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HomeMy WebLinkAbout7.1 7u Minutes of a Regular Meeting DRAFT Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, March 25, 1998, 7:00 p.m. Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road cc: Cassettes (2).#6-98 1. 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 Gottlieb, Commissioners Cheng, Aurelio, Jinkerson & Schreiner Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Assistant Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Planner; Lath Lonberger,Planning Secretary 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Sam Lugonja, 23515 Fernhill Drive, voiced concern regarding the condition of roads during and after construction. He did not object to the Lands of Joy project scheduled for public review but he would like some control over abusive contractors who block roads (safety issue). 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS 3.1 LANDS OF LOUGHMILLER, 25309 La Loma Drive (26-98-VAR); A request for a Variance to allow a required parking space to be located in the front setback. Commissioner Aurelio stepped down from the public hearing due to the proximity of his residence to the proposed project. This item was introduced by Ms. Davis by providing updated information regarding LAFCO (Local Agency Formation Commission) review of the annexation and possible options if the annexation is denied by the County. She provided a map indicating surrounding properties which are still in the County. • Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 25, 1998 Page 2 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Bert Loughmiller, 801 Church Street, Mountain View, applicant, briefly discussed the annexation. He requested support of the variance noting if it were not for the Water District easement, he would not need to make this request. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING It was noted that during the December 10t Planning Commission hearing, the parking issue was discussed informally and the Commission indicated general support given the constraints on the site. At that time, the applicant was directed by the Commission to return with the required request for a variance as the project before them was not noticed for a variance request. Commissioner Cheng had no problem with the request as this was a unique situation. Commissioner Schreiner felt the fmdings were good for granting the variance. She felt a little hesitant granting the variance without knowing what LAFCO will do regarding the annexation. The Planning Director felt LAFCO will support the annexation. However, if denied, nothing can be done until the property is annexed. Another option for the applicant would be a lot line adjustment. MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Jinkerson and seconded by Commissioner Cheng to approve the request for a variance to allow required parking within a required setback, with the four (4) Findings and the recommended Conditions (Attachment 1) of the staff report. AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Schreiner, Cheng & Jinkerson NOES: None ABSTAIN: Commissioner Aurelio This item is subject to a 10 day appeal period. 3.2 LANDS OF WONG, 14470 De Bell Road (268-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence. This item was introduced by Ms. Davis noting the receipt of a revised Worksheet#2 and a revised site plan indicating a change to the hardscape so that the project will be in conformance with the allowable development area. They have also shown a design change from a circular to a single access driveway. She also clarified that the existing hardscape number is slightly over what is allowed as technically they have a grandfathered number of 11,831 square feet. The applicants are bringing the property into conformance with the maximum development area based on slope density calculation. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 25, 1998 Page 3 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Tom Sloan, 255 N. Market Street, San Jose, project architect, discussed the project, highlighting the following: nesting the new home into the existing home site; lowering the driveway and garage; the roofline; breaking up the second story facades; maintaining the existing trees for screening; and working with the adjacent,neighbor (Shukov) and their architect so there will not be a view blockage. Commissioner Schreiner asked what the elevation of the Shukov's first floor and second story would be as she wanted to make sure they will not be looking into this second story. Chairman Gottlieb requested the elevation of the driveway. Both were concerned with views onto this property. Mr. Sloan indicated that the finished floor level would be 99.5; the roofline will be 10 feet lower than the Shukov main floor level, and the roofline will be 7 feet higher than the Shukov's driveway. Discussion regarding the height of retaining wall (foundation) ensued. Mr. Sloan noted one problem they are working with is the grading that was done when the original house was built. Chairman Gottlieb stated the present house steps down the hill; it drops off single story from the road, and drops down the hill. This is the way a proper house on this property should be built. Mr. Sloan noted that there is up to 8 feet of crawl space on the lower level currently; the existing house has a lower level that was added rather than stepping the house down. Marjorie Evans, 14511 DeBell Road, neighbor across the road, stated a portion of the new second story addition will block off a portion of her view. At the very least, screening is needed for the blockage of lights and the blank wall, although she would prefer a change to the plans. She supports the recommendation for coordination with neighbors on landscaping and lighting. She was concerned with the two story facade from her perspective. Also of importance, besides the height issue, is the color, as she would not like it to be similar to the new house on Miranda Court. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING The assistant engineer provided information regarding the finished floor elevations for the Wong and Shukov properties noting the Wong property is 25 feet lower than the Shukov property (Shukov's finished floor of the basement will be at the highest point of the Wong roof). The Planning Director noted that the house is essentially the same footprint on the Shukov side of the property and approximately 4-5 feet higher than the existing house. He did not think lowering the house would make a significant difference. Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the view from below as it will appear as a very large, bulky structure. She asked if the house could be moved down the hill and lowered. She would like to lessen the impact on the surrounding smaller homes without reducing development or floor areas on this lot. She felt with some design changes the Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 25, 1998 Page 4 house can be made less obtrusive, and sit on the site better. The Planning Director noted lowering the house into the site would lower the foundation wall below the terrace. This is a similar situation as what had occurred on the Shukov property where the original grading needed to be corrected. The assistant engineer clarified for every foot the garage is lowered increases the retaining wall heights would increase. The 2 to 3 foot retaining walls would be 3 to 6 feet high, if the garage were lowered 2 feet. Commissioner Jinkerson stated the Commission required the Shukovs to make changes to lower the profile. One end of the Wong residence could be lowered so it steps down the hill to reduce the visual impact of the rear elevation. He was not as concerned with the back side of the property. He did understand there are some constraints with keeping the pool. Commissioner Aurelio agreed with the previous comments. The applicants have maximized the development and floor area numbers. There is a need to mitigate the appearance of bulk. He further discussed maximum development area versus allowable. He was concerned with the back elevation not following the contours. Commissioner Cheng had no problem with this design other than lowering the balcony (terrace) and reducing the difference between the grade and finished floor. Regarding bulk, she felt they are seeing many designs similar to this. If we do not want this type of home, we need to change the ordinances to be more reflective of what the Town wants. Commissioner Aurelio felt the ordinances and Design Guidelines did provide clear direction as to what the Town wants. He felt all applicants and architects should be given a copy of the Design Guidelines to eliminate any confusion. Chairman Gottlieb felt the window elements on either side of the entrance are very massive and not neighborhood friendly. The Shukovs went through three designs to get the house nestled into the property. She was concerned with the length of the house and the massive elements on either side of the front entry (two stories high). She would prefer to have the second story nestled in a little more and the house stepped down the hill and a reduction in height by 4 feet. RE-OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Pak Wong, 14470 DeBell Road, applicant, commented that the Shukovs view will not be blocked. The lowest level of the Shukovs is at the top of his roof. There will be a few trees removed because they conflict with the house and/or are not in good health. They will be planting replacement trees. The house is on a hillside and the more you lower it the more you lose the view. They are trying to maintain some view for themselves. He was concerned with having high retaining walls outside the garage. He did not feel the house would be visible from off site. They are following the contours of the hill. To Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 25, 1998 Page 5 address a previous issue, he stated the retaining wall facing the pool is part of the foundation. The retaining wall which is made of wood is leaning badly and he is taking this opportunity to repair it and move it to be a part of the foundation of the house. The top of the roof of the new house will be approximately 5 feet higher than the existing house (22 1/2 feet). Tom Sloan, project architect, stated the existing house has been sinking during the last year and they are dealing with a man-made situation (grades). The house is already stepping down the hill. A request to drop the house 4 feet is basically dropping it into the site 8 feet. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Schreiner would like a redesign due to the bulk of the two story which is almost over the entire house, in addition to the impact on the neighbor to the left which will be considerable. The fact that the present house is only 22 feet high only reinforces her feeling that the height from highest to lowest( 35 feet) will impact the neighbor. She would like a redesign using all the different criteria and options given by the Commission (or a combination of these). MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Schreiner, seconded by Commissioner Jinkerson, and amended to continue the Site Development Permit for a new residence, Lands of Wong, for redesign, following the criteria and concerns expressed by the Commissioners to reduce the impact, referencing Sec. 10-2.702(b) of the Site Development Ordinance and the Design Guidelines, working with staff to try to lower the house and the mass of the house according to the Town guidelines. Discussion ensued. Commissioner Cheng asked if the Commission wanted the applicant to re-grade. Chairman Gottlieb felt as_the land lowers, the house should step down the hill. The present house is built correctly with the playroom underneath. The roofline of the second story should step down. The Planning Director clarified the design points: on the Shukov side of the property (uphill side), there should be more of a one story facade; mass on the back needs to be mitigated; try-to reduce the overall height, if possible; reduce the foundation wall from 7-8 feet to 4-5 feet; try to bring grading closer to 3 feet (grading policy disparity); and the lowest to the highest should be below 35 feet. AYES: Chairman Gottlieb, Commissioners Aurelio, Jinkerson& Schreiner NOES: Commissioner Cheng This item will be re-noticed. Brief break at 8:30 p.m. Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 25, 1998 Page 6 3.3 LANDS OF JOY, 25599 Fernhill Drive (185-97-ZP-SD-GD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a new residence and pool. This item was continued to April 8, 1998 at the request of the applicants. 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 Report from subcommittees. The General Plan Committee met on March 19th to discuss the outline of the Circulation Element. The next meeting is scheduled for April 16, 1998. Also of interest was the plans for a Town Picnic on May 31, 1998. 4.2 Joint Work Session with City Council. As there was a conflict in proposed dates, the Planning Director will relay this information to the City Council for possibly scheduling other future dates for a joint work session. 5. NEW BUSINESS CONSENSUS: To change the Wednesday, June 24th meeting to Tuesday, June 23, 1998. Commissioner Aurelio suggested expanding the written description of projects coming up for public hearing in the notices sent to the neighbors within 500 feet of the project site to provide the neighbors with additional descriptive information. 6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for March 18th, Commissioner Aurelio, reported on the following: April 1st study session regarding proposed driveway, residence and second dwelling unit, Lands of Kerns, 11888 Francemont Road. He further discussed the following: informal study sessions and their possible implications; general comments regarding opinions of the Commissioners outside of the regular public Planning Commission meetings; and the interpretation of "de novo" as it relates to appealed projects to be reheard at the City Council level. The Planning Director continued the report from the March 18th meeting: adoption of the proposed Housing Element of the Town's General Plan and Proposed Negative Declaration; request for pre-zoning of a 1.22 acre parcel in Santa Clara County to be annexed into the Town, Lands of Loughmiller; and Lands of Congregation Beth Am. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for April 1st-Jinkerson • Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT March 25, 1998 Page 7 7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 7.1 Approval of the March 11, 1998 minutes. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the March 11 minutes with an addition to page 4,paragraph 4, with Commissioner Aurelio abstaining. 8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARING-MARCH 24, 1998 8.1 LANDS OF VIDOVICH, Lot 11, Quarry Hills Subdivision (262-97-ZP- SD); A request for a Site Development Permit for a tennis court. Approved with conditions. 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 9:50 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Lath Lonberger Planning Secretary