HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/26/1983PLANNING COWISSICN
Town of Los Altos Hills
26379 Fre_[mnt Road
Los Altos Hills, California
fir' Wednesday, October 26, 1983
Reel 107, Side I, Tract I, 200 -End; Side II, Tract I, 000-600
Chairman Rydell called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Town Hall
Council Chambers.
A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present: Cocmissioners Carico, Dochnahl, Kuranoff, Lachenbruch, Stewart,
Struthers and Chairman Rydell
Absent: None
Staff: City Engineer/Planner John A. Carlson; Assistant Planner Pat Webb;
Secretary Leslie Ylullins
�� a a�l"]RI
Y,OTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Steuart, seconded by GariCO and
passed unanimously to set for Public Hearings on November 9, 1963:
1. lands of Marcus, File #VAR 9-83, 26390 Anacapa Drive, Variance to
exceed Building Coverage limitation.
Minutes removed - 9/28/83 - Lachenbruch; 10/12/83 - Carico, Rydell and Struthers
Commissioner Lachenbruch amended the minutes of Septenber 28, 1983 to
show hewers I present and Comnissioner Stewart was absent.
r+DTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: bbved by Lachenbruch, seconded by Carico
and passed unanimously to approve the September 28, 1983 minutes as amended.
Commissioners Kuranoff and Stewart abstained from approval of 9/28/83 minutes.
Chairman Rydell amended October 12, 1983 as follows: On page two, Item "E"
reword first sentence as follows: Coanissioner Struthers presented infor-
mation concerning the El Petiro property...
Cammissioner Struthers amended October 12, 1983 as follows: On Page two,
Item "E" last sentence change "application" to study of land use.
Comnissianer Carico amended October 12, 1983 as follows: On Page two,
second to last paragraph, should read 100% of the landscape cost, not
construction cost.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Stewart, seconded by Struthers
and passed unanimously to approve the October 12, 1983 rdnutes as amended.
Commissioners Kuranoff and Lachenbruch abstained from approval of minutes.
C. REPORT FROM CPPV OaMIL MEETING OF OMMER 19, 1983:
Commissioner Struthers reported the City Council considered a request from
Mr. Kapoor, Lot #11, Matadero Creek to amend building height & coverage, noting
this request was forwarded to the Architectural Review Committee for response;
Mr. Walt Gregorw ich is working on a program to supply seedlings for residents
at $1.00/ea. - City Council has granted $500.00 for program; City Council ap-
proved Resolution regarding work in private property (storm drainage work);
Planning Cacmission Minutes - October 26, 1983
Page Two
C. RFPORT FRCM CITY COUNCIL MMMING:(continued)
i, Approved Groswith Site Approvals on Julietta Ione; Approved Cochran
�/ Tentative Map with changes to Conditions of Approval as reocnvended
by Commission; discussion of E1 Retire property with neighboring
residents.
Mr. Carlson added the Council has authorized staff to begin negotia-
tions for temporary repairs on some of the more major storm damage
projects, and gave commission a brief update on the projects and locations
and timing on the work involved.
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1. lards of Berry Hill Farms, File #CUP 8028-77, 14250 Page Mill Laud,
Annual Review of Conditional Use Permit
Ms. Webb referred to her staff report of October 6, 1983, noting the
last annual review by City Council was November, 1982, since that time
there have been no amnrvfirwnts or additions to the use permit. Ms. Webb
indicated all inspections by Fire and Health Departments have taken
place and the facility is in compliance with conditions. With regard
to the fill on the property, Mr. Alan Imbert has written a letter
dated October 4, 1983, noting permission was given by the City Engineer
for temporary placement of dirt on the property. Noting there have
been no written or verbal complaints on the facility, staff recourends
approval of the Annual Review.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed with no one speaking for or
against this item.
Commissioners & staff briefly discussed the amount of fill on the
property and time period for clearing.
YuTioN smaNDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kuranoff, seconded by Stewart
and passed unanimously to recommend approval of the Annual Review for
the Lands of Berry Hill Farms, File #CUP 8028-77.
