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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/26/2016Approved May 4, 2017 1 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 Minutes of a Special Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION Wednesday, October 26, 2016, 7:00 PM Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road ______________________________________________________________________________ CALL TO ORDER Chair Tankha called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. 1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Present: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Chair Tankha Absent: None Staff: Planning Director Suzanne Avila, Senior Planner Marni Moseley, City Clerk Deborah Padovan, Administrative Technician Frances Reed 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR No presentations from the floor. 3. PUBLIC HEARINGS Ex parte disclosures: Commissioner Couperus said he spoke with Carol Gottlieb. Commissioner Partridge said he spoke with Ann Duwe. Commissioner Mandle said she spoke with Ann Duwe, Eileen Gibbons, and Sue Welch. Chair Tankha said she met with Eileen Gibbons, Ann Duwe, Weegie Caughlan, and Bridget Morgan. 3.1 LANDS OF WALLER; 26105 ELENA ROAD: File 246-16-MISC; A request for a General Plan amendment to remove a path from the Master Path Map and to remove the existing native pathway on 26105 Elena Road. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15061(b)(3) (Staff: Marni Moseley) Senior Planner Marni Moseley presented the staff report. Approved May 4, 2017 2 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 The Commission asked questions of staff and received responses. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Applicant Jim Waller spoke in support of his request to remove the pathway along his rear and side property line. The Commission asked questions of Mr. Waller and received responses. Mrs. Waller spoke in support of the proposal. Linda Swan, Los Altos Hills, spoke against the proposal from the perspective of a horse owner. Teresa Baker, Los Altos Hills, spoke against the proposal in regards to traffic. Brook Eaton, Los Altos Hills, spoke in support of the proposal and suggested making improvements on the pathway on the side of the road to make it more accessible to horses. Alisa Bredo, Los Altos Hills, spoke against the proposal due to safety concerns for those who use the current path. Kathy Liccardo, Los Altos Hills, spoke against the proposal from the perspective of a resident with a similar property that has three surrounding pathways and as a horse owner. Ann Duwe, Los Altos Hills Pathways Committee Chair, spoke against the proposal. Chair Tankha asked for clarification on how the path is still relevant to rebut the applicants’ contention that the pathway is redundant. Ms. Duwe stated that pathways on three sides of a residence is not typical but the path preceded the construction of the home in this case. She said the Pathways Committee would try to avoid this situation when adding new pathways. Chair Tankha closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Couperus noted that the pathway is a fairly typical path that was built nearly forty years ago and said that whether it fell into disuse and is again being used is irrelevant. He stated that almost every pathway in town is to some extent redundant because it is not a binary value. He stated that a fence does not have to be wire mesh and eight feet tall and would prefer to see two rails Approved May 4, 2017 3 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 approximately four and a half feet high and planted with bushes. He finished by stating that this path is part of what makes Los Altos Hills what it is today. Commissioner Partridge stated that this is not a unique case and approving the request would require a change in the Town's policy. He agreed with the Open Space Committee's idea that the pathway transition further up Elena Road and only then could he support vacating this pathway. Commissioner Mandle agreed with Commissioners Couperus and Partridge. She stated her belief that this was a problem with the maintenance of the pathway as opposed to a problem with the pathway itself. She said if it was indeed cleared twenty-five feet wide, it was a mistake and should be reviewed by the town staff. She said she is in favor of leaving the pathway as it is and having the maintenance issues corrected. Commissioner Basiji noted that his wife is an equestrian and uses many similar paths where residents have installed fences to eliminate access to their properties. Based on previous arguments he finds it difficult to do away with this pathway. Chair Tankha agreed with her fellow Commissioners. She stated that children's safety is a matter of concern that can be mitigated with