HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/27/1966PLANNING COMMISSION
TO'J'N OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
MINUTES OF 9, REGUL.^_R MEETING
June 27, 1966
The Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission of the Town of Los
Altos '-fills was called to order by Chairman Don T. Hibner at
9:50 FX. at the Town Hall, 26379 Fremont Road, Los Altos Hills,
California.
ROLL CALL: PRESENT: Commissioners Ashby, Benson, Minckley,
Chairman Hibner
ABSENT: Commissioners Hawley, Prentice, Sherlock
COUNCIL REFRESSENTATIVE: Councilman 11m. Ross Aiken
APPROVAL OF MINUTES: June 13, 1966.
ACTION
Adopt Minutes of June 13, 1966
as submitted.
COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Council Referrals - To be taken up at the end of the Agenda.
2. AEenda of Santa Clara Countj�Flanning Commission - Proposed
zoning amendment in area of St. Jose^h ss College, Los Altos.
nT.n RTTF,T NF..Cft
1. Rose Hill Estates - Fath Plan.
Chairman Hibner met with Firs. E. L. Ginzton, Vice -Chairman
of the Pathways Committee and Lr. T. Gamboa, developer of
Rose Hill ^states, and the following recommendations for paths
are submitted for Planning Commission approval:
1) Paths to be built to Town standards along the periphery
of Altamont Road;
2) A ten foot (10') recorded easement along the southerly
and easterly boundaries of the subdivision;
3) Eliminate the path requirement on the internal road,
Rose Hill Lane;
4) Right of way along Taaffe Road cleared for natural path,
since Master Path Plan calls for path on opposite side of
the road. (In lieu path Payment for Taaffe was not
considered necessary)
5) A ten foot (10') easement along the common boundary of
lots #13 and i'=14 from Rose Hill Lane to easterly edge of
property, which will extend to the integrated Master Path
Plan.
RECOnIENDATION:
j That the Path Flan for Rose Hill Estates
(322-66) as recommended by the Pathways
Committee be accepted.
MOTION: Benson; SECOND: Ashby; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
NEMA BUSINESS:
1. Lincoln Park Subdivision, 19 lots - City of Los Altos.
Since the subject subdivision abuts property within Los Altos
Hills (corner of Edith and Fremont), Commissioner Benson will
contact the Secretary of the Planning Commission of Los Altos
to suggest that larger parcels be required and determine to
what effect the realignment of the creek will have on the
Town's boundaries.
V-?RILNCES:
1. Corbett, Stanley (V-261-66) - Request for Overhead Utilities.
Property located at 26440 Anacapa Drive was inspected by
Map Committee. Request is for overhead utilities from an
existing pole to connect to a new pole which will be installed
across the street on Mr. Corbetts property line.
It was the opinion of the Planning Commission, as well as
Council Representative Aiken, that this request violated the
criteria as set forth in Ordinance No. 104, namely, that no
new poles may be added and that the installation crosses no
roads, either public or private.
Mr. Corbett submitted photographs and stated it was his
understanding from the Staff that at the time of Purchase last
October he would be allowed to place a new pole. Hardship
in crossing the road and distances were discussed.
RECOMH'ENDATION:
That the request of Stanley Corbett (V-261-66)
for overhead utilities be denied, based on
Town policy.
IiOTIOS?: Benson; SECOND: Ninckley
ROLl CALL: AYES: Benson, Minckley, Chairman Hibner
NOES: None
ABSTAINED: Ashby
AT,SENT: Hawley, Prentice, Sherlock
Chairman Hibner advised Mr. Corbett of his right to appeal to
the Council.
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USE PERMIT: L. Episcopal Laymen's Group of Los Altos.
BUILDING SITE ATSROVAL: Mrs. Rita S. Duval (BS^. -29-66) 1 lot.
Since the two items were related, building site approval was
considered first:
The condition of Duval Way, a private road, was discussed. The
portion fronting the Duval site has been improved by the State to
Town Standards for the full width, however, the back portion of
the road is in very bad condition, and Chairman Hibner was of the
opinion a maintenance agreement was needed. The Deputy Clerk
indicated the re -built portion owned by the State will be offered
for dedication to the Town and probably accepted.
A Check List was prepared. Since there will be an eo_uestrian
trail adjacent to the Freeway, no path was required. Landscaping
was required.
RI,COMNEP?D n TI ON :
That the request of Rita S. Duval for building
site approval be granted, subject to the Check
List.
