HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/17/1958PLANNING COMMISSION
TO':M'-OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
MINUTES OF R7GULAR MEETISG
May 1?%, 1958
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Mrs. Hal Williams :Saturday,
May 17a, 1958 at 8:45 A. M. at the Town Hall, 26379 West Fremont, Los
Altos Hills.
ROLL CALL: FRESENT: Dawson, Hayes, Holm, Mellquist, Sherlock, Spain,
Chairman '.Jilliams
ABSENT: Tantau
MINUTES: May 1st, 1958.
ACTION:
Adopt minutes of May let, 1958 as presented.
1. Fremont Hills Co t Club - Letter, dated May 16, 1958 and signed
y o er Murphy,r., was read requesting that Mr. Thomas
Sherlock beipermitted to present revised site plans for the Fremont
Hills Country Club.
Deferred to Old Business.
2. McCandless & Jett - Letter, dated May 2nd, 1958 and signed by Mr.
amonggmm re, was read relative to inspection made of Fremont
Hills Unit 7X1.
Three specific areas were mentioned with regard to drainage, namely:
Conejo Court - drainage course changed so that it drains into the
Willis yard; gest of Anacapa, crossing St. Francis - drainage is
inadequate; Ascension - flat spot near the Walker property.
Commissioner Hayes was asked to check each area mentioned in the
letter and notify the City Engineer of the inadequacies.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. Chairmen and Secreta of F11 i- Commissio - Attention was called
o e ac ha t e i¢e- a rman ecome Chairman commencing
June let, 1958. A new Vice -Chairman and Secretary will have to be
appointed.
Deferred to New Business to be taken up at the end of the meeting.
2. Fremont Hills Country Club - Site plans presented by Mr. Thomas
er .
oc
4r Commissioner Sherlock withdrew from the Flanning Commission to ex-
plain the revised site plan.
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The noted changes would involve moving the swimming pool down the
hill and changing the entrance to the existing cul de sac. This
would involve the exchange by the developer and the Country,Club
of two lots at the end of the cul de sac for two lots on the hill
held by the club. Mr. Sherlock stated that the developers have
agreed to hold the two lots on the hill which may be involved in
the exchange for two years.
It was observed that this plan provided much better access to
Purissima Avenue.
That the Planning Commission approve the revision of site
plans of the Fremont Hills Country Club and the grading plans.
MOTION: Holm; SECOND: Spain
VOTE: AYES: Dawson, Hayes, Holm, Mellquist, Spain, Chairman
'lilliams
NOES: None
ABSTAINED: Sherlock
ABSENT: Tantau
Commissioner Sherlock resumed his seat on the Planning Commission.
3. Grading, Plans - Lots ,',$ & 9 of Fremont Hills Unit ;"-2.
Map Committee -Chairman Holm stated that an 'on site' inspection had
been made, and that approval of the revised plans was recommended.
Questions regarding the disposition of dirt and soil erosion were
discussed, and were answered.
Commissioner Dawson mentioned the fact that, nothing can be grown
within eight feet of the graded area and that grading has been done
up to the property line,and that the loss of use of land will be
suffered by the adjoining property owners, Mr. Holm and Mr. Malm-
quist.
Commissioner Holm stated that the grading plans were staisfactory
& and that Mr. Malmquist was also agreeable.
Commissioner Spain suggested that Fremont Hills be notified to pre-
sent plans before grading to this great extent in the future.
Mr. Riley, engineer for Fremont Hills, commented that reference to
grading in the Subdivision Ordinance does not firmly state the
grading requirements or limitations.
R 3COSII'END.ITION:
That the Planning Commission accept the grading plans for lots
"8 and ,�9 to repair damage done prior to the time the plans
were presented.
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Grading Plans - Fremont Hills cont'd.
MOTION: Holm; SECOITD: Spain; VOTn: 1'assed unanimously
RECOMMENDATION:
That a letter go to the City Council from the Planning Com-
mission, recommending that an emergency grading ordinance be
passed incorporating the grading provisions in the proposed
Zoning Ordinance.
MOTION: Mellquist; SECOND: Dawson; VOTI: Passed unimously
Commissioner Spain will attend the Council meeting to discuss the
proposal of an emergency grading ordinance.
