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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/12/1975 (2)PLANNING COMtiISSION 40 Town of Los Altos Hills 26379 Fremont Road Los Altos Hills, California Minutes of February 12, 1975 cc: Reel 32 - Side 1, Tr. 1 - 280 -End Side 2, Tr. 1 - 001-337 Chairman Donald Spencer called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:50 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall: ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Brown, Carico, Perkins, Phillips, Schick, Young, Chairman Spencer Staff: City Manager Robert Crowe, City Engineer Alex Russell, Planning Consultant Tom Vlasic, Deputy City Clerk Virginia Huffstetter. APPROVAL OF MINUTES: January 22, 1975 and January 3, 1975 January B. Commissioner Perkins corrected the Minutes as follows: Page 1, Approval of Minutes, Jan. 8, 1^.75, first paragraph: "Commissioner Perkins stated on the December 11, 1974 Minutes, pp. 3 thru 5, under 'Continued Review on Study on Subdivision Revisions to the Town's Subdivision Ordinance', all changes agreed on which were not by motion were by concensus of the Commissioners present." January 22, 1975: Cha rman Spencer said it was his understanding that at the Meeting of January 22, the Commission had set the Noise Element and the Seismic Safety Element for a Public Hearing. Planning Consultant Tom Vlasic said he was under the same impression. Staff was asked to check this matter out for the Commission. There being no further corrections. Chairman Spencer declared the Minutes of January 8, 1975 and January 22, 1975 approved as corrected. STUDY SESSION: 1. Format for Planning Commission Meetings: At the request of Chairman Spencer, this item was held over to the end of the meeting, should there be time, or until the next meeting of the Commission. 2. Planninq Services: Chairman Spencer noted that at their meeting of January 29, 1975, the City Council had requested the Planning Commission to submit comments to them concerning the needs of the Commission for planning services to carry out the programs and goals of the Community. The following comments were received from the Commissioners: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 12, 1975 DISCUSSION ON PLANNING NEEDS (cont'd): Chairman Spencer commented that he felt the Town has mis-used the Planning Consultant in the past. He thought the Town would be better served by a Consultant as opposed to a Town Planner. He noted that a Town of this size could not offer advancement to a Staff Planner except in salary, nor would a Staff Planner have the opportunity for a wide variety of planning. He felt the position would be used as a springboard to other positions outside of the Town. A Planning Consultant, Chairman Spencer said, would have other sources of Income, and other people with whom he could consult; he had exposure to other communities and ideas, and another member of the firm could replace him should the Consultant be unavailable for some meetings. Commissioner Carico agreed with Chairman Spencer regarding a Planning Consultant. She cite; the Seismic Report soon to be completed by Dr. Cotton, Town Geologist, and fir. Kerry Sieh, which would give the Town important information which could make it possible to cut down on professional planning advice. Commissioner Carico said she would like to work with professional planners for at least six months after the completed Seismic Safety Report concerning specific problems. At that time, the needs of the Commission should be re-evaluated. Commissioner Schick agreed with the comments of Chairman Spencer and Commissioner Carico, and thought the present Building and Engineering Departments should be able to handle routine matters, especially if more use was made of the Ordinance in the Municipal Code pertaining to preliminary maps. She thought a professional Planner or Consultant should be used for Special Projects. Commissioner Perkins stated that the Community deserved the best possible planning that could be obtained. He said the type of expertise needed by the Town could not be obtained through a Staff Planner, but through a Planning Consultant firm; that the Town did not have the facilities necessary for an in-house Planner (i.e., a library), where a Consultant had such resources, as well as good contacts. Commissioner Perkins felt it could be shown that the costs for a Consultant would not be any more than for an in- house Planner. Commissioner Young agreed with the comments made by the other Commissioners, pointing out that the addition of a Staff Planner would also require additional back-up Staff. He noted he was in favor of using a Consultant whenever possible to maintain Staff at a minimum, and consistent with the Town's needs. Commissioner Phillips felt the major responsibility of the Town was in the area of managing the Town's development, but thought the present cost figures of the Consultants, in addition to costs of other Staff members, were high. He also thought the principle of "management by objective" should be applied to the Town, and that all possibilities should be investigated, such as using volunteers, abolishing the Planning Commission and letting the City 441 Council assume those duties, contracting for services with other cities, -2- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 12, 1975 DISCUSSION ON PLANNING NEEDS (cont'd): hiring a combined City Manager -Planner, or a Consultant