HomeMy WebLinkAboutApril 11OSC FINAL_Minutes_19-0411.docx 1/7/19 1
Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee
Los Altos Hills Parks and Recreation Building
FINAL Minutes of Regular Meeting April 11, 2019
Members and Associates Present: Peter Brown, George Clifford, Richard Contreras, Nancy Couperus, Kit
Gordon, Jean Struthers, Wendie Ward, Sue Welch (Members); Karen Lemes, Alice Sakamoto, Sharen Schoendorf
(Associates)
Members and Associates Absent: Kjell Karlsson (Associate)
Council Liaison Present: None
Member of Public Present: None
1. Call to Order and Approval of Minutes
A. Roll Call. KG called the meeting to order at 9:05 am.
B. Acceptance of Meeting Minutes. Minutes of the March 14, 2019 OSC meeting were approved without
amendments. PB moved, KG seconded, and the vote was 6 in favor, with GC and NC abstaining (not
present at that meeting).
C. Announcements.
i. Earth Day. This annual event will be held a week early this year on Sunday Apr 14, 2019 at WWCB.
OSC will not have a table. Grassroots Ecology will host a guided tour of their restoration work in
Byrne Preserve.
ii. 11th Annual SOD BLITZ. SW distributed a flyer about this year’s SOD BLITZ, UC Berkeley’s annual
event for testing and mapping Sudden Oak Death (Attachment A). The joint training session meeting
for LAH, Portola Valley, Woodside, Atherton, and Redwood City will be held 10–11 am Saturday
May 18, 2019 at the Portola Valley Town Center, 765 Portola Road in Portola Valley.
2. Planning
A. Planning Site reviews.
ii. 12835 Deer Creek Lane. (RC; Lands of Vinod; APN 175-43-052; SD19-0015). RC presented
information and draft recommendations (Attachment B). Reason for OSC review is a landscape
screening plan. The house has already been built, but OSC did not have an opportunity to review the
plans. The lot has significantly sloped areas and evidence of frequent deer traffic. Developers are also
requesting to install a pool on the front slope. Following committee discussion, KG moved that the
Town require the developers to dedicate a 20-foot wide open space easement along the full length
of the northwestern border extending from the street to the back of the lot. WW seconded and
the vote was unanimously in favor (PB, GC, RC, NC, KG, JS, WW, SW).
iii. 12355Stonebrook Drive. (GC, RC; Lands of “DD Stonebroke Drive LLC”; APN 336-28-003, SD19-
0016). RC presented information and draft recommendations (Attachment C). Reason for OSC review
is a new residence. The lot, located across El Monte from Foothill College, is relatively flat at the top
where the current house is located, and slopes down steeply to El Monte Road in the rear. The slope
below the 110-ft contour line exceeds 50% and has a number of Heritage oaks. Following committee
discussion, RC moved the Town require the developers to dedicate an open space easement on
the steep slope extending from the 110-foot contour line down to El Monte Road. This area has a
slope >50% and a number of mature oaks. It was also recommended to retain oak #37. SW
seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor (PB, GC, RC, NC, KG, JS, WW, SW).
iii. 10728 and 10758 Mora Drive. (JC, KG; Lands of Linebarger; APNs 331-15-061 and 331-15-062;
CDP19-0001and CDP19-0002). KG presented information and draft recommendations (Attachment D
& E). Reason for OSC review of both lots is construction of a new residence with a bunker. Both lots
are substandard (about 0.3 acre and 60–65-ft wide). Both have oaks and slope down steeply from the
street to a tributary of Loyola Creek that runs along the eastern border. Not all oaks are shown on the
plans. The geology report indicates the lower part of the lots are within the Berrocal Fault Rupture
Zone. OSC reviewed earlier plans for these lots when they were presented two years ago and
recommended at that time that the Town require the developer to dedicate an open space easement
over the steep (50-60%) slope in the rear of the property. Following committee discussion, SW moved
OSC accept the recommendations as written in the Site Review Report:
OSC FINAL_Minutes_19-0411.docx 1/7/19 2
1) Mark all oak trees along the southern border of 10728 Mora Drive.
