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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/10/1968PLANNING COMMISSION TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES OF A REGULAR ADJOURNED MEETING September 10, 1968 Chairman W. F. Minckley called the meeting to order at 7:50 P.M. at the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California. The following members answered Roll Call: Commissioners Hibaer, Magleby, Perkins, Weisbart, Chairman Hinckley. Absent: Commissioners Dawson and Lachenbruch (both arrived at 7:53 P. M.). COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: Councilman Leslie A. Helgesson. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: August 12, 1968. Corrections.• 1. Page 5, 4th para. from bottom, 3rd sentence: correct the name 'Stanley Case' to "Stanford Case". 2. Page 5, 3rd para. from bottom, 6th sentence, Item 3): substitute the word "developed"for 'used'. 3. Page 5, 3rd para. from bottom of page, 7th sentence, Item 5): substitute entire Item 5 for the following: 115) Emphasized that water flows out of the catch basin at the end of Altadena and causes flooding on the adjacent property. All of the storm water then flows northwest in a drainage channel through the Snell subdivision and thence to Palo Alto. He emphasized the channel is a hazard to children; that the unstable bank could collapse and block the flow at the Case residence; and that drainage from at least 6 of the 9 proposed lots will be added to the already overloaded. channel". Commissioners Dawson and Lachenbruch arrived at 7:53 P. M. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Hibnor moved, seconded by Magleby and carried unanimously, that the Minutes of August 12, 1968 be approved as corrected above. COMMUNICATIONS: None. ANNOUNCEMENTS: 1. City Manager urged the Commission to return the questionnaire regarding Alternatives for Planning Policy submitted by the Santa Clara County Planning Policy Committee. 2. Chair welcomed the newly appointed Commissioner, Priscilla R. Weisbart, to the Planning Commission. OLD BUSINESS• 1. City Manager reported that the City Attorney has advised that it would be proper for the Commission to set Public Hearings for the October 14th meeting for the �w actual rezoning of the O'Keefe property, which would in effect amend the Zoning Map in accordance with Ordinance No. 149. Chairman Minckley so ordered that the City Attorney initiate legal proceedings for publication of Notice of Hearings, and set the Public Hearing for October 14, 1968. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Dr.H. J. Beaver - Requesting Change of Access to Arastradero Road for Lots 5, 7, and act No. 2093. Staff Report was presented, noting disagreement with the applicant's proposal in that access for lots 5, 7, and 8 from Arastradero would create a traffic hazard and that his proposal for a private road running parallel to Arastradero would reduce the net acreage to under one acre and destroy the open space effect. Staff concurred, however, that lots 7 and 8 pose serious problems for the applicant and suggested the Commission give some thought to allowing a variance for building up to the property line on the east side of lots 7 and 8 and that lot #5 be served from the private road which serves Dr. Beaver's home. Commissioner Dawson, of the Map Committee, supported the Staff's recommendations, noting that such a subdivision would not be approved today because of slope density regulations, but since it is subdivided, that a pier -type home is buildable and suitable with a variance. Commissioner Hibner stated his opinion was contrary to the Staff recommendation and while recognizing the traffic hazard on Arastradero, felt it was no less or greater hazard than other areas in the Town. Commissioner Hibner was also opposed to building right on the property line and felt the applicant's request was reasonable. �+ Commission discussion ensued regarding traffic hazard created by access from Arastradero Road, offstreet parking limitations, the possible alternative of a single access from Arastradero Road, and the policy of the Commission at the time this subdivision was approved to limit access from a public read. ADJOURNMENT FOR HILLS LITTLE LEAGUE DRAWING: At 8:15, Chairman Minckley adjourned the meeting so that the Hills Little League Association could conduct its drawing for the "Hawaii Vacation for Two", which was being held to raise funds for the improvements of the Hills Little League Field on Purissima Road. At the request of the Association, Mayor Aiken drew the name of "CONLISK, 12741 Leander Drive, Los Altos Hills," as the winning ticket. Mr. Jack LaPorte, representing the Little League, thanked the Mayor and the participants in the raffle for their support and noted a second drawing for a Volkswagen will be held September 29, 1968, urging continued support for the second raffle. MEETING RECONVENED At 8:17, Chairman Minckley reconvened the meeting and declared the Public Hearing open on Dr. Beaver's application, asking for comments in opposition to the application. There were none. The Chair asked for comments in favor, and Dr. ( Beaver stated he was in favor of any solution which would enable him to sell the 'LI subject lots. At 8:20 P. M., Chairman Minckley declared the Public Hearing closed. -2- LX NEW BUSINESS cont'd. Commission discussion continued and the following possible alternatives were discussed: 1) Access from private road for lot #8, thence across top (east side) of lot #7 to serve #5• 2) A single common access from lots 7 and 8 from Arastradero, across 07 to serve #5. 3) Access from Arastradero for lot #5 to serve #7, and access from #10 to serve #8. 