firm. Commissioner Brown expressed concern that the Town might be in a difficult position if it tried to rely on Staff exclusively. He thought the Town could see how much the Staff could do in the way of planning services, but felt there was need for a Consultant at times. Commissioner Perkins also noted that the Commission's needs were: 1) the best professional input available when considering subdivisions; and 2) innovative planning for the future. Commissioner Young commented that a decision should be made regarding the level of services a Consultant would provide; that is, a low level of service would include variances, building site approvals, conditional use permits, etc. A high level of service would include subdivisions. Chairman Spencer directed Staff to forward the comments made by the Commission regarding planning needs to be forwarded to the City Council for their meeting of February 19, 1975. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS: REQUESTS FOR EXEMPTION FROM SUBDIVISION MORATORIUM: 1. Lands of Monte Lucero No. 4, File #TM390-72, Sandis & Assoc., Engineers: Mr. Vlasic noted a letter had been received from Mr. Alan Lambert, repre- senting the applicant, on January 9, 1975, requesting that this tentative map be declared exempt from the subdivision moratorium, since there would be no grading, the density was low, and no natural habitats or flora would be destroyed. Mr. Alan Lambert, speaking for the applicant, addressed the Commission regarding the reason the request for exemption was being made. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Schick moved, seconded by Comm. Young that the Lands of Monte Lucero, No. 4 be declared exempt from the sub- division moratorium because it does not raise significant questions relative to the concerns enumerated in the subdivision moratorium. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Carico, Perkins, Phillips, Schick, Young, Chair- man Spencer. NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE 4W -3- ,7 PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 12, 1975 REQUESTS FOR EXEMPTION FROM SUBDIVISION MORATORIUM:(cont'd) 2. Lands of Brown/Hubb, File #TM2018-75, Sandis & Assoc., Engineers: City Engineer Alex Russell reviewed the background of the tentative map, and noted that a letter had been received from Mr. John Humber, representing the applicant, dated January 23, 1975, requesting this exemption. In their memo of February 7, 1975, Staff recommended approval of this exemption since it would require no additional grading for road improvements, and the locations of the proposed dwellings did not appear to create any significant drainage problems. MOTION, SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Comm. Carico that the Commission recommend exemption from the subdivision moratorium. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Carico, Perkins, Phillips, Schick, Young, Chair- man Spencer. NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE 3. Lands of Mueller, File ATM2019-75, Paul Nowack, Engineer: City Engineer Alex Russell reviewed the background of the tentative map and noted that a letter had been received from Mrs. Margaret Mueller, dated January 31, 1975, requesting an exemption from the moratorium because it will not create any grading other than normally experienced in the placement of a home, and no significant drainage problems were apparent at this time. MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Comm. Young that the Commission recommend exemption from the subdivision moratorium for the Lands of Mueller. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Carico, Perkins, Phillips, Schick, Young, Chair- man Spencer. NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE 4. Lands of Land Resources Inc., File BTM2020-75, George Nolte, Engineer: City Engineer Alex Russell reviewed the tentative reap, and noted that a letter, dated January 10, 1975, had been received from Mr. Brett LaSchell, Vice President of Arastra Ltd., requesting exemption from the subdivision moratorium for this property because the proposed subdivision was not in conflict with relation to problems enumerated in the moratorium Resolution. Staff, in the memo dated February 7, 1975, recommended that the request be granted since it did not appear that the subdivision presented serious grading or drainage problems. -4- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 12, 1975 46, REQUESTS FOR EXEMPTION FROM SUBDIVISION MORATORIUM: (cont'd) Mr. Jack Leudeman, representing the applicant, addressed the Commission relative to this request for exemption. Discussion ensued between Commission, Staff, and applicant regarding the slope of land, grading, and cuts and fills for the cul-de-sac shown in the proposed subdivision. Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Chairman Spencer that the Commission recommend denial of this request for the following reasons: 1) The sub- division is relatively steep (23.4%); 2) there are potential problems with the proposed cul-de-sac and the road access of the individual lots; 3) the pathway is not shown as being separated from the road. The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Carico, Perkins, Chairman Spencer. NOES: Commissioners Phillips, Schick, Young ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE Mr. J. Romer, Engineer for the applicant, also addressed the Commission regarding the request of Land Resources for exemption. 