2) Dedicate an open space easement in areas west of the proposed building site as per the
Town’s Land Use Policy 2.5, and as shown on the property plans.
3) Remove wire fence along property line and creek within proposed open space easement.
4) Reduce invasive weeds: milk thistle, oxalis, Italian thistle.
PB seconded and the vote was unanimously in favor (PB, GC, RC, NC, KG, JS, WW, SW).
B. Fence Permit reviews. None
3. New Business
A. Recruitment of new OSC members. OSC currently has only 8 members (maximum = 10) and GC will
term out in May, 2019. Associates and members are encouraged to identify interested new participants. It
was also suggested to make Council aware (e.g., by showing examples of site review reports) of the work
OSC does to assist the Town planning staff, who do not always have time to research conservation-related
issues.
B. EDPC statement on wildlife corridors. PB distributed a draft of a document EDPC is preparing to support
a change to the LAH fence ordinance that will provide the Town a firm legal basis for preventing
obstruction of active wildlife movement routes (Attachment F). Residents in the La Paloma area
requested this from EDPC in response to a recent Council decision to allow fencing to block an active
wildlife corridor in their neighborhood. The wildlife corridor map the Town commissioned from Live
Oak Associates in 2005 was never formally adopted by the Town. EDPC will present the final document
to the Planning Commission for their comment and consideration. OSC discussed the draft and suggested
edits, including addition of a requirement for review by EDPC and OS; assessing wildlife movement
routes at the time of site development, rather than at landscaping; emphasizing the importance of
providing connectivity and keeping wildlife off roadways; recommending corridor width on a case-by-
case basis, and referral to the Saratoga fence ordinance, which prohibits obstruction of wildlife corridors.
4. Continuing Business
A. Stinkwort management and other invasive plants. OSC will post an oxalis flyer on Nextdoor to encourage
residents to remove this invasive pest.
B. Updates for City Council and Planning Commission meetings, Site Development meetings, Committee
meetings. See above.
C. Review Future Topics for 2019 OSC Planning. Deferred.
D. Sign-up for FastTrack/Site Development meetings. Meetings are held most Tuesdays from 10 – 11 am.
5. Open Discussion and Communications from the Floor. None
6. Adjournment. Meeting was adjourned at 11:00 am.
Next Regular Meeting: Thursday, May 9, 2019
9:00 AM at LAH Parks and Recreation Building
Attachment A: SOD BLITZ Flyer
Attachment B: OSC review for 2835 Deer Creek Lane
Attachment C: OSC site review for fence at 12355 Stonebrook Drive
Attachment D: OSC site review for fence at 10728 Mora Drive
Attachment E: OSC site review for fence at 10758 Mora Drive
Attachment F: EDPC Draft Statement on Wildlife Movement Routes
The final minutes were approved with amendments (red) at the Special Open Space Meeting of April 16, 2019.
2019 Sudden Oak Death Blitzes
• Monitor disease spread in a rainy year
• Be on the lookout for new dangerous strains
• Test oaks for SOD thanks to OakSTeP
Californians do things differently. When the devastating forest disease known as Sudden
Oak Death (aka SOD) became established across much of the coastal forests of Northern
California, local residents together with environmental leaders and U.C Berkeley scientists
decided to close ranks and fight back. They started what has become one of the oldest tree
health Citizen Science program in the world: the SOD Blitzes.
Over 500 citizens each year volunteer their time to survey their local neighborhoods for the
presence of SOD, and results are made public in real time on www.sodmap.org and
SODmap mobile, two of the largest databases on distribution of a forest disease ever
created by man. Thanks to this knowledge, most Californians will be informed on how close
SOD is to their oaks and determine whether it is time to protect them.
This year, local volunteer-lead surveys will be organized throughout the State starting on
March 30th (Marin County) and ending in Northern Humboldt County on June 15th. Go to
www.sodblitz.org for a list of dates and venues. Participation in a SOD blitz is 100% free,
but requires attendance of a 1-hour training meeting.
SOD spreads with rainfall, so this wet year may be yet another critical one for
California forests, but there are several other new reasons to attend the 2019 Blitzes.
