HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/14/1977 (2)PLANNING COMMISSION
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, September 14, 1977
Reel 63, Side 2, Tr. 1, 639 to End; Side 1, Tr. 1, 001 to End.
Chairman Stewart called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:55 P.M.
in the Council Chambers of Town Hall.
ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present: Commissioners Carico, Stewart, Van Tamelen, Dochnahl, and Kuranoff
Absent: Commissioners Perkins and Lachenbruch
Also Present: City Manager Robert Crowe, Town Planner/Engineer John Mark],
Secretary Ethel Hopkins
CONSENT CALENDAR:
The Minutes of August 31 were removed from the Consent Calendar for correction.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: It was moved by Commissioner Carico and
seconded by Commissioner Kuranoff that the Consent Calendar be approved as listed,
namely, the Minutes of August 24 and the information for the Planning Commission
on time extensions granted by the City Council for Tentative Maps.
Commissioner Stewart read changes requested by Commissioner Lachenbruch in the
Augus 3Minutes:
n page one, under Lands of Costello, item 1 should read: 'Whether or not
access to Lot 3 through Lot 2 should be through a panhandle access or an
easement was to be the option of the subdivider. In any event, the
access should be deducted from the total acreages of the lots. The relative
merits of a panhandle access were also discussed.'
2. On page two, after the fourth paragraph, the following should be added in
response to Commissioner Stewart's remarks: 'Commissioner Lachenbruch
responded that he felt that there was no such ambiguity in the application
of the slope density ordinance. The ordinance specifies a minimum condition
on area, and the applicant is obliged to demonstrate that this minimum at
least is complied with. The Costello Subdivision has been contrived to just
meet this minimum area and no more. Under such a circumstance, we should be
certain that it is no less.
Further Corrections were requested as follows: Page three, recess was from 10:45 to
10:55. On page four, Mrs. Fiksdal's statement should be be corrected in the last
line by deleting the last four words of the sentence and adding instead: 'open space,
and scenic roads at the County and State level who could be consulted on the Town's
Scenic Highways Element.'; and finally on page two, under Condition 1, after "open
space in line 2, add 'in the fault setback area'.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and seconded by
Commissioner Van Tamelen that the Minutes of August 31 be approved as amended.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - September 14, 1977
Page two
CONSENT CALENDAR: (continued)
MOTION: (continued)
All Commissioners voted for the motion of approval with the exception of Commissioner
Carico who abstained because of absence from the meeting.
PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. LANDS OF COSTELLO File #TM 2067-77, Altamont and Moody Road, John W. Riley,
Engineer, Request for Recommen ation of Approval of Tentative Map. (Continued
from August 31, 1977).
Town Engineer/Planner Markt discussed the corrections made in the subject map on the
Lands of Costello. These changes and additions to the Tentative Map are discussed
in his staff report of September 8. They address the specific concerns stated
by the Commissioners at the meeting of August 31.
Discussion began among Commissioners on what specifically could be done with the
fault area on Lot 1, which lots could use the easements for access on Lots 2 and 3
and whether or not these easements could be deducted from the lot acreage. There
was further discussion on the access easement for Lot 4, with Commissioner Stewart
inquiring on the location of the public utility easement for the lot. Commission-
er Carico inquired about the gross and net results in acreages for lots if the areas
for panhandles were deducted from the areas for the lots. The public hearing was
opened by Commissioner Stewart thereafter.
John Rile En ineer for the A licant, stated that the public utility easement
Fa een omitte on of an wou a corrected. He discussed with Commissioners
questions on easements on Lot 4.
The public hearing was closed, and discussion began among Commissioners, with
Commissioners making the following statements on Lands of Costello:
Commissioner Kuranoff expressed concern on the overall design of the Costello Sub-
division, noting that the subdivision was a part of three subdivisions, all very
intense. He stated that the subdivision has almost no dedicated access, that the
subdivision has five lots with two panhandle accesses and noted that the Lands of
Berger had been denied because of 29 lots and five panhandles as reasons for reducing
the number of panhandles. He pointed out that there were restricted building areas
on one of the lots, and stated that the subdivision lots had been gerrymandered.
Commissioner Van Tamelen stated she agreed with Commissioner Kuranoff and stated
that the subdivision seemed to cry out for four lots rather than five. She suggested
ways that the subdivision could be divided into four lots, and pointed.to a greater
need for open space.
Commissioner Stewart expressed concern on Lot 3 and the swale area, stating that he
agreed that four lots were more desirable, noting that lots 2 and 3 were particularly
crowded.
(`, Commissioner Dochnahl stated he concurred with Commissioner Stewart.
