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TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS October 16, 2012
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW IN THE SITE
DEVELOPMENT PROCESS
FROM: Debbie Pedro, Planning Director rAg
RECOMMENDATION: That the Planning Commission:
Consider the proposed policy and forward a recommendation to the City Council.
BACKGROUND
On July 31, 2012, the City Council directed staff to come up with a system to incorporate architectural
review in the Site Development permit process for new residence projects. The purpose is to have an
independent architect provide guidance to applicants in the early stage of the design process.
Evaluating the project at the conceptual design stage would help affirm.that a project is "going in the
right direction7, avoid the delay and costs of redesigns, and help minimize potential neighbor
controversy.
At their meeting on August 23, the Council reviewed the proposed policy and received public
comments. Several residents raised questions about the value and effectiveness of the proposal. The
Council voted 4-1 (Summit -No) to have the policy reviewed by the Planning Commission.
DISCUSSION
The Town receives an average of 20 to 25 new residence applications each year. The Site
'Development permit process for new residences takes an average of 13-17 weeks.
It is proposed that the Town retain the service of -a licensed architect to serve as the Town's
architectural consultant. The consultant will conduct a peer review of all new residence applications
using the Town's Zoning and Site Development Ordinance, Policies, and Fast Track Guidelines and
provide a report with an assessment of the project.
It is recommended that architectural review consultation be required for all new residence projects
prior to filing a formal Site Development application. Applicants would be required to submit a
schematic/concept plan that includes siting of the structures, sections and elevations of the proposed
new house. The Town's architectural consultant will conduct a site visit review the plans, meet with
the applicant and prepare a written report on the project which will be included as part of the Site
Development review documentation. This review process is expected to take 14-21 days. The
architectural review report is advisory and will be used to aid in the review of Site Development
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
Architectural Review Process
October 16, 2012
Page 2 of 2
applications. Staff estimates that the cost for architectural review services will be approximately
$1,500.00 per project. The cost of the service is bome by the applicant.