4. Amendment to Subdivision Ordinance - Letter from the Mayor, dated
..pril 0�, , was referred to, with reference to his request
for a suggested amendment regarding non-professional subdividers.
Commissioner Sherlock's report from the Planning Committee was read,
and a copy will be forwarded to the City Council.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Variances:
a) Congregation Beth Am (V-25-58) - Use of land for religious pur-
poses. rs appearance, mil 19W, 1958.
Copies of letters from Gerald D. Marcus, dated May 92, 1958 and
Goodwin B. Steinberg, dated May 3m, 1958, were given each Com-
missioner for study.
The report of the Planning Committee relative to churches in
Los Altos Hills, was read by Commissioner Sherlock.
It was stated that at the present time, the Town does not have
an established policy in regard to Churches, and it was the
concensus that one should be adopted.
Commissioner Dawson concurred with the opinion that there is a
need for an established policy, but stated that the variance of
the Beth Am Congregation should be acted upon at this time,
whether it be approved or disapproved, and that it should not
be held up to discuss policy.
Differences of opinions were expressed by members of the Plan-
ning Commission, whether to withhold action until a policy is
set or whether to take action before the policy is established.
Chairman Williams asked for comments from the floor.
Mr. Daley commented in favor of churches.
I1r. Powell concurred with P?r. Daley's thinking and suggested an
'open door'policy to all churches.
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Mr. Rowe commented that Churches are places of public assembly,
and that the Town is zoned strictly for residences. He sub-
mitted a letter further stating his views.
Mrs. Hunter suggested that the Town formulate a policy before
taking any action. She stated that few members of this Congre-
gation live in Los Altos Hills, and that there is other land
available.
Mayor Fowls asked the Chairman whether this variance was an-
nounced as a public hearing.
Chairman Williams stated that it was not.
Goodwin B. Steinberg, architect for the Beth Am Congregation,
commented that the site is on the edge of the Town and that most
of the members of the congregation will be coming from the
north.
,uestions regarding the use of the facilities were raised. The
adequacy of the entrance, and the height of the roof, etc. were
discussed.
Mr. P":arcus answered that the buildings will be primarily one-
story and would be used for religious purposes only.
Commissioner :'.ellquist suggested that a recommendation be made
to the Council that a definite policy regarding churches be
established.
RECOI'_riEND ^ TION:
That a policy with regard to churches be established by
the Town; that churches should be a permitted use in the
Town, and that individual permits for churches be in
terms of service to Town residents on the basis of a
reasonable fraction of the congregation being residents
of the Town; that church site development be subject to
precise limitations set by the Planning Commission; and
that detailed site development and architectual plane be
subject to approval by the Planning Commission and Cit'
Council.
MOTION: Mellquist; S^COND: Spain;
ROLL CALL: AYES: Dawson, Hayes, Holm, Mellquist, Sherlock,
Spain, Chairman Williams
NOES: None
ABS.TST: Tantau
Chairman '4illiams stated that the variance requested by the
Beth -9m Congregation is the first of its kind and that the
Planning Commission is having to act without the guidance of
420 an established policy regarding churches. She stated that
there four points in favor of the Congregation, namely:
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Variance - Beth 1m Congregation cont'd.
1. It is on a peripheral road, thus no traffic burden is added
to the Town.
2. The acreage is adequate.
3. It is on the north edge of Town and it will be a buffer
against the future development of 7tanford lands.
4. The Congregation is willing and able to cooperate on set-
backs, landscaping, and architectural restrictions.
Chai:ouan Williams stated that were two factors not in the Con-
gregation's favor, namely:
1. Nine acres would be removed from the tax roll.
2. Only six of the membership live in Los Altos Hills.
The Commissioners were asked to consider these points.
RECOPUiKYDATION:
That the Planning Commission recommend to the Council that
the request of the Beth Am Congregation for Variance
(V-25-58) for use of land for religious purposes be ap-
proved, subject to the approval, in detail, of site de-
velopment plans and architectural plans by the Planning
Commission an� the City Council.
MOTION: Dawson; SECOND: Spain;
ROLL CALL: AYES: Dawson, Hayes, rello_uist, Spain, Sherlock,
Chairman Williams
NOES: Holm
ABSENT: Tantau
b)Ingersoll, Jonathan 0. (V-28-58) - Reduction of setback re-
quiresents.
