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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/25/19714 PLANNING COMMISSION TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING January 25, 1971 Chairman Priscilla R. 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 Tam Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California. The following members answered roll calls Present: Commissioners Hibner, Lachenbruch, Magruder, McReynolds, Perkins, Spencer and Chairman Weisbart, CITY COUNCIL REPRESENTATIVE: Councilman Mary C. Davey APPROVAL CF MINUTES: January 11, 1971. Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Spencer and carried by majority vote (Commissioner Hibner abstained) that the Minutes of January 11, 1971 be approved with the following corrections: Page 1, under Variances (Sahakian V-348-70)9 change first sentence of second paragraph rom bottom of the page to read: "Staff recommended a 10' variance(&liming for reduction of 30' to 20' for the sideyeard setback from the proposed garage) would be reasonable." 40 Page 2, under Old Business (Matadero Oaks 374-70), 2nd para., 10th line, change referenced amount of credit to read $44,000.00 instead of $11,000.00 APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 12, 1971. Commissioner Lachenbruch moved, seconded by Spencer and carried by majority vote (Commissioners Weisbart, Perkins and Hibner abstained, since they had been absent) that the Minutes of January 12, 1971 be approved as written. COMMITTEE REPORTS: Commissioner McReynolds noted that, as a result of the Court's decision favoring the Campbells in their cross-complaint against the Santa Clara County Flood Control District, the Flood Control District was contemplating Adobe Creek improvements from Tepa Way to Foothill College. Commission concurred that the Town should review these proposed plans to assure compatibility with the Town's desire to avoid a concrete -lined creek bed. OLD BUSINESS: 1. SAHAKIAN, V. R. (V-348-70) Lot #26, Tract #3659 - Variance request continued from Planning Commission meeting of January 11. Staff stated that this variance request had been continued to allow Staff and the applicant to further review and arrive at an acceptable setback reduction. It was noted that the choice for the building site was limited by the steep terrain and the location of the large oak trees. 4 OLD BUSINESS: Sahankian Variance cont'd.: Upon review, Staff recommended, with the applicant's concurrence, that a 15' variance be allowed to reduce the side setback from the southerly lot line. Commission discussion concurred. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Lachenbruch moved, seconded by Spencer and carried unanimously, that the variance request for V. R. Sahakian (V-348-70) be recommended to the Council for approval to allow a 15' setback from the southerly lot line in accordance with the six criteria of Section 13:60 of Ordinance No. 73, as amended. NEW BUSINESS: 1. REPORT OF PRIVATE ROAD COMMITTEE AND THE IMiCP COMMITTEE. Town Planner, George G. Mader, reviewed that a proposed plan for the MMCP Area was presented to the residents of this area last spring in an attempt to establish minimum road requirements necessary to permit further development of that land and to formulate a plan that would accommodate the unusual existing circumstances in the area. As an outgrowth of this proposal, it was his consensus that the resident road committees concluded from their meetings that the majority strongly: 1. Wanted these roads to remain private. 2. Wanted the roads to be retained as is. 3. Wanted any private road agreement to be tailored to each road. Mr. Mader further noted that there was no agreement on the circulation pattern, nor unanimity as to the need for emergency access roads. Also, it was unresolved as to who would pay for an emergency connection, if it were allowed between Central Drive and Moody. Commissioner Hibner, as Chairman of the Private Road Committee, reported they were in general agreement with the elements set forth in 1969 by the Commission whereby private roads would have a 40' right-of-way and be built to good standards. The intent was to insure that there would be no benefit to a subdivider to utilize private roads. He noted that in discussing the revision of Ordinance No. 69 that 25% of the existing roads are private, but only a few have maintenance agreements. In regard to the MAPS Area, he felt Central Drive should remain a private road, that a 14' to 16' width would be adequate for passing and still allow access of heavy fire equipment. He did not recommend a maintenance district. He noted the Fire Department places the responsibility on the Town for proper access to allow speedy arrival, maneuverability and alternate exits. He emphasized the need for escape routes via emergency exits. Comments expressed during the discussion of private roads suggested removal of the distinction between private and public road standards. Also, if considering the wishes of the residents, a broader range of road standards would be useful so that roads would be designed for the function served. He noted certain applications