a fence and screening. Further, she did state her understanding for the inconvenience of having three pathways surrounding a single property. She said that the path is wider than a native path should be and would like to direct the staff to review it. Further, she said the Pathways Committee could be directed to find another linkage that could be made such that this property is encumbered by having pathways on all three sides. Chair Tankha re-opened the PUBLIC HEARING. Mr. Waller clarified that the roadside path that goes from Elena to Robleda is on the same side of the road and that whether you use the native path through his property or the roadside, you still need to cross in the same way and at the same point. Chair Tankha closed the PUBLIC HEARING. MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Mandle moved to recommend denial of 3.1 LANDS OF WALLER; 26105 ELENA ROAD: File 246- 16-MISC; A request for a General Plan amendment to remove a path from the Master Path Map and to remove the existing native pathway on 26105 Elena Road. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15061(b)(3) (Staff: Marni Moseley) The motion was seconded by Commissioner Couperus. Motion Carried 4-1: AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge Approved May 4, 2017 4 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 NOES: Chair Tankha ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 3.2 CONSIDERATION OF A GENERAL PLAN AMENDMENT TO UPDATE THE MASTER PATH MAP to add roadside and off-road pathways in areas that have been annexed to the Town since 2005 and to add pathway connections in the following areas: a. Storyhill Lane to Page Mill Road b. Zappetini Court to Central Drive c. Via Feliz to Maple Leaf Court d. Atherton Court to La Paloma Road e. East Sunset Drive to Dianne Drive f. Miraloma Way to Voorhees Drive g. Magdalena Road to Fernhill Drive File #238-15-Misc; CEQA Review: Categorical Exemption Per Section 15061(B)(3) (Staff: Suzanne Avila) Chair Tankha provided background information and stated that the discussion would be divided into two separate categories; areas annexed to the Town since 2005 and other unresolved areas. Planning Director Suzanne Avila presented the staff report. Staff was available for questions. Commissioner Partridge referenced attachment one and asked if the Commission is being requested to determine the side of the road a pathway should be placed and whether or not the Commission will be asked to make this determination every time. Director Avila said that Committee was asked to make recommendations on what side was more appropriate. Eileen Gibbons, Pathways Committee, said the map did not show the side of the road because the Council has not approved the working map. The Pathways Committee provided the Commission with their notes and summaries to show that the committee believes that a path can be built on every street in town, and to support proposed off road sections. She clarified that the Commission is not being asked to adopt a map that shows the side of the road a path would be located on at this time. Commissioner Couperus asked for clarification on what areas were annexed. Director Avila referenced attachment one that lists the newly annexed areas and attachment two are the unresolved areas that are being reviewed. Ms. Gibbons stated that the area on Olive Tree Lane that goes down Stonebrook Drive was not recently annexed. Commissioner Couperus also inquired about the area from Rhus Approved May 4, 2017 5 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 Ridge Drive to La Loma Drive. Ms. Gibbons clarified that section was annexed prior to 2005. Commissioner Partridge asked about the procedure for steep properties. Director Avila explained that the path would be over the paved roadway. Chair Tankha asked whether there is a threshold at which the Town decides a path is too exorbitant a burden for the applicant to bear or is too expensive. Director Avila stated there is not but that staff is beginning to look into a policy for a construction cost fee cap. Chair Tankha asked whether the fee was reasonable compared to the cost of the path. Director Avila said the fee is on the fee schedule but this specific fee has not been updated recently. She stated that the Planning Department will confer with Public Works staff regarding pathway construction costs. Chair Tankha said she could not find criteria used to designate a particular path as an on-road pathway in the Town Municipal code. Director Avila explained that, in general, pathways are supposed to be on every road. Further, she stated that if a cul- de-sac is short enough, the Town does not require a pathway. Commissioner Mandle asked whether there was a criterion used to determine whether the pathway can be over the roadway. Director Avila stated it would be