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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12/13/1978I� ftlJIlk 0MetHd101IWO(60 Tann of Los Altos Hills 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California MINUTES OF A REGULAR TING Wednesday, December 13, 1978 Reel 75, Side I, Tr. 1, 001 to End, Side II, Tr. 1, 001 to 896 Chairman Stewart called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order in the Council Chambers of Town Hall at 7:45 p.m. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Iachenbruch, Reeves, Dochnahl and Stewart Absent: Commissioners Carico, vanTamelen and Kuranoff Also Present: City Manager Imbert Crowe, City Engineer John Carlson, Consulting Engineer/Planner John Markl, Secretary Ethel Hopkins K.wm.-maanrrcea�omvuc+ The Minutes of November 20 were removed from the Consent Calendar and corrected as follows: On page 2, under Old Business, paragraph 2, the first sentence was corrected to read "...with a formula for presenting slope density calculations." NOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: It was moved by Commissioner DDchnahl and seconded by Commissioner Reeves that the Minutes of November 20 be approved as amended. NOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMJUSLY: It was [roved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Ccmni.ssiomer Dochnahl to approve the balance of the Consent Calendar, namely: The minutes of the Adjourned Meeting of November 12 and the Minutes of the Joint Meeting of November 29. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: Arastradero Iniad I rovement Project: Artemas Ginzton, Environmental Design Can- nuttee, brought the Commissioners corp to date on her efforts as a representative of the cammnity before the Board of Supervisors on the Arastradero Road Project. She called attention to the December 11 letter written to the Board of Supervisors in support of a traffic light at Deer Creek and Page Mill Road, and noted that this item was approved and the traffic light installation would be in the 1979 budqet. Her request was that the Planning Connission authorize her to speak on behalf of the Town at the Decanber 18 Board of Supervisors meeting and that she might recommend that the Pathway Ccunittee of the Towwn and the Palo Alto Bicycle Committee under the chairmanship of Mr. Dave Uggla be recommended to work out a solution to the bicycle, pedestrian, traffic mix on the realignment of the Arastradero Road -Page Mill Road intersection (Item 4 on the December 11 letter). The Planning Ccumission agreed that a letter would be written by Mr. Crowe for Mrs. Ginzton to take with her to L the Board of Supervisors meeting. Chairman Stewart agreed to write a letter to Scott Carey, Mayor of Palo Alto,thanking him for his successful conclusion to the Arastradero Road Improvement Project. 4W 4W PLANNING COn4ISSICN MINUTES - December 13, 1978 Page two PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. LANDS OF BAHR Fork Lane. Paul Noaack City Engineer John Carlson explained the new staff report format, noting that conditions for the tentative rap were being segregated under the titles "Ordinance Conditions" and "Staff Recommended Conditions" in order to facilitate the processing of the final map. Only conditions recommended by staff could be deleted or added to; all other conditions pertained to ordinance requirements. He then reviewed pertinent background information on the Lands of Bahr relative to an assessment district for the installation of utilities, the scope of the conservation easement, and pathway easements. bVrION SECONDED AND PASSED BY UNANDIOUS ROLL CALL VOTE: It was moved by Commission- er Dochnahl and seconded by Cacnussioner Reeves that a Negative Declaration be recommended for the Lands of Bahr, File YTM 2079-78. Commissioners' discussion centered on the necessity to change the tentative map to reflect a forty foot dedication for the future development of the private road, and the intersection and curve radius required in Condition 1C.2 of the list of conditions; the need for granting a conditional exception to the ordinance requirement to bring South Fork Lane up to Town standards; and whether an assessment district should be required for the undergrounding of utilities. The public hearing was opened. Paul Nowack, Engineer, 220 State Street, Los Altos, discussed Condition 2 as it related to the soils investigation on Lot 1, recommended that everyone on South Fork Lane participate in the undergrounding of utilities and road improvements, questioned whether the fire hydrant requested in Condition 5 was