HomeMy WebLinkAbout02/26/1986PLANNING COMMISSION
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
Wednesday, February 26, 1986
Reel 121, Side II, Tract I, 129 -End; Side I, Tract II, 000-150
Chairman Carico called the meeting to order at 7:42 p.m. in the Town Hall
Council Chambers.
Chairman Carico welcomed new Planning Commissioner, Mr. Marc Kaufman.
A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present: Commissioners Gottlieb, Kaufman, Siegel, Struthers, Yanez (arrived 8:10p.m.)
and Chairman Carico
Absent: Commissioner Lachenbruch
City Council
Representative: Councilman RydelZ
Staff: Michael W. Enright, City Engineer; Nancy Lytle, Town Planner;
Leslie Mullins, Secretary
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Carico and passed
unanimously to set the following items for public hearing for March 12, 1986:
1. Lands of KeZZy, 24143 Hillview Road, Lot Line Adjustment
2. Lands of OwZwood Farms, Annual Review of Conditional Use Permit
3. Lands of Westwind Farms, Annual Review of Conditional Use Permit
The Draft Environmental Impact Report, Adobe Creek Lodge Property was not
scheduled for public hearing until the applicant files an application and
appropriate have been paid.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Gottlieb, seconded by Struthers and
passed unanimously to approve Minutes of January 22, 1986.
Commissioner Kaufman abstaining.
C. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS OF JANUARY 29 and FEBRUARY 5, 1986:
Commissioner Lachenbruch not in attendance to report on Council Actions for
the January 29, 1986 meeting.
Commissioner Struthers reported the Council approved Final Map for Lands of
Kava; approved and authorized contracts with Cotton & Assoc., and Nowzck &
Assoc. for the S -Curve project; approved Variance for Lands of Cheng; approved
Special Land Use Permit for Bell on Black Mountain, continued Herpick to
L field trip Tuesday, continued Gerard, Lot N1, Gigli Court for re -design;
approved NagpaZ request in Matadero Creek Subdivision to encroach outside
Building Site Circle; denied request from Chens on Taaffe Road for pillars
and walks within road right of way and required restoration of pathway;
enforcing the fence regulations on DelCostelZo property within Matadero Creek.
Planning Commission Minutes - February 26, 1986
Page Too
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
ko 1. LANDS OF BERRY HILL FARMS, FILE #CUP 8028-77, 14250 Page Mill Road,
Request for approval of Annual Review of Conditional Use Permit
Ms. Lytle informed Commission the applicant has requested an extension
to the March 12, 1986 meeting, as the Manager who was to attend has a
sick daughter at home and could not be present.
2. LANDS OF UGIE, FILE #TM 5-85, 24970 O'Keefe Lane, Request for
recommendation of approval of Tentative Map and Negative Declaration
Ms. Lytle referred to her staff report dated February 21, 1986, informing
Commission this is a proposal for a two lot subdivision, noting the
property measures 3.13 acres and is currently developed with single
family residence, riding ring facilities, residential amenities and
stables, known as "Owlwood Farms". Ms. Lytle noted the property is
crossed by Purissima Creek,portions of the Lot are within the 100 year
flood plain, noting a 35' storm drainage is proposed in either direction.
Ms. Lytle gave Commission the property description with regard to current
subdivision and zoning ordinances. Ms. Lytle indicated the subdivision
complies with State and Local Subdivision Ordinances, with exception to
Road Right -of -Way Dedication, which the applicant is requesting a
Conditional Exception. Ms. Lytle noted the issues related to this
subdivision include: 1) Geotechnical Constraints; 2) Flooding; 3) Con-
servation Easement; 4) Pathways; 5) Road Right -of -Way; 6) Non -Conforming
Structures; 7) Conditional Use Permit; and 8) Sewage Disposal. Staff
` recommends that the Planning Commission adopt a motion recommending
aI the City Council approve filing of a Negative Declaration for this
project with the Santa Clara County Clerk; and adopt a motion recommending
the Council approve the Lands of Ugie Tentative Map subject to Conditions
of Approval attached to the February 21, 1986 Staff Report.
Commission questioned staff over time the percolation tests were conducted
for this site; allowing structures to remain within road right-of-way;
road right-of-way dedication; Conservation Easement dedication; and
difficulty in constructing future residence on proposed parcel.
The Public Hearing was then opened and closed with no one speaking for or
against the Negative DecZaration.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Struthers, seconded by Gottlieb
and passed unanimously to recommend the City Council approve the filing
of a Negative Declaration for the Lands of Ugie with the Santa CZara
County Clerk.
The Public Hearing was then opened for the proposed two lot subdivision.
Mr. Keith Ugie, 24970 O'Keefe Lane, requested approval of the Tentative Map
with an exception to the road dedication as it would cause a hardship,
informing Commission the existing buildings which would have to be removed
include storage for cars, equipment and shop. Mr. Ugie indicated they
would like to continue the Conditional Use Permit for OwZwood Farms until
`, Lot #2 is sold, plus 90 days to allow notification to owners who board
horses on the property. Mr. Ugie also noted that the request for a Conser-
vation Easement and flood control easement would be a hardship, noting he
has spoke to Mr. Carlsen, Santa CZara YalZey Water District, and they only
require one side of the creek, asking the easement be lessened over Lot 1
Planning Commission Minutes - February 26, 1986
Page Three
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2. LANDS OF UGIE (continued)
as most of the habitat is on lot 2. Mr. Ugie questioned if they would
be restricted in removal of poison oak from the Conservation Easement?
