HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/22/1971PLANNING COMMISSION
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
February 22, 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 Town Hall,
26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California. The following members answered
roll call; Present: Commissioners Lachenbruch, Magruder, McReynolds, Perkins,
Spencer and Chairman Weiebart. Absent: None.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 8, 1971
Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Lachenbruch and carried unanimously that
the minutes of February 8, 1971 be approved with the following correction on
Page 3, under discussion of Tentative Map of J. D. Steers add to the end of
motion of continuance (last paragraph); "and reduce the number of lots from
seven to five."
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: February 18, 1971
Commissioner Magruder moved, seconded by Spencer and carried by majority vote
(Lachenbruch and Perkins abstained since they were absent), that the minutes of
February 18, 1971 be approved as written.
DIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Maps
1. Steers, J. D. (373-70) 7 lots, 13.52 acres, located between Central Drive
and Buena Vista Drive. Engineer Saudis 6 Associates.
Staff noted that the applicant had submitted a soils report as requested, but
did not provide the details requested on driveways to each building site, the
layout of the building site to show the location of the house, driveway and
parking area, nor had the number of lots been reduced to five as recommended at
the last meeting.
Commission discussion confirmed that the applicant was still requesting a seven
lot subdivision. Additional discussion restated the inherent problems of the
proposed subdivision -- extremely steep lots, inadequacy of roads as related to
the proposed density and the relationship of the existing roads to the right-of-
way. Discussion noted that the commission consensus was that conditional
exceptions to allow a cul-de-sac in excess of 850' and to allow a private road
(Buena Vista or Central Drive) to serve more than five lots would be reasonable.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by McReynolds
and carried by majority vote (Lachenbruch abstaining) that the Tentative Map of
J. D. Steers (373-70) for seven lots be denied without prejudice, in view of:
1, its high density, whereby proper ingress and egress dictates that
Lr this subdivision should contain five lots instead of seven;
2. that excessively steep slopes require an indication of the adequacy
and degree of cuts and fills for roadways and building sites (in two
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cases building site elopes are from 29% to 40X);
3. the existing road network will not support full density in this area;
` 4. the topography and proximity of the earthquake fault indicates the
possibility of expensive soils as well as apparent evidence of past
slides and warrants limitations on development to the density allowed
under Town ordinances;
5. the existing roads are not related to the actual right-of-way.
2. Lands of Wheeler, Tentative Map (377-71) 3 lots, 15.7 acres, Central Drive,
Engineer Saudis S Associates.
Staff noted that due to the four day holiday, the required ten days notice for
this public hearing was not provided and therefore, although discussion could
be held, action on this map could not be taken at this time.
Staff read a communication from Mr. 6 Mrs. J. W. Patmore (prospective buyers)
indicating their intention to include a deed restriction at the time of resale
prohibiting subdivision of the parcels into smaller sites. A letter from
Mr. H. N. Reiser proposed concerned parties of this area meet with the purpose
of accomplishing an overall scheme of development acceptable to themselves and
the Planning Commission.
Commission discussion ensued with floor participation from the applicant,
Mr. 0. P. Wheeler, Mrs, Hans Moeller, 11990 Page Mill Road; Mr. H. N. Reiser,
( 27660 Central Drive; Mrs, J. D. Steers, 11641 Buena Vista, Mr. David Janson,
27440 Sherlock Road; Mrs, M. G. Bo£saevain, 27181 Sherlock Road; Mr. Glen Taylor,
1229 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto and Mr. Harry Buswell, 501 Cherry Avenue, Los Altos.
Discussion evolved around the need of an emergency access for fire protection,
its location and resultant effect upon the stability of the elope in the area
proposed.
In discussing guidelines for the applicant, it was determined that elope density
calculations and path recommendations must be shown on the map and a soils
report is to be submitted. Mr. Wheeler agreed that the 40' radius as shown
would be shifted easterly as determined by the engineer. Commission concurred
that the appendage off Central Drive (serving lots 1 through 3) also serve Raisers
and should be included in the road maintenance agreement.
OLD BUSINESS
1. Prepare Recommendations on the "Williamson Act" for the City Council.
Staff reported that the Council had directed the Commission at their February 16th
meeting, that the study of the Williamson Act be continued with the view of
embracing the entire Town. It was requested that the Commission respond with
their findings and recommendations prior to the Council's March 15, 1971 meeting.
Commission concurred to incorporate the entire Town in an agricultural preserve
to allow anyone eligible to contract their land under the Act. To facilitate
preparation of their guidelines, the Portola Valley resolution was reviewed,
tv amended and revised to accomplish this intent.
Staff was requested to incorporate the revisions and attach appropriate exhibits
6'.D
for review at next meeting. Discussion of the contract terms was continued to
next meeting.
NEW BUSINESS
I. Review of Zoning Ordinance No. 78.
Staff advised that the Council did not appropriate any money for review of the
Zoning Ordinance and suggested that each Commissioner review Ordinance No. 78
and submit commute for discussion.
OTHER BUSINESS
1. Mrs.J. D. Steers requested that she be placed on the neat meeting's agenda
for consideration of a revised Tentative Map. Commission concurred.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Chairman Weisbart adjourned the meeting at
11:45 P.M. to:
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, March 8, 1971, at 7:45 P. M. at Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
to
TED J. KLUZEK
City Clerk
Town of Los Altos Hills
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