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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/28/1970PLANNING C014KISSIOW 40 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS KINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING September 28, 1970 Chairman Weisbart called the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of the Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7:55 P. M. at the Town fall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California. The following members answered roll call: Present: Commissioners Hibner, McReynolds, Perkins, Spencer and Chairman Weisbart. Absent: Commissioner Lachenbruch. COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: Councilman Stanley Grabowski. _APPROVAL OF MINUTES: September 14, 1970 Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Hibner and carried unanimously that the minutes of September 14, 1970, be approved with the folllowing additions: DIVISIONS OF LAND: 1. Rhus Ridge Ranchos Units #2 and #3: Page 2, paragraph 2, add: "The pathway between Lots #4 and #5 was questioned." Page 3, paragraph 4, add the following to the end of the sentence: "and also that Lot #8 be relocated." COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. Commissioner Spencer reported that the Los Altos Trail Club have maps available which indicate existing trails in the area. 2. Reporting on Pathway Committee activities, Commissioner Spencer noted: a. The Committee recommend pathway signs be installed by subdividers. b. The Committee intends to express to the Council their feelings regarding the lack of attention given their recommendations. 3. Commissioner Hibner reported on a field trip to the fire area near Oakland, noting difficulty of the fire fighting equipment reaching the area due to the narrow roads and the fact that they were further hindered by the traffic fleeing the area which was blocking the roads. Property losses were noted of 1'h million dollars. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Report on Modular Housing. Staff advised that some modular housing is planned for Page Mill Estates. The Building Inspector noted Title 25, Chapter 3, Section 19981a of the California Administrative Code controls the manufacture of modular housing and retains quality control. His inspection area would be restricted to the connection of the modulars. Mr. Monroe Daws, representing Wright & Co. Realtors, illustrated various modular homes that his firm was promoting, which indicated that unless you saw them assembled, it was impossible to differentiate a modular home from the conventional by appearance. BUILDING SITE APPROVAL: 1. Gilkey, John (BSA -60-70) - Building Site Approval for Lots #1 and #2, Tract #2639, Tape Way. Staff advised that this property which was divided into two lots slightly over ten years ago, essentially had only one good building site, since Lot #2 would be difficult to developi as it would require a steep driveway, provide a steep building site and allow a limited area for a drainfield. A communication from Mr. Alan W. Dale, 25274 Is Loma Drive, was read which expressed concern that proper drainage be conditions of approval. In recommending approval Staff suggested it be subject to the following conditions: 1. Establishment of a path easement and construction or in -lieu payment as recommended by the Pathway Committee. 2. In -lieu payment for park and open space per Ordinance No. 117. Commission discussion ensued and map inadequacies were noted. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by McReynolds and carried unanimously that the request of John Gilkey (BSA -60-70) for building site approval of lots 1 and 2 of Tract 2639 be continued to allow the Staff and the Applicant to: 1. Resolve drainage requirements, 2. Update the map in accordance with the map check list to indicate 160' circles, the existing trees and to extend the contour lines, 3. Prepare a check list for distribution to Commissioners, and 4. Assure deeded access to public roads. Commissioner Spencer requested Staff to advise the Commissioners on future maps distributed of the nearest address to facilitate their field trips to concerned properties. DIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Maps: 1. RhUS RIDGE RANCHOS UNITS #2 and #3 (357-69) 8 lots, with access from Summitwood Road. Engr. Geo. S. Nolte. Continued. Staff stated that this proposed subdivision had been continued to allow the Town Engineer to prepare an estimate for improving the upper portion of Summitwood Road to join that lower portion proposed to be improved by the subdivider between Tape Way and the proposed Bassett Road. The Town Engineer prefaced his coat estimate of nearly $70,000 to improve the upper portion of Summitwood by noting without a topographical map and easement information he was forced to obtain this figure through conversation with engineer involved when Summitwood was improved in 1962. It was noted that the materials in the sub -grade were questionable and this question was supported by the flaws appearing in the surface areae. The estimate allowed for surface drainage and the installation of catch basins. Also to properly construct this road some slope easements would be required. Staff noted that the applicant had a test