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Home My WebLink About12/28/1970K PLANNING C044fISSION TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING December 28, 1970 Chairman Weisbart 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 following members answered roll call: Present: Commissioners Lachenbruch, Magruder, McReynolds, Perkins, Spencer, and Chairman Weisbart, Absent: Commissioner Hibner. CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: Mayor Walter A. Benson APPROVAL CP MINUTES: December 14, 1970. Commissioner McReynolds moved, seconded by Perkins and carried unanimously (Hibner absent) that the Minutes of December 14, 1970 be approved with the following corrections: Page 1, under New Business, Item 1: delete the word "or" and insert '-and" in the third line of the first sentence, so that it reads "Chairman Weisbart reviewed the numerous studies made of the MMCP Area due to its special problems (especially terrain) and suggested that the Commission consider larger lot size and the applicability of the Williamson Act." Page 2, under New Business, Item 2 (Progress Report on Steers Tentative Map) change second sentence at top of page to read: "4. Each of the `„ private roads potentially serves more than the five lots allowed by the ordinance." Page 3, under Divisions of Land, Item 1, Mataderc Oaks (374-70) Tentative Map: at the beginning of line 17, delete the words, "the perhaps" and insert "that any", so that it reads "that an resultant lot line or road realignment required, would not result�ignificant change on the Final Map." Pal a a 3, delete lines 24 and 25 (statement by Commissioner Spencer) and subst Lute the following: "Commissioner Spencer noted that the periodic slides onto Page Mill Road from the slope above, indicate a delicate balance exists during runoff. He cautioned that extreme care would be required at the time of any site development, so that when brush is removed for a building site, that disturbance of this land above the conservation easement would not upset this delicate geological balance and further compound runoff." Page 3, delete lines 26 and 27 (statement by Commissioner Perkins) and substitute the following: "Commissioner Perkins stated that of the proposed 44 lots, eleven of them or 25% of these parcels exceeded 30% slope. In addition, the proposed building sites were located on the least steep portion of these lots and therefore he reiterated that he felt larger size lots were necessary to meet the intent of the ordinance." COMMITTEE REPORTS: 1. Commissioner Spencer stated the Pathway Committee had discussed the AW desirability of erecting a more sturdy barrier between the road and path around the Little Twister. DIVISIONS OF LAND: COUNCIL REFERRAL: ` 1. Matadero Oaks (374-70) 44 lots, 75 acres, west side of Page Mill Road, between Mirmirou and Alexis Drives. Engr. Geo. S. Nolte & Assoc. Staff reviewed that the Commission's denial (without prejudice) of the Tentative Map for Matadero Oaks had been appealed to the City Council. At the Council hearing of this appeal on December 21, 1970, the Council, with applicant's approval, determined that the areasof disagreement causing the denial of this application by the Commission were near resolution. Council concurred that this Tentative Map be returned to the Planning Commission for review and resolution of the problems and that it be returned to the Council for consideration at the January 18, 1970 meeting. Staff noted the Council referral did not include specific recommendations, but that their discussion indicated: 1. The geological reports on file were sufficient for the Tentative Map stage, A more detailed engineering geological study and report, along with the improvement plans, should he submitted to the Planning Commission for review before the Final Map is submitted to the Council for approval. Any lot, wherein soil stability is questioned, should be carefully studied by the Site Development Committee. They would review the final soils and engineering geological report to insure proper siting of the buildings, as well as the design of adequate foundations. 2. If there are problems associated with the slope of the lots, solutions to these problems should be considered, since the steepness of the lots was not considered an adequate reason to deny approval. 3. It was preferred that cols -de -sac should be public instead of private roads. 4. A five (5) foot non -access easement would be desirable along the east side of lots #1, 2, and 3. Commission discussion ensued as to the adequacy of the circulation pattern. It was noted that the Fire Department preferred two entrances as provided. The degree of improvement desired on Page Mill Road was discussed at length and indicated that the need for a retaining wall would depend upon the road standards imposed. The Commission was split as to whether improvements should be made or road in -lieu payment be requested. Speaking from the Floor, Mr, Larry Dawson, 13835 Page Mill Road, opposed any improvement of Page Mill, as it would only benefit Palo Alto. The Commission unanimously concurred that the previously discussed Paseo del Robles/Page Mill Road/Alexis Drive intersection shown as Alternate III would be the least hazardous of those proposed and recommended its approval. In discussion of the Mirmirou/Page Mill Road intersection, it was stated that the subdivider was responsible to clear for sight distance and that he must get the applicable property owners concurrence to ensure compliance. The Commissioners' feelings ranged from 'improving to a safe condition regardless if ownership is usurped' to 'resolving now, by providing owners' concurrence.' Staff was requested to obtain a legal reading as to whether agreement was need - AW from all parties as to the location of the road right-of-way. Staff recommended, and Commission concurred, that the cul-de-sac Padeo del Robles Place, should be moved uphill to reduce the grading requirements. -2- K Matadero Oaks cont'd.: ` In discussion of the parcel layout, the Town Engineer presented a color coded map illustrating the varied terrain and on which he suggested by replac- ing Circulo Robles & having two culs-de-sac, access could be provided to fairly level lots. This approach provided a net result of 41 lots. Also lots 24 through 27 could be developed to allow drainage back to the street rather than down the conservation strip onto Page Mill Road. This plan also allowed runoff from lots 2E through 31 to drain into the previously discussed rip rap swales to Page Mill. The applicant's engineer stated that it would be possible to retain their presently proposed 44 lots with no more than three building sites being on slopes in excess of 30% by merely relocating the building site within the lot confines. He also noted that width of the conservation easement was still quite flexible in some areas, but felt his client, due to all the other restrictions imposed by ordinances,could not justify deletion of lot #32 in spite of the aesthetic value to be gained by retaining the entire hillside in open space. Commissioner Lachenbruch responded that the ordinances do not prevent the subdivider from considering alternate approaches, but they do require the subdivider to back off from maximum lots whenever they are not consistent with the ordinances. Additional discussion noted their desire to review access on the steeper lots so as to ascertain the grade and resultant cut or fill; ability to provide adequate off-street parking; and to adjust the profile elevation for the loop road and resolve other road problems. Staff was requested by the Commission to prepare a report as to the adequacy of the sewer trunk serving this subdivision. Commission concurred to continue discussion of the Tentative Map of Matadero Oaks (374-70) to the January 11, 1971 meeting to allow the applicant to further review with Staff the problem areas noted and then prepare a revised map for presentation. ADJOURNMENT There being no further business, Chairman Weisbart adjourned the meeting to a Study Session at 10:30 P. M. NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, January 11, 1971, at 7:45 P. M. at Town Hall. Respectfully submiit ted, (J�� City Clerk TJK/mam Town of Los Altos Hills 12/20/70 S&L