HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/12/1971~ PLANNING COMMISSION
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
April 12, 1971
Chairman Weisbart called the rggular meeting of the Planning Commission of the
Town of Los Altos Hills to order at 7:16 P.M. at the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont
I Los Altos Hills, California. The following members answered roll call:
Present: Commissioners Magruder, McReynolds, Mueller, Perkins, Spencer and
Weisbart. Absent: Commissioner Lachenbruch.
Chairman Weisbart introduced newly appointed Commissioner Mueller, whom the
Council had selected to fill the unexpired term created by the resignation of
Mr. Don Hibner.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: March 22, 1971
Commissioner Spencer moved, seconded by Perkins and carried by majority vote that
the minutes of March 22, 1971 be approved as written. (Chairman Weisbart abstained
since she was absent.)
COMMITTEE REPORTS:
Commissioner Spencer reported on the Pathway Committee discussion fop"qthet.�,ku y
proposed County Master Bike Path Plan, a---"•��� "^`�-ij "' �^� �„ o
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BUILDING SITE APPROVALS:
` 1. Thurlow, Lee (BSA -64-71), 1 lot, comer of Elena and NamMa Roads.
�r Staff reported that this lot contains 0.92 acres and was created prior to the
date of Incorporation.aaa---
In reviewing the Check List, Staff noted a 30' dedication for roadway purposes
was required from the centerline of Elena Road and that the existing natural path
fell completely within this roadway dedication. Commission concurred with Staff's
recommendation for approval.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by McReynolds
and carried unanimously that it be recommended to the Council that Building Site
Approval (BSA -64-71) for one lot containing 0.92 acre created prior to
Incorporation be granted to Mr. Lee Thurlow, in accordance with the Check List
dated April 6, 1971.
Commissioner Perkins cautioned that the Site Development Committee pay particular
attention to the very short eight distance allowed where the proposed driveway
enters Elena Road and proposed consideration be given to utilizing the existing
driveway on the Southeasterly side of the lot for access to Elena.
2. Darling, Malcolm L. (HSA -63-71) 1 lot, between Chapin and Burke Lane off
Burke Road.
Staff stated that this 0.875 net acre lot also was created prior to Incorporation
and was located on a private easement off Burke Road, between Burke Lane and
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Chapin. Their recommendation was that this private driveway be paved to a 14'
width and that its entrance to the lot be designed so that it would enable a
fire truck to turn around.
Discussion ensued with floor participation from the applicant, Mr. Darling, and
a neighbor, Mr. Gene Arnold, 13410 Burke Road. Concern was expressed by the
Commission as to the number of lots actually being served by the private driveway.
Three homes on Chapin exit via the private drive and enter by Chapin. Three
residents on the driveway used this easement for ingress and egress. The owner-
ship of the easement was not fully clarified and because of the minimal sized
lots it was questioned whether a variance would follow.
In response to the Fire Department's request, the applicant had proposed the name
of "Darling Lane" for the driveway. The owners of the driveway however, had not
yet acknowledged their approval.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner McReynolds moved, seconded by Magruder
and carried unanimously that this request from Malcolm Darling for Building Site
Approval (BSA -63-71) be continued to the April 26, 1971 meeting to allow
determination of the number of home sites legally served by the driveway; the
name and the owners of the driveway; and the location of adjoining home as well
as configuration of the adjoining lots in order to avoid a variance request for
this lot should approval be granted.
DIVISIONS OV LAND: TENTATIVE MAYS:
1. Wheeler, Lands of 377-71 3 lots, 15.7 acres, Central Drive, Engr. Saudis
off and Assoc.
Staff noted that the applicant was requesting a three lot subdivision of his
15.7 acre parcel located 1n the MAYS area on Central Drive and that each lot
proposed was well in excess of the minimum lot size - Lot 1, 7.4 acres; Lot 2,
4.5 acres, Lot 3, 3.8 acres. All the lots are to be served by a private easement
from Central Drive which is identified as "Red Rock Road". This easement crosses
the Reiser property.
Staff recommended that Central Drive from the Steers subdivision to Red Rock Road
and from Red Rock Road to the Wheeler subdivision be built to a lesser road
standard as a part of "stage construction" with adequate seal coated base
finished to a minimum 12' width containing sufficient turnouts. Future subdivi-
aims in this area would be asked to widen the road and install A.C. pavement.
The fire department recommended that the above referenced portion of Central Drive
be surfaced with A.C. pavement to Town public road standards and that Red Rock
Road be paved to a 16' width.
The fire department also recommended that the emergency fire road, which connects
Central Drive to Moody Court be surfaced with A.C. pavement to a width of 10'.
Staff recommended that since part of this road was previously dedicated to the
Town by the applicant, that the applicant only be required to provide an all
weather rock surface on his portion of this emergency mad through this subdivision
and that the other 20' emergency easement on Lot 03 need not be improved at this
time.
