HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/11/1984PIANNING CaNNISSION
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TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
Wednesday, January 11, 1984
Reel 108, Side I, Tract I, 000 -Ind; Side II, Tract I, 000-375
Chairman Rydell called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Town Hall
Council Chambers.
A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present: Commissioners Carico, Dochnahl, Kuranoff, Lachenbruch, Stewart,
Struthers and Chairman Rydell
Absent: None
Staff: City Engineer/Planner John A. Carlson; Secretary Leslie Mullins
Press: Ann Gibbons, Peninsula Times Tribune
Item Removed - B.1. Commissioners Lachenbruch & Struthers
Cannissicner Struthers requested the minutes be amended on page two, 3rd
paragraph, second to last sentence, by removing "Santa Clara" and replacing
i' with "Saratoga"
Commissioner Lachenbruch requested the minutes be amended on page two,
3rd paragraph as follows: Commissioners Lachenbruch & Struthers indicated
the Cmmdssion would like to see Mr. Bell get an opinion by an appropriate
public agency or academic or professional society if possible.
NMION SECONDED AND CARRIES: Moved by Lachenbruch, seconded by Struthers
and passed unanimously to approve the minutes of December 14, 1983, as
amended. Commissioners Doc hnahl & Kuranoff abstained from approval.
There were no public hearings to be set for January 25, 1984.
C. RESORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DEC 1BER 21, 1983:
Commissioner Carico asked that this item be deferred to New Business.
Passed by Consensus to move to Agenda Item F. New Business.
U7i5i7:lF�N9d_\I Ulm
1. Lands of Salbu, 23641 Camino Hexnoso, Appeal of Site Development Permit
Approval for remodel/addition to existing residence
Mr. Carlson referred to his staff report dated January 6, 1984, indicating
on August 27, 1983 the Site Development ComTdttee approved a request to
remodel and existing residence and regrade a portion of the existing driveway.
Mr. Carlson noted a letter of appeal was received on September 6, 1983 on
+-w behalf of Mr. Peterson; noting the Commission held a public hearing on
October 12th & 26th, 1983 and a field trip on November 5, 1983. Mr. Carlson
informed cannission at the public hearing this evening, the commission can:
Planning Cacmission Minutes - January 11, 1984
Page Two
D. PUBLIC HEARIWZ:
1. lands of Salbu (continued)
1) Deny the Site Development Permit; 2) Deny the Site Development Permit
without prejudice; 3) Approve the Site Development Permit as approved by
the Site Development Committee; and 4) Approve the Site D2velopnent Permit
with Conditions established by the Planning Commission.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. Oscar Sohns, Architect, indicated he and Mr. Salbu have studied off
site views from the Petersen property, showing cavaission a panaramic
picture of the views. After visiting Mr. Peterson's hare, Mr. Sohns
indicated the living room could be greatly enhanced by opening it up more,
and offered to have two new windows installed in the Peterson's living
room, so they may enjoy the view more.
Mr. Dunley Murray, landscape Architect, inforred co missicn the screening
chosen for the site would be both for sumer and winter, evergreens, 30"
box trees, 18' to start, not to exceed 30' in full height.
Co mission questioned the height of the addition; calculations; and asked
if Mr. Peterson had been given the opportunity before the meeting to dis-
cuss with Mr. Salbu or Mr. Sohns the installation of windows in his living
room?
Mr. Peterson, 10311 Magdalena Road, indicated he had not been previously
�r informed about the windows, this being the first he hal heard of this idea.
Expressed concern over the addition and landscape screening, noting this
concept would not be in conformance with the neighborhood.
Comnission expressed their concern over the type of developrent which is
being proposed in this modest neighborhood.
Mr. Ralph Britsch,25558 Fernhill Drive, asked comrission not to grant the
approval for this addition.
Mr. John Vero, 10285 Magdalena Poad, asked ca:mission to wte in favor of
the neighborhood.
