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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/25/1978PLANNING COMMISSION ar Town of Los Altos Hills 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING Wednesday, January 25, 1978 Reel 66, Side 2, Tr. 1, 905 to End; Side 1, Tr. 2, 001 to End; Side 2, Tr. 2, 001 to 183 Chairman Stewart called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:40 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town [fall. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Stewart, Carico, Lachenbruch, Dochnahl and Kuranoff Absent: Commissioners VanTamelen and Perkins Also Present: City Manager Robert Crowe, City Engineer Alexander Russell, City Planner/Engtneer John Markt, Secretary Ethel Hopkins CONSENT CALENDAR: The Minutes of January it were removed from the Consent Calendar for correction. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Carico, seconded by Commissioner Stewart, and carried by roll call vote that the Lands of Taylor, File #TM 2077-78, tentative map be accepted for filing. All Commissioners present voted for the motion. The Minutes of January 11 were corrected as follows: (1) Page two, second paragraph, change the 4th line from ..."for voting against.." to 'he would vote against...'; and change the last two lines of the paragraph to read...'... one large subdivision lot without reducing the total number of lots resulted in over -crowding elsewhere in the subdivision.'... (The remaining sentence remains as written.) (2) Page two, third paragraph, fourth line, change "...an illegally built dam built on the property..." to ...'near the property...'. (3) Page three, change the last sentence of the paragraph ending at the top of the page to read: He stated that the location of the intersection of Dawson Drive on Magdalena was the most optimum place for this intersection. Insert in the second paragraph on the page, after "..through road..." a period. Begin a new sentence with the words 'Mr Hollwedel spoke for...'. (4) Page five, second paragraph under Condition 16, line two should read... 'Commissioner Lachenbruch expressed a desire to avoid rolled curbs and gutters...' (the rest remains as written). Paragraph four, line three "the density.." should be changed to 'the congestion' and the last three words of the paragraph deleted and the following substituted: 'not un- reasonable under these circumstances.' MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl, seconded by Commissioner Stewart and passed unanimously that the Minutes of January 11 be approved as amended. n PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 25, 1978 Page two CONSENT CALENDAR: (continued) Town Planner/Engineer requested that the Planning Commission reconsider its accept- ance for filing of the tentative map for the Lands of Taylor. Discussion followed with Mr. Markl's noting that the Lands of Taylor proposed access across Adobe Creek and into the City of Los Altos. Acceptance for filing of the tentative map might indicate that the Town of Los Altos Hills was agreeing to this proposal. Paul Nowack Paul.Nrxvack and Associates En Inter, stated that Mr. Taylor owned properTy on o si es o o e Cree an tat a letter had been filed with the Tarn requesting consideration of the map with access into Los Altos even if the access was used only for emergency access.. All items on the tentative map were in compliance with Town ordinances. MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Carico, and unanimously passed that the Planning Commission not reconsider their previous action of accepting. the Lands of Taylor for filing of the tentative map. PUBLIC HEARINGS: LANDS OF CRIST File #TM 2062-77, Page Mill and Lupine Road, Paul Nowack & ssocia es, ngineer, equests for Recommendation of Approval of Negative Declaration and Tentative Map Town Planner/Engineer Markl reviewed pertinent information on the Lands of Crist as covered in his staff report of January 5. Items discussed were how the present map differs from the previous proposal in that the number of lots in the subdivision had been reduced from seven to five, the change in sewage disposal systems from sewer to septic tank, the re -alignment of the roadways, grading, drainage and garbage removal, conservation and storm drainage easements. A short discussion began among Staff and Commissioners with Commissioner Stewart expressing concern for septic tank drainfields in the area where garbage would be removed and new fill added. He also expressed concern on whether slumping would occur. Thereafter the meeting was opened to the public. Rick Hirsch, Garrick Development Comvanv. 