HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 3.1- � I
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS January 27, 2005
Staff Report to the Planning Commission
RE: REVIEW AND AMENDMENT OF THE CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AT
27210 ALTAMONT ROAD (APN 182-28-039); LANDS OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
(WESTWIND BARN); CUP #39-02.
FROM: BrianFroelich, Assistant Planner
APPROVED BY: Carl Cahill, Planning Director
RECOMMENDATION That the Planning Commission
Forward a recommendation to the City Council that the Conditional Use Permit be
approved with the revised Conditions of Approval contained herein[.
ALTERNATIVE
The Commission may choose to deny the deletion of these conditions or continue
consideration of this item to a subsequent meeting.
SUMMARY
The Westwind Barn is located on a Town owned 14.96 -acre site located at 27210
Altamont Road. The commercial stable has been operating under a Conditional Use
Permit since 1977 (CUP #8022-77). A condition of approval requires the Planning
Commission to review the Use Permit and conditions in conjunction with the lease
extension and forward a recommendation to the City Council.
Following the last review of the CUP by the City Council (October 2, 2003) a new
condition (number two) was added to mitigate erosion on the upper hillside portion of the
feeding pasture. This condition included fencing and restoring vegetation on the upper
hillside area with a deadline of spring 2004.
DISCUSSION
Recently it was reported by Dan Alexander, President, Westwind Community Barn that
there has been limited success in replanting this area over the past two years. Bam staff
has fenced the area to keep horses out and seeded the area periodically. Currently the area
in question is showing some signs of improvement with sparse, low growing vegetation.
Mr. Alexander has thereby requested the Planning Commission rescind condition number
two (see attached conditions October 16, 2003). Staff recently visited the area and
1 Please note: This recommendation is made in advance of public testimony or Commission discussion of
the item. At the public bearing, these two factors, in conjunction with the staff analysis, will be considered
by the Commission in their recommendation to the City Council.
Planning Commission
Lands of Los Alms Hills
27210 Altamont Road
January 27, 2005
Page 2 of 3
concurs with Mr. Alexander. If the area remains fenced and animals are kept off the
hillside, further erosion should be negligible and the area should continue to improve.
The latest lease negotiations between the Town of Los Altos Hills and the Westwind
Community Bam have enabled the Town's Parks and Recreation Department to build
paddocks and house up to four horses onsite. The current Use Permit (condition number
six) limits the number of horses to a maximum of 50. In effect, this would limit the
commercial barn's capacity to 46. It is recommended that condition number six (see
attached) be revised to allow 54 horses as a result of the lease negotiations.
CURRENT CONDITIONS
2. The perimeter of the upper hillside portion of the feeding pasture shall be fenced.
(CUP #24-02, amended September 12, 2002) The applicant shall initiate
measures to control erosion on the upper hillside portion of the feeding pasture
this winter and then return to the Planning Commission in the spring for a
progress report. The pasture must be fully restored and revegetated not later than
spring of 2004. (CUP#24-02, amended September 12, 2002)
6. The number of horses to be kept or maintained at this facility shall not exceed 50.
(CUP #8022-77)
It is recommended that the conditions be revised as follows:
REVISED CONDITIONS
2. The perimeter of the upper hillside portion of the feeding pasture shall be
permanently fenced and animals shall have no access to this area.
6. The number of horses to be kept or maintained at this facility shall not exceed 54.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that current conditions two and six of CUP #24-02 and CUP #8022-77
respectively be deleted with the addition of revised conditions two and six above. Staff
notes that future amendments to this CUP would be subject to Planning Commission
review.
ENVIRONMENTAL CLEARANCE (CEOA)
The proposed amendments to the Conditional Use Permit are categorically exempt from
the California Environmental Quality Act by provision of Section 15301, Class 1.