Commissioner Holm stated that the Pap Committee recommended
approval of 15' reduction in rear setback requirements.
All adjoining property owners signed the letter approving this
application for variance.
RECO"ff=\IDATION:
That the request for variance for 1 ' reduction in rear
setback of J. C. Ingersoll (V-28-58) be approved.
MOTION: Mellquist; SECOND: Sherlock; VOTE: Passed unanimously
4 2. Divisions of Land:
a) Claitor, James (85-57) 17 lots. Engr. Brian.
Approval of all agencies have been received.
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Subdivision - Claitor cont'd.
Letter, dated April 3, 1958 fror rr. Claitor and signed by
Mr. T. Rogers and Mrs. Rogers, was read stating that an agreement of
` the alignment of Pricilla Lane with 3tonebrook Avenue has been
made.
RECOrl'IIND STI ON :
That the subdivision of James Claitor (85-57) 17 lots be ap-
proved subject to the conditions of approval as outlined by
the Santa Clara County Health Department.
b) Pacchetti, T. J. (109-58) 2 lots. Engr. Brian.
The recommendations of the meeting of May 1st, 1958 were read.
All agencies have approved this subdivision.
R3COM',ENDATION:
That the Planning Commission give final approval to the T. J.
racchetti map (109-58) 2 lots, subject to the conditions of
approval of the Santa Clara County Health Department.
MOTION: Holm; SECOND: Spain; VOTE: Passed unanimously
c) Mandoli, Aida (111-58) 7 lots. Engr. Brian.
Chairman of the Map Committee stated that approval was recommended,
with non -access on Arastradero Road of lots #1 and /t?, and conform-
ity of road to Town Standards.
In the discussion of a. public utility easement along the property
line, Mr. Riley stated that there will be a 10' easement allowed.
R.COM 3JDATION:
That tentative approval be given the .Aida Mandoli subdivision
map (111-58) 7 lots, with non -access of lots 'El and '}7 to
Arastradero Road, pathways to be constructed along cul-de-sac
street, planting to Town specifications, and public easement to
be along the common boundary of lots P5 and if6.
MOTION: Mellquist; S7COND: Holm; VOTE: Passed unanimously
d) Knupfer, Genevieve (107-58) 2 lots. Engr. Reinoehl.
Letters of approval were read from the Fire District, and from the
dealth Department, listing conditions relative to drainage require-
ments.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Genevieve Knupfer map (107-58) 2 lots be approved, sub-
ject to the conditions set forth by the Santa Clara County Health
Department and the City Engineer; that a drainage easement be
dedicated and appear on the final; that there be non -access on
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Subdivision: Knupfer cont'd.
to Purissima and that temporary access is to be permitted on the
existing drivey that any future division of this property will
be conditional upon the developmentof the cul-de-sac (Genevieve
Court) to Town standards.
MOTION: Mellquist; SECOYD: Holm; VOTE: Passed unanimously
e) Stardust Acres (110-58) 7 lots. Engr. Reinoehl.
The Map Committee recommended approval, with non -access of lot ##8
to Elena.
It was noted that this map is the same as the R. G. McNamara map
(108-58) 2 lots, which was approved April 192, 1958.
RECOMMENDATION:
That the subdivision Stardust Acres (110-58) 7 lots be approved
for planning purposes, specifying non -access on Elena Avenue
for lot ,�S; that pathways be provided along one side of the
cul-de-sac street; and that planting along Elena Avenue and
cul-de-sac street meet Planting "pecifications of the Town.
The re -naming of .Carmichael Lane to 'Hoagy Lane' is to be referred
to the Road flames Committee.
MOTION: Holm; SECOND: 1'ellquist; VOTE: Passed unanimously
3• Chairman of Flannin Commission - Vice -Chairman Spain will assume
the duties as hairman or four months, commencing June 1st, 1958.
Commissioner Sherlock will become Vice -Chairman and will act as
Secretary for four months, commencing June 1st, 1958.
M.&EYING ADJOURNED: 12:00 Noon.
NEXT REGULAR MEETING: Thursday, June 52, 1958, 7:30 F. 11, at the Town
Hall, 26379 !Jest 'Tremont Avenue, Los Altos Hills.
jlm
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Respectfully submitted,
OMAR N. SPAIN
Secretary