SOD Blitzes traditionally focus on collections of California bay laurel and tanoak leaves,
since these are responsible for most, if not all, the spread of SOD. This year we will lunch
the program OakSTep (Oak Sod Testing Program www.oakstep.org ) that will allow
licensed arborists, preserve managers, and qualified government employees to team up
with U.C. Berkeley to test oaks for SOD infection.
Registration to OakSTep will be available at each SOD Blitz training, and within a couple of
weeks you could have a precise diagnosis of possible SOD infection in oaks. In addition to
OakSTeP, all samples collected by volunteers will be tested to ensure the new and
aggressive EU1 strain of the pathogen found in Oregon has not arrived in California.
Finally, if you are thinking of doing something or you have done something to control SOD
in the past, we will have a questionnaire and some important information and tips for you
at the trainings. So 2019 offers many reasons to come to the BLITZes… and remember SOD
BLITZES provide an opportunity to stroll through the marvelous California landscape with
the entire family.
Peninsula SOD BLITZ:
Portola Valley, Woodside, Atherton, Redwood City, Los Altos Hills
Saturday May 18, 2019. 10 –11 am
Portola Valley Town Center
765 Portola Road
To: Los Altos Hills Planning Department
From: Open Space Committee
Date: 11 April 2019
Property address: 12385 Deer Creek Lane
Date of Site Visit: 5 April 2019
Reason for review :
Landscape Sreening
Background:
A new house is nearly finished, some grading and a retaining wall is needed for the pool.
Fig 1. Areal view. Arrow shows property under construction.
Lands of Vinod APN 175-43-052
Town
Planner
Jeremy Loh Project
Number
SD19-0015
! 1
OSC Site Review 12385 Deer Creek Lane Thursday, April 11, 2019
Fig 2. Looking back up at house
Fig 3. Looking back from above proposed retaining wall toward proposed pool area
! 2
OSC Site Review 12385 Deer Creek Lane Thursday, April 11, 2019
Fig 4. Plans
! 3
OSC Site Review 12385 Deer Creek Lane Thursday, April 11, 2019
OSC Preliminary Recommendation for this Property
Excepting the pool the whole property has been developed - it seems too late for OSC to have any
meaningful input ?
Final OSC recommendation
In order to facilitate movement of deer and other wildlife an Open Space Easement 20 feet
wide along the west edge of the property (as marked below). Voting all present in favor
(NC, GC, RC, WW, JS, SW, PB, KG).
! 4
OSC Site Review 12385 Deer Creek Lane Thursday, April 11, 2019
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
SLOPE AND SOIL
Average slope of lot _
Areas with slope ≥30%? YES
Check slope/LUF worksheet on subdivisions
If applicable, Review Geologic Hazard Report,
(For more information see Slope and Soil in Appendix)
CREEKS
None
TREES, NATIVE VEGETATION & INVASIVE PLANTS
Heritage oaks? No
Significant trees? No
Trees proposed for removal (number and species)? No
Significant native vegetation? No
Significant invasive pest plant vegetation? No
(For more information see Trees, Native Vegetation & Invasive Plants in Appendix)
WILDLIFE CORRIDORS & FENCING
No wildlife corridors noticed
! 5
OSC Site Review 12385 Deer Creek Lane Thursday, April 11, 2019
OPEN SPACE EASEMENTS (OSE)/CONSERVATION EASEMENTS (CE)
Check Town records for existing CE or OSE on this property and adjacent and nearby parcels.
Still to be done
Identify on plans and attach copy (photo) of areas where OSE are recommended (slope ≥30%,
significant trees, wildlife corridor, creeks, drainage swales)
(For more information see Open Space/Conservation Easements, in Appendix)
PATHWAY EASEMENTS (PE)
Check Town records for existing or newly proposed PE on this property or adjacent and nearby
parcels.
FOLLOW-UP
Send final copy to OSC Chair & Secretary
Upload to TraKit ?
Add address to list of easements to track on OSC agenda
! 6
OSC Site Review 12385 Deer Creek Lane Thursday, April 11, 2019
To: Los Altos Hills Planning Department
From: Open Space Committee
Date: 11 April 2019
Property address: 12835
Date of Site Visit: 9 April 2019
Reason for review :
New Residence
Background:
An existing house is being removed and new residence built.