City Manager Crowe at this point recommended that the Commission recommend denial
of the subdivision and city the reasons, or approve the subdivsion with the reduction
of one lot.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - September 14, 1977
tL Page three
firPUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
1. LANDS OF COSTELLO, File ATM 2067-77 (continued)
Bever_l,�Bro�ckway, Developer, spoke to the Commission and urged them to reconsider
aial—of tfi su ivision application, stating that lots were not gerrymandered,
and cited reasons in rebuttal to the Commissioners statements on the faults with
the proposed subdivision.
John Riley, neer for the Applicant, stated that the subdivision conformed to
o�dr in ante requirements, WdL excellent building sites existed on all the lots,
and stated that six tenths of an acre was provided for dedications for almost
five lots. He urged that if the subdivision conformed to the ordinance it should
be approved.
John Markl discussed with the Commission the problem of providing dedications and
good road access if the subdivision were limited to four lots.
Commissioner Stewart stated that while the subdivision did conform to ordinances,
it was in conflict with the General Plan and the probability was that it would
be rejected by the City Council because the development was too intense. There-
after the following motion was passed:
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and seconded
by Commissioner Kuranoff that the Lands of Costello, File ATM 2067-77 be recommended
for denial without prejudice for the following reasons: The tentative map as sub-
mitted is not a well-planned subdivision; there are too many lots too close together;
the encumbrance of the land by the fault line and the swale would not create five
lots; and there is excessive use of panhandle lots.
Voting for approval of the motion were Commissioners Van Tamelen, Dochnahl and Kuranoff.
Voting against the motion were Commissioners Carico and Stewart.
2. LANDS OF GI GLI File ATM 2059-77, Elena Road, Paul Nowack & Associates, Engineer,
equest or ecommen at on OT Approval of Tentative Map.
Mr. Markl reviewed pertinent information on the above request, pointing to the fault
zone and areas of steepness on some of the lots as major factors considered in the
design of the subdivision. These items were discussed at length in his staff report
of September 6.
Commissioners asked questions about the length of the drainage pipe to be installed
in the swale area , and Mr. Bud Chor, En sneer, stated the drainage pipe would be
installed with a culvert rn ercep an a e exact size had yet to be determined.
Commissioner Stewart asked if a conservation easement had been considered for Lots 2
and 4, and Mr. Markl replied that it had not been. The hearing was opened to the
public for discussion.
Bud Chor, En sneer for thee8 plic�ait, requested that Condition 2 be amended to a
25 foo s rut ura set ac lher than the fifty feet in the condition.
4w The public hearing was closed, and a review of the conditions began.
In the discussion on Condition 1, Chairman Stewart questioned why vertical curbs
and gutters were installed in some places and rolled curbs and gutters in others.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - September 14, 1977
t Page four
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
2. LANDS OF GIGLI File File ATM 2059-77: (continued)
Mr. Crowe responded that rolled curbs and gutters were installed as a usual practice,
but vertical curbs and gutters were installed in some instances to match vertical
curbs already installed and in other instances to accommodate an increased water run-
off where rolled curbs and gutters would not be adequate.
Commissioner Stewart questioned about trenching for the fault line, and inquired
specifically about debris on the surface below the pool area on Lot 2. Both Mr. Markl
and Bud Chor, Engineer for the A licant,cited the first three conditions as covering
the nee�for a equate sol ,the
and geologic work for the subdivision. Commissioner
Carico expressed concern that there be further safeguards, citinq Mr. Cotton's letter
of August 31. The following motions were passed:
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Carico and seconded by
Commissioner Stewart that an additional condition be added: The factors of ground
slope and potential seismic ground rupture shall prohibit any further subdivision
of Lots 2 and 4.
AYES: Commissioners Carico, Stewart and Van Tamelen
NOES: Commissioners Dochnahl and Kuranoff
ABSTAIN: None
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Amend Condition 2 by changing the beqinning of the condition
to 'Future structures' and deleting "fifty foot" for the structural setback and
replacing it with '25 foot'.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Amend Condition 9 by deleting "septic tank or cesspool" at
the end of the condition and replacing with 'pit privy'.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Amend Condition 15(a) by changing the lot numbers at the end
of the sentence from "Lots 4 and 5" to 'Lots 3 and 4'.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and
seconded by Commissioner Carico that an additional condition be added: A sound
survey shall be conducted by the developer on Lots 3 and 4 to determine the noise
level from Interstate 280, and if required, mitigating measures shalt be installed
at the discretion of the Town Engineer prior to the construction of the homes.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Van Tamelen
and seconded by Commissioner Carico that Lands of Gigli, File ATM 2059-77 be recommended
for approval with conditions as amended.
NATION PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by
Commissioner Dochnahl that a Negative Declaration be recommended for the above request.
At 9:50 P.M. a recess was called; the meeting resumed at 10:00 P.M..