4) Common access for all three lots through lot #5 from Arastradero. Town Planner noted the percentage of slope density on the applicant's map was not a true picture since the contours were not drawn at right angles, indicating that it would be possible to have access from the top (east side), and suggesting an easement over the lower part of lot 6 to #7 for easier access. Commissioner Dawson was of the opinion the discussion indicated that development from the top as planned was more desirable than from the bottom (Arastradero) and that to deny the application would foster this position. MOTION AND SECOND: Commissioner Dawson moved, seconded by Lachenbruch, that the Commission deny the application of Dr. Beaver for access be Lots 5, 7 and 8 from Arastradero Road. Commissioner Lachenbruch stated that since the subdivision has been created, the problem of development hinges on engineering feasibility. In exploring all possibilities, Commission discussion ensued as to the applicant submitting a new map showing access from Arastradero, with a profile showing what would exist after taking the setback from Arastradero. VOTE: The Motion to deny the application of Dr. Beaver was defeated by a majority voice vote, Commissioner Dawson voting in favor of the Motion. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Hibner moved, seconded by Perkins, that the map be returned without prejudice to the applicant, Dr. Harold Beaver, so that his Engineer, Mr, J. W. Riley, can proceed with a new drawing of access to Lots 5, 7, and 8 from Arastradero Road for the purpose of further study of the problem or submittal of any other feasible solution, showing full details, was carried by a majority voice vote, Commissioner Dawson opposed. •1 IYI I � � 181111mY U Y tA181• ImY •'1 � City Manager submitted Staff report, noting that ordinance No. 133 presently requires the Site Development Committee, consisting of the Chairman of the Planning Commission, City Manager and City Engineer, to review each grading permit before issuance. The proposed amendment would allow the City Engineer to issue the site development permit (since many are routine) without prior review of the Committee, and to provide for consultation with the Site Development Committee whenever necessary, and, if further advisable, review by the Planning Commission as a whole. -3- NEW BUSINESS cont'd. Commission discussion ensued regarding opposition to any amendment on the grounds that the machinery of the ordinance would protect the Staff, not only for the present but looking to the future, and that the ordinance was enacted for strict grading controls with review by the Planning Commission as a whole, when necessary. planning Commission unanimously concurred to proceed under the present require- ments of Site Development Ordinance No. 133, with review at the end of one year as to the necessity of an amendment to Site Development Committee review. p tI 1RLND1 1. WhitcombJanice (V-313-68) - Request for permits to move a house, garage and stable to Lot 3, 2 970 Arastradero Road. City Manager presented Staff Report, noting that the subject Lot #3 is a part of the Whitcomb Subdivision, which was approved with the provision that only lot #2 be declared a building site; lots #1 and #3 not to become building sites until sanitary sewers were available. City Manager read letter from Mr. John W. Riley, engineer for the developer, requesting lots #1 and #3 be declared building sites since sanitary sewers are now available. City Manager further noted conditions of the original Check List, such as paving of private road, planting, remedy of the drainage problem in the area of lot #3, etc., which must be completed before lots #1 and #3 can be declared building sites. t City Manager read letter from Mr. Pierre Leroux, dated September 3, 1968 purchaser 40 of lot #2, objecting to the moving of the house on to lot #3 because requirements of the subdivision as to road and drainage have not been met. City Manager pointed out a Parcel Map had been filed for lot #2, indicating once again the inherent weakness in this procedure. Commissioner Magleby, Map Committee, verified the conditions stated in Mr. Leroux's letter. At 9:15 P. M., Chairman Minekley declared the Public Hearing open. The following citizens were heard from the Floor: Mrs. Gladys Whitcomb, owner of the subdivision, stated the road has not been completed but only awaiting the result of this meeting, at which time all the subdivision improvements will be completed, and that this was the understanding with Mr. Leroux. Mr. Mike Stuart, 13456 Mandoli Drive, objected to the moving of the buildings before all conditions of the subdivision have been met and the lack of 60' separation between houses. Mr. C. A. Ferrari, 13434 Mandoli Drive, (adjoining owner of lot #3) questioned the suitability of the size of the house and number of buildings proposed to be moved on to this size lot (1.062+ acres). Le At 9:23 P. M., Chairman Minckley declared the Public Hearing closed. -4- VARIANCES cont'd. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Magleby moved, seconded by Hibner and carried unanimously by voice vote, that the request of Janice Whitcomb (B-313-68) be denied, without prejudice, until the conditions of the Check List of the original subdivision requirements are made, among those conditions being availability of sewers, construction of private road, planting along the west side of the private road, and the drainage problem on lot #3 remedied. Chairman Minckley noted it was not the Commission's intent to discuss the variance until the subdivision is completed and at such time a recommendation of the Planning Commission that lots 1 and 3 be declared building sites is approved by the Council. 