01/30/1985 - Laserfiche WebLink

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CITY COUNCIL M NWES - January 30, 1985 B. STUDY SESSION ON TOWN'S PI.AMING REVIEW (continued): that the representatives from Environmental Design, Parks & Recreation and Pathways Committees be specifically named in the ordinance as advisory members of the Site Development Committee and Commissioner Siegel suggested that these representatives be named as alternates in the event the Connissimers could not attend the meeting. Concerning the formation of these two ccan ittees, it was discussed if two ommittees were necessary. If staff would be handling the minor site develop- ment issues, perhaps these matters could be handled as routine atninistrative setters rather than involving the formation of another coumittee which could prove to be confusing. Commissioner Yanez suggested that staff present a list to the Planning Co mission of those iters for which they would want discretionary powers. PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To provide for a site development conmmittee to review major site development applications, rather than the recarzrerded formation of two committees. Cammissioner Lachenbruch noted the inportance of having a structured ordinance before then from which to make changes and it was noted that the Planning Consultant would be resubmitting another draft ordinance for review. Ccamissioner Lachenbruch commented on what he considered to be guidelines for architectural review:. 1) to minimize the impact of development on the natural zemaA gw#j!tj f 2) to avoid unnecessary obstruction of view; and 3) to preserve the rural quality where possible. In line with this, Mayor Pro Ten Dronkert suggested the name C be changed from 'architectural' review to 'design' review. *environment (Ab WED BY fir' OXNCIL 2/6/85) Commissioner Lachenbruch further commented that an overall clarification of language in the ordinance was needed. Por example, the definition of site development should include structures. Also the issue of driveways needed to be addressed, i.e., definition, use, etc. Mayor Pm Ten Dronkert concurred that the discrepancies in the draft ordinance should be corrected by the Planning Consultant. Mayor Allison stated that all references in the draft ordinance to 'should' shall be changed to 'shall'. Mayor Pro Tem Dronkert expressed concern over 'quantifying' landscaping, par- ticularly in view of the unique lots in Los Altos Hills and the visual immgaacts from a variety of angles, other members of the study group expressed concern over the enforcement of landscaping. Commissioner Struthers particularly noted 'spec' houses which often had landscaping plans approved, as submitted by the developer, but which were not oampleted by the future owners. Regarding Section 9-3.403 in the draft ordinance concerning limitations on grading operations, the phrase ' not to occur during rainy season' should be clearly defined in the ordinance. The logistics of administratively working this limitation out also needed to be addressed, i.e., when world the permit become effective, extension of time due to weather, etc. Ken Pastrof, 13015 Robleda, commented that these really were not any more 'spec' houses in Los Altos Hills. Unlike the past, developers now had buyers for their homes and the landscaping plans being presented at Site Development reflected `. what the buyers wnated for their homes. Mr. Pastmf also noted that it might be worthwhile to contact other cities for imfoxmation on administratively dealing with limitations on grading. -2-