MOTTON: Benson; SECOND: Minckley; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
The Use Permit was then considered, Chairman Hibner reading the
following communications:
1) Letter dated June 22, 1966 from Frank G. DeWitt, 26122 Duval
Way, requesting the use permit be denied for reasons stated
therein;
2) Letter dated June 12, 1966 from Willis D. Stinson, 26066 Duval
Way, opposing the use unless provisions are made for the repair
and maintenance of Duval Way.
Hr. G. McNeeley, representing the Laymen's Group, stated their
desires to cooperate with the residents and stated their intentions
as follows: to place a six foot fence with ap-ropriate plantings
to separate the Duval and Dei'itt properties; a twenty foot extension
for an altar will be added to the building; extensive interior
remodeling and a basement excavated, however, the exterior will
remain unchanged; parking facilities for 40 cars with a membership.
of 60 people and not sixty member families. There will be a
Sunday School pertaining to the Church only and should the Group
grow toolargefor the building facilities, then another Mission
will be established, since it is their intention for the Church
to remain a small chapel in the hills and to preserve and improve
this historical site.
Chairman Hibner opened the lublic Hearing at 8:50 F. M. Messrs.
Casper and Hausewald, of Duval Way, spoke on the traffic hazards
and needed improvements to Duval 'May.
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USE FERMIT: laymen's Group (Cont'd.):
Mrs. N. Coulter, 26541 Furissina Road, a member of the Laymen's
Group spoke in favor of the permit. P`rs. R. S. Duval, owner of
the subject property, commented. she has a maintenance contract
for the road, but it was never carried out. Chairman Hibner
suggested Mrs. Duval submit the contract to the Deputy Clerk for
review by the City Attorney and strongly urged a working mainten-
ance agreement for this private road, since he failed to see it
is the responsibility of the Duval property or the Church to
improve the upper road section and turnaround.
-=t 9:08 F. M., the Public Hearing was closed. Matter was further
discussed by the Commission and all concurred that such a use
would be a part of a residential community, but only with certain
conditions. The parking area proposed by the Church was deemed
adequate.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Use Permit of the Episcopal Laymen's Group
of Los Altos (UF -259-66) be approved, subject to the
following conditions:
1) A site development plan, to include a landscaping
plan;
2) An architectural plan;
3) it six foot fence on the joint property lines
between the Duval and DeWitt properties;
4) Church School is permissible, but only limited
to a church school as related to the use of the
property;
5) Use Permit is granted for the exclusive use of
the Episcopal Laymen's Group of Los Altos; and
6) Arproval of all agencies.
MOTION: Benson; S^GOND: Minckley
Councilman Aiken stated the Council had discussed some years ago,
approximately 1963, since there was no Protestant Church in the
Hills, that a small country -type, rural church would be welcome.
It was his opinion that this use would be appropriate.
The Question was called: VOTE: Passed unanimously.
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( DIVISIONS OF LAND: Tentative Naps;
Champagne Heights, Unit,/,2, 11 lots (323-66) Target Engineering
Chairman Hipper read letter from City Engineer dated 6/24/66
regarding the Commission's request to investigate the feasibil-
ity of a "through road". 'rhe City Engineer suggested two
possible locations, the more desirable being easterly of the
row of eucalyptus trees and northerly along the property line
between lands of Riggs and Unit No. 3.
Mr. A. Lambert, developer of the property, submitted two
additional maps - 1) an alternate plan, for exhibit only,.
showing the developront of proposed units #'2 and #3 by Mr.
Soares alone, should Hr. Lambert not -go through with the
development of Unit ;#2 - Dir. Lambert contended this map showed
a through road was not feasible; and 2) a revised map dated.
June 20, 1966 of Unit #2, showing proposed fire road and
plantings in the turnaround. Should Unit #2 not be developed,
the subdivisionwill remain as approved in Unit �Vl; if Unit 412
is approved with fire road, there will be a redivision of lots
{V+, 5, and 6 of Unit ;;`l.
Fire Chief Bassett was present and, as stated in his letter of
6/23/66, objected to the extended cul-de-sac and that an
emergency access road would not be acceptable. He did not
believe a fire road to be good planning, not only because of
lack of maintenance, but for access of residents themselves
when the fire trucks come through. Chairman Hibner agreed
with this thinking.
