HomeMy WebLinkAbout08/24/1976L VARIANCE AND PERMIT COMMISSION
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, August 24, 1976
Reel 62, Side 2, Tr. 2, 169 to 852
Chal man Perkins called the meeting of the Variance and Permit Commission to order
at 6:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Comm issiomrs Stewart, Dochnahl, and Perkins
Also Present: Alexander Russell, Town Engineer; John Markl, Town Planner/Engineer,
Ethel Hopkins, Secretary
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The Minutes of August 10, 1977 were corrected as follows: The name "Commissioner
Stewart" in the first paragraph, last sentence under the Lands of Jenkins should
be changed to 'Commissioner Perkins'.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Comm lssioner Stewart
and seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that the Minutes of August 10 be approved
as corrected.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
I. LANDS OF JENKINS File #BSA 6095-77, Three Forks and South Fork Lane, Paul Nowack
and Associates, Engineer, Request for Recommendation of Approval of Building Site
Approval Application. (Continued from August 10)
Town Planner/Engineer Mark] discussed the subject application, referring to his
supplemental recommendations dated August 18 and the August 16 letter from the
Departruent of Environmental Health Services. He discussed conditlons concerning
the qap Q tank's being Installed within the basement of the proposed residence.
He noted that the culvert on the property would be enclosed in a pipe that would
go all the way to the creek, and stating that the natural channel for the creek
would not be affected by drainage from the property.
A short discussion followed concerning the 160 foot circle placement for the residence
and the septic tank drainfield. Mr. Markt reminded the Commissioners that the 160
foot circle need only to be In the vicinity of the residence proposed, and that
conditions were actually being more stringent than Code requirements. Commission-
er Perkins opened the hearing to the public.
Roland Von Huene Developer, discussed the proposal for sanitary sewage disposition.
[[ He requested that only the primary area for the septic tank drainfield be graded,
err and that the 400 foot expansion area be left in its natural state. He pointed out
that the proposed residence would have only one bathroom, and that soil tests had
demonstrated good percolation In the area.
VARIANCE AND PERMIT COMMISSION - August 24, 1977
Page two
4W PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
I. LANDS OF JENKINS, File #BSA 6095-77:
The public hearing was closed, and discussion continued on the matters of grading
of the reserve drainffield area, and whether the 914144 tank should��``�����b�'��e�� tips* In the appli-
cant's basement. Town Engineer Russell stated that he felt the tank and
pump should be placed outside the dwelling. Discussion also occurred on whether
a 30 foot dedication should be required along South Fork Lane, with Commissioner
Perkins feeling that the matter was a mute Issue. It was suggested by Mr. Russell,
however, that the record should show that the matter had been discussed. Discussion
was terminated, and the following motions passed:
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Perkins that amended Condition 4 replace Condition 4
on the original List of Conditions, and that this condition be further amended
In section 4(a) to read as follows: The 200 gallon holding tank and sewage pump
shall be installed outside of the dwelling at a Jocation and in a manner acceptable
to the Town Engineer.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED:lt was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Perkins the August 3rd Condition 5 be replaced by the
amended Condition 5 on the August IB memorandum from the Town Planner/Engineer.
CMOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
4w, seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that Condition 8 be amended by changing ten
feet to thirty feet for the area to be dedicated to the Town.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins and
seconded by Commissioner Stewart that Condition 9 should be amended to read "The
applicant shall request from the City Council approval for a conditional exception
to..." (the rest of the condition remains the same).
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Perkins that Condition II on the August 18 memo from the
Engineer/Planner be added to the list of conditions, and that It be amended by
an additional sentence to the effect that: Grading on the four hundred (400) foot
expansion field is not required at the present time. The comment should also
be written on the map 'Reserved for Drainfleld to be Graded at the Time Required.'
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Perkins that an additional Condition 12 be that: The
future thirty (30) foot street right-of-way as shown on the map shall be deleted
up to the Intersection with the 30 foot right-of-way on the northerly property line
of Three Fork Lane.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and seconded
by Conan issioner Stewart that Lands of Jenkins, File #BSA 6095-77 be recommended
for approval with conditions as amended.
Voting for approval were Commissioners Dochnahl and Stewart.
VAting against the motion was Commissloner Perkins.
VARIANCE AND PERMIT COMMISSION - August 24, 1977
L Page three
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
2. LANDS BE RAM, File #VAR. 7041-77, Page MIII Road and Central Drive,
Variance request for reduction in side -yard setback for existing water tank
and water well shed, Paul E. Nowack, Engineer. Request for recommendation of
approval.
Mr. Markt discussbd the subject application, referring Commissioners to his staff
report dated August II, 1977. He noted that Mr. Peavey, adjoining land owner to
Lands of Bertram, was In agreement that a part of the shed for the water tank could
be on his property.
The public hearing was opened, and Mr. Ernest Bertram, applicant spoke for the
approval of the variance, stating that he had contacted Mr. Peavey on whether the
shed could remain partially on his land, and that he had agreed to this.
The conditions were reviewed by the Commissioners, andthe following motions were
passed:
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Comm issloner Dochnahl that the second sentence of Condition I be amended
to read: This structure shall not be altered to Increase either Its height or
diameter, or to further reduce Its setback.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Comm issloner Dochnahl and
seconded by Commissioner Perkins that Condition 2 be amended to read: The existing
metal shed enclosing the four foot (41) diameter well shall not be removed or
enlarged.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Comm issloner Perkins and
seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that Condition 4 be deleted and the following
be a replacement: These structures shall only be used to house the well and tank
facility. They may not be utilized for any other function.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that Lands of Bertram, File #VAR.7041-77 be
recommended for approval with conditions as amended.