necessary in the light that there were several fire hydrants in the area, and suggested that the Horsemen's Association and the Pathway Committee remove the fence along the path easement (Condition 6B). Fran Stevenson, Pathway Committee, agreed to having the Pathway Committee and Horse- men's Association move the fence discussed in Condition 6.13, and noted the urgency of moving the fence along South Fork Lane (Condition 6.A). She discussed the path requested along the northerly property line and its possible connections. Bob Bahr, Applicant, wanted to know how pathway users could use the pathway requested along the northerly property line in the light of the steepness of the area. Jean Struthers, 13690 Robleda Road, Pathway Committee, spoke for the pathway request along the northern property line, and recommended going along the driveway of the subdivision to Three Forks Lane until Lands of Cottrell comes in for subdivision and a proper path connection is obtained. The public hearing was closed, and a review of the conditions was begun. The follow- ing conditions were amended: `,. Added Condition: 1.G. As South Fork Lane is not to be improved to Town Standards for cul-de-sac streets, a conditional exception to Section 9-4.1103 of Ordinance No. 232 shall be granted. (This con- dition was added on the motion of Cm, ssicner Lachenbruch and passed by consensus.) l7 PLANNING COMMISSION NII=S - December 13, 1978 Page three PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) 1. LANDS OF BABR, File #TM 2079-78: (continued) Amend Condition 1.C.1: Amend the last line of the condition to read: '...over Lot 1 as shown on the revised tentative map... (ordinance citations remain as written). Condition 1.D: Amend Condition 1.D by adding "via Country Way." to the end of the first sentence of this condition. Condition 1.E.(3): MYTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMAISLY: It was moved by Conudssion- er Dochnahl and seconded by Commissioner Reeves to amend Condition 1.E. (3) to read: (3) Along the northerly property line of Lots 1 and 2 as shown on the tentative map. Condition 1.E.(4): Amend Condition 1.E.(4) to read: "within the staff recaarended conservation easement over the southerly portion of Lot 1 from South Fork Lane..." ('The rest of the condition remains as written.) Commissioner Stewart requested that the tentative map be amended to show the stippled area ten feet wide running out to the western boundary of the subdivision to provide for protection of the storm drainage area. `, Condition 3.C: Considerable discussion occurred on how and when an assessment district could be formed to underground utilities in the area of this subdivision, or whether the applicant Mr. Bahr should be solely responsible for this undergrounding. M7TION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart and seconded by Crn ssioner Reeves to delete the staff suggested Condition 3.0 and to add instead the following Condition 3.C: The applicant shall underground the utilities along South Fork Lane as a part of this sub- division. vote: AYES: Co missioners Stewart, Reeves, Dochnahl. NOES: Ccnmissioner Lachenbruch. Abstain: None Condition 2.C: It was the consensus that the following statement be added to Condition 2.C: Additional guidelines and restrictions may be imposed as a result of further investigations and field inspections during construction. Condition 6.A: It was the consensus that Condition 6.A be amended to read: The fence along South Fork Lane shall be moved to the new right-of-way line prior to final inspection of any residence on Lot 1. Condition 6.B: It was the consensus to amend Condition 6.B to read: The applicant shall allow the fence along the proposed easement in Condition 1.E(1) to be moved to the westerly edge of the easement. Condition 7.A: It was the consensus that Condition 7.A should be deleted and the following condition substituted: The applicant does not have to re- move the structure located in the northwesterly corner of Lot 2; but if this non -conforming structure is modified, a variance application shall be requested. MOTION SECDNDED AND UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED: It was moved by Connissioner Lbchnahl and seconded by Crnmissioner Reeves to recommended approval of the Lands of Bahr, File #TM 2079-78, with conditions as amended. PLANNING COMUSSICN A'U=S - December 13, 1978 Page four 4W PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) 2. LANDS OF STEERS, File #TM 2087-78, Central and Buena Vista Drive, G. Nolte and Associates, Engineer, Request for Recommendation of Approval of