PIr. Lambert stated he had a petition si:,ned by the owners of
lots in Unit #1 requesting the cul-de-sac remain as such and
if he cannot obtain their unanimous approval for a through
road, he must of necessity forego the development of Unit �'2,
leaving Mr. Soares to develop his property according to the
exhibit map mentioned above.
Councilman Aiken suggested a full width fire road within the
boundaries of the subdivision, but half width to the boundaries
of iIatoma Road, with the thought it could become a public road
when the lands of Riggs and Lee are developed.
Commissioner Mi*kley suggesteda naster road study of this
area be made, and, in view of this suggestion, the maps were
withdrawn by the appliccnt, without prejudice.
Commissioner Hinckley and Engr. Ho, of Target Engineering, will
work together on this study for present^tion at the July 11th
meeting.
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DIVISIONS OF LAND:
BUILDING SIT, APPROVAL:.
2. Feschon_John (BSA-27-.66) 1 lot.
Inspected by Map Committee. Property is located on Fremont
Road, opposite Manuella Road, and will be served by the
Iurissima Hills County Water District and connected to
sanitary sewers available on Fremont Road. There were no
objections to approval. A Choc',- Dist was prare.red, but only
dedication was required.
RFCOMI9FNDlr.TION:
That the request of John Peschon (B:;C.-27-66)
for building site approval of lot '=3, Lynnda_le
Knolls, Tract 1<281, be unproved, subject to the
conditions of the Check List.
MOTION: Benson; --COND: ^:shby; VOTE: Passed unanimously.
3. S:=.1£en� r.fid. (BSA-28-66) 1 lot - Ener. I•Iol£f.
Chairman Hibner read the following letters pertaining to the
subject site located at 26779 Elcna Road: letter of City
Engineer dated 6/23/66, with three conditions of engineering
�. approval; letter received 6/27/66 from L. H. Price, Jr.,
favoring approval of the request; letter rated 6/16/66 from
Fire Chief (no objection); Health Department letter dated
6/20/66, with five conditions of approval; and receipt showing
in lieu payment for road improvements by Fremont Hills Develop-
ment Company.
Chairman Hibner analyzed his inspections and measurements of
the subject lot, with the conclusion there is a net acreage
Of 1.05+, excluding that portion beyond 350' and a breadth
of 35' on which to build a house within the required setback
requirerients. Since this is a difficult lot, the main concern
of the Commission was whether this was an adequate building
site as prescribed by Ordinance No. 69 and whether the site
could be built upon without a variance.
At 10:30 P. M., Chairman Hibner opened the Public Hearing.
Mrs. D. A. Miller, 13076 Vista Del Valle Court, read a pre-
pared statement requesting the Planning Commission to be
mindful that the property rights of others should be protected
and posed questions to the Commission. Mrs. Miller also sub-
mitted Title Company PIaps, reprinted from Book 182, Page 5, of
the Office of the County Assessor.. Comments were heard. from
L. Powell, 26540 rurissina Road, regarding the 1600 circle,
and T. W. Kendall, 27961 Central Drive, regarding the Master
Path Flan requirements.
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BUILDING SITE APPROVAL: Selfen, 7. !,f. (Cont'd.):
Councilman Aiken stated in response to airs. Millers inquiry
that an exhaustive investigation had been rade on this lot
regarding every facet of the ordinance and made clear there
had been no violation and that the Commission is legally
bound to look at this lot impartially.
Discussion by the Commission followed in that this site could
be built on without a variance, but, in all probability the
services of an architect would be recuired and a variance
requested. C=issioner dshby opposed approval of any site
which would require a variance. However, the majority of the
Commission present believed that if a variance were desired,
a reasonable variance would not impingeupon any other property;
that the fact the 1601 circle cannot be inscribed was not
significant in this case since it is only required for
separation of houses; and that the stringent restrictions
imposed by the City Engineer, which included a site develop-
ment plan before a building permit can be issued, would be
sufficient protection.
At 10:55 F. IT., the Public Hearing was closed.
Chairman Hibner a:cd for the preparation of a Check List.
Commissioner Ashby opposed this sten reouesting further time
for inspection, but it was the majority s opinion that in view
of the above information, a Check List should be prepared.
Check List required the present owner to present recorded
etidence of the access easement from the Cowden parcel;
that there be an in lieu payment for path, approximately 717.4'
along Elena Road since the lot will be realigned; dedication
of 30' from the centerline of the road; and the additional
condition of complying with the City Engineer's letter
of 6/23/66, and all approving agencies. Deputy Clerk pointed
out it was not clear who is to prepare the site development
plan - the present owner or a future owner.
