HomeMy WebLinkAbout01/09/1985PLANNING CCWIISSION
TLMN CF IAS ALTOS HTrTS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
wbdnesday, January 9, 1985
Reel 113, Side II, Tract I, 500 -End; Side I, Tract II, 000 -End
Chairman Kuranoff called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m. in the Town Hall
Council Chambers.
A. ROLL, CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present: Ccxmussioners Carico, Gottlieb, Lachenbruch, Siegel, Struthers
and Chairman Kuranoff
Absent: Commissioner Yanez
Staff: George Scarborough, City Manager; Michael Enright, City Engineer;
Nancy Lytle, Staff Planner; Leslie Mullins, Secretary
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Item Removed - B.1. (Enright)
`• Mr. Enright requested the Site Development Minutes of December 4, 1984 be
amended, page 2, item #3, ...to allow occupancy... that the sale of residence
would be cancelled.
MOTION SECCNDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Struthers, seconded by Gottlieb and
passed unanimously by those voting members to approve the December 4, 1984
Site Development Minutes.
M7TION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Nbved by Gottlieb, seconded by Lachenbruch and
passed unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar, specifically:
1) Approval of Minutes - planning Conmissicn: December 12, 1984
2) Setting public Hearings for January 23, 1985:
a) Lards of Bellucci, File #CUP 7-84
b) Sphere of Influence Study for Ins Altos Hills
NOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Enright and passed
by those voting members to approve the December 11, 1984 Site Development Minutes.
MOTION SECCNDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Gottlieb, seconded by Enright and passed
by those voting members to approve the December 18, 1984 Site Development Minutes.
Planning ConTaission Minutes - January 9, 1985
Page Two
C. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF DECEMBER 19, 1989:
t6wy Camussioner Struthers reported the City Council moved the Reports from
Planning Commission on their Agendas to after Presentations from the Floor;
approved a request frau Mr. Arai for occupancy prior to approval of Landscape
Plan for residence on Stirrup Way, with a baud of $10,000 being posted in cash;
approved Resolution for contract between Earth Metrics and the Town for EIR
on Adobe Creek Country Club; approved Conditional Use Permit for Voros;
appointed Judith Duque to Los Altos Library Commission; discussed pathway
maintenance, carplaints regarding Sheriffs Department and code Enforcement
Sub=wdttee, and generator for Town Hall; set public hearing for Lands of
Bellucci regarding creek maintenance; asked Camiission to look into antenna
height ordinance and report back first meeting in February; and has set
a joint City Council - Planning Camassicn Greeting for January 30, 1985 at
7:30 P.M.
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1 LANDS OF EBRMCNP HILLS CDUN1RY CLUB, FILE #CUP 8010-76, 12889 Viscaino Place,
Annual Review of Conditional Use Permit
Phs. Lytle referred to her staff report of January 3, 1985, noting since the
last annual review there have been no additions or wG ndments to the Use Permit.
Ms. Lytle indicated cementing agencies were notified with no conditions added;
staff conducted a site visit, indicating staff from this review has determined
that the facility is in compliance with all provisions of the Use Permit.
Staff recmuended the Planning Commission approve the Annual Review of the
4W subject Use Permit.
The Public Hearing was opened and closed with no one speaking for or against
this item.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Lachenbruch, seconded by CaXIM and
passed by the following roll call vote to approve the Annual Review of Lands of
Fremont Hills Country Club, File #CUP 8010-76.
ROL L CALL:
AYES: Cannissioners Carico, Lachenbruch, Siegel, Struthers and Chairman Kuranoff
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: CoTaissioner Gottlieb
2. LAW CF Xff STW,= BARN, FILE #CUP 8022-77, 27210 Altamont Road, Annual
Review of Conditional Use Permit
Ms. Lytle referred to her staff report of January 3, 1985, noting since the time
of the last review, no complaints have been received by the Town regarding the
operation of Westwind Barn. Ms. Lytle indicated notification of Use Permit
review was forwarded to cementing agencies, noting the Health Department has
requested a backflow prevention device be installed in the main barn water
line between kitchen and the pipe leading to the first trough, recamending
the Camdssion add a new Condition #7.d. Staff recanrended that the Planning
Commission adopt a motion approving extension of the Use Permit with reca;mended
amendments.
