HomeMy WebLinkAbout09/23/1998Minutes of a Regular Meeting Appro,ed I0f28/98
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, September 23, 1998, 7:00 p.m.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
cc: Cassettes (0#18-98
1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
The Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:03 p.m. in the Council Chambers at
Town Hall.
Present: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Gottlieb, Aurelio, Schreiner & Jinkerson
Staff: Curtis Williams, Planning Director; Sheryl Proft, Associate Engineer; Suzanne Davis,
Associate Planner; Lam Smith, Planning Secretary
2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR -none.
3. PUBLIC HEARINGS
3.1 LANDS OF NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (LANDS OF FOOTHILL
COLLEGE) 12345 EI Monte Road (154-98-ZP-SD-CUP); A request for a Site
Development Permit and Conditional Use Permit to allow 8 panel antennas on
the facade of the Gymnasium, and a 10' x 20' equipment shelter adjacent.
The Planning Director introduced this item noting the absence of any communication from the
public regarding this application. This project is similar to previous applications located on the
same site (Sprint Spectrum and Cellular One) with no negative comments thus far.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Scott Hagberg, Nextel Communications representative, was available for questions.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by
Commissioner Schreiner recommending to the City Council approval of the proposed project,
Lands of Nextel, subject to the conditions of approval outlined in Exhibit "A", and citing the
findings outlined in Exhibit `B (Conditional Use Permit).
w AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Jinkerson, Gottlieb, Schreiner & Aurelio
NOES: None
Planning Commission Minutes
September 23, 1998
Page 2
This item will be scheduled for a City Council public hearing agenda.
Approved 10/28/98
3.2 LANDS OF NEXTEL COMMUNICATIONS, INC. (LANDS OF FENWICK),
28011 Elena Road (108 -94 -CUP); A request for renewal of a Conditional Use
Permit for operation of an existing wireless (ESMR) telecommunications facility.
Commissioner Schreiner stepped down from the public hearing due to the proximity of her
residence to the proposed project. The Planning Director stated the Commission will be seeing
original Use Permits set at a three year period, with a five year renewal period, if there have been
no complaints.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Scott Ha. -berg, Nextel Communications representative, was available for questions.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by
Commissioner ]inkerson to approve the renewal of the Conditional Use Permit, Lands of Nextel,
subject to the conditions of approval outlined in Exhibit "A", including a five year term for the
use permit.
AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Aurelio, Jinkerson & Gottlieb
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Schreiner
This approval is subject to a 21 day appeal period.
3.3 LANDS OF BLAIR, 27161 Fremont Road (115 -98 -TM -IS -ND -GD); A request
for approval of a two lot subdivision of 3.07 acres, and proposed mitigated
Negative Declaration.
Ms. Davis introduced this item noting the receipt of "Comments on Lands of Blair' from the
Santa Clara Valley Water District. Discussion ensued regarding drainage improvements. It was
noted that drainage improvements would be done as part of the subdivision improvements. The
improvements would include either installation of an additional pipe under Fremont Road, or
replacement of the existing pipe with a larger one. This work is necessary to ensure that storm
water is contained within the creek. In addition, a drainage swale will be required to be
constructed along the northerly property line to accommodate site drainage in 100 year storm
conditions. Staff clarified that the applicant voiced objection to the requirement to upgrade the
creek crossing under Fremont Road. Ms. Proft noted with the flood control improvements, the
( property will no longer be in a flood plain with no special requirements for the homes.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10128/98
September 23, 1998
Page 3
Further discussion ensued regarding conditions #24 and #28 (unearthing any possible burial site,
any archaeological artifacts or human remains).
The Commission voiced comments regarding structure placement, in particular, a proposed
secondary dwelling unit on the street side of the creek. Commissioner Aurelio felt the placement
would give an appearance of a three lot subdivision, and not subordinate to the main residence.
Also, it was felt there should not be a separate driveway access for the secondary unit.
Commissioner Gottlieb questioned the lack of hatch marks on the map to indicate no access. She
felt there needed to be a clear indication of the acceptable access (both entries and along the
panhandle to the creek). If there was ever a secondary dwelling, there would be no access out,
either to the panhandle or to Fremont Road, Ms. Davis stated a second access for a secondary
dwelling is not allowed and the applicant is aware of this provision.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Bob Blair, 917 Rock Canyon Circle, San Jose, applicant, agreed that the culvert under Fremont
Road should be improved, but he questioned who should bear the financial responsibility for
fixing the public bridge on a public right-of-way. He also asked not to be restricted from having
a second unit as he would like a place for his elderly mother to stay, if needed.
Joe Seiger, 27087 Old Trace Road, did not understand the basis for the recommendation for the
culvert to be enlarge. He has not experienced any problems with the culvert. The Ms. Proft
clarified the current culvert going under Fremont Road is not designed to handle a 100 year
flood. She explained the two options as noted in the staff report. Mr. Seiger continued stating,
as a neighbor, he supported the subdivision.