C The following item was taken out of order from the agenda because of its brevity
and the relative length of the remaining items.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - September 14, 1977
Page five
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
6. Pre -Zoning Hearing and Annexation of the Prop
Mr. Crowe addressed the Commissioners on Lands of Perrett, noting that the subject
parcel was in the process of being annexed to the Town through LAFCO, and that
as a part of the process it must be pre -zoned to conform to Town zoning rather than
the County zoning. He informed the Commission on the background of the property
under discussion and noted that further acreage would be before them for pre -zoning.
He noted that the property is within the Urban Service Area of the Town and would
eventually be subdivided, noting that the addition of this property to the Town
would assist in the development of the Dawson subdivision.
A short discussion ensued, and the public hearing opened and closed. The following
motion was passed.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and
seconded by Commissioner Carico that Lands of Perrett, 52.83 Acres, be recommended
to be pre -zoned to R -A.
3. LANDS OF NEWh1AN, File #TM 2068-77, Natoma Road, Sandis A Associates, Engineer,
'ffequest or comnen ation of Approval of Tentative Map
4W Mr. Markt reviewed information on the above request, noting that the subdivision was
for two parcels, and that background information was conveyed in his September 8
staff report. He added, however, that the Horsemen's Association would clear an ade-
quate path through the conservation easement and through the ten foot equestrian and
hiking easement. (These easements were obtained with the original subdivision.)
Commissioner Van Tamelen asked why the present subdivision had not been done earlier
with the original request. Thereafter, the hearing was opened to the public.
Alan Lambert, 141 First Street, Los Altos, noted that Mrs. Newman wanted a large lot
nex o er property, an consequently did not subdivide the present subdivision land
earlier, and that this was all the subdividing she planned to do.
The public hearing was closed, and the following motions passed:
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Carico and
seconded by Commissioner Kuranoff that the Lands of Newman, File #TM 2068-77 be
recommended for approval with conditions.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Kuranoff and
seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that a Negative Declaration be filed for the
above Lands of Newman.
4. LANDS OF FREEMAN, File #PM 375-M8, Fremont and Arastradero Roads, Edwin Smith,
ngineer, eques or ecomnen ation of Approval of Lot Line Change.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and
seconded by Commissioner Stewart that the Lands of Freeman request be continued to
the meeting of September 28.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - September 14, 1977
L Page six
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
5. LANDS OF BERGER File #TM 2058-77, Fremont Road, HMH Engineering, Engineer,
Reques or ecanmen anon o pproval of Resubmitted Tentative Map.
Mr. Mark] reviewed background on the above request and referred to his September 7
staff report which delineated the changes on the resubmitted Tentative Map. He
noted that the subdivision design is vastly improved, and that the circulation and
permeability of the subdivision was enhanced by the open space and pathway easement
provided on the property.
Discussion began on the conditions previously approved by the Berger Subdivision.
Specific matters discussed were drainage problems in the area as they related to the
Berger Subdivision and as provided for under Condition 12, the kinds of curbs and
gutters that would be installed in the subdivision and the attendant problems of
maintaining rural type asphaltic roads over more defined concrete roadways, the
tennis court on Lot 3 and how to deal with it, and ways of preventing a stone fence
that would conflict with a rural environment being installed to mark the subdivision.
When the public hearing was opened, the following people addressed pertinent issues:
Richard Hasen flu 26238 Fmont Road, discussed the problem of water flow and drain-
age rom is an neig reoring properties.. He asked for mitigation measures to be taken
to correct water backup and flooding on these properties.
Charles Reed Osterlund Enter rises,noted that the drainage to be installed on the
erger u v Sion wou act as a curative measure to the drainage problems. He
stated his willingness to provide additional measures requested by the Town to
alleviate drainage problems on Fremont Road if he did not have to go through a lot
of red tape, but he noted that it would add to the overall cost of the drainage
problems. He stated further that he was not interested in constructing a large
stone fence to designate his subdivision.
Jim Harper 1Fi Engineering, reviewed changes in the conditions and discussed the
Tcafio of3rainage improvements within the subdivision.
Betsy Fiksdal Pathw Committee spoke against the Santa Clara Water District re-
quests on Efte s orm rain easements in the subdivision and noted that the Town's
proposal for drainage problem was satisfactory. She spoke for pathway provisions
and noted that the path on Fremont Avenue should be more substantial than Type 1A.
JJ�aahcckgqValladeo 26363 Es eranza Drive, asked about undergrounding and fencing on
MOTIO 1p'E"08 BYtCDNSEN�US:paGondition 8 was to be amended by the phrase 'until
new access is provided' added after "The existing driveways shall be maintained...".
