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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/28/2000Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 10/11/00 Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Thursday, September 28, 2000, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2) #17-00 ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Gottlieb, Clow & Wong Absent: Commissioner Vitu Staff: Carl Cahill, Planning Director; Ola Balogun, Associate Engineer; Angelica Herrera, Assistant Planner; Lani Smith, Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -none 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF PORTER, 12335 Stonebrook Court (87-00-ZP-SD-GD-VAR); A request for a Site Development Permit and Variance for a new addition, two accessory structures, pool, and hardscape & landscape Staff had nothing further to add to the report. Two letters (Arden, Feneron) of support were received. Commissioner Gottlieb disclosed a business relationship with her employer and the applicant's architect She will not be affected in any way by hearing this project. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Kelly Porter, 12335 Stonebrook Court, applicant, discussed the existing Tudor -style house which is on the Federal, State and Town historic landmarks list. They purchased the property for a number of reasons: to restore an architectural masterpiece; to preserve the heritage of the community; the opportunity of raising their three daughters in this community; and to make the Manor available for special community events. It is truly a community treasure. When purchased, the property was in total disrepair. Over the last 16 months they have approached the restoration with sensitivity and a strong sense of professionalism. He introduced his project team. He was proud and excited with the proposal, requesting approval as submitted. Completion date should be the summer 2002. The landscape completion date is uncertain 11 (large project). He further noted that there are only five bedrooms in the main structure. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/00 September 28, 2000 Page 2 They felt it was appropriate to add two more bedrooms within the garden house. He further discussed the report prepared by MBA Architects who are experienced in the review of historical homes. Alexandra Lenehan, 12241 Stonebrook Drive, voiced support of the project. She was not in favor of the previous school proposal as she did not feel it was appropriate (traffic issues). The applicants will be restoring the house to its original integrity. The proposed additions are small and in keeping with the original design. The community is lucky that the applicants are willing to spend so much time and money to restore Morgan Manor. Stan Jones, 24855 Prospect Avenue, agreed with the previous comments and voiced support of the project. Richard Beard, principal project architect, provided the history of the project and the preservation of the site. He further discussed the recommendations in the historic architects report (MBA) regarding retaining the historical nature. He was concerned with items #112 (dining room), and #106 (extension of the wall in the library), #150 (ballroom double doors). The fourth request involved the new fireplace chimney in the rear of the house. Originally, they were going to detail it in stucco but after evaluating all the different exterior fireplaces brick is a better material. They felt the stucco fireplace would stand out and not be a very good addition. \I Tom McKeag, project landscape architect, discussed the process and what is being proposed. He looks at opportunities and constraints of the site. They will be removing most of the asphalt, use 1/3 drought tolerant plantings, remove the lower road for a better buffer, creating three grass terraces, pool terrace, creating a casual life style within a formal setting, a meadow terrace. He provided an overview of the project site explaining the details of the proposed landscape plan. Commissioner Gottlieb commented on the walls proposed at over five feet in height which does not meet the grading policy, requesting a reduction in height. Mr. McKeag stated staff had mentioned this earlier regarding the terrace walls and perhaps the pool walls. The overall style and purpose of the guidelines are to be used at the Commission's discretion. He hoped that the project would be approved in total, considering what they are trying to create on this site, in particular, in the pool area where they are dropping the pool so it will be out of sight. Also, the engineer has worked out a plan regarding where the pool water would drain in case of an overflow. He further requested the landscape plan be approved at this time and not returned after framing to a Site Development meeting (condition #6). He felt it would be better to wait until the house is built to see if anything further would be needed in the way of landscaping. This would avoid the expense of developing full landscape plans again. Mr. Cahill felt the Commission could leave this request to the discretion of the Planning Director to determine if a meeting would be needed or not. There will be limited visual impact on this site and the applicants are only asking for staff discretion. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/I1/00 September 28, 2000 Page 3 Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, discussed the request for not having a Site Development hearing. She felt in two years things may change and she felt a meeting would be needed. Tom McKeag would like the landscape plan to be accepted tonight. The plan will start after the house is built. He did not feel a second round would be needed. Commissioner Gottlieb asked what provisions have been made for guest parking. Mr. McKeag noted the gravel court, the grasscrete area, the motor court, and valet parking for larger events. