By Kate Day

The Los Altos Planning Commission recommended May 4 that the city council authorize a new vote on an application for a single-story overlay zone on Sunkist Lane and Avalon Drive.

The measure would prevent new second-story development on all 56 properties covered by the zone. Three two-story residences covered by the proposed zone would be allowed to remain but would be required to conform if they were rebuilt, unless the city council granted a variance.

The council requires residents to gather signatures from 50 percent of homeowners in a neighborhood before they can apply for an overlay zone. Approval by 66.66 percent of homeowners is then required for the council to pass the measure. There are seven single-story overlay zones in Los Altos.

In a March vote, 67.3 percent of residents voted for the overlay zone, according to staff. However, the planning commission felt that there were too many anomalies in the voting process, which prevented the ballot from establishing clear approval, said Randall Hull, chairman of the commission. Opponents of the zone disputed the calculation of the vote, particularly regarding three jointly owned properties, which are eligible for two half-votes. Commissioners also were concerned that one property owner who lives abroad was not properly notified about the balloting. These anomalies were of particular concern because the vote was so close, Hull said.

The city council must decide whether to reject the application for the overlay zone outright, disregard the planning commission’s recommendation and allow the zone, or accept the commission’s call for a new vote.

David Kornfield, associate city planner, said he anticipated the council would consider the commission’s recommendation June 13.