Negative Declara- tion and Tentative Map, 2 Lots Commissioner Lachenbruch stated that he would not participate as a Planning Commission- er in the public hearing for the above request. A lack of a quorum, therefore, resulted in the subdivision's being continued to the meeting of January 10, 1979. John E Nliller Attorney, 385 Sherman Avenue, Palo Alto 94306, stated he was represen- ting the Steers in the matter of the lands of Steers and asked to be notified on the next time that the Lands of Steers would be considered. Mrs. Metzger, 11620 Buena Vista Drive, requested that Commissioner Dochnahl remove himself frau the discussion on the Lands of Steers. A short recess was called at 9:35; the meeting was resumed at 9:45 p.m. 3. LANDS OF LENZEN, File #TM 2092-78, Campo Vista Lane, Paul Ncwack and Associates, Engineer, Request for Recamandation of Approval of Negative Declaration and Tentative Map, 2 Lots bir. Carlson discussed the subject request as detailed in the staff comment sheet L and related attachments dated December 13. He noted that although the request was a fairly simple one, there were several important considerations regarding Campo Vista Lane, among which were the location and configuration of the terminus for Campo Vista as it related to the official plan line for the road, the need to mini- mize grading, and the agreement with the Lands of Pbyer to improve its frontage along the lane at the time of further subdivision in the area. Mr. Markl reviewed conditions determined at the time of the subdivisions of the Lands of Myer, Woolworth and King, but noted improvement of Campo Vista Lane really de- pended on the subdividing of the Lands of Winnbiggler. Camrissioners expressed concerns on whether a thirty foot right-of-way easement existed for road improvement on the Lands of Winnbiggler and Grandstaff, and whether it was necessary to bring the road up to Toon standards at this time. Chairman Stewart related concern and suggestions for the road's improvement submitted by Mrs. Young on Campo Vista Lane, specifically that C cpo Vista be improved by leveling the area where the knoll now is and removing the retaining wall. Another of We. Young's concerns was the lack of parking on the road. Thereafter, the hearing was opened to the public discussion. Ken Pastrof, Westwind Development Company, Carpo Vista Lane, expressed the desire of the developer to keep the road as rural as possible, stated that actually only one more home was being added with the subject subdivision (one home being razed and another built to replace it), said the developer preferred the hammerhead turn- around proposed by staff because it was more rural, and acknowledged that the Winnbiggler property was the key to the development of the road. Al Woolworth, Canmpo Vista Lane, noted that his home on Campo Vista does not use the unpaved portionn0 et�roa� all but is served by a separate roadway. He noted that Moyer and Winnbiggler would share in the development of Campo Vista as a public road, and said that either a bulb or a hammerhead would be acceptable as a turn -around area. PLANNING COf IISSION MINUTES - December 13, 1978 Page five 4W PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) 3. LANDS OF LENZEN, File #TM 2092-78: (continued) Paul Jensen, 13830 Campo Vista Lane, stated he had no objections to the suggestions made for improving Campo Vista Lane. Sonya Jensen, 13830 Campo Vista Lane, requested that Campo Vista be widened at least a foot or so. Jean Struthers,Pathway Committee, discussed the pathway request as displayed in Appendix 49 of the staff report, and noted that the proposed pathways were important access areas for the school area. Al Woolworth objected to a path between the Lenzen and Jensen properties, saying he did not wish to circle the property with pathways. He said that the path on the southerly side of the property was acceptable. The public hearing was closed, the negative declaration passed, and a review of the conditions began. NMION SECONDED AND CARRIED UNANLn1OUSLY: It was nrved by Commissioner Dochnahl and seconded by Commissioner Reeves that a Negative Declaration be recommended for the Lands of Lenzen, File #TTf 2092-78. The Commission reouested, after discussion of Condition 1.A of the list of conditions, that Note #6 on the tentative map be removed and that the precise location of the road- way be determined on the tentative map before it is submitted to the City Council. In further discussion on the development of Campo Vista Lane and the possible connection of the Lands of Woolworth property to the road, fir. Woolworth