A The Public Hearing was then opened.
Planning Caanission Minutes - January 9, 1985
Page Three
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2. LANDS OF WFSTWITO (continued)
Ms. Jo Chamberlain, President Friends of Westwind, informed Commission they
have since the last annual review replaced more than 50% of the tubs with
cement tubs, and are hoping to replace the other 6 within the next year.
Ms. Chamberlain informed Commission they have initiated an adopt a tree
program at Westwind, volunteers will care and maintain their trees.
Commissioners stressed the reed for landscaping, particularly on south slope
recanmending as suggested at the last review the trees which have died in
this location be replaced and maintained. Comussioner Lachenbruch indicated
the events that have been sponsered. i.e., hoe down, should also be accomodated
within the Use Permit for Westwind, noting presently there are no requirements
specified for these types of uses.
Ms. Janice Duncan, Vice President Friends of westwind, indicated the use of
the P.A. system for the hoe down was a co"Flete oversight on Westwind's part,
although noting it was very well received in the neighborhood. Ms. Duncan
indicated Westwind world like to have a hoe dawn once a year in September.
Ms. Duncan indicated there would also be the need for use of the P.A. sytem
with regard to fund raisers and open house, besides the use for horse shows.
M. Duncan indicated with regard to the landscaping, the trees which died
dawn below have not yet been replaced because there is no water in that area,
noting, they must rely on volunteers to water and maintain as staff is not
available to do this.
4W Commissioners Struthers and Lachenbruch indicated perhaps sore volunteers could
plant save acorns or saplings in this area.
Mrs. Mary Stutz, Chairman Pathway Committee, indicated to commission, when
new properties come in for approval, we require them to install drip systems,
noting the Tuan should require that the dead trees be replanted and a drip
system be installed.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
Com[nissioners suggested a Landscape Plan be submitted to the Site Development
cwTaittee as is required by Landscape Policy, noting trees should be planted
on the south facing slope to mitigate site, plantings should be drought tolerant
trees.
Ms. Duncan indicated a Landscape Plan had been submitted to the Town about
three years ago, noting we will be willing to replace the 10 dead trees.
Ms. Duncan questioned the cost of drip system and who would be responsible
for the installation, i.e., Town or Westwind?
Mr. Scarborough indicated a Landscape Plan should be submitted and approved
by the Site Developent Committee and they in turn make their recmnendations
to the City Council for approval.
m9TICN SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Struthers and passed
unanimously to add new Condition, #10 as follows: Landscape Plan shall be
submitted and reviewed by Site Development Committee annually for planting
conpliance and maintenance.
Passed by consensus to amend Condition # 8 as follows: change physical to
visual.
planning Commission Minutes - January 9, 1985
Page Four
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2. LANDS OF 14FZTWIND (continued)
Commussioners discussed the need for westwind to give notice to the Town
of all activities held at Westwitd.
MOTION SECCNDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Struthers and
passed unanimously to amend Condition #2 as follows: ...A schedule of these
shows and other scheduled events...; and amend Condition #3 as follows:
... permitted horse shows and for other special events with prior City
Council approval...
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Gottlieb and
passed unanimously to approve the Annual Review of the Lands of Westwind
Barn, File #CUP 8022-77 as amended.
Mrs. Millie Saviano, 12682 Roble Veneno, thanked Planning Commission for
their long and hard work.
3. LANDS OF PASTWICK, (previously Stamschror/Silver) FILE #CUP 8029-78,
25231 La Rena Lane, Annual Review of Conditional Use Permit
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Gottlieb and
passed unanimously to continue public hearing to February 13, 1985 as per
Mr. Eastwick's request.