2. Lands of Fremont Hills Country Club, File #CUP 8010-76, 12889
Viscaino Road, Annual Review of Conditional Use Permit
Ms. Webb referred to her staff report of October 6, 1983, noting the
last annual review by City Council was December, 1982, since that time
there have been no additions or amendments to the use permit. Ms. Webb
indicated all inspections by Fire and Health Departments have taken
place and the facility is in compliance with conditions. Ms. Webb
indicated the current membership stands at 388 families, noting the
Board of Directors have set 425 family membership maximum. As there
have been no written or verbal objections to this use, staff recrnmends
approval of the Annual Review.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed with no one speaking for or
( against this item.
Commissioner Stewart questioned Condition B.4. indicating since the Board
has set a limit at 425 we should amend the condition to correspond.
Planning Cmmission Minutes - October 26, 1983
page Three
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
kw 2. Lands of Fremont Hills (continued)
Mr. Neil George, Manager - Fremont Hills, indicated the 425 has been
set temporarily, noting the original application was for 500, and asked
commission to leave condition B.4, as written.
MoncN SEcomED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Struthers and
passed unanimously to recamend approval of the Annual Review for the
Lands of Fremont Hills Country Club, File #CUP 8010-76.
3. Lands of Westwind Farms, File #CUP 6022-77, 27210 Altamont Road,
Annual Review of Conditional Use Permit
M. Webb referred to her staff report of October 7, 1983, noting at
the April, 1982 City Council meeting they approved the annual review
for a period of 6 months to enable staff to monitor the noise levels
of the tractor from off site and on site, in response to cmgplaints
received from neighbors. Ms. Webb indicated since that time a new
muffler has been installed on the tractor, a time schedule has been
implemented for the use of the tractor. Ms. Webb informed commission
she has made tow inspections, noting there have been some constraints
caused by poor weather and repeated breakdowns in the tractor and
spreader, noting examples of the readings taken were supplied in the
packet to comission giving measurements, locations taken from, etc.
Ms. Webb indicated a letter has been received by the Board of Directors
that the time schedule has caused some difficulties in the daily
routine, and are asking for modification to the time schedule that
has been set. Ms. Webb noted there have been no verbal or written
objections to this use, and staff recmmends approval of the review.
Camdssioner Stewart questioned if this is approved for 6 month review,
when will this be up again for consideration? In October, 1984 or in
June, 1984?
CM,iSSimer Carico questioned Conditions B.8 and B.9 and if these
conditions have been complied with?
Ms. Webb indicated she has discussed the trees on the site with the
President of Westwind, and that to her knowledge at this time none
of the trees have been replaced since last spring, so far they have
lost 10 trees. With regard to condition B.9 the time the tractor and
spreader were inoperable, the manure was transported off the site,
which is acceptable to the Health Department.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mrs. Janice Duncan, President-westwind Fauns, informed commission they
have contacted a nurserymen to look at the site and make recomendations,
they have purchased hoses to water the trees and have set up a regular
schedule in which the crew follows for maintenance of landscaping.
Comissioners asked if the Environmental Design Committee has been
fir' consulted in this matter, suggesting that they get in touch to discuss
the seeding program mentioned earlier in the meeting.
Planning Commission Minutes - October 26, 1983
Page Four
D. PUBLIC HFARINGS: (continued)
V 3. Lands of Westwind Farms, (continued)
Mrs. Duncan informed commission the tractor has had some repair problems
and most of the down time is caused by waiting for parts for the repair,
noting Noble Ford Tractor in San Jose is going to do an overhaul on the
tractor and give our crew some service instructions. Mrs. Duncan noted
with regard to the time of the review, it would very much be appreciated
to make this approval for one year time period.
Mrs. Lee Patmore, 27650 Central Drive, informed connission they have
had no problems for the last six month with regard to noise, and thanked
the commission for helping with this problem. With regard to the 1 year
approval, she had no objections and a change in the hours of operation
for the tractor she indicated would not be a problem.
The Public Hearing was than closed.
Commissioner Lachenbruch suggested that staff make a review in the spring
with regard to the plantings and make a report to the commission.
