HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/11/1979 (2)4W
PLANNING COMMISSION
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
Wednesday, April 11, 1979
Reel 77, Side 1, Tr. 2, 578 to End; Side 2, Tr. 2, 001 to 257
Chairman Stewart called the meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 8:04 p.m.
in the Council Chambers of the Town Hall.
ROLL CALL:
Present: Commissioners Carico, Lachenbruch, Rydell, Dochnahl, Kuranoff, and
Chairman Stewart
Absent: Commissioner vanTamelen (excused)
Press: Mark Nelson, Times -Tribune
Also Present: City Engineer/Planner John A. Carlson, Secretary Ethel Hopkins
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
The Minutes of the March 28th Plannina Commission meeting were corrected as
�r follows: On page three, under "Condition 1.0", third paraqraph, last word,
chance "road." to 'path.' Change also Chairman Stewart's statement in the
last paragraph under this condition to read: Chairman Stewart noted that the
proposed path would be between a public road and a private road. Finally, on
page four, last paraoraph under item two, Lands of Conn, change the time the
meeting resumed from "10:55 p.m." to '9:55 p.m.'
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl
and seconded by Commissioner Carico that the Minutes of March 28 be approved as
amended.
PHRI if PFAPTWG,-
1. OFFICIAL PLAN LINE FOR THREE FORKS LANE ANDSOUTH FORK LANE, Request for
Recommendation of Approval of Negative Declaration and Official Plan Line
(Continued from March 28)
Mr. Carlson reviewed background information on the above request as contained in
his staff report dated March 23. He noted that the Town has an interest in both
public and private roads and that the official plan line is a designated right-
of-way for improvement at some time in the future. Future streets and homesites
would be designed in light of this plan line.
A short discussion among Commissioners followed, and the hearing was opened to
the public.
Carl Cottrell, 13480 North Fork Lane, noted that the proposed plan line will
cross his property and asked why t e road did not go over to Country Way.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - April 11, 1979
[ Page two
v PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. OFFICIAL PLAN LINE FOR THREE FORKS LANE AND SOUTH FORK LANE: (continued)
Ed Stewart, 27850 Lupine Road, expressed "polite but very vigorous criticism"
of t e staff for studying the issue of the plan line for several months without
notifying any of the affected neighbors. He requested that all traffic from
the Via Feliz and Three Forks area be combined and routed to where the pump station
is located.
Jitze Coup80erus 136Page Mill Road, spoke for the removal of the currect Three
Forks Road access to provide for safety in the area and to preserve the beauty
of the Country Way area.
Paul Nowack, 220 State Street, Los Altos, speaking in behalf of Bob Bahr, stated
t at a road connection from T ree Fars Lane to Country Way would be an ecological
disaster. He stated further that the exit from Via Feliz is the only feasible
solution to the area's traffic problems.
The public hearing was closed, and comment returned to the Commission. Concern
was expressed that neighbors had not had adequate time to review the alternative
routes of the precise plan line area.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Chairman Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Carico that the Official Plan Line for Three Forks and
South Fork Lane be continued to the first meeting in May and that a meeting be
set up with neighbors and with Commissioner Carico as Planning Commission repre-
sentative to discuss the plan alternatives. Commissioner Kuranoff would attend
as an interested neighbor. (The proposed meeting between Staff and neighbors would
occur before the matter was re-scheduled for public hearing before the Planning
Commission.)
2. LANDS OF HOM, File HTM 2084-78, Elena and Robleda Roads, John Riley, Engineer,
Request for Recommendation of Approval of Negative Declaration and Tentative Map,
4 Lots
Chairman Stewart noted that slope density calculations were not included with the
tentative staff report or file material, and although informed by Mr. Carlson that
the slope of the area was less than ten percent and slope calculations were therefore
not necessary, it was the decision of the Planning Commission to require them to be
presented to them on every subdivision under consideration.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: It was moved by Commissioner Carica and seconded by
Commissioner Stewart to continue Lands of Ham, File $TM 2084-78 until the proper
slope density calculations were presented to the Planning Commission.