4. LANDS OF STEERS, FILE #SA 4-84, Central Drive, APN: 182-29-048, Request
for Approval of Site Approval Application
Ms. Lytle referred to her staff report of January 3, 1985, noting the subject
property measures 0.956 acres, noting this property was considered by the
Planning Commission in 1973 and was denied, the applicant Mrs. Steers, was
notified at that time to file a map for subdivision. Ms. Lytle referred to
the City Attorney's memo dated December 20, 1984, which provides a detailed
description of the property's history, a previous subdivision of the Steers'
property, and applicable legal background. M. Lytle indicated as preivously
recommended in 1973, and again by staff in August, 1964, the applicant was
advised to file a tentative map application on Parcel "A", including the
subject site, and subdivide the lot in confosnanoe with our local subdivision
ordinance requirements. Staff recamended that the Planning Commission adopt
a motion recon ending the City Council deny the requested Site Approval. The
recd mended denial is based upon conclusions of the City Attorney in his memo
dated December 20, 1984. Ms. Lytle indicated staff finds that the parcel in
question does not exist as a separate parcel, and would require subdivision in
accordance with Town ordinance requirements in order to be approved as a
Wilding site.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mrs. Mary Steers, 11641 Buena Vista Drive, expressed concern that the Planning
Cmmission would deny their Site Approval Application, indicating that this
parcel is a legal parcel. Mrs. Steers informed Commission she applied for a
Site Approval in 1973 and after staff reviewed the application they indicated
she should apply for a Site Approval and Lot Line Adjustment, informing Com-
mission she doesn't want to subdivide. Mrs. Steers indicated the legality
of the lot was never questioned previously. Mrs. Steers gave Commission a
brief background on their experience with subdividing in Los Altos Hills. Mrs.
Steers informed Commission she resented being put off for one year to only be
Planning Cammission Minutes - January 9, 1985
Page Five
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
4. LANDS of STEERS (continued)
told by staff that my request be denied and that I should apply for a subdivision,
indicating this request should have been processed more efficiently and quickly.
Mrs. Steers informed Commission her opinion is that this lot is legal and we
wish to request a Site Approval, noting she would agree to a Lot Line Change
if necessary.
cm nissioner Carico questioned if Mrs. Steers had received the City Attorney's
memo of December 20, 1984? Mrs. Steers indicated she had received a copy.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
Cermtissicner Carico indicated she had received several telephone calls this
past week, that in the previous applications Mrs. Steers had on this property,
there were problems with landslides. Carico noted she had previously requested
a study in this area with regard to traffic impacts, etc.
Commissioner Gottlieb indicated under present ordinances this lot is not legal
as it doesn't meet zoning requirements.
Commissioner Struthers asked since Mrs. Steers owns the adjacent property,
couldn't she apply for a lesser subdivision, i.e., not requiring all the
conditions of immprovercnts.
Cmudssicner Siegel noted he could appreciate Mrs. Steers feeling that this is
a legal lot, however, after the City Attorney's review of documents as stated
in his December 20, 1984 memo, it is the Commission's duty to uphold our standards,
noting the Commission should recommend denial of this Site Approval Application
and inform applicant to proceed with subdivision.
Mrs. Steers questioned COGMIssiOn if they wished her to proceed with a plan
she had submitted in the past which gave potential developont for the entire
parcel. Commission indicated "Ultimate Develogmwnt Plans" are submitted per
ordinance requirements, however, they are not to be used as guidelines for
subdivision, for information purposes only.
y,CTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: moved by Siegel, seconded by Gottlieb and passed
unanimously to recmre d denial of the Lands of Steers, Site Approval Application,
File #SA 4-84 to the City Council and informed Mrs. Steers to proceed with
subdivision process as based upon findings in the City Attorney's memo of December
20, 1984.
Commissioner Lachenbruch stepped down from consideration of this application.