Planning Commission
Lands of Los Altos Hills
27210 Altamont Road
January 27, 2005
Page 3 of 3
ATTACHMENTS
I. Current Conditions of Approval
H. Revised (DRAFT) Conditions of Approval
III. Westwind Barn Site Map
IV. Exhibit "A" Aerial Photo of the Upper Hillside Area
V. Applicant's letter to request CUP renewal and deletion of conditions
L:\USM%foehchN jmts - Cm t\5 -Phoning Commisioo\I-Staff Reports\Variances,CDPs, CUPS, FM Amend\Conditional Use
Permit\Westwind B. CUP Iremonl Road 27210-SR(Jan-2005renewaq.doc
Westwind Barn CUP Conditions of Approval ATI'ACHM
October 2, 2003 ENT l
-1-
2003 Westwind Barn Use Permit Conditions of Approval Master List
A. PLANNING DEPARTMENT
1. All conditions of the Westwind Barn Conditional Use Permit approved by the City
Council on April 20,1977 and as amended by the Planning Commission on January 9,
1985, April 26th, 1995 and September 12`h, 2002 shall be conditions of this approval.
2. The perimeter of the upper hillside portion of the feeding pasture shall be fenced. (CUP
24-02, amended September 12, 2002) The applicant shall initiate measures to control
erosion on the upper hillside portion of the feeding pasture this winter and then return to
the Planning Commission in the spring for a progress report. The pasture must be fully
restored and revegetated not later than spring of 2004. (CUP #24-02, amended September
12, 2002)
3. In the event that any of the conditions of this permit are not satisfied, the Planning
Department may cause a noticed public hearing to be sent to review whether the permit
should be continued; and upon a showing of compelling public necessity demonstrated at
the noticed public hearing, the Town may add, amend, or delete conditions and
regulations contained in this permit. (CUP #11-95)
4. This permit does not authorize the applicant to intensify the authorized activity beyond
that which is specifically described in this permit. (CUP #11-95)
5. This Use Permit shall be issued in the name above and the life of this Permit shall run
with the life of the ownership of the property or until it is amended or cancelled.
(Property designated as parcel # A&4, 14.96 acres.) (CUP #8022-77)
6. The number of horses to be kept or maintained at this facility shall not exceed 50. (CUP
#8022-77)
7. Any proposed new buildings or structures shall require an amendment to this Use Permit.
(CUP #8022-77)
8. There shall be twenty-four (24) hour supervision of said premises by a competent
attendant who is knowledgeable about horse care and authorized to see that the
conditions of this Use Permit are met. (CUP #8022-77)
9. A business License shall be required and shall be renewed annually on January 1", as
long as all conditions of this Use Permit have been met. (Amount of fee is specified by
Section 3-1.209 of LAH Municipal Code.) (CUP #8022-77)
10. Staff, Planning Commission and City Council shall conduct an annual review of this
Permit to assure compliance with conditions and all conditions shall be subject to
amendments and/or additional conditions as deemed necessary by the City Council.
(CUP #8022-77)
Westwind Barn CUT Conditions of Approval
October 2, 2003
-2-
11. All requirements of the Santa Clara County Health Dept. shall be met:
a. Drainage from stables, corrals, pens, barns, etc... must not enter a natural
watercourse.
b. Animal quarters must be swept clean, sprayed and otherwise kept in a
sanitary manner so as to prevent unnecessary odor, fly breeding and rodent
attraction.
12. Manure shall be disposed of regularly by spreading, collection in an appropriate bin or
removal from site. (CUP #8022-77)
13. All requirements of the Los Altos Fire Department shall be met as designated by the
office inspecting the facility. (CUP #8022-77)
14. There shall be no external lighting, other than that needed for safety and security. All
fixtures should be adequately shielded to prevent any nuisance to adjoining property
owners. (CUP #8022-77)
15. All driveways, parking areas, and horse riding areas shall be maintained in a manner
sufficient to control dust to a level compatible with adjoining uses. Except as otherwise
permitted by this use permit liFe, -.�.fien B-.2-1 the cars of guests and visitors
shall at all times be parked on the property. (CUP #8022-77)
16. Public riding instructions may be given. This shall be under the supervision of qualified
instructors. (CUP #8022-77)
17. Parking of horse trailers limited to twenty-four (24) hours except for horse trailers not
exceeding six (6) at any time, belonging to lessee or its management. Parking of the horse
trailers shall be restricted to Lot 4. (CUP #8022-77)
18. Any horse breeding operations are to be conducted in an enclosed, discreetly located area
during normal working hours and in a safe manner. (CUP #8022-77)
19. The applicant shall maintain existing trees and shrubs for landscaping to mitigate the
visual impact from offsite. Such landscaping shall not interfere with buildings or the
program at the site. The condition of the trees and shrubs shall be evaluated every spring
and the replacement, as needed, to maintain the mitigation of off site view, shall occur by
June 1 of each year. (Amended by Planning Commission January 9th, 1985)