MDTICN SBOONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Struthers, seconded by Stewart
and passed unanimously to recommend approval of the six month review
for the Lands of Westwind Farms, File #CUP 8022-77, staff is to check
the landscaping status on or around June 1, 1984 and report back to
commission on the findings.
Commission suggested staff contact the E nviroz'miental Design Committee
to have than look at site and make recomendations, and that they check
into the seedling program.
4. Lands of Salbu, 23641 Camino Her oso, Appeal of Site Development
Permit Approval for remodel/addition to existing residence
Mr. Carlson referred to his staff report dated October 6, 1983, noting
on August 27, 1983 the Site Development Committee approved a request to
allow a ramdel/addition on an existing residence and to regrade a portion
of existing driveway; approval was conditioned on retention of the plants
along the down hill side of the existing driveway. Mr. Carlson indicated
several neighbors attended and there were no objections at that time.
Since that time, on October 14, 1983, Mr. Carlson noted the Sown received
an additional application for remodel of existing carport which would
convert the carport to a garage with stable and loft above, this current
application increases the building coverage, however, it is still under
the allowed.
Cawdssioners questioned the existing height of the residence and if
the addition could be added at ground level not above the residence.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. Oscar Sohns, Architect, indicated he has spent several months working
( on this project and architecturally this is the best solution to the
applicants request, briefly discussed the details of other locations
that were considered. Mr. Sohns presented a panaramic view from the
Peterson property of the existing structures with a superurposed addition.
Planning Commission Minutes - October 26, 1983
Page Five
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS: (continued)
4. Lands of Salbu (continued)
Commissioners questioned Mr. Sohns if the neighbors view had been
taken into consideration when preparing the architectural plans for
the proposed addition.
Mr. Sohns indicated they considered the neighbors view, however, it
was not the main point they were looking into when designing the
addition. Mr. Sohns indicated Mr. Salbu has indicated he will trim
back pine trees on the property which will give Mr. Peterson more
view.
Mr. Peterson, 10311 Magdalena Road, expressed his concern over the
addition which will block his view, noting the primary purpose we
purchased this property was because of the view, indicating this
addition will have a devastating impact on his property and would
create a loss in real estate value. Mr. Peterson referred to letters
he prepared for Planning Commission review with photographs he took
from various locations on his property overlooking Salbu property.
Mr. Peterson referred to the Town's landscape Policy, Resolution
#1256, noting "view corridors and open spaces should be considered.";
"the effect of the applicants' structures on the view of others are
the concern of the 'loom. The off-site views should be considered
from both near and far, from the point of view of existing and possible
residences, from roadways and pathways." Mr. Peterson asked commission
to continue this item for 90 days or more to explore and come up
C with new alternatives.
Mr. Murray, landscape Architect, indicated they have researched
in detail to find trees that would grow no higher then ridge line
of the roof.
Mr. Rolph Britsch, 25558 Fernhill Drive, informed commission he lives
below the Sohns property and indicated if the trees are removed it
would be an intrusion into his property and asked that the proposed
addition be redesigned to keep all neighbors in mind.
Mr. Sohns asked commission if they would consider setting a date to
tour the property and see from all views mentioned at this meeting.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
Mr. Carlson indicated if commission wished to continue this to a field
trip, they should get the concurrence by the person who made the appeal,
noting this is not a requirement of the municipal cafe, just courtesy.
Commissioner lachenbruch noted when he looked at this area, the ranch
style hones prevailed, all looking out over the valley, noting this
proposal doesn't seem proper for this developed hillside, and would like
to see this proposal reduced and more asnpatible to the area. Commissioner
iachenbruch suggested commission accept the invitation to view the property
to learn more of the applicant, architects and neighbors viewson this
development prior to taking any formal action on this item.
MOTION SICagDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Kuranoff and
passed unanimously to continue lands of Salbu to field trip; public will
be informed as to time and date. After field trip this item will be
rescheduled for next scheduled agenda.
Planning Commission Minutes - October 26, 1983
Page Six
D. PUBLIC HFARINCS: (continued)
4. Lands of Salbu (continued)
Date of field trip to be scheduled under New Business. Item #F.
Commissioner Kuranoff suggested that the architect float balloons
at ridge line for field trip.