stated that it was his understanding that barricades between his private access Campo Vista would be removed at the time that the Winnbiggler property is developed and the frontage along that property on Campo Vista improved. Commissioner Lachenbruch requestedthat the agreements regarding improvements of portions of Carpo Vista Lane be researched, and that some decisions be made as to when and where the road improvements shall occur on Campo Vista Lane. condition 1.B PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To delete Condition 1.B and to add in its place an amended Condition 1.B: Turn -around improvements shall accommodate a hammerhead with ter tins as located and shown on the tentative map. Condition 1.E Amend Condition 1.E to read: Dedicate tea foot (10') equestrian trail and pedestrian easanents by the final map along the southerly boundaries of the subdivision and along the easterly boundary outside of the pro- posed Campo Vista Lane dedication (Ordinance No. 232, Section 9-4.1206(e)). MXION SECONDED AND UNANE40USLY APPROVED: It was moved by Commissioner Lachenbruch and seconded to recommend approval of the Lands of Lenzen, File #TM 2092-78 with conditions as amended. Commissioners continued discussion on the kind of roadway surface, turn -outs and curbs, if any to be required on Campo Vista. As no decision was reached, it was the consensus that the Two Engineer and the applicant's engineer get together and come back with a minimum plan for increasing the safety of Campo Vista with appropriately placed turn -outs `7 PLANING OODMIISSICN NIINUPES - Decanber 13, 1978 Page six PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued) 3. LANDS OF LENZEN, File #TM 2092-78: (continued) with minium change planned to handle traffic conveniently and safely on the road. Consideration was to be given to the Wcolworth segment of the mad if it is legal to do so. The proposed plan for the iprovenent of Campo Vista was to care before the Commissioners at the next Planning Commission meeting. At 11:35 a recess was called. It was the consensus that the Cmmission remain and finish its business. The meeting was resumed at 11:50. OLD BUSINESS: 1. Public Hearing on Amendmnt to the Town of Ins Altos Hills Mmicipal Code, Sec- tion 9-5.503: (continued from November 20) Building Official Daryl Fazekas gave a slide presentation on kinds of houses con- structed on differing sites within the Town under the present ordinances on height limitations. He noted that an increase in house size was due to an increase in the price of landwhich in turn caused banks to require larger houses to increase the value of the investment. A short discussion followed, the conclusion of which was that Mr. Fazekas should keep a diary for the next ninety days on buildings approved and how these buildings 40 would be affected favorably or unfavorably by the proposed am rAlmant on height, and then present these findings to the Planning Carmission at the first meeting in March along with any further amendments or suggestions that he considered useful. 2. Report on Tennis Court Lighting: Mr. Markl reviewed the background and present state of requirements on tennis court lighting. As a method of procedure, he suggested that the Planning Crnarission might want to affirm the weaknesses identified in his report, draft an ordinance and then submit it to the City Attorney. Planning Cemnission consensus, however, was that Mr. Markl and Mr. Carlson should work together to draft an ordinance proposal, and that this proposal be presented to the Planning Commission for discussion at the second meeting in January. 3. Report on Lands of Stamschror-Silver, File #CU 8029-78, Compliance With Condition 1(e) on Driveway Removal: Commissioner Stewart, after reading the Decenber 8 memo from the City Manager regarding canpliance with conditions by Lands of Stamschmr-Silver, stated that the letter did not supply the information he wanted. Thereafter, Mr. P7arkl reviewed the results of his inspection of the site, answering questions Commissioner Stewart had on whether this compliance met with the Town's approval. It was the feeling of Cmmissioner I.achenbruch that only a partial effort at compliance with Town requirements of the conditional use permit had taken place. The Caanission requested that each L Commissioner receive a list of the approved conditions with a note that they review 4I on site what the applicants had actually accomplished. This matter was to be re- scheduled for discussion at the Planning Co¢mission meeting of January 10 under Old Business. PLANNING camsSION =UrEs - December 13, 