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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/09/2000Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 883/00 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, August 9, 2000,7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2) #15-00 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Vito, Gottlieb, Clow & Wong Staff: Carl Cahill, Acting Planning Director; Ola Balogun, Associate Engineer; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF CAMPBELL & LIGETI, 13902 Campo Vista Lane (116-00-ZP-SD- GD-VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit for a major addition, secondary unit, accessory structure, pool, tennis court and variance to exceed maximum height limitation. Staff had nothing further to add to the report. Commissioner Vito questioned the request for a pathway on Fremont Road when there is already an existing path on the other side. Chairman Cottrell asked the associate engineer if he was satisfied with the number for cut and fill? Mr. Balogun responded yes noting this was an estimate. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING David Bogstad, 245 Ygnacio Valley Road, Walnut Creek, project architect, discussed the future of the project with an appearance of being there since the 1920's. He discussed encircling the site with 200 trees and a vineyard and the use of materials which will give the appearance of age. The project meets most of the Town ordinance except for height. The existing roof pitch is 18:12. They want to maintain the same architectural features. He presented renderings of the future site flowing with the land. They are trying to match the addition with the existing structure without removal of trees. The former "Rudolph" and the orchard will be brought back. He agreed with the conditions of approval except for the pathway along Fremont Road. Pathways are very important in the community. However, they felt the request was excessive since there is a pathway on the other side of the road Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/23/00 August 9, 2000 Page 2 Commissioner Gottlieb was concerned with the mother-in-law quarters and the appearance of a three story element (three levels of windows with the basement). Mr. Bogstad responded that the design was to save the existing trees. It was noted that there is room for a berm or perhaps remove the dormers to eliminate the three story element. Commissioner Gottlieb continued, noting the workshop appears to be over 27 feet in height and she would like to make sure the basement conforms to the basement definition. It was noted that the workshop has been reduced in height and the basement area is counted in the development and floor area numbers. It was also noted that there will not be any cooking facilities in the mother-in-law quarters. Commissioner Clow disclosed he had met with the applicant and was impressed with the effort taken to save trees and the pathway along Fremont Road would require removal of many of the trees. Dianne Barrager, Pathways Committee, stated the Fremont Road path was very important. There are a number of streets in the Town designated to have two sided pathways. The area by the "S" curve can be separated by five feet and can meander around the trees. Many pathways in Town are high above the road. Scott Vanderlip, Pathways Committee, discussed the importance of the requested pathway. The Committee was concerned with the extensive landscaping and perimeter fencing that is already installed and how these improvements impact the recommended pathway. Extensive landscaping has been installed with the planting of 50-100 fairly mature redwood trees which will also impact the building of the recommended pathway in certain sections. It will be much harder to construct the recommended pathway now that these trees and fences have been installed. In areas it may be required to move part of the fence and a few of the newly planted trees in order to accommodate the pathway. He further commented on a memo from Jeff Peterson, City Engineer, regarding a site visit to examine the viability of constructing a roadside path along the south side of Fremont Road east of the Campbell & Ligeti property. The area investigated consisted of portions of 13880 Ciceroni Lane and 25600 Fremont Road that abut Fremont Road. In conclusion, he noted that the pathway could be made usable again by removing some brush and small trees, then building a railing on the top of the retaining wall for safety reasons. He further noted that the Master Pathway Plan shows existing paths, not future. This request is consistent with the General Plan. Further discussion ensued regarding the Town completing the construction of the path from the Campbell & Ligeti path to the end of the Fremont Road. Maria Ligeti, 13902 Campo Vista Lane, applicant, thanked the staff for all their help with this project. They have lived in the area for 20 years, 14 years on Campo Vista Lane. They have been working on the project for over a year to make sure everything was done correctly with great effort and expense to restore the site. They are very pleased with the outcome. In this process without being asked, they have volunteered a land donation on both sides of the property. They are dedicating 30 feet of property on Campo Vista Lane and Fremont Road (road right-of-way). She believed further requests from one project is not appropriate. In addition, she felt the path on Fremont Road "S" curve was blind and dangerous and would require removal of trees. Currently there is a safe appropriate pathway on the other side of the road. Practically speaking, she did not see how the pathway would work (cement wall location) and with the need Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/23/00 August 9, 2000 Page 3 for dedication from additional land owners. She felt they have contributed significantly by donating the land on the Campo Vista Lane side and requested that the Fremont Road side pathway be deemed not necessary. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Gottlieb disclosed meeting with the applicant and discussing the project. The applicant has taken great pains to save trees and safeguard the environment. She was concerned with the three story element, having asked for a redesign in the past. She could make the variance findings for the height if the third story is not involved. She suggested removing the dormers on the Campo Vista Lane side and/or using a berm. She asked if backfilling was considered to reduce the appearance? She was also concerned with the location of the caretakers cottage (secondary dwelling unit) requesting it be set back as it should be subordinate to the main residence. She did appreciate the site being kept in a historical manner. Commissioner Clow had met with the applicants and visited the site three times. He discussed what would have happened if the site was subdivided, fitting other houses with this historical structure. The design does need a certain amount of variance for the height to blend with the existing house. The house currently has a three story element. He supports the design. He further discussed the proposed pathway along Fremont Road noting safety issues with children wanting to cross the road at the bottom of the curve. The pathway would need to be continued. The pathway on the other side of the road is adequate. He commended the applicant's attention 420 to saving the trees. Commissioner Vim was very impressed with the design. She felt the height was needed to keep the design balanced. Based on the historical nature, she could support the height variance. It is pleasing to the community to keep the site one parcel rather than a subdivision. The setback from the road adds more to the mitigation for the height increase. She did not have a problem with the three story element as it is a part of the original design of the house. Regarding the pathway, it would be undesirable to construct the pathway having it dead end creating an opportunity for people to try crossing Fremont Road at a very dangerous point without having the rest of the pathway installed. They may want to consider taking a pathway easement but not to be installed until the path can be completed. Commissioner Wong asked if they were going to grant the variance due to the historical design? The Commission has been consistently applying the code to the buildings which provides a clear guideline for all applicants. In this case they are trying to decide whether to grant a variance on the architectural look and feel which is not the norm. If this project is approved it should be noted that the variance is not granted solely on the architectural factors but on the historical building. Chairman Cottrell felt this site was one of the more unique and most visible in Town. If you are making an addition to a house with such historical value, you have no other choice but to carry out the same type of architectural feel. Most of the variances are not based on look and feel but in this case there is an exception which he could support. He would commend the applicant and architect for such a beautiful job of creating a continuation that has the same look and flow of the Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8123/00 August 9, 2000 Page 4 koriginal house. He too is not troubled by the three story element but they do have ordinances. He felt the applicants could work with staff to build a berm to hide the lower windows. Regarding the pathway, they needed to pay attention to the intent of the General Plan and pathways in Town. He recognized that there are streets that call for dual pathways and certainly it would be needed on Fremont Road. He would support a pathway but condition it as previously mentioned, on completion of the remainder of the pathway so you do not have a dead end on this property. The applicant can grant an easement for the pathway but not be required to install it until such time as the Town is ready to pick up its end of the bargain and complete the pathway to Edith Avenue. Commissioner Gottlieb felt, since the City Engineer went out and felt there was a continuation of the path (in road right-of-way) which could be built, they could word the condition so an easement be taken and pathway constructed if the City Engineer can work out a path that takes it over the cement wall and on. Discussion ensued regarding the condition of approval requiring the applicant to post a $25,000 deposit to be refunded subsequent to the removal of the portable home upon completion of the construction phase of the project. Commissioner Gottlieb would like to add to the conditions of approval the UBC requirements for basements to the conditions of approval for the caretakers unit. She requested that the applicants work with staff to eliminate the three story element effect of the mother -in-laws by either berming or removal of dormers or a combination of both. There was some disagreement regarding this suggestion. RE -OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Scott Vanderlip, Pathways Committee, stated that there is a structure in place on top of the cement wall to take you along the top of the concrete wall with steps taking you down and around to the street. The only thing needed is a railing to prevent falling off of the path. The Pathway Committee could put this on their priority list to complete a IIB path at this point to the comer of Edith Avenue or all the way to Robleda Road. It should not be a problem for the Pathway Committee and the Town to coordinate building the path to meet with the Campbell & Ligeti path. The path can meander around the trees. Carl Moyer, Campo Vista Lane, did not support a path on both sides of Fremont Road. David Bogstad, felt the construction of the path may be difficult due to the bad soil. Tony Yung, Campo Vista Lane, noted they all had to put in a path. He was also concerned with how they are looking at a variance based on the historical nature. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes Approved 823/00 August 9, 2000 Page 5 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Wong to approve a modification to the first sentence to condition #5 for a dedication of a pathway easement sufficient to accommodate a safe type IIB pathway with at least 5 feet of separation from Fremont Road and meandering around trees only if a connection can be made across the concrete wall down to the corner of Edith Avenue or all the way to Robleda Road, working with the City Engineer. The remainder of the wording for the condition regarding Campo Vista Lane remains. AYES: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Vitu, Wong & Gottlieb NOES: Commissioner Clow FAILED DUE TO LACK OF SECOND: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb to mitigate the mother-in-law area by the use of backfilling against the house to eliminate the third story element. The area shall not be habitable space but for storage and the dormers shall he removed. Discussion ensued regarding three story element. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by Commissioner Vito to provide a berm to mitigate the appearance of a three story element on the mother -in-laws quarters, working with staff for shielding from the road. The three story element is a part of the architectural design that allows the rest of the building to flow into the historic [ building. Findings: setback is far greater than what is usually found for a typical home; the existing home has a three story element; and this is a unique historical building. AYES: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Wong, Vitu & Clow NOES: Commissioner Gottlieb MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by Commissioner Wong to approve the Site Development Permit for a major addition, secondary unit, accessory structure, pool tennis court and variance to exceed maximum height limitations, Lands of Campbell & Ligeti, 13902 Campo Vista Lane, with the following additions/changes to the recommended conditions of approval: the caretakers unit basement shall meet UBC requirements. Additions to the Variance Findings: (1) due to this unique historical structure that necessitates differences from the typical practices with height and a three story element; and (2) this is an addition to a unique historical structure. AYES: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Vitu, Clow & Wong NOES: Commissioner Gottlieb (did not support three story element) Approvals are subject to a 22 day appeal period Brief break at 8:45 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes August 9, 2000 Page 6 Approved 8/23/00 3.2 Text Amendment of Sections 10-1.1109 and 10-2.1313 (b) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code regarding appeals from decisions (previously reviewed July 12, 2000). Staff introduced this item by providing background of the proposed amendment change. Since Commissioner Wong felt the subject needed additional discussion, it was brought back to the Planning Commission for review. Commissioner Wong stated he did not feel this process was the proper use of a denial vote. Chairman Cottrell felt they should give the applicants a choice between continuance and a firm decision. Mr. Cahill, after discussing this with the City Attomey, felt there was too much "what it's" in the ordinance(not clear). He suggested either a recommendation of approval on the ordinance before them or a recommendation of no support/denial. Commissioner Vita does not have an issue with allowing the City Council to appeal a continuance. Commissioner Gottlieb felt they should give an applicant a choice. When a continuance is appealed, there has not been enough information provided to the Planning Commission for a decision. MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb, seconded by Chairman Cottrell and failed by the following vote to recommend that the City Council approve the text amendment to Sections 10-1.1109 and 10-2.1313(b) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code (Title 10, Zoning and Site Development). AYES: Commissioners Wong, Clow & Vitu NOES: Chairman Cottrell & Commissioner Gottlieb 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees. Chairman Cottrell noted he had sent an e-mail to the City Council regarding the community survey. This subject will appear on the August 17`" City Council agenda. NEW BUSEgESS-none 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for August 3rd — meeting cancelled 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for August 17" — Commissioner Wong 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of July 26, 2000 minutes 4 PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the July 26" minutes. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 8/23/00 August 9, 2000 Page 7 8. REPORT FROM FAST TRACK MEETING -AUGUST 1 & 8 2000 8.1 LANDS OF NOGHREY, 27935 Roble Blanco Court (102-00-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Approved August 1, 2000 with conditions. 8.2 LANDS OF BURGER, 13193 La Paloma Road (328-99-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Approved August 8, 2000 with conditions. 9. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING -AUGUST 1 & 8,200 9.1 LANDS OF ALVERES, 14360 De Bell Road (10-00-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a basement. Approved August 1, 2000 with conditions. 9.2 LANDS OF RUTNER, 10632 Magdalena Avenue (113-00-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for an addition, cabana, and carport. Approved August 1, 2000 with conditions. 9.3 LANDS OF BOWERS, 25518 Hidden Springs Court (130-00-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved August 8, 2000 with conditions. 9.4 LANDS OF MEHTA, 26677 Snell Lane (159-00-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and landscape improvements. Approved August 8, 2000 with conditions. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:10 p.m. Respectfully submitted, m Smth Planning Secretary