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Planning commission approves variance for above‑ground transformer at Alicante Lane
Summary
The Los Altos Hills Planning Commission voted to approve a site development permit and variance allowing a pad‑mounted transformer to be placed six feet from a side property line at 26023 Alicante Lane, subject to conditions including bollard limits, screening and a requirement that any future size upgrades require a new variance.
The Los Altos Hills Planning Commission on March 5 approved a site development permit and variance to allow a pad‑mounted transformer at 26023 Alicante Lane to be sited six feet from the side property line, where a 30‑foot setback normally applies.
Planner Jonathan Fox presented staff’s recommendation that the commission adopt a categorical CEQA exemption and approve the project with conditions, noting the revised plans shifted the concrete pad to 6 feet from the property line and explaining PG&E safety and easement requirements. “Staff recommends that the planning commission adopt a resolution … to approve the site development permit and variance subject to conditions of approval,” Fox said.
Neighbors who live across and near the site urged the commission to require additional mitigation. Walt Van Dawson, a resident who said he lives at 26040 Alicante Lane, told commissioners he and his neighbors had not been contacted by the owner and called the above‑ground unit an “eyesore,” adding they were concerned about noise and the transformer’s close proximity to the road.
Applicant and architect Eric Peterson told the commission PG&E required the transformer be sited near a paved surface and inside a utility easement, and that an underground vault was not feasible because underground units were unavailable or not permitted by PG&E at this stage. “My understanding is at least 2 years,” Peterson said when asked about lead time for an underground vault.
Commissioners debated mitigation measures, including recessing the pad into the grade and requiring screening outside the public utility easement where feasible. Staff confirmed that bollards are unlikely to be required at the approved location and proposed a condition that, if required, bollards be no more than 37 inches in height subject to Community Development confirmation of PG&E safety standards.
Commissioner Patel moved to approve the CEQA exemption, site development permit and variance with the documented conditions, and the motion passed on a roll call vote; the chair announced a 21‑day appeal period.
Staff said it will follow up with PG&E and return to the commission with a policy report about recurring transformer requests and PG&E coordination at the April meeting.