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Staff also recommended that improvement rights be dedicated over Lots 81, d2 and
/3 so that Lot dl (which is further subdividable) would be limited to no more
441W than two building sites and that Lots 2 and 3 would remain single building sites.
To prevent scarring the area by bulldozing roads and removing brush, staff
suggested interim percolation tests using 4' holes, but final tests would be
required prior to issuance of a building permit for Lots 92 and A3. (The Health
Department recommended percolation tests be done prior to approval of the
Tentative Map.)
Additional conditions recommended by Staff to the Commission included:
1. Final Map for Tract 4184 must be filed before a Final Map for
this subdivision is filed.
2. Prior to issuance of a building permit for Lot 92 a detailed soils
report must be submitted.
3. Septic Tank drainlines may be installed on the open apace easements
on Lots S2 and 93, providing they do not jeopardize the stability of
the slope or unnecessarily scar the terrain.
4. An enlargement of the private road crossing the subdivision is to
be shown on the Final Map to clarify and define the several overlapping
easements.
Conditional exceptions recommended by Staff were to allow more than five lots
on a private road and to permit a cul-de-sac in excess of 850'. Staff, in
conclusion, recommended reduced mad standards to be considered in exchange for
the reduced density in this subdivision.
A letter from H. N. Reiser, 27660 Central Drive, (whose property adjoins the
applicant and over which Red Rock Road crosses) expressed two objections to
this proposed subdivision. The first objection was that consideration of this
subdivision without a "master plan would result in substantial lose to the
Town in regards to the flexibility presently available to the Town in solving
the problems in developing the MMCP area". He noted the topography limited
any improvement of Red Rock Road which included a blind curve and questioned
the amount of traffic this single lane road would ultimately be expected to
carry. His second objection was that granting of the Conditional Exceptions
was in violation of Section 7:30 A and B since ingress and egress to the
Wheeler subdivision across his property deprived him of enjoyment of his
property; that the blind turn could subject him to liability; and that future
subdivision of his property could be prejudiced causing the Commission to deny
his subdivision by the observance of the same ordinance to which exception is
sought by the Wheeler subdivision. In conclusion he requested that if the
Wheeler map is approved, that the Commission and Staff assure him that the
usefulness of the road to the Reiser land not be preempted or impaired by
approval of the Wheeler map.
Floor participation included Mr. Reiser; the applicant, Mr. Wheeler; Mr. Glen
Taylor, 1229 Forest Avenue, Palo Alto; Mr. David Janson, 27440 Sherlock Road;
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Mr, Gerald Ferrari, 25800 Altamont; Mr. J. W. Dochnahl, 27980 Central Drive
and Mr. D. Boissevain, 27181 Sherlock Road.
Floor participation evolved around emergency fire access, difficult in
improving blind curve at intersection of Red Rock Road and Central Drive and
other points ammerated in Mr. Reiser's letter and a previously approved but
not yet recorded Final Map of Wheeler's (Tract 4184) which dedicated a portion
of his parcel to the Town.
Commission discussion ensued with clarification as to the statue of Tract 4184.
Mr. Pritsrhle reviewed this map noting Mr. Wheeler had been granted an extension
to file this map until September 1971. It was noted that one of the requirements
placed upon this Final Map was that Red Rock Road from Parcel 81 to Central
Drive be hard surfaced to a 14' width.
Commission concurred to proceed with the check list. The following major changes
or additions were agreed upon:
A. Landscaping - vegetation would be replaced whenever clearing was
required to meet Health Department percolation tests.
B. Roads - Red Rock Road - 14' where possible, 12' minimum while Central
Drive to the Steers property is to be developed to 12' width with turnouts
spaced from eight point to eight point - both with adequate rock base and
finished with seal coat.
C. Dedications - the emergency easement across Lot i3 dead ending at the
Reiser property is to be provided to the satisfaction of the Town Engineer
within a 200' triangle at the corner of the N.W. corner of Lot i3. The
original time limit for abandonment was deleted.
In addition to clarification of the Additional Conditions, the following were
added:
A. Tract 4184 is to be filed before the Final Map of this subdivision.
B. Developer will participate in the improvement of the Central Drive/
Page Mill Road intersection as determined by City Council
Conditional Exceptions permitted more than five lots on a private road and a
cul-de-sac in excess of 850'. Also, in granting these, the Commission found
they were warranted due to difficulty and hardship in achieving normal Town
standards because of the steep terrain, complex ownership patterns, the partially
developed nature of the area, and the desires of the residents to maintain the
statue quo.
HOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner McReynolds moved, seconded by
Spencer and carried unanimously that approval be recommended for the Lands of
Wheeler Tentative Map (371-70) for 3 lots in accordance with the check list as
revised April !, 1971.
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2. Almond Estates, Gerald and Maty Jane Ferrari, (367-70) 8 lots, 11.49 acres,
Engr. J. W. Riley.
