Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 rjd Minutes of a Regular Meeting DRAFT Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, February 11, 1998, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (3) #3-98 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:02 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Schreiner, Cheng,Aurelio &Jinkerson Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Lath Lonberger, Planning Secretary CONSENSUS: To place an emergency item on the agenda regarding re-organization of the Planning Commission CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner, seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson, and passed by consensus recommending Commissioner Cheng as Vice Chair. 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR-None 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF CONGREGATION BETH AM, 26790 Arastradero Road (189-97- ZP-SD-CUP-ND); Proposed Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Permit for the construction of a 7,050 square foot multi-purpose building, additions of 4,225 square feet of classroom and administrative buildings, and 142 new parking spaces, to an existing religious facility; and Proposed Negative Declaration(continued from January 28, 1998). Disclosure: Commissioner Aurelio has read the previous staff report and has listened to the tape of the previous meeting. The Planning Director introduced this item stating on January 28th the Commission considered this request, and heard testimony from representatives of the applicant and from affected neighbors. Staff has worked very extensively with the applicant and the neighbors regarding Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT February 11, 1998 Page 2 issues previously discussed. One major item which remains is the drainage issue. The applicants are still evaluating the staffs proposed condition regarding improvements to the downstream channel between the site and Fremont Road and the on-site drainage channels in proximity to the proposed headwall to accommodate expected 100-year flow levels and to protect against erosion, to the satisfaction of the Engineering Department. He suggested finalizing all other issues, and returning to the February 25th meeting to review the conditions of approval and to review the drainage plan. Also, a letter from John and Katie Buzbee Harding was provided. He further discussed the changes to the conditions of approval as recommended at the previous meeting noting a requested change to #7 by Mr. Erzberger removing "6:00 p.m." and to #9 delete "except for religious services or ceremonies" and adding "for social events": after the word "music." Regarding #12, it was suggested adding wording to minimize the honking of horns. Mr. Erzberger had stated to the Planning Director that he would not object to the addition of gates in the fence (Site Development condition#8), working with the neighbors regarding location. Also, the statement in the conditions of approval regarding the payment of school fees does not apply to this application and shall be deleted. He further clarified, after a discussion with the City Attorney, regarding congregation membership, that while the Town may regulate the use of the site with a variety of standards, conditions of approval may not limit the membership of the congregation, in this case, since membership alone does not relate to impacts of the site. Commissioner Schreiner discussed Use Permit condition#11, suggesting adding wording stating that once the 200 parking spaces have been used, there should be no parking on adjacent streets, suggesting the use of a shuttle. Commissioner Cheng suggested valet parking for large events. The Planning Director suggested for larger events, the applicant shall provide a plan indicating how they will handle overflow parking which can include valet parking, off site shuttle service, or parking at the office building across the street. This will help keep cars off the neighboring streets. Commissioner Jinkerson felt it would be harder to enforce appropriate parking with a gate in the fence which will attract neighborhood parking. He suggested changes to the Use Permit condition #4, deleting "such as" replacing it with "including". Also, to delete the word "etc." Condition#10, to include half hour past the end of an event rather than having the parking lights turned off by not later than 11:00 p.m. or past the close of an event, for safety. Commissioner Schreiner would like the lighting plan reviewed and approved by the Planning Commission as she felt this was one of the most critical issues on this site. The Planning Director clarified all the items which will be reviewed prior to accepting plans for building plan check. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING d Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT February 11, 1998 Page 3 Richard Block, Rabbi, Congregation Beth Am, addressed conditions #4 (would prefer not using the word"traditional"), 6, 7 (leave in 6:00 p.m.), 9, 11, and 12 (keep "make all reasonable efforts to"). He felt parking on neighborhood streets during large events have never been a concern. He has no opinion regarding a gate in the fence and any potential parking problems. Katie Buzbee Harding, 27201 Fremont Road, discussed her letter dated February 6th regarding drainage, concerns with lights shining into her bedroom and bathroom, and the possibility of replacing the eucalyptus trees with some pine trees. Bob Blair, new owner at 27161 Fremont Road, did not receive a notice, but asked that the visual impact and screening be mitigated. Otherwise he had no problem with the project. • Steve Choong, 13481 Thendara Lane, requested no outdoor sound amplification in the evening (conditions#6 and 9) for social events. Art Jones, 13481 