20. All equipment necessary for the operation of the stable shall be kept in good repair.
Equipment generating noise shall be subject to the Town's noise ordinance and a time
schedule approved by the town. (Amended by Planning Commission January 9th, 1985)
Westwind Bam C.U.P Conditions of Approval
October 2, 2003
-3-
21. There shall be no more than five (5) horse shows per year, to be held between 9:00 A.M.
and 5:00 P.M. A schedule of these shows and other scheduled events must be filed with
the Town, in writing, at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to an event. Street and/or
driveway parking will be allowed at the discretion of Town staff. When there is parking
in the streets or driveway, parking attendants as requested by Staff will be present.
(Amended by Planning Commission January 9`n, 1985)
22. Use of a public address system shall be limited to the permitted horse shows and for other
special events with prior City Council approval, and used in such a manner as not to be a
nuisance to the adjacent property owners. (Amended by Planning Commission January
91, 1985)
ENGINEERING:
23. Any, and all, changes to the existing grading and drainage plan shall first be approved by
the Engineering Department. No grading shall take place during the grading moratorium
between November I and April 1 except with prior approval from the City Engineer. No
grading shall take place within ten feet of any property line. (CUP #11-95)
(DRAFF) Westwind Barn C.UP Conditions of Approval
January 27, 2005 1_ ATTACHMENT
(DRAFT)
2003 Westwind Barn Use Permit Conditions of Approval Master List
A. PLANNING DEPARTMENT
1. All conditions of the Westwind Bam Conditional Use Permit approved by the City
Council on April 20,1977 and as amended by the Planning Commission on January 9,
1985, April 26th, 1995 and September 12th, 2002 shall be conditions of this approval.
2. The perimeter of the upper hillside portion of the feeding pasture shall be permanently
fenced and animals shall have no access to this area.
3. In the event that any of the conditions of this permit are not satisfied, the Planning
Department may cause a noticed public hearing to be sent to review whether the permit
should be continued; and upon a showing of compelling public necessity demonstrated at
the noticed public hearing, the Town may add, amend, or delete conditions and
regulations contained in this permit. (CUP #11-95)
4. This permit does not authorize the applicant to intensify the authorized activity beyond
that which is specifically described in this permit. (CUP #11-95)
5. This Use Permit shall be issued in the name above and the life of this Permit shall ran
with the life of the ownership of the property or until it is amended or cancelled.
(Property designated as parcel # A&4, 14.96 acres.) (CUP #8022-77)
6. The number of horses to be kept or maintained at this facility shall not exceed 54.
7. Any proposed new buildings or structures shall require an amendment to this Use Permit.
(CUP #8022-77)
S. There shall be twenty-four (24) hour supervision of said premises by a competent
attendant who is knowledgeable about horse care and authorized to see that the
conditions of this Use Permit are met. (CUP #8022-77)
9. A business License shall be required and shall be renewed annually on January 1", as
long as all conditions of this Use Permit have been met. (Amount of fee is specified by
Section 3-1.209 of LAE Municipal Code.) (CUP #8022-77)
10. Staff, Planning Commission and City Council shall conduct an annual review of this
Permit to assure compliance with conditions and all conditions shall be subject to
amendments and/or additional conditions as deemed necessary by the City Council.
(CUP #8022-77)
11. All requirements of the Santa Clara County Health Dept. shall be met:
(DRAFr) Westwind Baru C.U.P Conditions of Approval
January 27, 2005
-2-
a. Drainage from stables, corrals, pens, hams, etc... must not enter a natural
watercourse.
b. Animal quarters must be swept clean, sprayed and otherwise kept in a
sanitary manner so as to prevent unnecessary odor, fly breeding and rodent
attraction.