Fig 1. Areal view
Property is between Oneonta Drive and Stonebrook Court allow the address is Stonebrook Drive, it
comprises a flat area with steep slopes down to El Monte Drive. There are several heritage oaks.
Lands of APN 336-28-003
Town
Planner
Jeremy Loh Project
Number
SD19-0016
! 1
OSC Site Review 12355 Stonebrook Drive Thursday, April 11, 2019
Fig 2 Existing house with some of the heritage oaks shown.
Fig 3. Oak tree 41 fallen down since plans drawn up
! 2
OSC Site Review 12355 Stonebrook Drive Thursday, April 11, 2019
Fig 4. Plans showing old house, new house and trees
! 3
OSC Site Review 12355 Stonebrook Drive Thursday, April 11, 2019
OSC Preliminary Recommendation for this Property
Explicitly state which oaks are to be removed (and minimize the number).
Put steep area (below approximately the 410 foot contour into an open space easement).
Final OSC recommendation
Accept preliminary recommendation: land below contour 410 feet (marked in red at each
end in plans below), to be put into open space easement. Minimize the number of oaks to be
removed. Voting all present in favor. (NC, GC, RC, WW, JS, SW, PB, KG).
! 4
OSC Site Review 12355 Stonebrook Drive Thursday, April 11, 2019
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
SLOPE AND SOIL
Average slope of lot _
Areas with slope ≥30%? YES
Check slope/LUF worksheet on subdivisions
If applicable, Review Geologic Hazard Report,
(For more information see Slope and Soil in Appendix)
CREEKS
None
TREES, NATIVE VEGETATION & INVASIVE PLANTS
Heritage oaks? Yes
Significant trees? Yes
Trees proposed for removal (number and species)? Yes, some heritage oaks
Significant native vegetation? No
Significant invasive pest plant vegetation? Plenty of oxalis
(For more information see Trees, Native Vegetation & Invasive Plants in Appendix)
WILDLIFE CORRIDORS & FENCING
No wildlife corridors noticed
OPEN SPACE EASEMENTS (OSE)/CONSERVATION EASEMENTS (CE)
Check Town records for existing CE or OSE on this property and adjacent and nearby parcels.
Still to be done
Identify on plans and attach copy (photo) of areas where OSE are recommended (slope ≥30%,
significant trees, wildlife corridor, creeks, drainage swales)
(For more information see Open Space/Conservation Easements, in Appendix)
PATHWAY EASEMENTS (PE)
Check Town records for existing or newly proposed PE on this property or adjacent and nearby
parcels.
! 5
OSC Site Review 12355 Stonebrook Drive Thursday, April 11, 2019
FOLLOW-UP
Send final copy to OSC Chair & Secretary
Upload to TraKit ?
Add address to list of easements to track on OSC agenda
! 6
OSC Site Review 12355 Stonebrook Drive Thursday, April 11, 2019
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 1
To: Los Altos Hills Planning Department
From: Open Space Committee
Date: April 11, 2019
Property address: 10728 & 10758 Mora Drive
Date of Site Visit: April 5, 2019
Lands of Linebarger APN 331-15-061
Town
Planner
Steve Padovan Project
Number
CDP19-0001 (10728)
Lot 1 Slope LUF DA (sqft) FA (sqft) Earthworks
16,311 sqft ~18% <0.25 4998 2484 1358 CY
Lands of Linebarger APN 331-15-062
Town
Planner
Steve Padovan Project
Number
CDP19-0002 (10758)
Lot 3 Slope LUF DA (sqft) FA (sqft) Earthworks
17,336 sqft ~20% <0.25 4643 2262 1755 CY
Reason for review
New Residence with bunker
BACKGROUND
These properties were reviewed in March 2017 by the Open Space Committee. At that time, the
committee recommended an open space easement on the lower eastern steep portion of the lots
with slopes >30% and a riparian setback from Loyola Creek at the eastern border. Both new
property plans show an open space easement in the recommended areas.