"Csm assioner Dochnahl excused himself from meeting at 10:00 p.m.
5. La Palona Road Drainage Study
Mr. Carlson referred to his August 5, 1983 staff report noting on
September 27, 1983 members of the Planning Commission, City Council,
staff and residents toured Barron Creek from Cnlden Hill Court to
Fremont Road. Mr. Carlson indicated the mein problem areas pointed
out by residents are: 1) flooding of the relatively flat open laid
between Fremont and Maurer; 2) creek bottom erosion downstream of
Rodd Lane; 3) roadside flooding and water crossing La Paloma down-
stream of Todd Lane; 4) flooding eastern branch of Newbridge Drive;
5) erosion downstream of Newbridge; and 6) new storm drain crossing
La Palma Road at 13555 La Palm Road. Mr. Carlson indicated the
solutions to these problems should be approached by considering the
total drainage basin since all properties in the basin contribute
to the problem. Mr. Carlson moo mended an approach would be to
hire an Engineering Firm to prepare a study which would provide an
overall drainage improvement plan for the drainage basin. When
the Town adopt this plan, a financing plan should be established.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. Koon, 26065 Newbridge Road, sincethis won't be taken care of before
winter, is there some help for us until there is a long range solution.
Mr. Arthur, 13751 la Palona Road, the new construction up hill required
a gutter be installed but was not extended all the way dawn; there is
a culvert that was blocked further down and it didn't allow water to
cmxy to creek during winter; the creek needs to be cleaned out; noting
in the lower reaches of the watershed where sore properties are under
water during winter, we need to divert water before the rainy,season
starts. Mr. Arthur suggested the culvert be opened up; use the creek
as natural runoff.
Mr. Carlson informed commission and residents the sandbags were placed
at culvert due to complaints received by neighbors on opposite side
of creek, noting there was excessive erosion and siltation.
Cmmissioner Lachenbruch questioned if at any time were the structures
being threatened?
Mr. Roberts, 26060 Newbridge Drive, indicated Mr. Carlson had the
culvert sandbagged after Mr. Alex Russell indicated to Mr. Roberts that
there was no legal right to put this drain in, however, the water was
rushing directly against the eucalyptus trees and they would have been
lost. Mr. Roberts indicated Mr. Riley did some minor temporary repairs
to creek, but this work was not sufficient. Mr. Roberts noted there is
a tremendous amount of silt from the new residence that was built this
past winter, indicating someone ought to look closer at what is being con-
structed at this property.
Planning Commission Minutes - October 26, 1983
Page Seven
D. PUBLIC HFARINGs: (continued)
kw 5. Ia. Palms Poad Drainage Study (continued)
Mr. Heister, 26169 Maurer lane, informed commission he and Mr. Maurer
are the last 2 properties before water hits Fremont Road, noting he
and Mr. Maurer have lost trees due to flooding. Mr. Heister indicated
he would be in favor of a drainage district to be formed to help solve
the problems.
Mr. Hasenpflug, 26238 Fremont Road, lives next to Mr. Maurer, noting
Mr. Maurer has been maintaining creek himself, and asked if the city
could help keep the waterway open by running a bulldozer say one after-
noon a year would be a great help.
Mr. Nelson, 13870 La Paloma Iniad, at end of creek, indicated we need
a district to share in the responsibility of cost, asking commission
for help on short term and long term basis.
Mr. Maurer, 26170 Fremont Road, asked commission if it is proper for
a resident upstream to empty his pool onto property, causing flooding
downstream, noting this happened a couple years ago and his property
was flooded out.
Mr. Carlson indicated the Town doesn't prohibit this, however, if a
person has septic tank they have to drain over the property.
Ms. Koen, 26065 Newbridge, informed commission the creek divides their
property in half, noting it has been undermining fences, bridge, trees,
and deteriorating foundation of stable, noting something needs to be
dome quickly to alleviate the problem, trenching or something. Mrs.
Korn indicated the culvert at Newbridge is full of silt and needs to
be cleaned out.
Mrs. Pfefer, 26089 Todd Lane, informed commission they have 11 trees
endanger, neighbor is going to loose his driveway indicating they are
in favor of forming a drainage district.