6 PUBLIC HEARINGS: 1. Lands of Adobe Creek Mr. David Bellucci: Re uest for Conditional Use re" or Non- rofit Recreation C u Fi e U 00 - 19 MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Commissioner Schick moved, seconded by Chairman Spencer and unanimously carried that the public hearing on this matter be continued to the Commission meeting of February 26, 1975. 2. Lands of Overstreet, File gCU8005-75, h1r. William Smith En ineer:� Request for Con itional Use Permit for secon dwelling: Mr. Vlasic, Planning Consultant, reviewed the Staff memo of February 7, 1975 pertaining to this request for a conditional use permit. He stated that Staff recommended approval of the request subject to the conditions cited in that memo, and also recommended that this application be declared categorically exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. Mr. and Mrs. Overstreet, applicants, addressed the Commission, stating it was their intention to reside in what will be the secondary dwelling on this land, until such time as the primary dwelling is built. Upon completion of the primary dwelling, the kitchen facilities would be removed from this premises in compliance with the requirements of the Municipal Code. -5- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 12, 1975 PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont'd): Lands of Overstreet (cont'd): Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Commissioner Ycune Vlat Vie Conditional Use Permit for Lands of Overstreet be granted under the conditions enumerated in Staff's memo of February 7, 1975, and this application be declared exempt from the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Carico, Perkins, Phillips, Young, Chairman Spencer. NOES: Commissioner Schick ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE Commissioner Schick stated her reason for voting no on this application was because of the Ordinance contained in the Municipal Code which requires all non -conforming uses to be phased out by 1976. 2. Subdivision Ordinance - Proposed Changes (Continued from 1/22/75). Chairman Spencer made the motion to limit discussion on each item to three minutes, and to defer those items requiring a longer discussion to the end. Motion died for lack of a second. ADDITION TO SECTION 9-4.102 (p) PURPOSES: Commissioner Young moved, seconded by Commissioner Perkins to add (p) to Section 9-4.102 as follows: "(p) To ensure that all development be aimed at disturbing the natural terrain to the least extent possible, and as a corollary, that the end result inflict the least possible visual impact upon the neighborhood." Motion carried by the following roil call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Carico, Perkins, Phillips, Schick, Young, Chairman Spencer. NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE SECTION 9-4.210. Subdivision Committee: Commissioner Schick moved, seconded by Commissioner Carico to amend the proposed revision to this section as follows: "Subdivision Committee" shall mean a committee composed of the following persons or their designated representative: the City Manager, the City Engineer, the City Planner, and a Planning Commissioner. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: 4W AYE: Commissioners Brown, Carico, Schick, Young NOES: Commissioners Perkins, Young, Chairman Spencer ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE _6_ PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 12, 1975 SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE PROPOSED CHANGES: (cont'd) SECTION 9-4.RIJ Tentative maps: Filing: Referrals: Fees. (d) Distribution of copies: Subdivsion Committee conferences. City Engineer Alex Russell recommended that this section should be trans- ferred to Section 9-4.407, Preliminary Maps: Subdivision Committee con- ferences, of the Code. Commissioner Perkins moved that Staff re -word this section in light of the evening's discussion and be r3ferrad to the Council with the recommended changes of the Commission's intent that the orderly processing of the subdivisions be made in a timely fashion, using the preliminary map process, if appropriate. Commissioner Schidcseconded the motion which was carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Carico, Perkins, Phillips, Young, Che.innam Spencer NOES: Commissioner Schick ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: Commissioner Brown SECTION 9-4.411 Tentative mc,Qs. Required information. a (2): Commissioner Young moved, seconded by Commissioner Perkins to accept the recommended revision to this section as shown in the Staff 4W Memo of February 6, 1975, namely: "For all subdivisions of five or more parcels, an aerial photograph showing current buidling or subdivision operations within 1,000 feet of the project at a scale not less than 1" - 400', and showing the approximate subdivision boundaries, streets and lot lines of the proposed subdivision and all properties within 300' of the subject site." Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Phillips, Perkins, Young, r!iainian S!