Mr. Guy Wright, 23601 Camino He=so, asked ommission to not approve
such a large structure in this neighborhood..
Ccnrti.ssion questioned Mr. Sohns if they had researched all aspects of this
addition, wondering if there were any other solutions?
Mr. Sohns indicated that they had looked into other alternatives, but have
cage back to this proposal.
CMMI MMer iaCIVJIiMUM pointed out that the deveioprent area is presently
above the maximm permitted by ordinance, and the proposal would not reduce it.
If the Camdssion believes that the present proposal violates the spirit of
that ordinance, they might wish to consider requiring compliance.
0r' The Public Hearing was then closed.
Mr. Carlson indicated if the Crnmission is to deny this application without
Prejudice, the cannission should state its reasons specifically, for use and
consideration of this application in future decisions.
Planning Cmuission Minutes - January 11, 1984
Page 'Three
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. lands of Salbu (continued)
MOTION SECaIIIED AND CARRIED: Moved by iachenbruch, seconded by Carico and
passed unaniauusly to deny without prejudice the Lands of Salbu, 23641
Camino Hermoso, Site Development Permit for addition to existing residence,
based upon the belief that in this neighborhood of established one story
homes, a remodel raising the ridge line to the mav;mmm height is inappropriate
and imposes undue burden on adjacent properties.
Lands of Arastra, City of Palo Alto, Arastradero Poad, City Council
referral from December 7, 1983 meeting for information and review.
Mr. Carlson informed commission the City of Palo Alto is looking into opening
a 600 acre + park (loo density) adjacent to the 'Town of Ins Altos Hills, noting
one of the minor access points to the park is through a 15' easement, 7Y on
each Property, noting this Path is part of the Master Path Plan, and is
dedicated on the Final Map for Tract #5098 as Equestrian Trail Easement and
Bergency Fire Iniad. Mr. Carlson indicated since this path is part of the
General Plan, a decision tonight cannot be made as to whether the path stay
or is removed, any changes requires Public Hearings thru the Planning
Commission and City Council. Mr. Carlson noted at the Planning Camdssicn
meeting of December 14, 1983, the Commission requested information be sub-
mitted, noting the City of Palo Alto SL±Mitted a map of the area, at this
time there is no written report from Palo Alto; included in packet are
several letters from residents regarding the use of the path, both pro & con.
Mr. Carlson introduced Mr. Robert Broom, Zoning Administrator from the City
of Palo Alto, to give Commission and public specific proposals for the Arastra land.
Mr. Robert Brown, Zoning Administrator, City of Palo Alto, informed caanission
at this time there is nothing in writing from the committee working on the
park proposal, but there would be something available by the end of the month.
Giving commission a background of the property, noting the property is currently
being used for stabling of horses. Mr. Brown pointed out the City Council
of Palo Alto appointed seven people to be on the committee to review a low
intensity use park, noting it will not be like Foothills Park, there will be
no direct vehicular access. Mr. Brown indicated the park will be open to the
public, three uses have been mentioned thus far: 1) trail system, pedestrian
and equestrian; 2) Youth Hostel; and 3) Stable and pasture operation. Mr. Brown
indicated the trails will be accessed thru the parking area proposed on Arastra-
dero Road, the lot will be for 20-35 cars, with an overflow area for 25 cars,
(maxiuum 55 cars). Mr. Brown informed the comission the Youth Hostel will
be accessed off Alpine Road, lights out at night will be 11:00 p.m. As far
as the access off of Paseo Del Roble, Mr. Brown indicated it is for the con-
venience of the Ins Altos Hills' Horsemen to have access to the park without
going onto Page Mill Poad, noting this easement would not be a marked access
to the park. Mr. Bram informed commission there world be a ranger living on
the site, gates would be locked at night. Mr. Broom indicated there would be
no alcohol allowed at the park.
Mr. Carlson informed cmmission as a point of information, the Matadero Oaks
Subdivision was recorded in 1974, easements were dedicated in 1974, houses
were built in 1977, both houses were placed along the setback lines, with
the closest point of one house to the easement at 22111.