PROPERTY SUMMARY
The sites are narrow, bookend slots cut from an existing larger parcel that was subdivided. Both
sites are substandard lot size. The properties slope down from Mora Drive to Loyola Creek with
increasing slope and tree density toward the creek. The slope for most of the property is 10-20%
but increases to 50-60% toward the creek (eastern border). Geologist reports show that the
lower elevations are within Berrocal Fault Rupture Zone. Several mature Live Oaks exist on the
property. A few oak trees are not marked on the plan of 10728 Mora Drive.
OSC FINAL RECOMMENDATION
1. Mark all oak trees along the southern border of 10728 Mora Drive.
2. Dedicate an open space easement in areas west the proposed building site as per the
Town’s Land Use Policy 2.5, and as shown on the property plans.
3. Remove wire fence along property line and creek within proposed open space easement.
4. Reduce invasive weeds: milk thistle, oxalis, Italian thistle
Date of OSC review: April 11, 2019
Voting of review: Unanimously in favor (NC, GC, WW, JS, SW, RC, PB, KG)
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 2
Proposed Open Space Easement area, as shown on plans.
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 3
Increasing slope and tree density as property slopes down to Loyola Creek.
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 4
CREEK
Wire fence along creek and along property line in open space easement.
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 5
Evidence of wildlife
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 6
Oak tree that is not shown on plan (10728)
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 7
Oak tree that is not shown on plan (10728)
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 8
Several invasive weeds including milk thistle (pictured), oxalis and Italian thistle.
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 9
SUPPORTING INFORMATION
SLOPE AND SOIL
Average slope of lot ~20%
Areas with slope ≥30%? Yes
Check slope/LUF worksheet on subdivisions na
If applicable, Review Geologic Hazard Report,
(For more information see Slope and Soil in Appendix)
CREEKS
Creeks or waterways or swale on parcel? Eastern border
Name of creek/tributary of: Loyola Creek (Hale Watershed)
Shown on USGS map? Yes SCVWD creek map? Yes LAH Hazard Map? EcoAtlas? Yes
Condition of banks? eroded
Existing riparian or OSE or SCVWD easement along creek on this property or nearby parcels?
Unk
Does SCVWD want to expand their easement?
Proposed setbacks for structures? 25 feet
Evidence of bed, banks, or Original High Water Mark (OHWM)? Yes
Identify any structures including fences within 25 feet of top of bank?
Within OHWM?
For more information see Creeks in Appendix.
TREES, NATIVE VEGETATION & INVASIVE PLANTS
Heritage oaks? Yes, live oaks
Significant trees? Groves of significant trees? Yes
Trees proposed for removal (number and species)? 2 Pine trees
Significant native vegetation? Yes,
Significant invasive pest plant vegetation? Yes, oxalis, Italian thistle
For more information see Trees, Native Vegetation & Invasive Plants in Appendix.
WILDLIFE CORRIDORS & FENCING
Check 2006 Live Oak Associates map (not official)
Evidence of wildlife (e.g., deer trails, spoor)? Yes, wildlife trails noted
Identify location and type of existing fencing: wire fence around perimeter, including along
the creek and areas within open space easement
Check that fencing on plans agrees with fencing on the ground
Note any fence that does not meet current fencing regulations
(For more information see Wildlife Corridors and Fencing in Appendix)
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 10
OPEN SPACE EASEMENTS (OSE)/CONSERVATION EASEMENTS (CE)
Check Town records for existing CE or OSE on this property and adjacent and nearby parcels.
Still investigating.
Identify on plans and attach copy (photo) of areas where OSE are recommended (slope ≥30%,
significant trees, wildlife corridor, creeks, drainage swales)
(For more information see Open Space/Conservation Easements, in Appendix)
PATHWAY EASEMENTS (PE)
Check Town records for existing or newly proposed PE on this property or adjacent and nearby
parcels. None
FOLLOW-UP
Send final copy to OSC Chair & Secretary
Upload to TraKit ?
Add address to list of easements to track on OSC agenda
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 11
Appendix
Slope and soil
Check for colluvial soil, earthquake faults, springs, seeps, shallow groundwater.
