Committee and Recreation and Parks Committee; approval of the General Plan Survey Questions; emergency item (rooster); introduction of proposed ordinance of the Town of Los Altos Hills amending Sections 10- 1.501(b), 10-1.502(c) and 10-1.503(c) of the Zoning Code with regard to development area, calculations for fire department turnarounds and driveway width, and with regard to allowable development area and floor area on constrained lots; and Lands of Vidovich. 7.2 Planning Commission Representative for July 6`h — meeting cancelled 01 Planning Commission Minutes June 28, 2000 Page 7 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8.1 Approval of June 14, 2000 minutes Approved 7/12/00 PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the June 14, 2000 minutes. 9. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS- JUNE 20,200 9.1 LANDS OF VENKATESH, 12117 Oak Park Court (127-00-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool, pool house and spa. Approved with conditions. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:15 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lam Smith Planning Secretary