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Discussion ensued regarding the Site Development hearing. Chairman Cottrell felt the applicants should be treated like any other applicants. Mr. Cahill noted that the applicants have provided a detailed landscape plan and screening is not critical as the house is already there. Commissioner Gottlieb was concerned that there may be some trees damaged or removed during construction which would not be included in the proposed landscape plan. Commissioner Clow requested modifications to the historical report as indicated by the applicants. The two large doors proposed in the ballroom will actually provide a safety feature for large gatherings. Also, he was comfortable with staff discretion regarding the landscape plan. If there are any changes to trees it will trigger a Site Development review. He was very impressed with the neighbor's support. Commissioner Gottlieb felt the project was good but felt the pool wall could be reduced to four feet. Regarding the pool location, she asked for a statement to be filed holding the Town harmless in case of an earthquake. Also, the standard pool condition needs to be added. She cannot vote for the Garden House as it appears to be a secondary dwelling unit (over a 3,000 square foot structure). She suggested a parcel split or comply with code. She would also like the variance findings strengthened noting that the property does not enjoy an attached garage and because of the historical value of the property the garage has been placed well. Also add a statement regarding the grade variation for the addition. Commissioner Wong asked how they could resolve the Garden House issue. Mr. Cahill felt if there was a kitchen facility in the Garden House it would count as a secondary dwelling. People may live there but it is not meant to be an independent structure. Chairman Cottrell suggested a deed restriction to be recorded prohibiting a kitchen facility. Commissioner Wong felt the applicants have done a great job. If the accessory building meets code requirements and options to limit use (lot split or deed restriction so not to burden the applicants, he supports the project if it meet the codes. Chairman Cottrell felt this was a great plan and adds value to the community. He agreed with some of Commissioner Gottlieb's comments. He felt the pool walls could be a 2' and a 3' instead. He also does not want to set a precedent regarding the secondary unit. He agreed with the suggestion for a deed restriction. Mr. Porter noted that the Garden House is an accessory structure. They do not want other people living on their property. He asked that the Commission take the project at face value. They are investing millions of dollars on this project. He would not want the deed restriction to appear as a negative for any further buyers and effect the resale value. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10111/00 September 28, 2000 Page 4 MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Clow and seconded by Commissioner Wong to approve the Site Development Permit and Variance for a new addition, garage, two accessory structures, pool, hardscape and landscape, Lands of Porter, 12335 Stonebrook Court, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: condition #1, add that the applicant shall comply with the comments and recommendations except for items #106, #112 and #150, as stipulated in the report prepared by MBA Architects, keeping within the historic character of the stmeture. The applicant may also construct the chimney with a brick exterior finish.; a deed restriction shall be recorded stating that the detached accessory structure (the Garden House) shall not be converted to a secondary dwelling and that no kitchen or cooking facilities are permitted in this structure; add standard pool conditions; the applicant shall submit documentation accepting complete responsibility for the proposed pool location over the Altamont Fault and holding the Town of Los Altos Hills harmless in the event of any structural or property damage as a result of seismic activity; condition #8, add that the applicants shall work with staff so the wall heights around the pool shall be reduced to a maximum of 4 feet; and add to condition #10, any modifications to the approved landscape plans shall be approved by the Planning Director or the Site Development Committee, depending on the scope of the changes. Prior to final inspection, the Planning Director shall determine if any additional landscaping is required. Variance Findings: historical nature of the structure, they are allowing the height variation which will allow the architecture to blend with the current structure. AYES: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Gottlieb, Wong & Clow NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Vitu This approval is subject to a 22 day appeal period. 3.2 LANDS OF PADMANABHAN, 27531 Elena Road (156 -99 -TM -GD -ND); A request for approval of a two lot subdivision of a 2.77 acre parcel, and proposed mitigated Negative Declaration. The Planning Director noted that due to the constraints of Parcel 1, the applicant should be advised that the full MDA/MFA may not be achieved. He further discussed working with Mr. and Mrs. Mendez regarding the cul-de-sac and access. They plan to participate in the construction of this cul-de-sac. Even if they do not, there is sufficient right-of-way for the access. This has been reviewed with Jeff Peterson and Ola Balogun previously. Commissioner Gottlieb asked for clarification regarding the lot line and the neighbor's existing barn which appears to be on the property line. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/00 September 28, 2000 Page 5 Ramesh Padmanabhan, 1225 St. Joseph Avenue, Los Altos, applicant, purchased the property a few months ago. The subdivision application was in progress when purchased. They were looking for a nice section of land that they could build on in Los Altos Hills with the intention of maintaining a family estate. The subdivision idea attracted them since it was already in the process. They will start by building on one of the lots. Mark Helton, Giuliani & Kull, Inc., project civil engineer, noted that the applicant is more concerned with the other owners (Mendez) signing off on the cul-de-sac. Mr. and Mrs. Mendez want the cul-de-sac for the placement of a very elegant gate. Mr. Helton has already written the legal descriptions for both of the properties for the cul-de-sacs and are currently in process. Bob Owen Homes will be taking over the processing for Mr. Mendez and he will be in the design phase shortly. They are currently under contract and have started the design of the cul-de-sac (estimating 4-6 weeks before submitting plans to the Town). Hopefully, the land for the cul-de-sacs will be given to the Town within the next few weeks. Also, there should not be a problem with either lot being a minimum of one acre. Rick McAulay, 27501 Elena Road, owner of the barn and cottage which are located very close to the property line. He was concerned with the fencing between the two properties and the eucalyptus trees. He had an agreement with the previous owner allowing him to top the trees for fire safety. He would like to make sure there is an area available to get to the trees to top them. Since the land falls off to the west, there is a lovely view enjoyed for 35 years. He would not want a solid or even a chain link in the area. Also, he requested the same for the area by the cottage (view issue) since it is so close to the property line. A fence would obstruct the view from the cottage window. Bruce Meyer, 13100 Byrd Lane, agreed with the previous comments and had the same concerns regarding fencing. Peter Polley, 13124 Byrd Lane, questioned areas placed in a conservation easement and allowable fencing. He was opposed to fences in general. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Clow had no problem with the subdivision. Commissioner Gottlieb questioned the desirability of eucalyptus trees due to fire safety. She asked if perhaps they could be removed and replaced by oak trees. She also requested an additional condition noting Parcel 1 may not be able to use the full MDA/MFA numbers due to the Human Habitation Setback line. The applicant noted his understanding of this statement. He also had no objection to the removal of the eucalyptus trees and replacing them in the area by the cottage at the time when they prepare full landscaping plans. The Planning Director noted the trees could be removed now and a request for new trees when the property is developed. Ii Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/00 September 28, 2000 Page 6 Rick McCulley stated it was not his intention to cause his new neighbor any problem by removing the trees. His concern was to maintain the trees to avoid any fire hazard. Removing them will mean the total destruction of his barn and the trees do provide screening. Currently there is easy access to the trees because it is an open parcel. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by Commissioner Clow to recommend to the City Council approval of the two lot subdivision and Negative Declaration, Lands of Padmanabhan, 27531 Elena Road , including the following two statements: the MDA/MFA on Parcel 1 may not be achieved due to the Human Habitation Setback line; and open fencing in the conservation easement to allow for the movement of wildlife. AYES: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Wong, Clow & Gottlieb NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Vita This item will be scheduled for a City Council public hearing agenda. Brief break at 8:50 p.m. 3.3 Text Amendment of Sections 10-1.242 and 10-1.505(a), (c), and (e) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code regarding Setback Lines (prohibiting location of equipment within setbacks). Staff had nothing further to add to the report. Commission Clow noted that the wording should not be just "equipment" but "noisy equipment" asking why it was drafted in this manner. The Planning Director stated that the City Attorney drafted the document with a broad view rather than specific. Currently nothing is allowed within the setbacks. Commissioner Clow asked if a motor for an electric gate would be a problem? Discussion ensued regarding limiting equipment such as air conditioners/compressors. Pool equipment is already not allowed within setbacks. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Roy Woolsey, 26649 Snell Lane, provided a history regarding a noise problem coming from an air conditioning unit on his neighbors' property. He asked for strengthening the wording in the ordinance so neighbors are notified whenever noise producing equipment is being proposed. He discussed his situation with his neighbor's air conditioner. If he had been notified, he could have helped with the placement. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11100 September 28, 2000 Page 7 4W Commissioner Wong suggested not changing the overall ordinance but treating HAVC equipment in the same manner as pool equipment, adding the same language to the present ordinance. Commissioner Clow agreed with the wording. He was not in favor of a whole new regulatory process. Staff will follow up with Mr. Woolsey's neighbor regarding the equipment as they do understand the problem. Commissioner Gottlieb suggested adding to the Site Development review process "any noise producing equipment". MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Wong and seconded by Commissioner Clow to recommend that the City Council approve the text amendment to Sections 10-1.242 and 10-1.505(a), (c), and (e) of the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code regarding Setback Lines (prohibiting location of equipment within setbacks, expanding "equipment" to HAVC and pool equipment. AYES: Chairman Cottrell, Commissioners Gottlieb, Clow & Wong NOES: None ABSENT: Commissioner Vito This item will be scheduled for a City Council public hearing agenda 4. OLD BUSINESS F 4.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Gottlieb reported that there will ` be a pathway walk on Sunday starting at Westwind Barn. Chairman Cottrell reported on the survey questionnaire. NEW BUSINESS -none REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for September 7'" - nothing to report. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for September 21", Commissioner Clow, reported on the following items: appointments to the Community Relations Committee, Environmental Design and Protection Committee and the Los Altos Senior Center Board of Directors; appropriate use of Town logo by Councilmembers; and adoption of a Capital Improvement Budget for Fiscal Year 2000-01. 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of August 23, 2000 minutes APPROVED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the August 23, 2000 minutes. Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/11/00 September 28, 2000 Page 8 8. REPORT FROM FAST TRACK MEETING -SEPTEMBER 12 2000 8.1 LANDS OF WANG, 28100 Laura Court (lot 19) (129-00-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. Approved with conditions. 8.2 LANDS OF COLE, 25567 Willow Pond Lane (141-00-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit to replace an existing accessory, and minor additions to the existing residence. Approved with conditions. 9. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETING -SEPTEMBER 19 & 26, 2000 9.1 LANDS OF HELMER, 12995 West Sunset Drive (176-00-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool. Approved with conditions September 19, 2000. 9.2 LANDS OF CHOPRA & BANERJEE, 13212 E. Sunset Drive (138-00-ZP- SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool and landscape improvements. Approved with conditions September 26, 2000. 9.3 LANDS OF SEUFFERLEIN, 13737 Wildflower Lane (197-00-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening plan. Approved with conditions September 26, 2000. 10. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:35 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lam Smith Planning Secretary owr