engineer investigating compactness and depth of the sub -base on the lower portion of Summitwood but results would not be known for several days. The applicant noted it was not his intent to improve the lower portion to the extent quoted by the Town Engineer for the upper portion of Summitwood Road. The Town Engineer noted the road base for the lower portion was even more questionable. -2- toDIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Maps: Rhus Ridge Ranchos Units #2 and #3 Cont'd. In addition to the applicant, floor participation included the neighbors, Mrs. R. Whitmer, 12275 Summitwood Road, Mrs. F. Hoecke, 11499 Summitwood Road, and Mr. J. Goodman, 11989 Rhus Ridge Road. They indicated their objection to any increase in their private road maintenance costs and were not receptive to a road improvement district. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner McReynolds moved, seconded by Spencer and carried unanimously to continue this application for Rhus Ridge Ranchos Units #2 and #3, (357-69) to the October 26 Commission meeting so that Staff could further study the road problem with the applicant and the concerned residents and arrive at a mutually acceptable road maintenance proposal or resolution as to the destiny of this proposed access to the subdivision. 2. STEERS, J. D. (373-70) 7 lots, located between Central Drive and Buena Vista Drive Engr. Sandia and Assoc. Town Planner reviewed the plot layout of this application and stated this presentation was to emphasize basic policy questions and at this time it was impossible to proceed without resolving them. They were: 1. The applicant desired septic tanks and the Health Department recommended this subdivision be sewered. 2. Access to this proposed subdivision would be off private roads already serving more than five lots and per section 6:10 of Ordinance No. 69 access must be over a deeded and improved public road. 3. Slope of Lots #1 and #7 ranged from 22% to 45%. Mr. Mader noted this proposed subdivision was within the MMCP area wherein the resultant study leaned towards standards being accepted that would be less than those for Town public or private roads. To further define these lesser standards Mr. Mader recommended that the Private Road Committee review the outcome of the MMCP area plan along with the input of the resident group meetings to allow them to report back to the Planning Commission as to where this study ended since a final report had never been written. Floor participation included Cdr. (Ret.) J. Dochnahl, 27980 Central Drive objecting to the additional traffic that would be generated and the severe cuts that would be required to provide road access to the lots. Commissioner discussion in addition to the pivotal problem of sewers and public roads, noted the extremely steep terrain and desirability of 5' contour intervals being shown on the map; clarification as to whether it was a driveway or road along lots 1 through 4; desirability of 32' roadway per Town standards serving three of the lots instead of 24' as shown; and that of three recent surveys of Buena Vista none were in agreement as to its location. Speaking in her own behalf, Mrs. Mary Steers stated she desired septic tanks for ecological reasons; she did not want to deface the area with wide public roads; she did not desire to encourage any more traffic on Buena Vista or Central Drive than would be necessary; and she desired to know what the Town requirements for roads would be before committing acceptance. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Spencer and carried unanimously that the Tentative Map application of J. D. Steers (373-70) for 7 lots be continued for 60 days to allow the private Road Committee to review the MMCP Maps Area for preparation of recommendations to the Commission, plus allow Staff to review the above outlined problems with the applicant. -3- OTHER BUSINESS: 1. Progress Report on Convent at Mt. Helen Staff advised of architectural progress in preparation of plans for the convent, noting it was proceeding basically in agreement with the original plot plan. 2. Review Subdivision Ordinance No. 69. Mr. Hader's and Commissioner Perkins' comments on proposed changes were discussed. Mr. Perkins noted his comments primarily were for clarification and that he favored minimal changes other than bringing private standards up to public road standards and also standardize rights-of-way. Commissioners agreed to advise Staff as to what proposed changes they did not want to consider and that Staff then prepare a revised proposed ordinance. City Manager proposed the Commission also consider letting Staff handle Building Site Approvals and simple lot line changes to ease the Planning Commissions work load and facilitate their processing. PRESENTATIONS PEON THE FLOOR: 1. Mr. G. Ferrari stated he favored private roads and would provide the Private Road Committee with a copy of the maintenance covenants used in Butte County. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairman Weisbart adjourned the meeting at 11:40 P.M. to: NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, October 12, 1970, at 7:45 P.M. at Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, � TED J. UZER City Clerk Town of Los Altos Hills TJK:jm-9-28-70 -4-