In the planning Commission packet and at the Commission meeting, commission
received much correspondence regarding the fifteen foot trail easement on
Pasco Del Roble; 46 letters were received in total, 42 of which were in favor
of keeping the access open for horsemen and pedestrians; 4 of which were not
Planning Commission Minutes - January 11, 1984
Page Four
D. PUBLIC HE'AR4.iGS:
L2. Lands of Arastra (continued)
in favor of keeping the easement, one of these included a petition which
was routed around the Paseo Del Roble neighborhood, 57 signatures were
obtained, (41 households). Coanussioners all received copies of these
letters, along with a listing of when they were received, frau who and
if in favor or not in favor, as an easy access for their use at the meeting.
All information is on file at City Hall in the lands of Arastra file.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Stanford Court; Ms. Joan Schlenz, 13551 Paseo Del
a , sEune u, tare i uimussaon againsr me use or me easement on
Paseo Del Roble, indicating Paseo Del Idle is much too busy a street,
traffic drives too fast along this section and there is a very dangerous
curve riot where the easemnt is located. Concerns expressed were parking
on Paseo Del Roble, the estimated usage in the park, access to the park
by general public, vandalism, intrusion, safety and maintenance.
Mill Road; Mr. Yitze
24290 Summerhill
Hubbard, 25228 La
camussron in tavor of keeping the existing easement, noting the use is
heneficial to the Town, and in keeping with the general character of los
Altos Hills, the easement was used in the past by horsemn and a mach en-
joyed access, until it was recently blocked off, noting the use of the
easemnt would be a great asset to equestrians, pedestrians and joggers,
avoiding travel along the busier roads - Page Mill and Arastradem Roads.
tKYTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Moved by Lachenbruch, seconded by Kuranoff and
failed by the following roll call vote, indicating the Planning Commission
held a productive public hearing and are encouraged by Palo Alto's plan
for developrent of the Arastra property and we instruct staff to investigate
those problems that might prove important to local residents in connection
with access on Paseo Del Roble.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Co missioners Dochnahl, Kuranoff and Lachenhruch
NOES: Commissioners Carico, Stewart , Struthers and Chairman Rydell
MOTION SECCiDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Carico and
passed unanimously that the Planning Co mission supports the Town's General
Plan and Master Path Plan, which includes access to the Arastra Lands,
(City Of Palo Alto). We further support concepts for development of the park
le as presented by the Arastra Committee. We further recc end that staff
'Wow parking,
to the Planning Camdssion and City Council on traffic, intrusion,
parking, safety, maintenance and other related concerns and mitigating
measures thereof in the Paseo Del Roble neighborhood.
Planning Ccnmission Minutes - January 11, 1984
Page Five
MOTION SFS.UED AND CAFI=: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Carico and
passed unanimusly to extend the meeting to 12:30 a.m,
E. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Lands of Hansen, File #TM 7-82, Tentative Map, 26131 Elena Road
Mr. Carlson reported the Planning Cormission held a public hearing on
April 13, 1983 for the approval of a tentative map for the Lands of
Hansen, since that time the applicant has had difficulty in performing
the necessary percolation tests, as the owner has requested several time
extensions to the fifty day limit, council has granted all time exten-
sions. Staff recaarends that the Conudssion deny without prejudice the
tentative map for the Lands of Hansen due to incomplete information.
This allows the owner to reapply within one year without paying the
filing fees again.
Md7TI0N SECQNIDID AND CARRIED: Moved by Ruranoff, seconded by Struthers and
passed unanimously to deny without prejudice the Tentative Map, File #
TM 7-82 for the lands of Hansen.
F. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Mr. Carlson reported information will be forwarded to Planning Cormission
on ]ow the RFP's are proceeding for special projects.
G. AQTOUR[ MU:
'r There being no further nee or old business, the meting was adjourned at
12:15 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Mullins
Engineering/Planning Secretary