AYES: Commissioners Carico, Lachenbruch, Dochnahl, Kuranoff and Stewart
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Rydell
3. LANDS OF LOW, File HTM 2088-78, Hilltop Drive, Paul Nowack, Engineer, Request
`„ for Recommendation of pprova of Re -submitted Tentative Map, 3 Lots
Mr. Carlson reviewed pertinent information on the above request, noting that
the Negative Declaration had already been approved for the Lands of Low. The
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - April 11, 1979
Page three
PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
3. LANDS OF LOW, File #TV. 2088-78: (continued)
only change in the re -submitted tentative map was a chanced lot line between Lots
1 and 3.
Commissioners discussed the location of the driveway on Lot 3, whether the net
acreage of the lot had changed when the lot line had been moved, whether
appropriate setbacks had been provided for the fault area, whether there was
sufficient area for buildings, and how far away the equestrian easement was from
the fault line. Thereafter, the hearing was opened to the public discussion.
Paul Nowack 220 State Street, Los Altos, Engineer, spoke representing Tom Barton
and discussed changes made in the driveway for Lot 3, noting that the re-routed
driveway would be almost at grade with the proposed house location.
Further discussion by Commissioners followed with Chairman Stewart expressing
dissatisfaction with the requirement that the scenic vistas from I.S.280 be
protected from the Low's development of their property when the Lows had been
in the Town before the road had been developed. The Lows had been penalized
as a result of the freeway development. Commissioner Lachenbruch noted that
the re -submitted proposal was a much improved one. He added that his original
objections concerning Lands of Low and the Land Use Element of the General Plan
L. were mainly related to principles. He noted, however, that while a substantial
\I part of his earlier objections had been removed, that Lot 3 will still be a problem
lot. Commissioner Carico agreed with most of what Commissioner Lachenbruch had
said and added that the Commission should provide for some mitigation measures for
future buyers of Lot 3.
The Commission reviewed the proposed conditions, with the following changes being
made:
Condition l.A: MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Chairman
Stewart and seconded by Commissioner Lachenbruch that Conditions
1.A (2) and (3) be deleted.
Jean Struthers, Pathway Committee, discussed pathways proposed
but noted that the connecting easement on the Lands of Powell
was a temporary easement until a better path connection could be obtained
Condition 2.A: PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was moved by Chairman Stewart and passed
by consensus to add to Condition 2.A: The seller's CC&Rs shall
spell out the setback lines of the Monta Vista fault as detailed
on the Final Map.
Preston Low, Applicant, responded to Commissioner Lachenbruch's
ncern on t
cohe location of the fault on the property by noting
that three trenches had been dug and the fault located precisely.
Condition 6.A: PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To delete Condition 6.A(2).
%W
Condition 8.A: MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Commissioner
Lachenbruch and seconded by Commissioner Carico to amend Condition 8.A
to read: Landscape screening shall be placed on Parcels 1 and 3 to
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - April 11, 1979
Page four
`r PUPLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
3. LANDS OF LOW, File #TM 2088-78: (continued)
screen residences from the freeway and to abate noise from the
freeway. The landscaping will be planted outside the right-of-way
so as not to intrude on the pathway area. The landscape plan shall
be submitted for review by the Noise Abatement and Environmental
Design Committees.
Speaking to various concerns on the above amendment were Mr. Low
who discussed the durability and advisability of screening lots
for noise abatement and Jean Struthers who requested that plantings
alonq the path riaht-of-way not obstruct the pathway area.
Paul Nowack spoke against having trees to screen the Low home.
Conclusion of the discussion was the agreement to delete the require-
ment for trees on Parcel 2.
Condition 9.A: After a short discussion on the quality of the road on Hilltop Drive
and the need for street improvements: MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED
UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Chairman Stewart and seconded by
Commissioner Rydell to delete Condition 9.A.
Condition 11: PASSED BY CONSENSUS: That Condition ll.B be amended to read:
301 feet @ $3.50 Per Foot = $1,053.50, that Condition ll.0 be
(60 amended to read: 3 Lots @ $300.00 Per Lot = $900.00; and that
the Total Fees be changed to $2,785.75.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Commissioner Dochnahl and
seconded by Commissioner Lachenbruch that Lands of Low, File #TM 2088-78, be rec-
ortmended for approval with conditions as amended.