RECOI'[F-3TTD.':TION :
That the request of Paul W. S<.lfen (BSA -28-66)
for building site approval of lot at 26777 Plena
Road be granted, subject to the conditions of
the Check List.
MOTION: Benson; I MTD : Mi.nckley
Mr. 3.. H. Lachenbruch, 11820 Buena Vista Drive, pointed out
the Master Fath 'l.�n provides for a psth on the easterly side
of the property, as well as on the westerly side. Chairman
Hibner stated an in lieu payment for 714'+ of path is
required by the Check List end that the requirement of two
paths would be unreasonable.
The Question was called: ROLL CALL: AYES: Benson, l7inckley,
Chairman Hibner
NOES: None
ABSTAINED: Ashby
AB'ENT : Sherlock, Hawley,Prentice
Chairman Hibner adjourned the meeting at 11:10 F. N. for recess.
At 11:15 F. M., the meeting was reconvened.
DIVISION -3 OF L_:7D: Tentative Mans:
Janssn,_ David (326-66) 3 lots - Engr. Riley.
Property, consisting of 6.5+ acres, is located between Central
Drive and Sherlock Road. Mr. D. Janss:n was present and re-
quested approval of lot §2 as a_ building site, lots h'1 and {5
to remain "Not a Building Site", under the subdivision proce-
dure. Mr. Janssen has offered t,, improve with double seal coat
and widen to 16' three hundred feet on Sherlock. Road of that
portion which intersects at the Edison and Neuenburg properties;
the balance of the road is gravelled and maintained by the
property owners. Becnusq of an error in the first Blanco
Subdivision, Cir. Janssen s deed is the only one which does n_t
record the twenty foot easement, however, he has now bad the
road surveyed and is asking for signatures for ingress and egress
across this easement. Since there would be more than 5 lots
on a private road, Commission was of the opinion it could fall
:within the recommendations of Councilmen Fowle's Committee
Report on rrivate Roads for pre-existing private roads with the
conditional exception that there be road improvements.
Commissi=- Hibner read certification d. -^.ted March 19, 1966 from
Jesse I{endall, 27761 Pioody Road, that he is willi4g to abandon
his driveway to Sherlock Road so that Mr. Janssen s split lot
subdivision could be approved since he has a new driveway con-
necting his property to Moody Raad, thus the traffic will remain
the same.
Letter from Fire Chief Bassett dated June 23, 1966 requested
700' of road improvement from Lot i2 to Sherlock Road.
Chairman Hibner opened the Public Hearing at 11:38 T. I'�.
The following residents questioned the future development of
the road for subsequent subdivisions, legality of the right of
way and maintenance of the private road: Ilessrs. Kendall,
Spencer, Lowe, and 'euenburg.
Commissioners Ninckley and Hibner believed an assessment
district would be the proper way to handle this particular and
unusual property, taking into account the proportional amount
for periphery and acreage, however, °r. Janssen opposed an
assessment district because of the ioany holders of small
acreage.
A Check List was prepared with additional conditions requiring
proof of quiet title and road improvements and Commissioner
.-,shby moved approval of the Tentative Map, subject to the
Check List; however, Motion died for lack of a Second, since
it was felt the Check List did not sufficiently define the
road improvements.
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TP�NTCTIVE NAP: D. Janssen (Cont'd.):
It was the Commissions opinion that it should be definitely
defined as to what the Fire Chief will require beyondthat
which Mr. J2nsson has offered.
RECON"."END!.TI ON:
That the Tentative flan of D. Janssen (326-66)
be held over until the July lit meeting and
that specific recommendations be received
from the Fire Chief.
MOTION: Mineklay; SECOND: Menson; VrT-,,,: Fassed unanimously.
COUNCIL REFE'.RR,,IS:
1. Iagemont rst=rtes and Stephen James Subdivision.
Deferred to July llt meeting due to the late hour.
l.DJOURNMENT: MOTION: Hinckley; G1'CCND: Benson
r+7ETING ADJCUPNED: 12:23 . E.
PLE.NNING COMP'IS,SIONER LT CITY
COU ?CIL T".FETING OF JULY 5h: Commissioner Walter (_.__Benson
XT REGULf:R I,7ETING: Monday, July 11, 1966 at 7:45 F. H.
at the Town Hall.
Respectfully submitted,
WLLTER Li. BET?SON
Secretary
6/27/66-mam planning Commission
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