Thendara Lane, stated a concern with the lighting as it should be facing in. toward the parking area and should not impact the neighbors. Also, currently the lights go off at 1:00 a.m. This should be corrected now. He did not feel the fence should stop 75 feet from the end of the property line. It should be carried to the end of the property. This area is being used as a short cut, with the oleanders being trampled. The fence extension could be chain link. He would like to see events end at 11:00 p.m. to provide people and caterers time to leave. Parking and the flow of traffic will impact him with the proposed loop. He asked if they could come in one side and exit another. He has had only one experience in 15 years regarding street parking. He had no opinion regarding a proposed gate. Heinz Erzberger, 13457 Thendara Lane, discussed the following: conditions #6 (closing of activities at 11:00 p.m.); #7 (removal of 6:00 p.m. and extending the events to three per week); parking; the request for a gate close to the garden shed area with a lock, if needed; and a concern with new parking lot and the possible impact of the new circulation of traffic. He would like to review the circulation of traffic in one year. He stated the current Beth Am leadership was very sensitive to the neighbors and their problems. He hoped this would remain if the leadership changes. He further discussed the accumulative effect of the different types of noises with several events taking place on the site. He agreed with the suggestion to extend the fence beyond the 75 feet from the end of the property line with perhaps a chain link fence. Commissioner Jinkerson felt a gate would propose a problem with foot traffic, and who would keep the key if the gate is locked. Francis Liu, 27241 Fremont Road, discussed drainage issues as they related to her property which is on the corner of Fremont Road and Arastradero Road. They get everyone's water. She provided sketches of the impact on her property after Monday's storm. I Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT February 11, 1998 Page 4 The assistant engineer stated she and the City Engineer had visited this site Tuesday. They have been reviewing the swale from the Beth Am property and from the neighboring property. Beth Am is reviewing the drainage swale although they want to review their options at this time. The Planning Director stated there were two options under consideration: (1) improving the drainage swale which would require easements from the various neighbors; or (2) construct a detention basin on their property to hold the water back and release it at a slower rate. Robert Block reviewed the previous comments noting the following: no objection to a gate and lock; agreed with the change to condition #7; preferred #6 as drafted; and #9, rare occasion for outdoor music sound amplification on the patio area. The area of concern is the far side of the property which would require some amplification and music (outdoor sanctuary) and should not affect neighbors. He continued requesting the wording in #12 (make all reasonable efforts to minimize impacts...) remain. He clarified that no one lives on the site. Alex Vayntrub, 27067 Horseshoe Lane, voiced support of the project stating a good neighbor relationship should be encouraged by communication. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING The Planning Director suggested a discussion and consensus on the conditions needing modification, returning February 25th with the conditions in their final form along with the drainage issues to review. Currently it is not known what effect a detention basin would have on parking spaces or construction. Discussion and changes to the conditions of approval ensued. Conditions of approval, Use Permit: #4; new #4, remove "etc." and replace "such as" with "including"; #6, add, "azael not later than 11:30 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, of and not later than 11:00 p.m. on Sundays before a Monday Federal holiday". Also, delete "^wa'ble closi„g” adding "event ending"; #7, adding (not including religious services with food service "before or "thereafter)...which proceed past 6:00 p.m. and ...more frequently than twico three times per week ...; #9, add "for social events" and deleting - - - - - • -- • - - -- - - •- ; #10, add, "not later than 30 minutes past the clo,o end of an event"...; #11, add, "a parking plan shall be submitted to the Town at least 15 working days in advance of the event, outlining means to accommodate overflow parking (such as parking at nearby office lots, valet parking, or shuttles from off-site, etc.) to the satisfaction of the Planning Director"; #12, and add "and honking of horns from vehicles at drop-off and pick-up points". Conditions of approval, Site Development Permit: #2, add, a final landscape screening plan shall be submitted for review by the Planning Commission, with particular emphasis on screening -- ' -.-. -- `-- -- - - determine whether additional landscaping is necessary, particularly between the new parking areas and the western property boundary, (adding) and between the new buildings and the eastern property boundary; #6, review by Planning Commission at a Site Development Hearing; #8, add, "50" to 75 feet...with an open wood and wire mesh fence or a similar open fence from that point to the front property line, to the satisfaction of the Planning Director. Gates from Thendara Lane to the site may also be permitted; and deleting requirement to pay school district fees. Findings Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT February 11, 1998 Page 5 for approval: add to #4, that most of the existing parking spaces which encroach into setbacks will be relocated to conform with setback requirements. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner, seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson, and passed by consensus to continue the proposed Conditional Use Permit and Site Development Permit for the construction of a 7,050 square foot multipurpose building, additions of 4,225 square feet of classroom and administrative buildings, and-142 new parking spaces, to an existing religious facility; and Proposed Negative Declaration, Lands of Beth Am, to February 25th, directing staff to return with changes to the conditions as previously noted, and with a proposed resolution to drainage issue for review. AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Cheng,Aurelio, Schreiner&Jinkerson NOES: None Brief break at 8:50 p.m. 3.2 LANDS OF CHAN, 12125 Oak Park Court (lot 8a) (251-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool. Ms. Davis introduced this item by discussing the constraints affecting the house location. Chairman Gottlieb voiced concern regarding two driveways within 20 feet from each other and three homes appearing to line up. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Norm Burdick, P. O. Box 517, Los Altos, project architect, voiced no objections to the conditions of approval. He stated that the house could be adjusted some and noted that the driveway would be adjacent to the driveway on lot 7. It was noted that the lots have limited building area due to easements. Les Earnest, Pathway Committee, noted the retention basin in the lower portion of the property and a drainage ditch going across the 30 foot pathway easement where they are planning to build a bike path. He would like to make sure there is enough for a bike path built to California State standards room(minimum 12 feet). Fred Fallah, 12374 Priscilla Lane, would not want the house shifted too far back as it would impact his property. He further questioned condition#20 as it relates to his property. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Comissioner Cheng had no problems with the project as submitted and she would agree with moving the house back. Commissioner Schreiner would like the house moved back approximately 20 feet to provide an area for landscaping between the two houses which would Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT February 11, 1998 Page 6 also move some of the driveway out of the setback. Chairman Gottlieb would like the applicants to work with staff to move the house back so the house is off-set from the two houses under construction which would also reduce the pavement in the setback. She would like the house moved at least 10 feet. Commissioner Aurelio agreed with the comments. Commissioner Jinkerson discussed the exterior lighting requesting a reduction of two lights as noted in the staff report. He does not want the houses lined up, suggesting a move up to 25 feet. The assistant engineer suggested the pathway be staked for review by the City Engineer and Pathway Committee to make sure there is adequate space for the 12 foot pathway, to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. An additional condition should be added indicating if any additional easement is needed to accommodate a 12 foot wide bike path, it shall be granted prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. Commissioner Cheng stated she would support the project even if the house was not moved. Commissioner Aurelio questioned condition #3, regarding the amount required for landscape deposit. Ms. Davis provided additional information. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool, Lands of Chan, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: work with staff to set the house back an additional 10 to 25 feet to break up similar setbacks with other homes nearby and to allow more space for landscaping between properties (lots 8a and 7), getting more paving out of the setback; and add a pathway condition indicating if any additional easement is needed to accommodate a 12 foot wide bike path, it shall be granted prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check. AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Schreiner, Jinkerson, Aurelio & Cheng NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar March 4, 1998. 3.3 LANDS OF CHANG, 12025 Adobe Creek Lodge Road (264-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence, cabana, pool and spa. Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Michael Moyer, 430 Sherman Avenue, Palo Alto, project architect, discussed the architectural character noting the massing was very carefully studied. The second story element has single story expressions around the front, rear, and side to help reduce the scale of the two story portion. They have also introduced horizontal elements to help create a lower sense of scale rather than vertical elements which would add to its height along with other design elements such as the dormers, the hip roofs, the chimneys, and balconies which add character. . He provided a Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT February 11, 1998 Page 7 rendering of the project for review indicating the choice of colors in accordance with the Town adopted color board. Patina will be added to the copper roof. Commissioner Schreiner mentioned a previous applicant who had used a dark material in their skylight which had a 10% reflectivity value, asking if the applicant could use this type of material for the roof. Ms. Davis noted that the material was plastic and she was not sure if it could be used as a roofing material. Mr. Moyer stated he would be happy to comply with the objective of trying to reduce the amount of reflectivity as much as possible. Commissioner Jinkerson felt the roofing material, whether it be conventional or glass, should comply with Town ordinance regarding reflectivity. Mr. Moyer stated that they are not intending to use a reflective glazing material. Les Earnst, Pathway Chair, asked for clarification regarding the path (#21) on Moody Road. Their intention was to have the path at the toe of the slope adjacent to Moody Road on the natural bench along the creek. - Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee requested the large trees close to the Adobe Creek be protected during construction. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Jinkerson reviewed the April, 1997 application (Lands of LaJoy) which he did not support. The new proposed house is 1,000 squarefeet larger than previous design, with three separate driveways. The chimneys should be minimum height to meet UBC requirements. This is a highly visible lot and the floor area numbers have been maximized. The pavilion is 900 square feet with a high reflectivity roofing material which will be seen from Byrne Preserve. Commissioner Aurelio felt the architectural details mitigate the size. Many homes in this subdivision are quite large. He was interested in the size relative to others in the area and if the plans are acceptable to the neighbors, he would have no objections. Commissioner Cheng agreed noting some houses in the area are even bigger and there has been no neighbors opposing the project. Commissioner Schreiner stated when she first looked at the design, she thought it was a very massive, bulky house (visible). When looking at the rendering with the use of the material and the colors, it will be a very big house, but much effort has made to set it into the site. She still had two major concerns. The first concern was with, a 900 square foot structure with a glass roof where light reflects at night. Since this is a rural area, the pavilion should have a standard type roof. The second concerned the circular driveway with an extra access off of the cul-de-sac. She felt this would set up a very unfavorable precedent. This house could be very well served by havin3an access coming in further down the corner, and just splitting it so the side and front areas are accommodated. This will open up the front to possible screening of the house which is very much needed. She was in favor of removing the circular driveway, having one access, Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT February 11, 1998 Page 8 bringing it to the side, and to the front. Or at the very most, if they need a circular driveway which is allowed, in some way make it wider and swing out. She was also concerned with the amount of pavement in setbacks which is generated by three access points. She would prefer a change in the driveway design. Chairman Gottlieb did not oppose circular driveways but she was also concerned with the three point access and extra parking in the setback. She felt the pool pavilion will create glare from the sun reflecting during the day and from lights reflecting at night. She asked the Planning Director if there was any way to put a driveway in to service both accesses. He responded there was a way but he did not know if it would reduce the amount of pavement or be a better design solution than the one before them. In this instance, they need to look at where the pavement is especially the pavement around near the garage which is adjacent to a cul-de-sac which has very little-traffic (very little impact). The circular driveway will not be a safety concern. The parking portions should be out of the setback. His suggestion regarding the pavilion would be to give the applicant the option of a regular roof or finding a glass material that is less than 50% reflectivity. Staff would make a determination based on color and/or tint. Further discussion ensued regarding glass material and reflectivity value. Commissioner Schreiner was most concerned with the reduction of screening due to the driveways. The issue is the visibility of the house. Commissioner Jinkerson suggested two entrances with a walkway to the house which would reduce half of the pavement and provide for more screening at the front. This would eliminate the front entrance. Chairman Gottlieb asked if the circular driveway could be reduced in width as a mitigation measure. The Planning Director noted they do not want the garage facing Adobe Creek Lodge Road so it is appropriate for the garage to be facing the cul-de-sac but clearly this is not a good entrance for visitors. This seems appropriate with the modification of removing the parking bay back out of the setback. The design seems to function for the site. Chairman Gottlieb would like wording crafted indicating that this is an unusual site thus the reason for the driveway design as she would not want to set a precedence. Given the corner short cul-de-sac associated with the property and to keep the garage away from Moody Road, it is appropriate to have different points for the access for the garage and for visitors and a circular driveway is acceptable. Commissioner Schreiner was most concerned with the amount of paving which would reduce the amount of landscaping across the front of the house. Further discussion ensued regarding the reduction of the circular driveway width to possibly 10 feet. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Michael Moyer, architect, stated the house is set back 65 feet from the street and there is adequate area for landscaping. They did consider other driveway designs and felt this design worked best although he could reduce the length of the parking area in front of the house by approximately 15 feet. Mr. Moyer preferred a 14 foot width on the circular driveway to allow vehicles to pass one another. Staff noted any reduction in width would be reviewed by the Fire Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT February 11, 1998 Page 9 Department. Commissioner Jinkerson did not feel driveways wide enough to pass another vehicle was desirable. He felt the circular driveway should be minimized. Further discussion ensued regarding the driveway design. Commissioner Schreiner stated the reason she was so concerned was that the limit of the conservation easements and the only place you can put landscaping is from the conservation easement up to the cul-de-sac, half of which is covered with pavement. This house as large as it is should have screening entirely around it. The Commission realized, due to the conservation easement,there is a limited development area. Tom Klope, landscape architect, stated the planting in the conservation easement will screen the project, using native species much the same as on the Wayman property. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Discussion and consensus votes on the roofing material and the circular driveway design ensued. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson, seconded by Commissioner Aurelio, and passed by consensus (4-0) to require the roof for the pool pavilion be of a material that has a light reflectivity value of 40% or less, and a sample of the material shall be approved by the Planning Department prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check(modify condition#2). Discussion ensued regarding the circular driveway. Commissioner Aurelio felt the circular driveway added to the character of the house, but 14 feet was too wide, suggesting a reduction to 10 feet with the use of a material other than asphalt so it looks less like an extension of the roadway. The length of the parking area to be reduced by 15 feet and the parking area moved out of the setback. Commissioner Jinkerson suggested reducing the amount of paving on the driveway off of the garage (pavement in the setback) as much as possible. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner Aurelio, seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson, and passed by consensus (4-0) requiring the following: the circular driveway be reduced to 10 feet in width with the use of a material other than asphalt; the length of the parking area reduced by 15 feet; parking area to be out of the setback; and reduce the paving on the driveway off of the garage as much as possible. Staff will review the reduction in width with the Fire Department to make sure it will be in conformance to their standards or use grasscrete for the additional 4 feet. Commissioner Cheng . suggested 12 feet in width rather than 10 feet. Commissioner Cheng stated she would still support the project with the original circular driveway design. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT February 11, 1998 Page 10 MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson, seconded by Commissioner Aurelio, and amended to approve the Site Development Permit for a new residence, cabana, pool and spa, Lands of Chang, with the following additions/changes to the conditions of approval: modify condition#2 requiring the roof for the pool pavilion shall be of a material that has a light reflectivity value of 40% or less consistent with existing reflectivity standards, and a sample of the material shall be approved by the Planning Department prior to acceptance of plans for building plan check; the circular driveway in front of the house shall be no wider than 10 feet wide in a material that is consistent with the design of the house, preferably not asphalt, providing for more open landscape screening and minimizing the payment in the front setback; reducing the parking area by 15 feet, moving it out of the setback; add condition requiring tree fencing; and modify condition#21 to clarify pathway requirement to have the path at the toe of the slope adjacent to Moody Road on the natural bench along the creek. AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Schreiner, Cheng,Jinkerson&Aurelio NOES: None This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar March 4, 1998. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees-none 5. NEW BUSINESS None. 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for February 4, 1998, Commissioner Schreiner reported on the following items: appointment to the Planning Commission; request for a modification to the tentative map conditions of approval to exceed the allowable development area for the lot at 28500 Matadero Creek Lane, Lands of Rutner; and Lands of Wythe/Vitu, lots 2 and 3. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for February 18, 1998- Schreiner 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the January 28, 1998 minutes PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the January 28th minutes with changes made to pages 2, 3 and 4, with Commissioner Aurelio abstaining. • Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT February 11, 1998 Page 11 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARINGS-FEBRUARY 10, 1998 8.1 LANDS OF WINDY HILL ASSOCIATES, 27190 Ohlone Lane (7-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions. 8.2 LANDS OF WINDY HILL ASSOCIATES, 27200 Ohlone Lane (8-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions. 8.3 LANDS OF WINDY HILL ASSOCIATES, 27210 Ohlone Lane (9-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions. 8.4 LANDS OF WINDY HILL ASSOCIATES, 27220 Ohlone Lane (10-98-ZP-SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, voiced concern regarding solid redwood fencing between properties because this is the area the native creatures use to move through the • area. There should be a way to restrict the number of inches from the ground to the fence so small creatures can travel through. She would like to see native plantings between properties so small creatures can move freely. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 10:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lani Lonberger Planning Secretary