justified downgraded standards for private roads, but was against the inclusion of private roads in the computation of 40 net acreage. -2- NEW BUSINESS: PRIVATE ROADS cont'd.: Floor participation included Mr. Oliver Wheeler, 27650 Central Drive, Mrs. D. Miller, 13076 Vista del Valle Court, Mrs, M. G. Boissevain, 27181 Sherlock Road, and Mrs. J. D. Steers, 11641 Buena Vista Drive. Commissioner Lachenbruch noted the following alternatives were available in approaching the MMCP Area problems: (a) Leave the area alone allowing no more development; or (b) Permit subdivision, but bring the roads up to Town Standards; or, (c) Leave the roads alone and develop to saturation; or (d) Rather than develop to saturation, have the subdivider yield on density and the Town compromise on road standards. Commission concurred that the time had come for consideration of a specific case, since additional hearings on how to approach further subdivision in this area would still not generate any definitive guidelines. It was agreed that the Tentative Map application of Mrs. J. D. Steers for a seven (7) lot subdivision between Central and Buena Vista Drives be agended for the next meeting. OTHER BUSINESS BY PLANNING COtM1ISSIONERS: 1. Noting that this was Commissioner Don T. Hibner's last meeting, Chairman Weisbart presented Mayor Benson, who expressed the Town's gratitude to the retiring Commissioner. Resolution No. 612, a resolution of the City Council of the Town of Los Altos Hills expressing appreciation for the public service of Don T. Hibner was read by Mayor Benson. Reflecting upon the Town's growing pains over the past fifteen years, Commissioner Hibner noted many of the problems of the Town had faced and overcome. Commissioner Hibner expressed his confidence that those problems the Town now faces and those yet unknown were not insurmountable since the tools were available to continue good future planning. In summation of his long tenure, he stated he "wouldn't have missed it for anything". Following Commissioner Hibner's remarks, Chairman Weisbart declared a recess and refreshments were served. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Lachenbruch and carried unanimously that it be recommended to the Council that those retiring Planning Commissioners who so desire be placed on the mailing list for Minutes and Agendas. 2. PREVIEW OF AGRICULTURAL PRESERVE N0. 1: The Commission concurred that this item be removed from the Study Session portion of the agenda to allow discussion under the public meeting segment. Staff presented map showing the proposed agricultural preserve, which 40 encompassed Altamont on the north, Page Mill Road on the left and Moody Road on the south. It was noted that if this area is declared an agricultural preserve, residents within this area could contract for -3- 4 OTHER BUSINESS BY P/C: Agricultural Preserve cont'd.: ten years to retain temporary open space under the Williamson Act and thus obtain substantial tax relief. Alternate means of tax relief would entail granting of scenic easements to the Town or dedicating open space. Staff noted that an area meeting the requirements of the Act can be declared a preserve and then the Town can establish guidelines, accept and approve applications. The ten year contract would be automatically renewed each year and, if an applicant wished to be released from the contract, he could do so after giving notice and waiting ten years. During the interim period the taxes would be raised to their former rate. Commission discussion ensued with Floor participation from Mr. H. N. Reiser, 27660 Central Drive, Mrs, M. G. Boissevain, and Mrs. J. D, Steers. Numerous questions arose during the discussion which the Commission felt necessitated clarification before they could proceed with a recommendation to the Council. These included: the resultant penalty if an applicant wished to terminate the contract in order to sell or subdivide. Did cancellation of the contract and waiting out the ten years incur a penalty? Also, it was not clear as to the dollar amount of increased tax burden that would be borne by those not in the preserve as a result of those receiving tax relief. Reservations were expressed that the tax relief granted may not offset the disadvantages of the contractual obligations imposed. Also, if it was desirable to declare one area as a preserve, why not all of the Town and allow all residents to participate? In fact, was this not constitutionally discriminatory? Would those receiving a tax increase not be discouraged from participating in the purchase of permanent open space? Commission concurred that answers to these questions be obtained and that discussion be continued at the next meeting. STUDY SESSION• Due to the late hour, Chairman Weisbart requested that the Study Session for review of the revised Subdivision Ordinance No. 69 be rescheduled for next meeting. ADJOURNMENT: There being no further business, Chairman Weisbart adjourned the meeting at 12:05 A. M. to: NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, February E, 1971, at 7:45 P. M. at Town Hall. Respectfully submitted, City Clerk 40 TJK/mam Town of Los Altos Hills -4-