1950 Beach Park Boulevard. Foster Citv. nu Lau LnaL Lne cn sL sugaivision snouia improve Lne arainage in the area, promising that a soils representative will be present at all times during the grading for the subdivision. He urged the Commission to recommend approval of the tentative map. Paul Nowa ck Paul Nowack and Associates Inc. 220 State Street Los Altos, said t at t e ve opers not propose a Ig eart -mov ng protect, t at the soil would be sifted from the garbage, and that roughly five thousand yards of material would be moved. Jitze Cou Brous, 13680 Page Mill Road expressed concern on drainage and spoke, as as orsema�iaing some access from Page Mill Road to Elena. Mel Harrison 27744 Lu ine Road, stated he was speaking for both himself and his son w o ve on t e ra on property. He advocated holding the road 110 feet from the Stratton property rather than the proposed 70 feet, recommended that the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 25, 1978 Page three PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) 1. LANDS OF CRIST, File #TM 2062-77: (continued) drainfield of the lot below the Harrison property be lower than the Harrison lot, and expressed concerns on drainage to Matadero Creek, the removal of dirt from the subdivision, and the depth of the garbage to be removed. Bets Fiksdal Chairwoman Pathwa Committee, noted that the January 10 Pathway Comm ttee memo exp gine t e pa ay requests. Ed Stewart Lu ine Lane and Pae Mill Road,expressed concern on the conservation easemen an a pro em o Keeping Matadero Creek clear. He noted a fire hazard exists with the growth of brush in the creek area, and asked who would be assigned the responsibility for maintenance of the area. In discussion that followed on this matter, City Manager Crowe pointed out that if the conservation easement were granted to the Town and the Town held the deed, it would be the Town's responsibility to maintain the area in a safe manner; if the land remained with the property owner, it would also be his responsibility to maintain the area in a safe manner. It was also pointed out at this time by Commissioner Kuranoff that a contradiction existed in the request for dedication under Condition 15(e) of the list of suggested conditions. L Paul Nowack noted that the watershed in the area of Matadero Creek would be increased y one- a inch and was relatively small, that the cause of flooding in Matadero Creek is caused by lack of maintenance, and that the Crist subdivision would only be a plus for the area. The public hearing was closed, and discussion returned to the Commission. Matters discussed were the amount of garbage to be removed, the possibility of moving the road further from the Stratton property to accommodate Mr. Harrison's request, the question of whether it was better to have drainage contained in a drainage pipe rather than the natural stream bed, the question of the desirability of the large amount of grading to be done in the subdivision, and whether a spite strip should be required on Via Feliz. Thereafter, the list of suggested conditions was reviewed, and the following motions passed: Condition l(b) : The question of whether to leave Condition 1(b) as written was decided in a roll call vote, with the following voting to leave the condition as written: Commissioners Stewart, Carico and Dochnahl. Commissioners Lachenbruch and Kuranoff voted against the proposal. Condition 1(b) was approved as written. Condition 5: Condition 5 was amended to read: The sizes and locations of houses may have to be restricted to allow for installation of septic tank systems (Ordinance No. 232, Section 9-4.1108). Condition 15: It was the consensus of the Commission that Condition 15 encom- pass the overall statement, and sections(a)through (d), and `, (g) through (h). Sections (g) and (h) should be relettered to become (e and (f). Condition 16: A new condition 16 should be inserted after Condition 15 and should read: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 25, 1978 Page four `r PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) 1. LANDS OF CRIST, File #TM 2062-77: (continued) Condition 16: (continued) The following Conservation Easements, as designated by the Tentative Map dated January 6, 1978, shall be placed on Lots 1 and 4 and shown on the final map: (a) Within Lot 1 and enclosed by the easterly line of Page Mill Road, the northerly and southerly boundaries of the subdivision, and the westerly line of the proposed storm drainage easement; and (b) Within Lot 4 and bounded by the southerly line of the roadway and the southerly line of the subdivision. Condition 17: (now renumbered Condition 18) It was the consensus that Condition 17 on the List of Suggested Conditions be amended with the addition of a subsection (a) to read: A plan for suitable screening and landscaping the property lines of the Lands of Stratton and Lot 3 shall be submitted to the Planning Commission for approval prior to the filing of the final map. Added Condition: It was moved by Commissioner Kuranoff and passed by the consensus of the Commission that the following condition be added to the list of recommended conditions: The grading plan for improvements `, and lot design shall be submitted to the Planning Commission for review prior to approval of the final map. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Lachenbruch, seconded by Commissioner Stewart, and passed by roll call vote that a negative declaration be recommended for the Lands of Crist, File #TM 2062-77. AYES: Commissioners Stewart, Carico, Lachenbruch, and Kuranoff NOES: Commissioner Dochnahl ABSTAIN: None MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Kuranoff, seconded by Commissioner Carico and passed by roll call vote to recommend for approval with conditions as amended the Lands of Crist, File #2062-77. AYES: Commissioners Stewart, Carico, Lachenbruch, and Kuranoff NOES: Commissioner Dochnahl ABSTAIN: None City Engineer Russell noted that it was incumbent on the Planning Commission to establish by resolution (as required by the Town ordinances) the activities that may take place in the conservation easement areas. He recommended that this matter be agendized for