12. Manure shall be disposed of regularly by spreading, collection in an appropriate bin or
removal from site. (CUP #8022-77)
13. All requirements of the Los Altos Fire Department shall be met as designated by the
office inspecting the facility. (CUP #8022-77)
14. There shall be no external lighting, other than that needed for safety and security. All
fixtures should be adequately shielded to prevent any nuisance to adjoining property
owners. (CUP #8022-77)
15. All driveways, parking areas, and horse riding areas shall be maintained in a manner
sufficient to control dust to a level compatible with adjoining uses. Except as otherwise
permitted by this use permit przovided in Genditien B.2, the cars of guests and visitors
shall at all times be parked on the property. (CUP #8022-77)
16. Public riding instructions may be given. This shall be under the supervision of qualified
instructors. (CUP #8022-77)
17. Parking of horse trailers limited to twenty-four (24) hours except for horse trailers not
exceeding six (6) at any time, belonging to lessee or its management. Parking of the horse
trailers shall be restricted to Lot 4. (CUP #8022-77)
18. Any horse breeding operations are to be conducted in an enclosed, discreetly located area
during normal working hours and in a safe manner. (CUP #8022-77)
19. The applicant shall maintain existing trees and shrubs for landscaping to mitigate the
visual impact from offsite. Such landscaping shall not interfere with buildings or the
program at the site. The condition of the trees and shrubs shall be evaluated every spring
and the replacement, as needed, to maintain the mitigation of off site view, shall occur by
June 1 of each year. (Amended by Planning Commission January 9th, 1985)
20. All equipment necessary for the operation of the stable shall be kept in good repair.
Equipment generating noise shall be subject to the Town's noise ordinance and a time
schedule approved by the town. (Amended by Planning Commission January 9`h, 1985)
21. There shall be no more than five (5) horse shows per year, to be held between 9:00 A.M.
and 5:00 P.M. A schedule of these shows and other scheduled events must be filed with
the Town, in writing, at least seventy-two (72) hours prior to an event. Street and/or
(DRAFT) Westwind Bun C.U.P Conditions of Approval
January 27, 2005
-3-
driveway parking will be allowed at the discretion of Town staff. When there is parking
in the streets or driveway, parking attendants as requested by Staff will he present.
(Amended by Planning Commission January 9t", 1985)
22. Use of a public address system shall be limited to the permitted horse shows and for other
special events with prior City Council approval, and used in such a manner as not to be a
nuisance to the adjacent property owners. (Amended by Planning Commission January
9t°, 1985)
ENGINEERING:
23. Any, and all, changes to the existing grading and drainage plan shall first be approved by
the Engineering Department. No grading shall take place during the grading moratorium
between November 1 and April 1 except with prior approval from the City Engineer. No
grading shall take place within ten feet of any property line. (CUP #11-95)
Attachment III
SITE MAP
Lands of Los Altos Hills (Westwind Barn)
27210 Altamont Road
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AC PCL2 I" = 200
PC41 ,'1 LIO AC NET
!4PCL B Westwind �.'
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uirc�nxe Zj\ �p�' Upper Hillside Area Q1
43 `.r ' of the Feeding Pasture
1.90 AC 37 39
6
+A6 er IMA =NE TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
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PCL. A
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23
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ATTACHMENT \/
WESTWIND COMMUNITY BARN
27210 Altamont Road, Los Altos, California 94022
Telephone(650) 941-6113
wwwwcstwlndbam rom
November 26, 2004
City Of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills CA 94022
Attention: Mr. Carl Cahill, Planning Director
RE: File #39 -02 -CUP
27210 Altamont Road
Conditional Use Permit Renewal
Dear Mr. Cahill, .
This is to request renewal of the above CUP.
As far as we know, we are in compliance with all of the requirements of the CUP except
as follows:
# 2. We have fenced the referenced area so that the horses can no longer go there, as
required. However, although we have made a sincere effort for the last two years to
make grass and/or wildflowers grow there, our work has resulted in growing only an
occasional California Poppy . The reason is, the ground is so bud that the seeds cannot
put down roots. If the ground is that hard, we do not believe there will be any further
erosion as long as we keep the horses off of it.
This is to request that provision #2 of our use permit be dropped.
46 In Accordance with our Lease Renewal this year, the Town's Parks and Recreation
Dept is allowed to build paddocks for and maintain four horses at Westwind Barn. Thus
the number of horses allowed at Westwind needs to be raised to 54.
We appreciate the help and cooperation of the planning department, the engineering
department, and the maintenance departments of the City of Los Altos Hills without
whose cooperation it would be much more difficult to run a successful operation at
Westwind Bam.
Sincerely,
Dan Alexander
President