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HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/13/1966PLANNING COMMISSION TOUN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS MINUTES OF S. REGULAR ITFETING June 13, 1966 The Regular Meeting of the FlanningChi1Don T.the Town nHibner atf Los Altos Hills was called to order byarman 7:47 F. M. at the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills, California. ROLL CALL: FRESWTT: Commissioners Benson, Prentice, Sherlock, Chairman Hibner AB.SNT: Commissioners Ashby, Hawley (arr. 8:05 T [`'•), l.inckley (arrived 7:55 P. M.) COUNCIL RJ"R-,SBNTATIVE: Mayor Albert T. Henley APPROVAL OF MINUTES: May 23, 1'066. ACTION: That the Minutes of May 23, 1966 be approved as submitted. COflMTjNICATIONS : 1. All communications are relative to items on the Agenda. COMMITTEV REPORTS: 1. Fathways Committee - Revision to Master Fath Plan. Mr. C. R. Garbett, Chairman of the ,athways Committee reported the revised Path Flan has been slightly amended to include pro- visions for off-road trails and hand -marked in contrasting colors. Sir. Garbett made the interesting point that Mrs.. Ginzton visited the Geological Survey Department and measured traverses totalling 54 miles of trails represented by existing andfuture possible lines, of which 27 miles are proposed as dirtaths (requiring no improvement except bulldozing once a yearpa 12 miles having been installed and 5 to 7 miles on contract. The remainder will hopefully come to pass by having a plan and that the Planning Commission and City Council will le be alert tshws a po- tential trails for cross country routes. general route rather than exact location and most of these miles have been passed over on foot by the Committee andare rerresen- tative of reasonable path routes. Mrs. L. L. Ginzton and Mr, 9. drench, members of the Pathway Committee, were present to answer questions. Chairman Hibner stated the plan had been studied by the Commis- sion and assured the Pathway Committee of its cooperation with the established plan as future subdivisions come before them. COI`MITTEB R3PORTS: Pathways Committee (Cont'd.): Chairman Hibner thanked the Pathways Committee for their splendid job and the tremendous amount of work accom-clished. I'4ay0r Henley joined in these comments. Commissioner PIinckley arrived at 7:55 I. M. 'iRECOMI EFDATI ON : That the amended Fath Plan as submitted by the Pathways Committee on June 13, 1966 be referred to the Council for their approval. I40TION: Benson; SECOND: Sherlock; VOTE: Passed unanimously. Due to the length of the Pgenda, Flanning Commission deferred Items 1 and 2 of 774 BUSI"'ESS as the last order of business. _NF'.J BUSI17ESS: 3. Path Flan - Rosehill Estates - Engr. Hammond & Associates. Mrs. E. L. 3inzton reported it was the recommendation of the Pathways Committee that paths according to Town standards be installed along the frontage of Utamont as far from the center of the road as practical, and that no path be required along Taaffe Road, except for a right of way which could be cleared for the children. Also, there is a cross country walk in this area and the Easter Fath Flan calls for a 10' easement on the easterly and southerly border on the boundary line of the property, away from the houses. A connecting easement between lots #14 and 15 would be desirable. In this size subdivision, it would not seem necessary to actually install a path on the in -tract roads, but up to the Planning Commission. Commissioner Hawley arrived. at 8:05 F. P7. Following discussion, the following questions were still un- resolved: whether the connecting easement between lots =14 and. 15 would be the best location; that paths should be required on in -tract roads; andshould there be an in lieu payment for Taaffe Road. 3UCOMENDITION: That the Fath Ilan of Rosehill "states be deferred to the June 27" meeting. MOTION: Benson; SECOND: Hawley; VOTE.: Passed. unanimously. -2- VPRI'UT CES : 1. Crafts-. Harold (V-260-66) - aeouest for Reduction of Setback. Chairman Hibner indicated it was his understanding that the Tentative T=ar of Mr. Craft's resubdivision of two existing, lots was approved by the City Council, but that the Final Map. was not