At 9:30 p.m. a recess was called. The meeting resumed at 9:45 p.m.
OLD BUSINESS:
1. LANDS OF CONN, File #TM 2097-79, West Sunset Drive, John Riley, Engineer,
Request for ApprovaT of Tentative Lot Design and Development Plan Sheet
for the Tentative Map
After a short discussion on whether the enoineer could improve the grade and
some of the curve in the driveway, the following motion was passed:
MOTION SECONDED AND UNANIMOUSLY PASSED: It was moved by Chairman Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Dochnahl that the Tentative Lot Design and Development
Plan Sheet as re -submitted met the requirements as set out in the conditions of
approval recommended for approval at the meeting of March 28 for the Lands of
Conn, File #TM 2097-79.
2. LANDS OF STAMSCHROR-SILVER, File #CU 8029-73, 25231 La Rena (Secondary Dwelling),
Response to Request for Information on February 28 (Continued from March 28)
'ftw Chairman Stewart noted that through a misunderstanding, no police report was
available on the above item. He requested that the Chief of Police Mr. Crowe
obtain a copy of this report for the Commission.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - April 11, 1979
i Page five
�r OLD BUSINESS: (continued)
2. LANDS OF STAMSCHROR-SILVER, File #CU 8029-78: (continued)
Commissioner Lachenbruch stated that a number of thino_s bothered him about the
yellow document on the court case.
Consensus of the Commission was that Mr. Crowe and the City Attorney be present
at the next discussion of this matter at the meetinq of May 9. Lands of Stamschror-
Silver was to be the first item of business on the agenda under the heading "Old
Business", and all information in the file, including the letter from the building
inspector certifying compliance with conditions, be copied and sent out to the
Commissioners, plus the document on the police report.
Merle Oskay, 25231 La Rena, requested more information on the background of the
subject discussion and was told to consult the office file on the matter.
3. Revision of Proposed Lighting Ordinance: A short discussion on possible revisions
res u ted in t e suggestion that the proposed lighting ordinance should be revised
to include item one of Commissioner Lachenbruch's comments and the last three
items of Commissioner Kuranoff's comments.
Consensus of the Commission wasthat Commissioners Lachenbruch and Kuranoff meet
with Mr. Carlson and revise the proposed ordinance to accommodate suggestions
made. The final form of the ordinance would be presented to the Planning Commission
at the second meeting in May.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. Setting of Dates for Public Hearings for the Variance and Permit and Planning
Commission Meetings:
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY: It was moved by Chairman Stewart and
seconded by Commissioner Carico that the followina items be set for public hearing
on April 25, 1979:
Variance and Permit Commission: Lands of Chu, File #VAR. 7058-79
Lands of Jaiswal, File #VAR. 7057-79
Planning Commission: Lands of Oliver, File #VAR. 7047-77
Lands of Hom, File #TM 2084-78 (continued from April 11)
2. Report from the City Council Meeting of April 2 - report given by Commissioner
Carico.
3. Completion Time Estimates on Action Items: Chairman Stewart reminded Commissioners
who were chairmen of action item committee to provide him an estimate of when their
work would be completed.
4. Moving of Buildings: Commissioner Kuranoff reported re the Variance and Permit
Commission question on how the moving of buildinos is handled by the Municipal Code.
He informed the Commission that it was the City Attorney's interpretation that said
a permit is required, not a variance, but that public notice is aiven as when a
44w variance is processed.
5. Lands of Almon, File #BSA 6106-78: Commissioner Kuranoff requested that the
City Engineer check into the orading being done on the subject parcel and report
back to the Planning Commission as to the adequacy of the work done.
PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES - April 11, 1979
Paae six
NEW BUSINESS: (continued)
5. Lands of Almon, File #BSA 6106-78: (continued)
Commissioner Lachenbruch added that while the Buildinq Official was doing a
commendable job, he is trained as an architect and not as an enaineer. If the
City Manaaer did not agree that the City Enaineer should inspect the work done,
the Planning Commission requested a written report on why an inspection need
not be done by the City Enqineer.
ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further new or old business, the meeting of the Planning Commission
was adjourned by Chairman Stewart at 10:40 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Ethel Hopkins
Secretary
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