2. Merchant Alan (V-314-68) - Request for 25' reduction in side setback to 5' for boat garage at 23'+1_5 Camino Hermoso. City Manager presented Staff report, noting that the proposed garage will be on a different level than the house on lot #3, that there is substantial planting, therefore not changng anyone's view, and recommending approval. Dr. Merchant stated he had received written permission from adjacent property owners as to their approval of the request. Commissioners Dawson and Magleby, of the Map Committee, concurred with the Staff report and recommended approval of the variance request. L, At 9:35 P. M., Chairman Minckley declared the Public Hearing open, and since: there were no comments from the Floor, declared the Public Hearing closed. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Dawson moved, seconded by Magleby, and carried unanimously that the request of Alan Merchant (V-314-68) for 25' reduction in side setback to 5' for boat garage at 23415 Camino Hermoso be recommended for approval as submitted. tiSR PERM-'rS• 1. HillerEdward A. (UP -311-68) - Request for conversion of garage to guest cottage at 276 Natoms Road. City Manager presented Staff report, noting the parcel is flat and the existing storage/garage would make an ideal guest cottage and pointing out the present garage is a part of the existing house. City Manager further noted that the applicant is fully aware of the prohibition of kitchen facilities in a guest cottage on a parcel which is less than 1.99 acres. Staff report recommended approval of the request. At 9:40 P. M. Chairman Minckley declared the Public Hearing open. Mr. William Beekhuis, 27686 Natoma Road (owner of Lot #51, adjacent to the subject property on the north) foresaw problems inasmuch as he has small children who might disturb the peace and quiet for Mr. Miller's mother-in-law, and in La turn, eventually other people will be using the guest cottage who will generate noise. -5- USE PERMITS cont'd. Mr. Miller stated he had received 12 out of 13 letters stating no objection to the request and that he has employeed a competent contractor to design an attractive cottage; also, that he will neither rent the property nor install kitchen facilities. At 9:45 P. M., Chairman Minckley declared the Public Hearing closed. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Hibner moved, seconded by Dawson, and carried unanimously that the request of Edward A. Miller (UP -311-68) for use permit for conversion of garage to guest cottage at 27644 Natoma Road be recommended for approval in accordance with the map submitted. DIVISIONS OF IAND: Tentative Maps: Carriage Hill Park (346-68) 9 lots Chairman Minckley called the Commission's attention to the fact that this matter had been referred back to the Commission at the request of the Council. The Council concurred with the Commission's opinion that the drair ge conditions in the entire Manuella Basin should be solved prior to approval of the additional subdivision. Chairman Hinckley indicatedthat the matter was before the Commission for a preliminary hearing in order for the Commission and applicant to explore the possibility of perhaps removing one lot from the proposed subdivision or the possibility of considering a two-phase subdivision. Commissioner Dawson pointed out that if a two-phase subdivision was proposed that only lots 8 and 9, which drain away from the Manuella Basin, could be considered. Mr. Whitman, owner of the subject property, expressed his opinion that a two-phase plan would not be economically feasible and that in order to plan a proper subdivision, all lots should be considered at the same time. A lengthy discussion ensued concerning the status and plans of the Drainage Committee. Councilman Helgesson, Council representative, stated that the Drainage Committee will meet in the near future and that the Manuella Basin is first on the priority list. Mr. Charles Snyder, representing Bob Card, Builders, asked the Commission if they could approve a preliminary plan which would enable the builder to commence the paper work on the planning and designing of the homes. Chairman Minckley suggested that the Engineer for the developer meet with the City Staff to review the acreage calculation as it applies to the slope density formula and to return to the Commission with a plan for consideration. There was discussion concerning the possibility of the abandonment of Kingsley Avenue in order to give Mr. Whitman additional area for his proposed subdivision. Commissioner Iachenbruch suggested the applicant come in with an 8 -lot subdivision. which on the basis of his calculations, would meet the slope density acreage requirement. He pointed out that the drainage problem in the area is essentially an off -tract problem and that on several occasions the Commission has approved La tentative maps with provision that the final map is not to be filed until conditions such as drainage facilities are completed. Mr. Whitman commented that it would cost him a minimum of $10,000 to eliminate one lot in the subdivision. -6- DIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Maps cont'd. Since this was a preliminary hearing, no action was taken and the applicant was advised to meet with the Staff for further study. OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Commission concurred that the following items should be agended for the Study Session, September 23rd: a) Discussion on private roads - Report of City Attorney. b) Parcel Maps. c) Planning Commission procedures in Study Sessions. 2. Report of Pathways Committee on conditions of paths in Los Altos Hills was submitted to the Commission. Commission noted approval of the report and the need for maintenance funds for paths, referring the report to Staff for Council's attention and implementation. There being no further business, Chairman Minckley adjourned the meeting at 10:40 P. M. PLANNING COMMISSION STUDY SESSION: September 23, 1968 at 7:45 P. M., at the Town Hall. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, October 14, 1968 at 7:45 P. M. at the Town Hall. MAP COMMITTEE FOR OCTOBER 14TH MEETING: Commissioners Weisbart and Hibner. mam/bah 9/10/68 LM -7- Respectfully submitted L. DAWSON, Secretary Planning Commission Town of Los Altos Hills