another meeting. No specific action was taken by the Commission, however. At 9:55 a recess was called with the meeting resuming at 10:05 P.M.. 2. LANDS OF BLEDSOE File #TM 2070-77, Altamont and Moody Roads, John Riley, Engineer, equest or ecommen at ons of Approval of Negative Declaration and 4 Tentative Map �r John Markl discussed the Lands of Bledsoe as proposed in his staff report dated January 18, 1978. He drew particular attention to the subdivision's relationship i PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 25, 1978 Page five PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) 2. LANDS OF BLEDSOE, File #TM 2070-77: (continued): to the Lands of Costello, the transfer of land involved in the creation of the two subdivisions, the varying width in the zone of ground rupture, the problem of drainage on Lot 1, undergrounding of utilities and the question of retaining some overhead service, pathways and the fact that five subdivision lots were being created and that the site could accommodate a sixth subdivision lot. Discussion ensued on the matters of the variation in the fault size, the question of obtaining pathway easements over the lands of Troyer and De Ruiter, and the matter of the drainage problem on Lot 1. It was noted by Mr. Russell that the path on the property adjacent to Lands of Bledsoe and known as the Lands of Troyer and De Ruiter existed only because of the good will of the people involved be- causeat the time the Record of Survey for those properties was executed, no pathway could legally be deeded to the Town. A separate document was required, and none seemed to exist for a path on these lands. Thereafter the hearing was opened to the public discussion. John RileEgip eer for the Applicant, reviewed the history of the drainage problem on o an so utions eing proposed. Lei hton M. Bledsoe 25525 Mood Road A licant, discussed the history of the ra nage pro em an w a was a ng proposed with his subdivision and noted that the main problem is the flooding from the areas above his subdivision. Discussion followed among Commissioners concerning the material the V -ditch would be constructed of, and whether the Planning Commissioners should review the improve- ment and drainage plans for the subdivision. Thereafter, the public hearing was closed. Commissioner Carico raised the issue of whether proposed Lot 5 could actually be subdivided into two parcels and comply with ordinance requirements, and it was felt by Commissioners that Lot 5 could accommodate further subdivision. Further questions were on why a tank and another well were not located on the map. Mr. Bledsoe located the items in question for the Commissioners, and stated that etT—n7fronmental Health Department letter referred to and discussed disposition of these items. A review of the conditions began, with the following motions and amendments passed: Condition 1: It was the consensus of the by changing "...Lot 1..." in to read 'Lots 2 and 3 and by statement 'No structures for fault setback area.' Commission that Condition 1 be amended the beginning of Line 4 of the condition adding to the end of the condition the human habitation will be constructed in the Condition 3: It was the consensus of the Commission that Condition 3(b) be incor- porated into 3(a) of the condition and read as follows: 3(a) The statement 'The existence of the fault zone shall not be considered as a valid reason for a variance request on Lots 2 and 3.' shall �. be placed on the face of the final map and on the covenants, con- ditions, and restrictions of the subdivision. 4W `7 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 25, 1978 Page six PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) 2. LANDS OF BLEDSOE, File #TM 2070-77: (continued) Condition 5: Mr. Bledsoe stated that he wished to keep the overhead utilities line 0 Lot b in place until this lot is further subdivided and requested that the Commission recommend this. It was the consensus of the Commission that Condition 5 be amended to read: All public utility improvements shall be undergrounded (Ordi- nance No. 232, Section 9-4.1105). However, overhead services for the existing residence and the existing pole on site are to remain until the further subdivision of Lot 5. When Lot 5 is subdivided, all utilities shall be undergrounded. It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and seconded by Commissioner Stewart that a conditional exception be recommended on Condition 5. The motion was approved unanimously. Condition 15: In discussion on the pathway along the easterly property lines of Lots 1 and 2, there was a consensus that the Pathway Committee contact the Troyers and DeRuiters and seek the dedication of the easement area presently being used for pedestrian and pathway use. Condition 15(b) should be changed to read 'Paths shall be separate from the pavement by at least six feet'(the rest of the condition remains as written. Added Condition: It was the consensus of the Commission that the following condition be added: Install one fire hydrant on Moody Road at a location selected by the Fire Department and pay $60.00 to the Fire District to cover hydrant standby fees. MOTION SECONDED AND APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and seconded by Commissioner Carico that a negative declaration be recommended for the Lands of Bledsoe, File #TM 2070-77. MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Lachenbruch, seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl, and passed unanimously that the Lands of Bledsoe, File #TM 2070-77, be recommended for approval with conditions as amended. 