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HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeptember 12Los Altos Hills Environmental Design and Protection Committee Town Hall Kitchen FINAL Minutes of Regular Meeting – September 12, 2017 Members Present: Peter Brown, Nancy Couperus, Carol Gottlieb (chair), Pat Ley, Mary Ann Malcolm, Rajiv Patel, Ed Smith Members and Associates Absent: Member Wai Lee Wong, Associate Member Neela Shukla Council Liaison Present: Michelle Wu Members of Public Present: Amia Ahsan, Joe Burcos, Kjell Karlsson, Rosy Ko, Pat Lang, Jeff Peterson 1. Call to Order Carol Gottlieb called the meeting to order at 5:35 pm. 2. Natoma Subdivision Presentation by Rosy Ko and Jeff Peterson Rosy Ko reviewed the new landscape master plan that was presented to members of the Planning Commission at their Thursday, September 9th meeting. According to the developer’s landscape architect, the new plan locates lot sites, provides views and open space beyond what has previously been proposed. The underlying features are landscape zones –contiguous meadow and chaparral zones with no front and lot- line fencing. Fences would be only permitted in garden zones (private yard development, such as decking, ornamental plantings, pools, etc.). Cross fencing will be allowed, but there was no mention of where this could occur. The master landscape plan has two parts – a map and text. Architectural design of homes will not be dictated but the goal is home types that will be “light on the land.” Jeff Peterson stated that the developer plans to build most of the homes. Enforcement will occur through “conditions of approval”, a set of CC&Rs and a Homeowners Association I(HOA). The Planning Commission has asked the developer to work out restrictions with staff. The proposed subdivision will come back to the Planning Commission in November. Questions from EDPC members: Carol asked about lot lines – how property owners would know their location. Jeff Peterson explained that this would be accomplished through a corner survey – steel stakes driven into the ground at measured corners. Rajiv asked about structures in the meadow and chaparral area. The developer stated that this would not be allowed. Jeff Peterson stated at the conclusion that the major difference was the 30- foot easement requested by the EDPC. The 15- foot easement remains in their proposal. Jeff questioned the road alignment claiming that the Clement’s road alignment removed just as many trees. Carol suggested moving the road further down to avoid the grove of trees. Jeff indicated that there may be a re-adjustment of the road. Carol summarized by stating that the EDPC has made recommendations on the proposed development and that those recommendations remain the current position of the EDPC. Until the Committee understands more about how the landscape zones can be enforced, no changes to the recommendations can be made. The Committee was agreement. When more informa- tion from staff is available, a special meeting will be called, if necessary. 3. Committee Dates of Interest & Assignments Committee: Tuesday, October 10, 2017 @ 5:30 pm Council: Sept. 21,2017 @ 6 pm and October 19 @ 6 pm Planning Commission: October 5, 2017 @ 7 pm Field Trips: September 22, 2017 Fast Track/Site Development Meetings: Tuesdays, Sept. 19 (Ed), September 26 (Nancy), October 3 (Pat), October 10 (Mary Ann) 4. Old Business Tree Ordinance: Councilmember Michelle Wu reported that Neal Mielke had sent a letter to Council outlining concerns about the proposed tree ordinance. Subdivision Ordinance: The final draft will go to the Planning Commission on October 5th. Metal Roof Sub-Committee: Work is continuing on this proposal. Revision to Field Trip Review Sheets: The benefits of the new forms were discussed and a motion to accept the forms was made by Nancy, seconded by Rajiv, and approved unanimously by the Committee members. 5. New Business The minutes of the August 9, 2017 were approved unanimously. Landscape Planting Pamphlet Update and Review: EDPC member Peter Brown has taken on this project. Peter has reviewed the 1999 Landscape Recommendations Guide. While this publication is excellent, according to Peter, it needs to be updated. There are other Town documents that Peter would like to incorporate – pulling them together into one place. He also recommended adding an Executive Summary. Other related topics, such as a list of drought- tolerant plants, plants that deer avoid, invasives, etc. would make the document more useful. Peter would like to reference other Town documents that have a relationship to landscaping as well (for example, SOD). The Committee commended Peter for taking this project on. Review of Field Trips August 11, 2017 3-lot Subdivision (10800, 10880, 10888 Magdalena Road) (screening between two of the houses recommended) August 25, 2017 26355 Esperanza (recommending no trees in artificial turf area) 12857 La Cresta Drive (upper deck lighting a concern; possible slope easement) 26727 Taaffe Road (recommending reduction of number of replacement oak trees ) Review of Fast Track/Site Development Meetings August 15, 2017 27001 Appaloosa Way (no problems noted) September 5, 2017 25700 Deerfield Drive (no problems noted) September 12, 2017 26860 Robleda Court (swimming pool and lawn already in) Meeting Adjourned at 7:30 pm Nancy Couperus