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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/14/1970I PLANNING COMMISSION TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING December 14, 1970 Chairman Weiabart called the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of the Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7:50 P.M. at the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California. The newly appointed Commissioner William A. Magruder was introduced and welcomed. The following members answered roll call: Present: Commissioners Hibner, Lachenbruch, Magruder, 14cBeynolds, Perkins, Spencer Chairman Weisbart. CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: Les Helgesson APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Minutes of November 23, 1970 Commissioner Spencer moved, seconded by Lachenbruch and carried by majority vote that the minutes of November 23, 1970 be approved with the following correction: Page 2, under Matadero Oaks, second paragraph from bottom of page, following the sentence --"The Town Engineer stated that elope density calculations had been closely reviewed with the applicant and they had agreed with 63.7 net acres. Add, "Commissioner Perkins stated he felt that 44 lots were too many lots due to the steepness of the terrain." Commissioners McReynolds abstained since he was absent from the November 23rd meeting. NEW BUSINESS: 1. Chairman Weisbart reviewed the numerous studies made of the MMCP Area due to its special problems (especially terrain) and suggested that the Comvissfon consider larger lot size or the applicability of the Williamson Act. Under this act, land- owners could possibly obtain some tax refief by "freezing" their land as open space for ten years in -lieu of being forced to subdivide to minimize the burden of increasing taxes. Speaking from the floor in support of Mrs. Wefsbart's proposal were Mrs. Florence Fava, 26691 Moody Road and Mrs. H. Moeller, 11990 Page Mill Road. Commission discussion noted further study into the benefits perhaps available under this Act would be desirable. Commission concurred that Mr. Mader work with Mr. Falsant to prepare a report for the next meeting as to the applicability of this Act, as well as advise the Commission as to other alternatives that might be avail- able to landowners rather than subdivision. 2. Progress Report on J. D. Steers (373-70) Tentative Map. Staff reviewed the inherent problems of this subdivision, noting that there was serious lack of compliance with the subdivision ordinance. These areas include: 1. Improved deed access --Deeded access had not been proven and even if deeded it was not an improved access. 2. Minimum of 40' right-of-way required with 80' radius turnaround. This sub- division consists of one 25' right-of-way and the other is 40'. Neither has a Lturnaround of normal standards. NEW BUSINESS: Cont'd. 3. Neither road complies with maximum cul-de-sac length of 850'. 4. Each of the private roads serves more than the five lots allowed by the ordinance. 5. Neither of the private roads comply with the private road standards. Other problems included the intersection at Page Mill Road. Due to these problems, the Commission's guidance to Staff was requested. Mr. Mader noted three approaches could be taken. 1. Refer the map back to the applicant and request conpliance with our subdivision ordinance, 2. Consider each subdivision from this area on its own and grant individual exceptions, or 3. Set up less stringent and more compromising standards for the entire MMCP area, since its problems are unique. Commission discussion ensued with floor participation from Mr. A. M. Laws, Mr. R. C. Cheney, 10737 Magdalena Road and Mrs. Moeller. Staff read a communication from the applicant urging consideration of using poorer quality land for less expensive homes by making it economicallyfeasible for a developer to do so. Discussion noted some relaxation of standards would be necessary for development to proceed in this area and that an updated report from the MMCF Committee summarizing the conclusions from the MMCP meetings of last Spring was necessary. DIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Maps: 1. Matadero Oaks (374-70) 44 lots, 75 acres, west side of Page Mill Road, between Mirmirou and Alexis Drives. Engr. Geo. S. Nolte. Staff reviewed this subdivision which had been continued from the October 26th and November 23rd meetings noted that Staff had been requested at the last meeting to obtain the County Traffic Engineer's comments on the most desirable design of the Page Mill/Alexis Drive/Paseo del Robles intersection. The County had investigated and agreed to Staff's conclusion that Alternate III whereby Paseo del Robles would "T" intersect Page Mill Road above the Alexis Drive "T" intersection with Page Mill Road would be the laser hazardous. Staff had also been requested to further study for presentation to the Commission the drainage on -tract and off -tract. The Town Engineer reported that he was basically in agreement with the applicant's calculations as submitted. The current runoff contributed 4% of the basin total, while the project when developed would contribute a 3% increase or a total of 7% of the basin runoff. Commission discussion expressed concern that runoff after development down the conservation strip onto Page Mill Road would be at a greater velocity and difficult to contain and that individual lot runoff would require extensive study on the part of the Staff. Consensus was that the developer should rip -rap two wales before the lots are developed. In response to the suggestions of the Town Planner at the last meeting, the applicant submitted a third revised map, dated December 9, 1970, whereby certain lot lines had been shifted to better facilitate access and building site locations and also access was provided to the Fowler property by means of a cul-de-sac. Staff felt the revised plot plan satisfactorily incorporated the suggested changes. The Town 4 Engineer and Planner expressed concern as to the excessive cut required on Paseo del Robles Court and an excessive fill near Circulo Robles Court. -2- DIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Maps: Matadero Oaks (374-70) Cont'd. 16 At the last meeting, the applicant was also asked to submit for review by an outside engineering geologist a more detailed geological engineering report and map. Dr. Arvid Johnson, a Stanford engineering geologist who had been retained by the Town to review the applicant's report stated that his report seemed that a geologist would be involved at three stages: 1. At the time of the Tentative Map a geologist would recognize any inherent Problems of the subdivision. 2. A second stage or grading plan stage would be before the Final Map is prepared as it may then be determined whether lot line or road relocation is necessary. 3. The third stage would be at the time of lot development. On this basis, Mr. Johnson stated that the report was quite adequate at this stage and no evidence of gross instability of the soil was indicated. Commissioner Perkins noted that after passage of a Tentative Map, the Commission did not have further review of the subdivision, since the approval of a Final Map was under the ourvfew of the Council. Dr. Johnson stated that he felt the Commission need not be concerned, since prior to grading when the orientation of the bedrock is checked, the perhaps resultant lot line or road realignment required, would not result in a significant change on the Final Map. Commissioner McReynolds felt the question of geology warranted reservation, since maybe it was safe but it appeared to be marginal. In addition he noted there was little allowance for lot line changes since the subdivision contained the maximum number of lots. Also this subdivision was not in harmony with the inherent Town Philosophy of "rural atmosphere". Commissioner Spencer, referring to the runoff, noted a delicate balance existed at the time of site development when brush was removed above the conservation easement. Commissioner Perkins reitereated that he felt there were too many parcels exceeding 30% elope and larger size lots were necessary to meet the intent of the ordinance. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by McReynolds and carried unanimously that the Matadero Oaks Tentative Map (374-70) for 44 lots be denied without prejudice per Section 6:40 of Ordinance No. 69, as amended by Ordinance No. 150, whereby if difficult terrain exists, lots larger in area than the minimum specified in the Zoning Ordinance shall be provided as necessary to accomplish the purposes set forth in this Ordinance. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Weisbart adjourned the meeting to a study session at 10:30 P.M. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, December 28, 1970, at 7:45 P.M. at Town Nall. Rea ect(f�/[u/�lly a bmii,(t�tteedd/d " T�� L�O.UZ/ K City Clerk Town of Loa Altos Hills TJX:jm 40 12/14/70 -3-