Les Earnest, Pathways Committee, requested the construction of a IIB path along Fremont Road,
separated from the pavement by at least five feet, preferably with foliage between the path and
the road so it does not turn into a parking lot.
Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, stated if the creek is to be disturbed or
widened, and done in the areas of the Acacia trees, she requested the planting of some local
native riparian species first, removing the existing Acacias after the plantings have taken hold. If
the creek is not to be disturbed, she requested leaving the existing vegetation in its current
condition.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
n
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 10/28/98
September 23, 1998
Page 4
kw Commissioner Gottlieb would prefer not seeing a secondary unit placed between Fremont Road
and the creek, and she would like to insure that there is no access from Fremont Road except
from the panhandle and the driveway to Parcel I (use hatch marks on map). Also, she requested
no access up to the creek on Parcel 1 to prevent the placement of a future driveway. The lots are
unequal and she would prefer more land given to Parcel 2. If this is not possible, she suggested,
similar to the Lands of Rogez, restricting the MDA and MFA on Parcel 1 since it is constrained
by the creek.
RE -OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Kim Cranston, 27080 Fremont Road, requested information regarding building on the small front
slice of the property. The Planning Director indicated that no access would be allowed to this
area and the front setback would be at least 50 feet.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Commissioner Gottlieb questioned the footbridge over the creek. Ms. Proft clarified that the
bridge is existing and is allowed to remain. If widened, it would need to be reviewed by the
Santa Clara Valley Water District and the Town. Commissioner Gottlieb requested "planting
non-invasive native riparian species and open fencing" to be added to condition #8, and add to
condition #19 that the path be separated from the pavement by at least five feet. Ms. Davis stated
that one reason the lots are a little unequal in size was due to the location of the creek through the
site. If the Commission does not want to see development between the creek and Fremont Road,
the applicant is much more limited as to where they can place structures.
Discussion ensued regarding the requirement for upgrading of the drainage facilities which has
been required of other applicants in the past. Ms. Proft stated the existing condition already
creates a problem with capacity. Any additional development would exacerbate that problem.
The Town has the ability to ask for improvements which is similar to what the Town has done on
other projects. Commissioner Schreiner would like the applicant to be very sensitive in locating
a secondary dwelling, making sure it is subordinate to the main house. She would also like staff
to consider a 50' to 60' setback from Fremont Road as it is a scenic road. Commissioner
Jinkerson voiced concerns with the driveway to Parcel 2 being so close to the property line. The
planning and engineering staff answered his concerns.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Gottlieb and seconded by
Commissioner Jinkerson recommending to the City Council approval of the Negative
Declaration and Tentative Parcel Map for a two lot subdivision, Lands of Blair, subject to the
conditions in Attachment I, with the following additions/changes: add to #8, that any planting
within the conservation easement shall be non-invasive native riparian species, and any fencing
within the easement shall be an open style such as split rail, with no fencing to cross the creek;
add a condition under "Land and Easement Dedications" section stating access along Fremont
` Road shall be limited to the two driveways shown on the conceptual development plan. The
�w Final Map shall indicate no access for the remainder of the Fremont Road frontage and along the
Planning Commission Minutes
September 23, 1998
Page 5
Approved 10/28/98
kw north side of the panhandle of Parcel 2 from Fremont Road to the bridge over the creek.; add to
#19 that the path shall be separated from the edge of pavement by at least five feet, and it is
recommended that the area between the path and road be planted; and add to the conditions
stating the front setback on Parcel 1 shall be a minimum of 50 feet.
AYES: Chairman Cheng, Commissioners Schreiner, Gottlieb, Aurelio & Jinkerson
NOES: None
This item will be scheduled for a City Council public hearing agenda.
OLD BUSINESS
4.1 Report from subcommittees. Commissioner Gottlieb reported on the Circulation
Element to the General Plan meeting. The tentative date for public hearing is October 28, 1998,
5. NEW BUSINESS None
6. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING
6.1 Planning Commission Representative for September 16' - meeting canceled
6.2 Planning Commission Representative for October 7" - Commissioner Aurelio
7. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
7.1 Approval of the September 9, 1998 minutes.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To approve the September 9, 1998 minutes.
8. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT HEARING SEPTEMBER 15 AND 22
1998
8.1 LANDS OF SHIDELER, 27994 Via Ventana (175-98-ZP-SD); A request for a
Site Development Permit for a driveway modification. Approved with conditions.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Motion by Commissioner
Jinkerson, seconded by Commissioner Gottlieb and passed by consensus to pull the Lands of
Shideler for public hearing on October 28, 1998.
8.2 LANDS OF URBACH, 10703 Magdalena Avenue (167-98-ZP-SD); A request
for a Site Development Permit for a landscape plan. Approved with conditions.
Planning Commission Minutes
September 23, 1998
Page 6
4 9. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 8:20 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Laith�
Planning Secretary
L
Approved 10/28/98