Commissioner Perkins noted that the applicant should obtain a connection to the
water facility that was larger than the two Inch existing pipe so that the Fire De-
partment could connect their more modern equipment to the pipe and pump water for
fire fighting purposes.
3. LANDS OF BERTRAM, File #BSA 6097-77, Page Mill Road and Central Drive, Paul
Nowack and Associates, Engineer, Request for Recommendation of Approval of
Building Site Approval Application.
A short discussion occurred on whether a BSA action was necessary In the case of
Lands of Bertram when the lot was an already developed lot. It was concluded -
that the requesfwwas justifiable, however, Chairman Perkins requested that the
matter of a BSA request when replacing one residence with another should be
agendaed for discussion.
Mr. Markt addressed the Commissioners on the subject request, referring to his staff
report dated August 12, 1977. He called particular attention to the matter of access
VARIANCE AND PERMIT COMMISSION - August 24, 1977
Page four
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
3. LANDS OF BERTRAM, File #BSA 6097-77: (continued)
from Page Mill Road and Central Drive, stated that the pathway request would create
paths that would be fairly close to the dwelling to be constructed, and noted that
another issue was the high voltage line belonging to PG&E that runs along the
property line.
Discussion followed among Commissioners with Commissioner Dochnahl asking for clari-
fication for requesting a dedication of land along Page Mill Road. Mr. Russell
stated that If the ten feet dedication were for pedestrian and equestrian purposes,
It could not be used for roadway purposes. Discussion was concluded and the
hearing opened to the public.
Ernest Bertram, Applicant, stated his reasons for requesting the BSA, noting that
he wished to construct a new dwelling for his family. He re4iewed conditions, stating
that complying with Condition 3 would be exhorbitantly expensive; requested that
Condition 9 be modified so that he could move into the new dwelling and then demolish
the old one; and on Condition 10 stated his preference for a country road rather than
a 60 foot wide suburban street. He was against the thirty foot easement for widening
Central Drive In the future. He objected to Condition 13 and requested that Con-
dition 14(b) be deleted.
Joan Moeller, Central Drive resident, stated she strongly objected to a possible
#4y sixty foot wide road for Central Drive, and that the 30 foot widening was an erosion
of the property rights of the owner.
Commissioner Stewart pointed out that a gravel portion on which Mrs. Noel ler and others
travel on Central Drive was not on the actual roadway, but was about 40 feet onto
Mr. Bertram's property.
Betsy McNutt, 11854 Page Mill Road, spoke against widening Central Drive and against
the dirt road used as a fl re break being developed Into a path.
Betsy Fiksdal, Pathway Committee Chairman, discussed pathway Committee requests.
The public hearing was then closed, and discussion returned to the matter of how under -
grounding should be accomplished. Commissioner Perkins observed that the PG&E ove r -
head lines were a part of the principal distribution system for electrical service to
the area, and felt that requiring that this be undergrounded by the applicant was
not the intent of the ordinance. There was further discussion on the Central Drive.
dedication. Discussion was concluded, and the following motions passed:
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissloner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that Condition 3 be removed and the follow Ing
substituted: Condition 3: Utility Improvements to the house shall be placed
underground.
` MOTICN SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and
seconded by Commissioner Stewart that Condition 9 should be amended to read: If the
applicant desires to move Into the new house and electrical services are requested,
he shall deposit with the Town a bond of sufficient amount (to be determined at the
discretion of the City Engineer) for the demolition of the existing structure.
VARIANCE AND PERMIT COMMISSION - August 24, 1977
L Page five
�/ PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
3. LANDS OF BERTRAM, File #BSA 6097-77: (continued)
(Motion continued)
Demolition shall be accomplished within the 30 days after the applicant Is installed
in the new premises.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl
and seconded by Commissioner Stewart that Condition 10(a) be deleted.
NATION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins
and seconded by Commissioner Stewart that Condition 10 be amended to read: That
portion within Central Drive as measured to a distance of 30 feet from the existing
centerline along the balance of the affected frontage shall be reserved for future
roadway widening.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and
seconded by Commissioner Stewart that Condition II be amended to read: Vehicular
access for this lot shall be limited to that portion of Page Mill Road as shown
by the Building Site Approval Map. (Ordinance No. 232, Section 9-4.1206(e)).
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins
and seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that "recordation of the Final Map" should
be strickenfrom Condition 12, and in its place 'issuance of a building permit'
be Inserted.
NOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins and
seconded by Commissioner Stewart that Condition 12 should be amended by adding the
statement 'The well shall not be used for domestic purposes.' as Condition 12(a).
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl
and seconded by Commissioner Stewart that Condition 13 be amended to read: Dedicate
a ten foot (101) equestrian trail and pedestrian easement along the full frontage
of Page Mill Road.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Perkins and
seconded by Commissioner Stewart that Condition 14(b) be deleted.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that Lands of Bertram, File #BSA 6097-77 be recommended
for approval with conditions as amended.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner STewart and secondee
by Commissioner Perkins that a categorical exemption be filed for the Lands of Bertram.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no new or old business, Chairman Perkins adjourned the meeting at 8:15
P.M..
Respectfully submitted,
Ethel Hopkins
Secretary