The remainder of the condition was to be the same.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Van Tamelen that the following be added as Condition 8(a):
The macadam for the existing driveway shall be removed entirely by the
`, subdivider in the open space and pathway easement, and on Lot 11 where
there is no landscaping. Within the area of landscaping the subdivider
shall remove the macadam where practical after consultation with the
subdivider's engineer and,the Town's enWeer. The driveway shall
remain on Lot 10 at the discretion of tghe owner.
ow
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - September 14, 1977
Page seven
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
5. LANDS OF BERGER. File #111 2058-77: (continued)
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Kuranoff that Condition 10 be deleted and the following
substituted: The existing tennis court on Lot 3 shall be allowed to encroach on
the side yard thirty foot setback by six feet.
MOTION PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Amend Condition 11(b) by adding 'and Canavera Place'
after "Canavera Court".
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by
Commissioner VanTamelen that Condition 12 be amended by adding after the word
"location" in line 2, 'in the public right-of-way on Fremont Road'; and at the
end of the condition the following sentence: 'The subdivider will provide, without
cost to the Town but with the cooperation of the Town, a supplemental connecting
culvert from the south side of Fremont Road to carry the waters of Dry Creek.
Precise size and location of the connecting culvert is to be determined by the
City Engineer.'
All Commissioners present voted for the motion except Commissioner Kuranoff who
voted against the motion.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Carico that Condition 14 on Pathways be deleted and the
following substituted:
PATHWAYS:
(a) Construct a Type 2A path five (5) feet wide along Fremont Road
within the road right-of-way.
(b) Construct a Type 2A path five (5) feet wide between Lots 8 and 9
from Torrente Way to Altadena within the ten (10) foot wide easement
and easterly along Altadena within the road right-of-way to the
terminus of the subdivision.
(1) Construct a motorcycle barrier between Lots 8 and 9 at Altadena.
(c) Construct a Type 2A path five (5) feet wide along the north side of
Torrente Way within the road. right-of-way.
(d) Construct a Type 2A path five (5) feet wide along the east side of
Este Dona Place within the road right-of-way.
(e) Construct a Type 2A path five (5) feet wide along the north side of
Canavera Place and the west side of Canavera Court from Canavera Place
northerly to the cul-de-sac.
(f) Construct a Type IA path five (5) feet wide within the open space -
drainage easement.
MOTION PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Amend Condition 15(d) by changing the amount to
$4,365.08 and the total Fees amount to $12,135.08.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Kuranoff
and seconded by Commissioner Stewart to add as an additional condition: Curbs and
gutters within the subdivision shall be limited to rolled curbs and gutters.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - September 14, 1977
Page eight
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
5. _LANDS OF BERGER File #TM 2058-77: (continued)
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Kuranoff and
seconded by Commissioner Stewart that a Condition be added: There shall be no concrete
wall of any kind surrounding the subdivision.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Comnissioner Van Tamelen that the following be added as a condition:
Any permanent subdivision signs will be approved by the Planning Commission and
recommended to the City Council before they are constructed.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that the following condition be added: The open
space, drainage, and pathway easement on the Final Map is to conform to the cross-
hatched area shown on the tentative map. This easement shall be dedicated to the
Town.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: It was moved by Commissioner Carico and
seconded by Commissioner Kuranoff that the Lands of Berger, File #Tm 2058-77 be
recommended for approval with conditions as amended.
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: It was moved by Commissioner Kuranoff
4 and seconded by Commissioner Stewart that a Negative Declaration be filed for
Lands of Berger.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Commissioner Carico requested that the Planning Commission Chairman recommend
by letter to the City Council that Ordinance 232 be amended to include environ-
mental controls on subdivisions such as concrete walls surrounding subdivisions,
signs designating subdivisions and cement vertical berms, etc. that seem to
come up again and again lately as new subdivisions are dealt with.
2. Commissioner Kuranoff requested that the number of lots on a subdivision be
added to the tops of staff reports and on the agendas.
3. Chairman Stewart reminded the Variance and Permit Commissioners to check agendas
for the start of the Variance and Permit Commission because of varying times from
6:30 to 7:00 P.M. for the beginning of the meeting.
4. Mr. Markl addressed the Commission with a proposal for a meeting with the
Subdivider and any interested Commissioners and City Council members to discuss
policy questions on the Lands of Dawson, File PM 4018-77. He cited Ordinance
232, Section 9-4.408 as reference for the reason for requesting the meeting.
It was decided by the Planning Commission that an adjourned meeting would be
held on Thursday. September 22, at 7:45 P.M. for the purpose of an informal
t advisory meeting on the Preliminary Map for the Lands of Dawson.
4r ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further new or old business, the mepetin of the
ttPlanning Commission
P.M. -
was adjourned at 12:40 P.M. by the Chairman toRespeC� u5ly2submitted;'M"
Ethel Hopkins
Secretary