recorded. On this basis, a variance could not be a -Proved. .ioitever, City Attorney ruled it was permissible to assume the line existed, and, on his recommendation, the Chairman re- opened the question of Mr. Craft's variance. Request is for a variance for carport of 17' from the booster pump site in order to eliminate unnecessary cutting and filling, and without demage to trees. There were no written objections from the surrounding neighbors. However, Mr. J. R. Pinney, adjacent property owner, looked at the map since therehad been a drainage problem arising from previous building, but as long as the driveway to the house did not undercut the hill, he had no objection. Chairman Hibner pointed out the lot below is owned by d. S. Ashby, the only one affected by the variance, and he does not object. I 1 REC=ETIDATION: That the reauest of Harold Crafts (V-260-66) for variance of seventeen feet (17') for car- port be granted, and That a notation be made at this time that the granting of this Motion could conceivably place the driveway of the residence closer to the bank of the hill and, in so doing, create drainage or soil erosion problems, and That the Town officials should take special note of the above in issuing a building permit for the actual development of the site. 110TION: Hawley; SECO,TTD: I°Iinckley; VOTE: passed unanimously. AS�c_?DED R-';CCMliIC➢rDATI ON: That the building Permit will only be granted pending receipt of the recorded final map. AMENDED BY: Hawley;-1CCEITEII BY: Hinckley; VOTE: p,.ssed Unanimously. US.] PERMITS 1. Episcopal Laymen's Group of Los Lltos (UP -259-66) - Conversior_ of 01d Purissima School to Chapel. Following the Planning Commission meeting of Slay 23rd, it has been determined that P_rs. Duval purchased the subject property before incorporation of the 'Town and the subdivision procedure will not be required. However, since there has been a. subse- quent "take" by the Highway Department for the Freeway, buildi_r;r site approval is required, accompanied by a Record of Survey map showing the precise building site. The present map in he.nd., a State Highway Appraisal Man, was not deemed sufficient by thrr Commission and the City Plan?.ger stated it was only accented under protest. Messrs. G. Mciieeley and R. T. Tobin, re -resenting the Laymen's Gran- and Mrs. Duval, owner of the subject property, were present. There was discussion that a precise man had been in evidence, however, in the absence of any such record, this matter was deferred to the June 2%n meeting. In addition to the request for a Record of Survey map, Chairman Hibner requested the map for the Use Permit detail the parking facilities, since additional lanr might be needed for this purpose. DIVISIONS OF LMTD: Tentative Paps 1. Champagne Heights, Unit -7,,2, 11 lots (323-66) - Target Dngrs Chairman Hibner stated he had inspected Unit pr1 and the distance between the rolled curbs installed was 16' and accord- ing to specifications should be 18' driving width. Eng. Cook detailed on the blackboard the choices of edges for the road, and that the rolled curb and gutter is measured to the flow line in the gutter. Chairman Hibner objected to the specifica- tion as being misleading. Chairman noted the road pattern in Unit X12 is an extension of the cul-de-sac from Unit 'l, 1500'+ long, and stated this circulation pattern is not satisfactory to the -:'ire Protection District and since there will be a future Unit #3, a public road through to "'etoma. Road would be better planning. S9r. k. Lambert, developer, stated there was objection to a through road from the owners of lots in Unit .'1 end that upor. talking with the fire Chief a fire escape road on the -,-sterly boundary of Unit ;`3 would be satisfactory. However, it :vas Chairman Hibner's understanding froom the Tire District th^t escape roads would no longer be allowed. Dis cussion followed on the road pattern and Commissioners Sherlock, Prentice and Hawley favored a conditional exception for the overlength cul-de-sac and a fire road to double as a -4- DIVI .SIO,S OF L,'ND: Champagne Heights Unit +i2 (Cont'd.): path, in order to discourage through traffic. It wss Commis- sioner H,a,,aley's philosophy -that the 