1978 Page seven 40 N91 BUSINESS: 1. Site Developnent Application of Frank Saul File #A4252 Lot 2, Ursula Lane, Request for Planning Commission Approval of Site Development Plans: Background information on the above request was provided by Frank Saul, applicant, and John Carlson, Town Engineer. Por. Saul catalogued the problems with the develop- ment of the lot. They were: the necessity of providing access off Ursula Lane rather than Edgerton Road, the need to limit the size of the house on the lot in order to provide for the septic tank, and the amount of cut and fill needed to provide for the construction of the house. It was emphasized that the amount of cut and fill was a maximum of six feet and that the proposal met all the Town requirements, including the thirty foot height limit. Mr. Carlson concluded the presentation by stating that Commissioner vanTamelen had felt that the house would be visible from the neighboring hillside, and that in view of the Tam's desire for unobtrusive develop- ment, had requested that the proposal be reviewed by the full Planning Commission. Commission discussion followed, with Cawtissioner Lachenbruch requesting that the designation "Future Pool Site" be removed from the map, and that there be the require- ment that no pool site shall be authorized for this site in the future; that the house shape be changed to decrease the amount of fill area; and that appropriate landscaping be required to soften the visual impact of the house on adjoining neighbors. He also noted that it was unfortunate that this combination of house and hill were going to- gether and expressed a concern for the excessive combination of cut and fill. He expressed a need for an ordinance to deal with this kind of lot and its development. Other Commissioners commenting were Cammissioner Dochnahl who expressed concern on haw drainage would be routed and discharged from the area; Chairman Stewart who asked about the pad and rounding of fill banks; and Commissioner Peeves who expressed a concern for aesthetics, questioning whether the lot and the design of the house were compatible. John Riley Engineer for the Applicant, 66 Third Street, los Altos, acknowledged that the site required more fill than normal, but noted that efforts had been made to mini- mize the cutting and filling. He stated, however, that the site development proposal was within the ordinance guidelines. Frank Saul,Applicant, acknowledged the problems inherent in the lot's development, but noted that a a s report had been completed on the site. mxiaN SECONDED AND DEFEATED: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and seconded by Commissioner Iachenbruch that the site development plan for Frank Saul, File #A4252 be approved. AYES: C a sioner Dochnahl NOES: Commissioners Stewart, Lachenbruch and Reeves ABSTAIN: None 2. Planning Commission Meeting for December 27: PTIIION SECONDED AMID PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Commissioner Stewart, seconded by Commissioner Reeves and passed unanimously that with the possibility of a lack of a quorum, the regular meeting of quorum, the Planning Ccrmission for December 27 would not be held. All continued business items would be heard instead at the January 10 meeting of the Commission. PLANNING CCMUSSIGN pir U - December 13, 1978 Page eight 4W 1491 BUSINESS: (continued) 3. Setting Dates of Public Hearings for the Next Variance and Permit and Planning Cannission Meetings: There were no items of business for the Variance and Permit Cmmission. The following public hearings were scheduled for the January 10 meting of the Planning Commission: 1. Lands of miller, File #71 2093-78, Natoma Read, Civil and Construction Consultants, Engineers 2. Lands of Larry Dawson, File #TM 2094-78, Paseo Del Roble G Page mill Road, HISI Engineering, Engineers 3. Lands of Steers, File VIVI 2087-78, (Continued earlier in the meeting because of a lack of a quorum - this subdivision will be the first item of business under Public Hearings on January 10, 1979.) 4. Resignation of Planning Cmmissioner Reeves: The resignation of Commissioner Izeeves by letter of December 6 because of the increasing demands of her career as a forensic illustrator was accepted with regret by Chairman Stewart. All members of the Cmmission praised Coaanissioner Reeves for her efforts and dedication as a Planning Cmmissioner and wished her well in her future endeavors. ADJOURPUNT: kThere being no further new or old business, the meting of the Planning Cmmission was adjourned at 1:59 a.m. by Chairman Stewart. Respectfully submitted, Ethel Hopkins Secretary