�oncer NOES: Commissioners Carico, Schick ABSTAIN: !arenissioner Brown ABSENT: NONE Commissioner Carico stated she had voted no because the County aerial maps are updated each year, and she thought the Town could use these maps. SECTION 9-4.411 Tentative fiaps:_Required information. Chairman Spencer moved, seconded by Commissioner Carico that Section 9-4.411 (a) (1) and (2) be approved as amended. The amendments are shown as.follows: "Section 9-4.411. Tentative maps: Required information. The following information, unless otherwise noted, shall be provided on tentative maps: -7- PLANNING COW4ISSION MEETING - February 12, 1975 SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE PROPOSED CHANGES: (cont'd) Section 9-4.411 (cont'd): "(a) The tract name or number, the date, north point, scale, and contour intervals, all located in the right-hand lower corner of the map, and the following information, as appropriate, sufficient to describe and define the location and boundaries of the site and surround- ing areas: "(1) A portion of the Town 1" = 400' base map showing the Proposed subdivision and all existing properties within 1,000 feet of the site. "(2) For all subdivisions of five or more parcels, an aerial photo- graph showing current building or subdivision operations within 1,000 feet of the project at a scale not less than 1" = 400', and showing the approximate subdivision boundaries, streets and lot lines of the proposed subdivision and all properties within 300' of the subject site." Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Perkins, Phillips, Young, Chairman Spencer NOES: Commissioners Carico, Schick ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE Section 9-4.411 (f): Commissioner Schick moved, seconded by Commissioner Brown that this section be approved with the deletion of the words "drawn to scale." The motion failed by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Schick NOES: Commissioners Carico, Perkins, Phillips, Young, Chairman Spencer ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE Commissioner Young moved, seconded by Commissioner Phillips, that this sub- section (f) be approved as presented, namely: '(f) The locations, names, widths, and approximate grades of all proposed roads in the subdivision. Grades shall be shown by center line profile, preferably referred to mean sea level datum as established by the United States Geological Survey or to benchmarks of the County Engineer. Typical cross sections shall be provided of all roads, and design of berms, curbs, gutters, pathways, trails, and other improvements drawn to scale. Additional cross sections shall be presented as required by the City Engineer. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: 10 f PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 12, 1975 SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE PROPOSED CHANGES: (cont'd): AYE: Commissioners Brown, Carico, Perkins, Phillips, Young, Chairman Spencer NOES: Commissioner Schick ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE Section 9-4.411 (as above) J;LJ : Speaking from the Floor: Mr John Humber, Sandis and Associates, requested that the Commission consider changing the wording in this section to read, "The Civil Engineer shall tEttIll attest". He also requested that where the slope contours were greater than 309; the contour interval be changed to ten feet (10'). Commissioner Schick motioned that the requests made by Mr. Humber and supported by the City Engineer be added to the revision; further that the last line of the revision proposed for (j) read, "disposed of subject to modification of the tentative map at the time of submission of the improve- ment plans". 6 However, Commissioner Perkins requested an amendment to the proposed motion to read that the City Engineer may accept a map with contour intervals greater than five feet, if appropriate. The motion was accepted by Comms. Schick and Young. City Manager Robert Crowe suggested clarifying certain words contained in the proposed revision, which were also accepted as amendments. The proposed motion then, reads as follows, the deletions being shown as (///), and the additions underscored in the body of these Minutes, as follows: "(j) An accurate contour map of the land to be divided with existing and proposed contour lines. Contour interval shall not be AWreg ater than two feet (2') where slopes are predominately five percent (5%) or less_ MOO and five feet (5') where slopes are predominately steeper than five percent TM Ninety percent (90%) of all contours shall be accurate within one- half (�) contour interval, and all contours shall be accurate within a contour interval. The City Engineer may, however, accept topographic information of lesser accuracy for those areas of a subdivision site that are difficult to survey due to topography and/or vegetative cover, and where he can determine that more accurate topographic information for such areas will not be critical to design and/or density of the subdivision. Further, n- cate a vi ngineer shall certify as to the accuracy of the existing and proposed contour lines. The contour map shall be accompanied by an overall grading plan showing how the runoff of surface waters will be AW achieved and how all surface waters will be disposed of, subject. to modifi- -9- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 12, 1975 SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE PROPOSED CHANGES: (cont'd) Section 9-4.411 (i) (cont'd): The motion carried unanimously. Discussion ensued between Commission and Planning Consultant regarding the last amendment, "subject to modification of the tentative map at the time of submission of the improvement Plans." Motion was then made by Commissioner Carico, seconded by Chairman Spencer to delete the following words from