'town's greatest asset is quiet cul-de-sacs and better to try to h^ve a system of arte:ril roads throughout the Town, reasonable for police and trans- portation of fire tureks, nd encourage the remainder of the streets off the arterials to be quiet and uninviting to local traffic. Commissioners Benson, Hinckley and Chairman Hibner objected to the cul-de-sac and. favored a through road for the best possible fire protection and public maintenance. R?C011ME'dD:; TI OF : proceed with the Check List on the Tentative lisp of Champagne sleights, Unit MOTION: Prentice; SECOND: Hawley ROLL CLLL: He.wley, Prentice, Sherlock NOES: Benson, Hibner, Piinckley ABSENT: nshby Motion failed. Chairman Hibner was not prepared to makc7 the Check List with- out the City engineers recommendations and requested a different road pattern. Dir. He, of Target Engineering, commented on the separate plans he had made of tha Lambert property and the Soares property and that this present arrangement proved to be th:: best solution - not from an economic standpoint, since the improve- ment costs would be even greater - but from a planning viewpoint. RECOP:T`lEND ATI ON: That the Commission is in fav3r of the general program of o. cul -de -sec approach. MOTION: Hawley; SECOND: Sherlock ROLL C^.IL: AVES: Hawley, Prentice, Sherlock `TOSS: Benson, Minckley, Chairmen Hibner ABS':RdT: Ashby Notion Failed. RECOMP4"FD f TI ON That consideration of the Tent,-tive Map of Che.mpa^ne Heights Unit N2 be deferred until (... the City Engineer's report is received. MOTION: Benson; 3ECOip): Hawley; VOTE: Passed unanimously. -5- DIVISIONS -OF -LAND: Tentative Mans. 2. Treat W_, 2 lots (324-66) Engr. C. Coburn - Oubmitted under Section III, Subsea. 3:40 of Ord. s';b9• Mr. Treat statedhis renuest is for s simple division. of 17+ e.cres into two parcels under Subject Section and since it does not involve a single building site or make any change in the conditions which already exist, requeste(9 waiver of i7T)rovements. Following discussion, it was the opinion of the Planning Commission, however, that road improvements should be required for the Robleda Road frontage since 1^.rcel til (the sm^l.ler unit) might conceivably never be subdivided while the larger Parcel 42, which is to be designated "not a building site" and has no road frontage, will not require improvements when it comes back to the Commission for building site approval. In the event la.rcel ;rl is subdivided at a future date, it was believed the road improvements •could place undue burden on the owner. RECOMMETTD ATI ON : That the Tentative Map of Sidney ','. Treat, 2 lots, (324-66) submitted under Section III, Subsection 3:40 of Ordinance No. 69, be ,,rproved, subject to the following contingencies: 1) In lieu payment for Robleda frontage of 483' and culvert extension, in accordance with Town Engineer's approved estimate; 2) Dedication on Robleda Road so as to provide thirty feet (30') from the centerline of the road; 3 Waiver of Healt1i Department's requirements; 4 Parcel Map may be submitted; 5) Approval of all other Agencies. MOTION: Hawley; SECOND: Benson Since the designation "Piot a Building Site" for parcel ;;'2 will not be stated on the larcel Map, it will be required to have it in the recorded Deed. The ':'�ucstion was called: VOTE: sassed unanimously. At 9:50, Chairman Hibner adjourned the meeting for recess. At 10:05 F. , the Chairman reconvened the meeting. -6- _Ij BUSIFEL,S: I 1. PUBLIC HP'ARING - Inclusion of Farks and Recreation_I'larent in General Plan. Chairman Hibner reviewed the highlights of the Recreation Element of the General Flan, gated =--ril 1966 end prerared by Nestor Barrett, F1^.nning Consultant, as follows: Teed for such a plsn in order to obtain dedications or fees for such park and recreation facilities (enactment of a City ordinance is required) and in order to obtain grants and loans from numerous state and federal agencies; needand type of parks (low cost maintenance, i.e., Little League activities and possibly public tennis courts); cost and development;a nap of suggested Recreation and Open Space Element; -and conclusions whether to limit park facilities supported by the Town as to srecific activities