Safety Policy 1.1 Open space easements, zoning and other land use regulations shall be
used to limit and, in some cases, prohibit development in areas of unstable terrain, active
fault traces, water channels, flood plains, excessively steep slopes and other areas
determined to be hazardous to public welfare and safety.
Safety Policy 2.2 Locate development so as to avoid geologic hazards, including slope
instability, to the maximum extent feasible.
Land Use Policy 2.5 Steep slopes, canyons and ravines generally in excess of 30%
slope, as well as natural swales and drainage channels, and geologic hazard areas within
areas designated for residential development shall be left undisturbed and preserved in
their natural condition to the maximum extent feasible.
Land Use Policy 2.6 Limits on the development of individual residential lots shall be
determined based on evaluation of such factors as natural vegetation, topographic
characteristics, soils and geology.
Creeks
Area within the OHWM are regulated as Waters of the United States and protected by the Clean
Water Act. Any development, vegetation removal, or stream bank modifications within this area
may require permits from regulatory agencies: US Army Corps of Engineers, CA Dept of Fish and
Wildlife, Regional Water Quality Control Board.
Source: US Army Corps of Engineers
Safety Policy 3.1: Leave natural channels and flood plains in a natural state,
unencumbered by development to the maximum extent feasible.
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 12
Conservation Policy 5.1: Keep or restore major drainage courses in their natural
condition insofar as possible because of their importance in supplying major vegetation,
land forms and wildlife habitat, and storm drainage.
Conservation Policy 1.3: Preserve the integrity of riparian corridors as unique and
environmentally sensitive resources.
Conservation Policy 3.1: Maintain and protect creeks and riparian corridors for
wildlife that use this resource for food, shelter, migration and breeding.
Conservation Policy 11.5: Ensure that development projects are designed to conserve
the natural slope, preserve existing native vegetation, limit invasive species, and conserve
natural drainage channels and swales.
Municipal Code 10-2.702 Siting.
(e) Creek Protection. Structures shall be set back a minimum of twenty-five (25) feet
from the top of bank of all creeks. Greater setbacks may be required along major creeks in
the Town; however, lesser setbacks may be allowed where approved by the Planning
Commission. Improvements required to all creeks shall be accomplished to appear natural
and to maintain the natural meandering course of the existing creek. Creeks and banks
shall be protected so as to remain in their natural state as much as possible. They should
not be disturbed by the building or grading process. No grading shall be allowed in creeks
or within the required setbacks from top of bank. Siting of structures shall be done with
safety as a primary concern. Safety concerns and preservation of riparian habitat are
required to be simultaneously addressed when designing development and required
improvements to creeks. (§ 15, Ord. 299, eff. December 11, 1985; §§ 6, 7, Ord. 370, eff. May
20, 1994; § 1, Ord. 504, eff. October 28, 2006)
Trees, Native Vegetation and Invasive Plants
Note in main body of form - major infestation of invasive weeds such as stinkwort, oxalis, Italian
thistle, purple starthistle, yellow starthistle, pampas grass, broom, teasel, giant reed (Arundo
donax), poison hemlock, etc.
Conservation Policy 2.2: Minimize disturbance of the natural terrain and vegetation.
Preserve and protect native and naturalized plants, with special attention to preservation
of unique, rare or endangered species and plant communities such as oak woodlands.
Conservation Policy 2.3: Preserve and protect Heritage Trees, including native oaks and
other significant trees, on public and private property.
Conservation Policy 11.5: Ensure that development projects are designed to conserve
the natural slope, preserve existing native vegetation, limit invasive species, and
conserve natural drainage channels and swales.
Conservation Program 2.5 Encourage the dedication of conservation/open space
easements or the public acquisition of areas that are rich in wildlife or of a fragile
ecological nature to ensure their protection
Open Space Policy 1.2: Protect and maintain those areas necessary to the integrity of
natural resources and processes, with special emphasis on, but not limited to, the
groundwater recharge and drainage system, open spaces vital for wildlife habitat,
open spaces suitable for agriculture, and other areas of major or unique ecological
significance.
Land Use Program 2.3 Encourage the preservation of existing trees, rock outcroppings,
ridgelines and other significant natural features
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 13
Municipal Code 10-2.702 Siting.