Commissioner Lachenbruch indicated we need immediate solution for the
coming winter, noting there are two major problems: erosion in creek
bed, siltation downstream; threatening trees and structures up stream
and from Todd Lane down, there are more siltation problems. Commissioner
Lachenbruch indicated all solutions are engineering ones, noting we
could keep culvert blocked which would mitigate erosion problems along
creek; if we dig trenches this would help alleviate siltation problems.
Mr. Carlson indicated the solution to the problem is difficult, noting
the creek for the most part is on private property, and the culvert is
not all in right of way.
Chairman Rydell expressed concern over these problems and wants to take
some action on this, notinq we need some expertise to help on short term
basis and a study needed for long term.
[ Mr. Carlson indicated he felt there is a way to solve the immediate
problems, however, the City Attorney may have some concerns over work
on private property.
Planning Commission Minutes - October 26, 1983
Page Eight
D. PUBLIC HF.ARINr-S: (continued)
5 . La Paloma Road Drainage Study (continued)
PMIOU SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Kuranoff
and passed unanimously to recommend to the City Council that a consulting
engineer be obtained to help City Engineer to solve problems at Is
Paloma Drainage Basin on a short term basis. On a long term basis
a study be prepared by an engineering firm which would provide an
overall drainage improvement plan for the La Paloma Drainage Basin.
6. Amendment of Section 9-5.1110 of the Municipal Code, concerning
City Council review of Planning Commission actions relating to
applications for variances, use permits and ordinance interpretations
The Public Hearing,.was opened and closed with no one speaking for or
against this item.
Commissioner Lachenbruch questioned if the last sentence of the existing
ordinance was left out intentionally or overlooked? Iachonhruch
indicated he felt it is a cool policy to have the item sent back to the
approving body and suggested the commission consider including this in
the new ordinance proposal.
MOTION SBCONBED AND CARRIED: Moved by Iachenbruch, seconded by Carico
and passed unanimously to recaumend approval of the proposed ordinance
amendment with the amendment made by staff in the September 27, 1983
staff report and also including the following: Prior to taking any
action reversing the decision of the Board of Planning Administration
or Environmental Planning Commission, the Council shall refer the matter
back to the approving body for review and report within thirty days
from the date of the Council referral. The action of the Council shall
be effective immediately upon a decision.
E. OLD BUSINESS:
F. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Chairman Rydell informed cartnission he has reviewed the Request for
Proposal for Planning Services and suggested if any one is interested
in looking this information over, to contact Leslie. With regard to
the budget, Mr. Rydell indicated he has looked it over with Mrs. Dronkert
of the Finance committee and essentially it meets the cammissions-
needs, noting there is money for site development, housing element
and general plan revision.
2. Chairman Rydell informed commission he and Mayor van Tamelen have
discussed a Joint Planning Commission -City Council meeting, asking
commissioners if they had any ideas for agenda items, if so, please
contact him within the next couple days.
3. Chairman Rydell indicated he has discussed the E1 Retire property
with Mayor van Ta len and feel the need to formalize this. If we
are going to follow up with this in the future, we need to formalize
i and act on matters as a whole Planning Commission, noting any further
k/ action to be taken shall be done through the Chairman, noting the
Mayor agrees.
Planning Cmmission Minutes - October 26, 1983
Page Nine
F. NEW BUSINESS: (continued)
4. Cmmissioners Carico and Struthers informed commission of Los Altos
City Council decision at their last meeting on E1 Retire property,
noting they approved Planning Cmmissions recomvendation verbatim.
Commissioners were informed the Jesuits have a different plan
than that of Earth Metrics.
Chairman Rydell suggested information be compiled on El Retire
and supply to cmmi.ssion for their next agenda.
5. Field Trip - Lands of Salbu, It was passed by consensus to schedule
a meeting for Saturday, November 5, 1983 at 9:00 a.m. at the
Salbu property, 23641 Camino HenmsO.
G. ADJOURZENT:
There being no further new or old business, the meeting was adjourned
at 12:00 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Mullins
Engineering/Planning Secretary