the amendment to the subdivision ordinance as stated in (j), above: "subject to modification of the tentative map at the time of submission of the improvement plans." Section 9-4.411 (as stated above): (r): Chairman Spencer moved, seconded by Commissioner Phillips, that this section be approved as amended in the Staff Mena of February 6, 1975, and which reads as follows: "(r) The proposed landscaping plan shall address landscaping within the road right of way and landscaping of all major cut and fill surfaces created by the subdivision grading as necessary to prevent erosion. The landscaping plan shall also provide for maintenance of plants until they are established." The motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Perkins, Phillips, Young, Chairman Spencer. NOES: Commissioners Carico, Schick ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE Commissioner Schick stated she had noted no because of her objection to the words, "licensed landscape architect." Section 9-4.411 (as above) (v) Motion was made by Commissioner Perkins, seconded by Chairman Spencer to approve this section as recommended by the Planning Consultant this evening to read as follows: "(v) A preliminary title report dated within the last 30 da s in support of the tentative map, giving the names o record owners of t e and proposed for subdivision, and all existing easements and other reservations, re- strictions or covenants of record affecting the land." The nation carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Carico, Perkins, Phillips, Young, Chairman Spencer `► NOES: Commissioner Schick ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE -10- PLANNING COM4iISSION MINUTES - February 12, 1975 SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE PROPOSED CHANGES: (cont'd) Section 9-4.411 (as above) (w): After discussion between Commission and the Planning Consultant, Commissioner Carico offered an amendment which failed for lack of a second. After continued discussion, Commissioner Phillips moved, seconded by Commissioner Young to approve the changes recommended to (w) in the Staff memo of February 6, 1975, as follows: "(w) A preliminary soils report prepared by a civil engineer registered in California and specializing in soils engineering, unless waived by the City Engineer. The preliminary soils report shall only be waived if the City Engineer determines that existing documented information is adequate to describe the soils qualities of the soils of the subdivision." Section 9-4.411 (as above) (x): Commissioner Phillips moved, seconded by Commissioner Young that this sux4-section be approved with the recommended changes, as follows: "(x) A report prepared by engineering geologist registered in California, unless waived by the City Geologist:" Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Perkins, Phillips, Young, Chairman Spencer. NOES: Commissioners Carico, Schick ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: Commissioner Brown Section 9-4.411 (as above) SXL Commissioner Young moved, seconded by Commissioner Carico that this sub -section be approved as recommended in the Staff memo of Dec. 23, 1974, as follows: "(y) An Environmental Assessment Worksheet. A draft environmental impact report shall also be required if determined necessary by the City Manager or his designated representative." Motion carried unanimously. Section 9-4.602 Lots: Commissioner Schick made a motion to make certain changes to this Section, sub -sections (a) and (e), which was seconded by Commissioner Young. The motion failed to receive a majority vote, however. -11- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - February 12, 1975 SUBDIVISION ORDINANCE PROPOSED CHANGES: (cont'd) Section 9-4.602 (as above) (cont'd) Commissioner Perkins moved, seconded by Chairman Spencer to approve the changes in this sub -section as recommended by Staff, as follows: "(4) Within each lot intended for residential purposes, there shall be a buildable area suitable for a residence and automobile parking which, at a minimum, meets the following criteria: a. Area of at least 7,000 sq. feet. b. Average slope not in excess of thirty percent (30%). c. Accessible from a road by a driveway meeting the standards of Title 9, Chapter 3. d. Within setback lines and unencumbered by areas subject to a 100 year flood, potential landslides, active faults, conservation ease- ments, easements for vehicular access as defined by Sec. 9-5.206, areas of critical ecological significance as may be defined in the Conservation Element of the General Plan, or other physical con- ditions that render the area unsuitable for construction of a resi- dence. e. At least 4,000 sq. ft. of the 7,000 sq. feet area within the 160' diameter circle described in (3) above. Motion carried by the following roll call vote: AYE: Commissioners Brown, Perkins, Phillips, Chairman Spencer. NOES: Commissioners Carico, Schick, Young ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE Because of the lateness of the hour, discussion was held to determine the best evening to consider the remaining sections of the proposed changes to the Sub- division ordinances. It was determined that the Commission would meet on Tuesday, February 18, 1975 at 7:30 P.M. in the Council Chambers of Town Hall for the continued Public Hearing on this matter. ADJOURNMENT: The meeting adjourned at 11:20 P.M. Respectfully submitted, Norma J. Hislop Deputy City Clerk -12-