over the road if it was infeasible to construct a path based on topographic constraints and cost would be a factor. Commissioner Partridge inquired about private roads. Director Avila said in most cases a pathway easement would be required to allow access. Commissioner Couperus wanted to clarify that the map in question is a Planning Department document seen as a strategic plan of where we would like to have connectivity if everything went according to plan. Director Avila confirmed that was the case. Ann Duwe, Pathways Committee Chair, gave the Committee's report. Eileen Gibbons, Mapping Sub-Committee Chair, spoke in favor of the Master Path Map update. Commission asked questions of the Pathways Committee and received responses. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING for West Loyola Drive and Mora Drive. Doug Morgan, West Loyola Drive, spoke in opposition of the proposal for the areas within West Loyola Drive and Mora Drive. Bridget Morgan, West Loyola Drive, provided background on the Master Path Map and spoke against the proposed map. Approved May 4, 2017 6 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 Linda Leaver, West Loyola Drive, spoke against the proposed map as she believed a number of trees would be endangered. Bob Mitchell, West Loyola Drive, spoke against the proposed map. Alan Schatzberg, West Loyola Drive, expressed concern over cost and impact to the landscape and spoke against the proposed map. Doug Tsui, West Loyola Drive, said he supported on-road pathways but opposed the off-road pathways. Brook Eaton, West Sunset Drive, spoke against the proposed map. Karen Jost, Mora Drive, said that Mora Drive residents have not been properly noticed and should be given the opportunity to speak. She spoke against the proposed map. Hal Feeney, Mora Drive, spoke against the proposed map. Mary Jo Feeney, Mora Drive, spoke against the proposed map. Weegie Caughlan, West Loyola Drive, spoke against the off-road proposal. She stated that public access cannot be granted based on a court judgment. Catherine Clause, West Loyola Drive, spoke against the proposed map. Edward Crystal, Mora Drive, stated he disagreed with item 3.2 being solely a plan, he said it is consequential. He spoke against the proposed map. Vikram Jog, Eloise Circle, spoke against the proposed map and did not see the need for an on-road path on Eloise Circle. Nick Dunckel, Pathways Committee, spoke in favor of the proposed map. Brian Mahbod, Mora Drive, said that adding pathways will increase traffic on Mora Drive that already sees much activity due to the proximity of Rancho San Antonio Open Space. He spoke against the proposed map. Chair Tankha asked Eileen Gibbons, Pathways Committee, to respond to public comment. Ms. Gibbons stated that the Trail People Report intentionally did not consult with residents of newly annexed streets in attempt to remain unbiased. Several comparative pictures where shown on how non-disruptive new pathways would be and she explained that speeding is an issue in some newly annexed areas. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING for Ravensbury Avenue. Ed Seaman, Arroyo Oaks, spoke against the proposed map. Approved May 4, 2017 7 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 Allan Epstein, Ravensbury Avenue, referred to the Los Altos Hills Municipal Code and spoke against the proposed map. Suzanne Epstein, Ravensbury Avenue, stated that pathways along Ravensbury Avenue would encourage speeding and have a negative effect on parking. She spoke against the proposed map. Chair Tankha asked the Pathways Committee to respond to Ravensbury Avenue public comments. The Committee responded. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING for La Loma Drive. Weegie Caughlan, West Loyola Drive, spoke against the proposed map. Bridget Morgan, spoke on behalf of two property owners on La Loma Drive against the proposed map. She stated that off-road connection to Rhus Ridge Drive would not work because a portion of the proposed route is a private driveway. Chair Tankha asked the Pathways Committee to respond to La Loma Drive public comments. The committee responded. Kathy Evans, La Loma Drive, spoke in favor of the proposed pathway in her neighborhood. She said she would use this pathway and it would work along the property lines. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING for Olive Tree Lane. Diana Russell, Northcrest Lane, spoke against the proposed pathway in her neighborhood because of the steep and unstable terrain. Michael Gardner, Olive Tree Lane, spoke against the proposed map. Chair Tankha asked the Pathways Committee to respond to public comments. The Committee responded. Chair Tankha closed the PUBLIC HEARING. Commission discussion ensued. Commissioner Couperus noted that after hearing the staff and committee presentations as well as the public comments, the Commission is not ready to make recommendations to the City Council. He said he would like to see a more detailed map. Approved May 4, 2017 8 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 Commissioner Partridge said that the first issue that needs to be addressed is the feedback and concerns of residents of the newly annexed areas in regards to roadside pathways. Commissioner Mandle thanked the Pathways Committee for doing a great job in preparation, the residents that contributed their input, and stated that she would like the opportunity to walk the roads with the neighbors to get a better understanding of their opposition. She said that the Commission's job is to implement policy not to create policy. She would like the Council to confirm that the policy we have is the policy we use. She asked staff to ensure that the public noticing is consistent and thorough. She also agreed that the pathways system is a generational item. Commissioner Basiji was impressed by the public comments but would like to meet with residents of each area to gain a better understand of their concerns and attempt to come to a compromise. He would like to table the item until more information is gathered. Chair Tankha thanked everyone for attending and their participation. She stressed that the pathways are integral to the Town and serve a valuable purpose. She was impressed with the Pathways Committee's hard work. She said she sees no problem with agreeing with what the Pathways Committee is suggesting but the issues with the newly annexed areas need to be taken into account. She stated that traffic should be addressed by the Town staff to alleviate the concerns of the residents. She also expressed the need for a cost benefit analysis to find a threshold for a reasonable fee. She said that she believed this was an item more suitable for the Council. Chair Tankha opened the session for Master Path Map update for the unresolved areas. Eileen Gibbons and Ann Duwe, Los Altos Hills Pathways Committee, gave the presentation as it pertains to the unresolved areas. They stated that Magdalena Road to Fernhill Drive were inaccessible to the committee and are requesting that either the Commission or staff look into this route in more detail. Chair Tankha said that areas should be divided up for following meetings and should only discuss two or three areas at one time. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING for Story Hill Lane and Page Mill Lane. Lester Earnest, Dianne Drive, spoke in favor of the Pathways Committee's recommendations except for the proposed connection from Sunset Drive to Dianne Drive. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING for Zappettini Court to Central Drive. Approved May 4, 2017 9 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 Frank Dietrich, Zappettini Court, spoke in favor of the pathways system. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING for Via Feliz. Mimi Chang, Via Feliz, spoke against the proposed path. Tim Warner, Via Feliz, stated that he is a supporter of the pathways system, and a previous member of the Pathways Committee but spoke against the proposed path on Via Feliz. Lester Earnest, Dianne Drive, spoke in favor of the proposed path on Via Feliz. Andrew Chang, Via Feliz, spoke against the proposed map. Chair Tankha opened the PUBLIC HEARING for East Sunset Drive and Dianne Drive. Brook Eaton, West Sunset Drive, spoke in favor of the proposed pathway to Dianne Drive. Eileen Gibbons responded to the public comments. Commissioner Couperus said that safety is a big concern for Dianne Drive. Carol Gottlieb, Los Altos Hills, spoke in favor of the proposed map. Tina Patel, Voorhees Drive, spoke against the proposed path. Bill Owen, Voorhees Drive, spoke against the proposed path. Chair Tankha stated that the Magdalena Road to Fernhill Drive area did not have a proposed connection and asked the Pathways Committee to respond to public comments. Allan Epstein, Ravensbury Avenue, stated that the Magdalena Road pathway was on the notice but not on the map. He spoke against any future proposed pathway for this area. The Pathways Committee responded. Bridget Morgan, Eloise Circle, stated that several residents spoke against the Magdalena Road connection at the July Pathways Committee meeting. Daisy Eaton, Magdalena Road, spoke against any proposed pathway on Magdalena Road and Fernhill Drive. Chair Tankha closed all the PUBLIC HEARINGS. Approved May 4, 2017 10 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 Commission discussed ensued. Chair Tankha stated that item 3.2 consists of too much information for one meeting and should be divvied up into smaller sections to give everyone an opportunity to gather more information and give input in order to come to a