(f) Tree Preservation. Every feasible attempt should be made to preserve existing trees
except those trees identified in the Los Altos Hills Landscape Guidelines invasive plant
CA FOOD AND AGRICULTURAL CODE - FAC
DIVISION 4. PLANT QUARANTINE AND PEST CONTROL [5001 - 8808]
5401.
Any premises, plants, conveyances or things which are infected or infested with any pest,
or premises where any pest is found, are a public nuisance, and shall be prosecuted as
such in all actions and proceedings. All remedies which are given by law for the prevention
and abatement of a nuisance apply to such a public nuisance.
Wildlife Corridors and Fencing
Conservation Policy 2.7: Avoid the development of environmentally sensitive areas that
are rich in wildlife or of a fragile ecological nature, such as areas of rare or endangered
species of plants, or riparian areas.
Conservation Goal 3: Maintain and enhance the integrity of wildlife habitat.
Conservation Program 3.3: Assess the potential for development patterns to fragment
and isolate significant wildlife habitats.
Conservation Section 315: Planning for natural movement of wildlife can help avoid,
minimize and compensate for serious negative impacts on wildlife and humans. Areas
that link wildlife habitat have become vital because native animals such as deer, fox,
bobcat, and coyote are prevented by roads, fences, homes and other development from
moving freely as they once did.
Municipal Code 10-1.507 (d) Prohibited Fences, Walls, Gates, and Column Types. The
following fences are prohibited:
(1) Chain-link or cyclone fences, including any fence with bare lengths of wire stretched
between metal poles, with the exception of dark green, black, or brown vinyl-coated chain-
linked fences with matching vinyl-coated cross bars and caps.
(2) Barbed or razor wire fences, including any fence with attached barbs, sharp points,
or razors. Electric fences, including any fence designed to produce an electric shock,
except where necessary for animal husbandry operations.
(3) Any fence, wall, and/or gate that may cause harm to people, pets, and/or wildlife due
to points, spikes, or sharpened edges on the top or bottom part of the fence, wall structure
and/or gate.
(9) Open Space/Conservation Easement Perimeter Fences.
(i) Maximum height of open space/conservation easement perimeter fences: six (6) ft.
(ii) Minimum distance of lowest fence strand or rail from ground: twelve (12) inches
above grade.
(iii) Open space/conservation easement perimeter fences shall provide openings
sufficient to accommodate the free passage of wildlife through the easement. A split-rail
wood fence (see exhibit) or equivalent design shall be required. Where a pathway is
10842 West Loyola Drive 4/12/19 14
located within an open space/conservation easement, the perimeter fence shall be
required to have at least two (2) openings at least as wide as the width of the pathway
easement.
(10) Any fence crossing or intersecting an officially designated wildlife corridor shall
conform to the requirements specified above for an open space/conservation easement
perimeter fence.
Open Space/ Conservation Easements
Open Space Policy 1.1 Provide, during the development process, for the maximum
feasible preservation of open space in and adjoining the Town, with spaces ranging in size
from regional scale to small-scale open space on individual lots.
Open Space Policy 1.4: Preserve the natural beauty and minimize disturbance of the
natural terrain and vegetation.
Open Space Policy 1.7: To the extent possible, link open spaces together visually and
physically to form a system of open spaces.
Open Space Policy 1.8: Ensure that land uses and structures are compatible with the
general open space quality of the planning area.
Open Space Policy 2.6 New residential subdivisions shall provide open space for
recreation in order to meet their appropriate share of local recreation needs.
Attachment Open Space Committee Meeting April 11, 2019
DRAFT EDPC Memo [SEE UPDATE]
Proposing Changes to Fencing Ordinance to Accommodate Wildlife
In areas of the Town of Los Altos Hills which are not covered by (1) open space
easements, (2) conservation easements, or (3) riparian habitat requirements if a
property has wildlife migratory path providing movement of wildlife from
property to property, then the town shall require that the perimeter fencing
along the migratory path of such property
1) be set back no less than 5 feet
or
2) be permeable to wildlife movement (ex: split rail fencing)
or
3) provide an entrance and an exit for wildlife movement no less thatn 5 feet
wide