Staff noted that this subdivision was located adjacent to the Mt. Helen property,
fronts on both Altamont and Moody Roads. Lots #1 through #5 would be served from
Moody Road via a private road ("Old Snakey") and Lot #6 has access from Altamont
Road via the existing driveway to the applicants residence on Lot V. Lot #8
has direct access to Altamont Road.
Staff stated that this subdivision was predicated upon a common boundary line
change, which transfers a small portion of land from Mt. Helen to Mr. Ferrari
and filing of the Parcel Map for Mt. Helen was pending approval of this subdivi-
sion. In addition, two variances were requested on Lot 46 An existing tennis
court adjacent to the common lot lines of #6 and #7 required a reduction in
side yard setback from 30' to 15' while a garage (shed) adjacent to Lot #4
required a reduction in side yard setback from 30' to 5'.
Mr. Fritachle reviewed the Staff recommendations which included dedication of
30' from centerline of Altamont for roadway purposes and the entire 60' width of
Moody Road. Road improvement of 1/2 width for the frontage along Moody Road or
in -lieu payment was requested. Neither would be required for Altamont since it
has recently been improved. "Old Snakey" was to be constructed to Town standards
with a turnaround for emergency vehicles at the corner of Lots #3 and A.
Commission discussion evolved around the applicant's retention of Parcel C while
including it for elope density purposes t Mr. Ferrari agreed to dedicate the
3/4 acre parcel to the Town, conditioned upon the Town assuring his retention of
water rights. Staff noted this park dedication abutted the Duveneck and Mt.Helen
dedications along Adobe Creek and would be a desirable acquisition for the
Town. Commission concurred and proceeded to the check list.
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MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Spencer moved, seconded by Perkins
and carried by majority vote (Perkins and Wefsbart voting no) to recommend
approval of the Tentative Map for Almond Estates (367-70) for 8 lots in
accordance with the revised check list dated April 6, 1971 with justification
for exception to the Town Ordinances due to the unusual topology (length to
width ratio) warranting consideration and the location of Moody Road bisecting
the land.
Chairman Weisbart voted no, since she woes opposed to Conditional Exception
No. 2.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Spencer
and carried unanimously to recommend approval for the land transfer from
Mt. Helen to Almond Estates by the lot line change as indicated on the
Tentative Map of Almond Estates (367-70) and also reflected on the Parcel Map
for Mt. Helen.
VARIANCES:
1, Ferrari, Gerald E. (V350-71), request for reduction in side setbacks to
15' for tennis court and 5' for garage on Lot #6 of proposed Tentative Map
4W of Almond Estates.
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Motion by Commissioner Spencer, seconded by Magruder to grant the variances as
requested on Lot #6 was denied by a 4 to 2 vote - Commissioners Perkins, Mueller,
` McReynolds and Weiebart opposing.
Mr. Ferrari noted that he intended to retain Lot #6 and #8 on each side of his
homesite for an Indefinite period and desired to continue to utilize the tennis
court and garage. He also noted that by gerrymandering and creating irregular
shaped lots he could meet setback requirements.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Mueller
and carried unanimously that so long as Lots #6, #7 and #8 are retained in
Mr. Ferrari's ownership as a single parcel that it is recommended that the
variance for a reduction n sideyard setback from 30' to 15' for the existing
tennis court be allowed in accordance with the six criteria of Section 131160 of
Ordinance No. 78 as amended.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Mueller
and carried unanimously that so long as Lots #6, #7 and #8 are retained in
Mr. Ferrari's ownership 1—Min single parcel that it is recommended that the
variance for a reduction in Bide yard setback from 30' to 5' for the existing
garage (shed) be allowed in accordance with the six criteria of Section 13:60
of Ordinance No. 78 as amended.
Mr. Ferrari requested that the record show he objected to these conditions upon
the variance recommendations pertaining to time and ownership.
Council Referral
1. Review of the Williamson Act Recolution
In response to previous Commission recommendations, the City Attorney had
prepared a resolution setting out the conditions for creating agricultural and
open space preserves within the Town. The Council had referred this resolution
for Commission review and requested comments be returned for the April 19
Council meeting. Staff noted that although the Commission had already indicated
their desire to embrace the entire Tarn order the Williamson Act, the City
Attorney had recommended that this be accomplished as a second step. Commission
concurred to delete under 12, page 5 pertaining to cancellations - that the
'Town Policy is expressed against withdrawal prior to completion of the contract:'
The intent was to not discourage temporary open space.
MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Spencer moved, seconded by
Magruder and carried unanimously to recommend approval of the resolution as
amended setting conditicas for creating agricultural and open space preserves
within the Town Ate. e^^�y`.c ,.z.., ... .4 .,,_ ..at�-v...—i.(:_ .�' s,,,— ".4 ,z.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further business, Chairman Weiebart adjourned to a brief study
session relative to the Stanford University Land Use Policy Plan at 12:50 A.M.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Monday, April 26, 1971 at 7:45 P.H. at Town Hall.
Res ecttully 8 mitcec'
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Res
Ci Clerk
TJR/jP Town of Los Altos Hills
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