listed, or whether to contract with other governmental agencies for such services. Chairmen Hibner st^tad approval does not mean going ahead with a park systea as stated. in the clan, but the recreation elemant to the General Plan is necessary if we wish to obtain a nark by the two methods outlined - State law and from grants. The Chair then asked for comments from the Commission. Commissioners were in complete agreement that the recreation 1 element be incorporated into the General Man, but that it should be made clear this is a general plan rather than a specific plan so that it most certainly can be changed, and that as soon as possible a planned series of study begin on a more precise plan. Chairman Aibncr read a. communication from Plrs. Prenk Olgiati, 25960 vinedo Lane, favoring a recreation element in order to retain land for park facilities to accommodate the Little League activities, public tennis courts and Scouts (boys .and girls). The Chair opened the Fublic ;bearing at 10:15 P. M. Mr. Charles Wright, President of the Little League .".ssociation, requested the Commission to approve this element promptly since the Little League field now being used will be disposed of some time next year and this plan will give support to the active comrittee he has ready to negotiate with the School Board. He is e..lso endeavoring to obtain the names of agencies who will put ur 50% of the cost for matching funds on any acreage. Mr. C. S. French, 11927 Rhus Ridge Road., also agreed there is-- need for a plan, but a bold one, and read a. prerared statement dated Juno 13, 1966, pointing out such need for open -space preserves and suggestions for the preparation of such a plan. -7- al'W BuSI?TEES: Recreation. Element (Cont'd.) ITrs. R. Towle, 26493 'eston Drive, discussed this subject with a number of residents. idildlife preserves were favored, but would not like federal funds used for parks open to the public and that nny grant should be carefully considered to keen what we want in the way of a. park. Mr. '�J. D. B:rkha.u, 26861 Altsmont Road, favored the element, but only for the preservation of the rural nature of the community. firs. R. 1.. Jones, 10791 Magdalena. Road, spoke in £a.vor of the recreation element. Mrs. D. .Saviano, 12620 Corte Madera Lane, favored the plan, sue;gestinge an active citizens' committee, and requested suggestions as to how to help. The Mayor suggested she contact Mr. Uright and formulate a group who is,informed and pr.eprred with facts to cooperate with Mr. ''right in contacting the School Board. Mrs. J. Micheletti, Becky Lane, asked if there was any money available for the recreation element. Councilman Fowle commented funds are not ave.ilable for any capital outlay or maintenance. 'dhil.a he is in favor of this plan, there is nothing in the budget or tax structure at the present time in order to bring this about ;:nd there will have to be strong city-wide support of the progr.r*q in order to raise the money for it. Mr, i,.. H. Lachenbruch, 11820 Buena Vista Drive, questioned whether there are legal definitives as to how the plan must be outlined and how comnlc-to it must be. iIrs.L. L. Ginzton, 28014 Natoma Road, was in favor of open space preservation, however, believed the Town should. buy its own parks, which need no maintenance, and not require sub- dividers to contribute. Mrs. F. Olgiati, 25960 Vinedo Lane, spoke in favor of the element along the lines of her commur_ication (page ']). Commissioner Hawley suggested multi-purpose yards in connection with school property and that the Tathways Committee develop the core rustic parks. The Public Hearing was closed at 10:55 P. M. RECOMWT;ND ATI OTT : On the firm understanding that the passing of such a general plan is for the purpose of bringing it to public attention and on the premise it can later be refinedand improved, the Recreation Element of the General Ilan dated 1.pril, 1966 and prepared by Nestor Barrett, is hereby approved. MOTION: Hawley; :-,,CONDI Plinckley; VOTB..: Passed unanimously. -8- IT -.,,'d BUSIYEr 2 : Recreation Element (Cont'd.): The Chairman urged the Council, at the earliest possible moment, to appoint a coisiittee to work on a somewhat permanent basis