3. LANDS OF TROEDSON, File #TM 2067-77 Snell Lane, Paul Nowack and Associates, ngineer, Requestor ecoim ail ions of Approval on Negative Declaration and Tentative Map Mr. Markl reviewed the Lands of Troedson request as covered by his staff report of January 20. Items discussed were the problem of existing structures in the subdivision, the wish to retain the use of the well, the difficulty of designing a road to allow the well shed to remain, the modification of the garage to conform to setback requirements, the small tent lots in the area, and the extension of Altadena Avenue. Commissioners began discussion with the question being raised of abandoning the small area of Altadena affecting the applicant's property. It was noted by Mr. Russell, PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 25, 1978 Page seven PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) 3. LANDS OF TROEDSON, File #TM 2067-77: (continued) however, that this was inadvisable because the issue of roadways in the area was in litigation at the present time. Discussion continued on the matter of the width of the proposed roadway, the design of the roadway to accommodate the existing well and pump, and the design of the private road portion, Snell Court. Paul Now Paul Nowack and Associates En ineer noted that conditions had changed an a app can was wr rng to ma a ne ourt a public road. Thereafter, the hearing was opened to the public. Garrick Jennin s s oke on behalf of Mr. Starrett 26600 Snell Lane, expressed the view a r. arre m g no e t e roa esign of Snellourt as it bordered his property. The public hearing was closed and discussion returned to Staff and the Commission. Considerable discussion occurred on how the triangular area on Snell Court that contained an existing well and pump house should be accommodated, whether and how it should be conveyed to the adjoining landowner Mr. Starrett, whether or not it should become an abandoned well, and how Snell Court should be improved to become a public road since it had previously been proposed as a private road. Jack Dymond, 190 Nhisman Road Mountain V1ew, Develo ear stated the wish of the app Ti ant tai- eweTT—is o an t was e r esire that it should be abandoned. The discussion moved to the issue of pathways in the area, and Chairman Stewart read to the Commission Mrs. Troedson's letter requesting that equestrian traffic not be permitted along Snell Court. The following conditions were amended: Condition 8(a): It was moved by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Kuranoff, and approved unanimously that the last word in line two of Condition 8(a) be changed from "Northerly" to 'southerly'. It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl, seconded by Commissioner Kuranoff, and passed by roll call vote that Condition 8(a) be approved as amended. Voting for the motion were Commissioners Carico, Lachenbruch, Dochnahl, and Kuranoff. Commissioner Stewart voted against the motion. MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl, seconded by Commissioner Lachenbruch, and passed unanimously, that a negative declaration be recommended for the Lands of Troedson, File #TM 2067-77. MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: It was moved by Commissioner Carico, seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl, and unanimously approved that the Lands of Troedson, File #TM2067-77 be recommended for approval with conditions as amended. OLD BUSINESS: John Markl reviewed the revised tentative map for the Lands of Dawson, File #TM2073-77 with the Commissioners, and after looking at the revised map, the Commission passed the following motion: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - January 25, 1978 Page eight OLD BUSINESS: (continued) It was the consensus of the Commission to recommend for aproval the re -designed map for the Lands of Dawson, File NTM 2073-77, as submitted on January 25, 1978. Commissioner Lachenbruch requested that the minutes reflect his statement that the removal of one lot had improved the subdivision substantially. NEW BUSINESS: The Planning Commission took under consideration the second item under "New Business" and directed that the remaining items under "Old and New Business" be agendaed for discussion at the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission, there being no agreeable time to discuss these items at an adjourned meeting. 2. Proposed Ordinance re Fences: Discussion on Council deliberations on fences for subdivisions were conveyed to the Planning Commission by Commissioner Lachenbruch. After some consideration, the following statement was to be conveyed to the Council: MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Commissioner Lachenbruch, seconded by Commissioner Carico and the unanimous decision that the following ordinance statement be forwarded to the City Council: No subdivision shall be enclosed in whole or in part by a wall or fence of any kind. ADJOURNMENT: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl, seconded by Commissioner Stewart and the agreement by all that the meeting should be adjourned. Commissioner Stewart adjourned the meeting at 12:35 P.M.. Respectfully submitted, Ethel Hopkins Secretary 07