5. DRAFT SITE DFVCF/JPMFNi' ORDINANCE, PROPOSED A.IEMPTNTs -0 LOS ALTCSi HILLS
MUNICIPAL CODE, TITLE 9, CAAMT.R 3
Ms. Lytle referred to staff report dated January 4, 1985, informing Commission
the preliminary draft was first introduced to Commission September 26, 1984,
at that meeting Coamissim concurred that the draft would require substantial
revision and we scheduled several study sessions to accomplish this. Ms. Lytle
reviewed reccmmended revisions as listed in January 4, 1985 staff report, noting
blanks will be filled in at a later date. Ms. Lytle informed Commission Mr.
Jeff Goldman from Connerly & Associates is present to answer any questions the
Commission may have and review a few cc mpnts he has.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
planning Cannission Minutes - January 9, 1985
Page Six
D. PUBLIC BEARINGS:
5. DRAFT SITE DEVFLOP= (continued)
Mrs. Millie Saviano, 12682 Roble Veneno, concerned with the size of houses
being built in the 'town today, noting they are getting overbearing,
she would like to see more houses fit with the natural terrain and be
landscaped.
Mr. Jeff Goldman, Connerly & Associates, indicated if the Ccnanission wishes
the site development ordinance to fall under the Land Development Ordinances,
then design details should be removed and used like City Engineer Standards.
Mr. Goldman discussed the obtrusiveness of solar panels and current state
energy requirements, noting the required landscaping may limit the use of
solar panels and perhaps the City Attorney should be required to look into
the legal issue of screening solar panels. Mr. Goldman indicated the need
for provisions of inspection of properties, giving advance notification to
property owners. Mr. Goldman discussedthe landscape policy, noting the
purpose is for lea maintenance and drought resistant plantings, asking if
Commission requires native plantings?
Mr. Scarborough indicated as discussed at previous Study Sessions, all defini-
tions should be consistent with Zoning ordinance, noting we had decided to
pull out engineering standards and use in a form of separate document.
Commission discussed setting up a list of requirer.�ts for landscaping so
property owners know what the 'Town expects, i.e., information sheet; indicated
the existing ordinance in the code regarding use of architects for landscape
plans is preferable than that of the proposed draft. There was discussion
regarding approaching the problems of building height, regarding views,
ridgelines, etc., that the Site Develop ent Co miittee needs the ability to
use subjective criteria for each individual applicatim, it was suggested
wording from the general plan be used.
Mrs. Kaufman, 14100 DonOlson Place, indicated the need for consistency of the
members who serve on the Site Development CmvLittee.
Mr. Scarborough noted the comuttee should be crosistsnt, with the sane memhers
serving and have an alternate for when the regular members can not attend.
This item will be placed on the January 23, 1985 agenda for further discussion.
Commissioner Gottlieb suggested that the Site Development Committee have the
ability to route applications to the full Commission for architectural review
when in their opinion there is concern. Commissioner Siegel noted if the Site
Development Committee has trouble with height limitations, bulk of building
or architectural controls need be applied, they should be able to refer to
full Cmmission.
There was discussion on the Site Development Connittee review being prior to
the zoning review process.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Struthers, seconded by Gottlieb and
passed unanimously to transmit theproposed draft and relevant staff reports
OLOW as discussed and amended as a result of Study Sessions to the City Council.
Planning Cc mdssim Minutes - January 9, 1985
Page Seven
E. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Chairman Kuranoff informed Conmissicn of a joint Study Session between
Council and Cmmission on January 30, 1985 at 7:30 P.M., noting items
for agenda need to be submitted to Pat Dowel, i.e., Site Development
with relation to zoning.
2. Commissioner Carico informed Camiission of a joint meeting tomorrow night
between City of Los Altos & Los Altos Hills for cwmonity effort on a
fiesta day in May, noting the meeting is at 'Town Hall at 7:30 P.M.
3. Conmissicner Gottlieb informed Commission of the League of Woman Voters
having a forum on January 17, 1985 sponsoring the City Managers from
Mountain View, Los Altos and Los Altos Hills, noting please call her for
reservations.
F. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Discussion on antennas will be on the January 23, 1985 Agenda.
There being no further new or old business, the meeting was adjourned at
12:05 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Mullins
fhgineering/Planning Secretary