for the implementation of this rather meager plan. Discussion - iection VI, 6:20, Ordinance 3'69 - Frivate Rodds. For the purposes of discussion Chairmen Hibner summarized his request of April 25, 1966 to the City attorney reouesting clarification of the subject Section, the City '!ttorney's reply of May 4L, and the Committee report, of Councilmen Fowls ar_d Bowler, dated Nay 16Uh. The Committee report covered recomncnds- tions for newly formed private roads, pre-existing private roads and conditional exceptions for private roads. Although there is a. weak spot in the ordinanco and should be clarified, there has been no question in the legislative intent of the City Council to limit private roads to five lots. The Chair asked .for discussion from. the Commission. It was noted in Councilman Powle's recommendations there has been no mention of a road a.ssessmont nrocedure, either volun- tary or involuntary, and should be considered in the problem. Commissioner 3awley felt that privz.te roads, completely inst^fled by the subdivider and only accepted by the Town with a main- tenance agreement, should be encouraged to maintain the rural. atmosphere, that the Town should reouire an offer of dedic=- tion so that if there is disenchantment with the private road, a 2/3 vote can give it back to the Town and the road becomes a. serarate piece of property; and that a sound private road maintenance covenant does exist. Chairman Hibner believed the: crux of the matter is the implementation of a maintenance agreement =nd that even with the Town's meager funds, public responsibility is the better way. Councilman Fowls agreed there shouldbe every possible safe- gu=ard to cover maintenance of private roads, but the pertinent questions are 1) how many lots shall be permitted on a private road, and 2) are you going to permit deviations over and above that number if conditions warrant it. Commissioner Hawley felt an unlimited number of lots should be permitted, however, Councilman Fowle said he would oppose this view. Chairman Hibner reviewed letter dated December 9, 1960 fro::- Nestor Barrett, professional planning consultant, wherein he st ted he does not favor private roads, except in extreme circumstances, andthe most would be two lots. Comrissioner Hawley said the reason the Town was formed was to be able to avoid this pattern, however, he would agree to five lots if o person subdivides, or, conditions core before the -9- NEU BUSINE:S: Discussion - Privnte Roads (Cont'd.): Commission, requesting a Private road with a proper maintenance agreement, and., if no harm to the Town will result, then he may be heard on the Private road. Prlvete road st �.nderds should be as high as public roads. At 11:25 1'• IT., the Chair opened the Public Hearing. r'Irs. J. Micheletti, Decly Lane:, questioned the difference of rublic designated and private roads since she lives on a. private road and there had been some difficulty with the road being, torn up by others. P1rs. R. Towle, 26493 'Icston Drive, questioned whether o private road made public would make existing lots substanrTard. (No.) Mr. D. Spencer, 27490 Sherlock Road, spoke on older existing roads, referring specifically as to how it would affect Sherlock Road. Could be treated as .P conditional exception.) Mr. ii. H. Lachenbruch, 11520 Buena Vista Drive, realizing the road problems, complimented Councilman Fo-..!le on his report, and requested Ti copy. Councilman Fowle favored rough guidelines and the trusting to do a good job under the conditional exception procedure. Ther:: are only several roads like buena Vista Drive and time will estc.blish the trend. The rublic 'searing was closed at 11:43 F. M. OTHER BUSL:dESS: I. Commissioner Hibner thanked the City Manager, Paul b1. Sal£en, for the me.ny favors extended to hir over his eight years as Planning Commissioner and of his appreciation of the cooperp- tion received. !DJOURP;MTNT: Hawley; STCOND: Prentice MEETIT'G 0JObTITED: 11:45 P. M. .,1 UrnTING COM,VS:SI02.TER AT CITY CODITCIL ME'RTI;?G OF JUNE 20m: Chairman Don T. Hibner N7"'T REGUL!.R MEETIrG: P"anday, June _2'], 1966, at 7:45 F. M. Pt the Town Tall. Respectfully subnittad, secretary 6/13/6-mam Planning Com -Fission -10-