solution that works well for all. Commissioner Mandle asked to be invited to Ravensbury Avenue so she can better understand the concerns of the neighborhood. Commissioner Basiji stated that there was significant valid input that was provided. He suggested giving that input back to the Pathways Committee to work on a second version of the proposal so that the Commission can make it actionable. Commissioner Partridge stated that before adopting the proposed pathway, it would be beneficial to walk them with a member of the Pathways Committee. He said he is concerned with pathways on steep roads and needed more information. Commissioner Couperus said he would like to take some action tonight but did not know what action could be taken. He stated that the Commission has sent recommendations regarding the recently annexed area to the Council twice before and did not know if a third recommendation would be effective. He stated that the other areas are more contentious and needs more clarification on the conflicting input. Commissioner Mandle said that there were two off-road pathways that the residents agreed with. She stated she would be more comfortable if she had seen them herself before taking action. Chair Tankha agreed. Commissioner Basiji said he felt the Pathways Committee should take the lead narrowing the list down to four or five definitively actionable items. Eileen Gibbons stated that the Pathways Committee believed the Commission was going to approve or deny the red lines on the current map for the unresolved areas. Commissioner Partridge stated that the newly annexed areas should be taken to Council. He said that due to the large amount of opposition, the Commission needs more guidance. Michael Gardner, Olive Tree Lane, commented on off-road pathways. Staff and Commission discussed walking the pathways Discussion ensued regarding Voorhees. Tina Patel, Voorhees Drive, provided additional information. Approved May 4, 2017 11 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 MOTION MADE AND SECONDED: Commissioner Partridge moved to postpone item 3.2. The motion was seconded by Chair Tankha. Motion Carried 5-0: AYES: Commissioner Basiji, Commissioner Couperus, Commissioner Mandle, Commissioner Partridge, Chair Tankha NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None 4. OLD BUSINESS 4.1 FAR/Substandard Lots Update (Staff: Suzanne Avila) Item will be continued to a future meeting. 5. NEW BUSINESS - None 6. REPORTS FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS 6.1 Planning Commission Representative for October 20 – Commissioner Mandle Commissioner Mandle reported on the October 20, 2016 City Council. 6.2 Planning Commission Representative for November 17 – Commissioner Basiji 6.3 Planning Commission Representative for December 15 – Commissioner Partridge 6.4 Planning Commission Representative for January 19 – Commissioner Couperus 7. REPORTS FROM FAST TRACK MEETINGS – OCTOBER 11 & 18, 2016 7.1 LANDS OF RABKIN AND VANDERGRIFF; 24990 La Loma Drive: File 188- 16-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a 1,248-square foot second story addition (maximum height 25 feet) and a swimming pool and hardscape. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) and (e) (Staff: Suzanne Avila) Approved May 4, 2017 12 Special Planning Commission Meeting Minutes October 26, 2016 7.2 LANDS OF OKUMURA; 12852 Normandy Lane; File #243-16-ZP-SD-GD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a pool, an 898-square foot pool house (Maximum height 14’), and a 700-square foot accessory structure (office/gym). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15303(a) – additions to existing single family residential property (Staff: Marni Moseley). 8. REPORTS FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT MEETINGS – OCTOBER 11 & 25, 2016 8.1 LANDS OF TULSI, 24632 Olive Tree Lane; File #418-16-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a swimming pool, hardscape improvements and additions (maximum height 17’4”). CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15301 (a) addition to an existing single-family structure and Section 15303 (e) Accessory structures including swimming pools. (Staff: Genevieve Fernandez) 8.2 LANDS OF WANG & LI, 26096 Todd Lane; File #251-16-ZP-SD; A request for a Site Development Permit for a landscape screening, lighting and fencing plan for a previously approved new residence, pool and cabana. CEQA review: Categorical Exemption per Section 15304(b) (Staff: Suzanne Avila). 9. ADJOURNMENT The meeting adjourned at 12:32 a.m. Respectfully submitted, Veronica Flores Veronica Flores Administrative Technician The minutes for the October 26, 2016 special Planning Commission meeting were approved as corrected at the May 4, 2017 regular Planning Commission meeting and adjourned meeting from April 6, 2017.