Ms. Lytle informed Commission and applicant that unless authorized there
would be no structures allowed within Conservation Easement, if there
was to be removal of vegetation, it would be replanted with native species
and poison oak removal should be allowed.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
commissioners discussed further the rationale for Conservation Easement
over both lots and the restrictiveness of development.
Commissioners began a review of the Staff Recommended Conditions of Approval.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Gottlieb, seconded by Struthers and
passed unanimously to amend Condition 1.B. as follows: ..flood control...
or as compatible to Site Development at time of Application.
Passed by Consensus to amend Condition 1.C. to remove "and the Town".
Passed by Consensus to amend Condition 7.A. to add: removed "on Lot #2" prior...
MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Yanez and failed
by the following roll call vote to delete Condition 7.B.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Kaufman, Siegel and Yanez
NOES: Commissioners Gottlieb, Struthers and Chairman Carico
ABSENT: Commissioner Lachenbruch
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Struthers and
passed by the following roll call vote to leave Condition 7.B. as written.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Kaufman, Siegel, Struthers, Yazez and Chairman Carica
NOES: Commissioner Gottlieb
ABSENT: Commissioner Lachenbruch
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Gottlieb, seconded by Struthers and
passed unanimously to add new Condition 7.C. to read as follows: All non-
conforming accessory structures shall be removed on Lot #1, unless a variance
and encroachment permit is granted prior to recordation of Final Map,
Fees are recommended to be waived.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Struthers, seconded by Carico and
passed unanimously to approve Condition 8. Fee Schedule.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Struthers, seconded by Carico and
passed unanimously to recommend to the City Council approval of the Lands of
Ugie, Tentative Map, File #TM 5-85, subject to Conditions of Approval as
in the February 21, 1986 Staff Report and as amended.
Planning Commission Minutes - February 26, 1.986
Page Four
3. Amending Chapter 5 entitled "Zoning" of Title 9 of the Eos Altos Hills
Municipal Code to amend articles 2 and 5 thereof entitled "Definitions"
and "Area, Coverage, Height, and Setback Limitations" in relation to
antennas.
Ms. Lytle referred to her Staff Report dated February 19, 1986, noting at
the January 8, 1986 Planning Commission meeting the public hearing was
continued to allow staff to incorporate additional input from the Community
of amateur radio operators. Ms. Lytle noted in addition, the Commission
requested staff to contact: 1) City Attorney to inquire about a "Grandfather
CZause" provision; and 2) other communities for examples of their ordinances
regulating antennas. Ms. Lytle indicated the City Attorney informed that a
Grandfather Clause is possible, however, it would not be possible to exclude
antennas which the Town has received complaints on. Mr. Lytle informed
Commission staff has contacted: Woodside, Porto Za YaZZey and Saratoga with
regard to their current ordinances and enforcement. Ms. Lytle indicated
the Subcommittee met on February 18th and made the following revisions:
elimination of wind load factor; elimination of setback clause; increase
of height thresholds. Ms. Lytle recommends the proposed ordinance be referred
to the City Attorney for his review, along with Commission's recommendation
on Grandfather Clause.
Commissioner Kaufman stepped down from consideration of this item.
Commissioner Siegel expressed great concern over the proposed ordinance,
noting the Town will be involved with the siting of the antenna, when the
owner knows the best Location for most effective use, noting the ordinance
is difficult to enforce and over -regulating. Siegel stressed the importance
of amateur operators getting together to solve some of the complaints and
concerns of some citizens, recommending the Commission not recommend adop-
tion of the proposed ordinance.
Chairman Carico indicated that the regulating of antennas will be important
as the Town can appropriately place the antennas so as not to destroy views
from off site as we do other structures in Town.
Commissioner Yanez indicated he concurs with Siegel, noting it would be very
important for the antenna community to help investigate complaints received
regarding interference, etc. Yanez questioned if community is favorable to
Grandfather Clause.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. Marc Kaufman, 14100 Donelson Place, indicated the proposed ordinance is
primarily siting and some Landscaping, noting he is pleased with the ordinance.
Mr. Kaufman provided a photograph of an existing antenna which has been
placed right in the view corridor of a neighbor, noting he believes it must
have been placed inadvertently. Mr. Kaufman offered a suggestion that
there should be incentive for putting in smaller dish antennas, describing
various types of new satellite dish antennas available to buyers. Mr. Kaufman
indicated he is in favor of Grandfather Clause.
Mr. Robert Smithwick, La Loma Drive, indicated he has lived in Town since 1965
and does agree with Commissioner SiegeZs statement, however if an ordinance
is necessary he supports the proposed oridnance.
Mr. Ron Cipari, Portola YaZley, informed Commission after the Zest meeting he
worked with the complaints regarding interference, noting it was caused by
power Zine and sometimes microwave.
Planning Commission Minutes - February 26, 1986
Page Five
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3. Antennas (continued)
Mr. Carl Snyder, informed Commission he was in favor of grandfather clause
if an ordinance must be adopted.
Mr. Lewis, 14445 DeBeZl Drive, questioned if an ordinance did not get
adopted then what would happen? There would be obstruction of views, noting
he has been complaining about an antenna since 1984 and would very much
like an ordinance be adopted. Mr. Lewis referred to surrounding communities
antenna ordinances and their enforcement. Mr. Lewis provided Commission with
photographs of neighbors antenna both cranked up and dorm.
Mr. Roger Melon, 12992 Vista Del Valle, informed Commission he has a crank
up antenna, and find the proposed ordinance acceptable if necessary.
Dr. Craig Miller, La Vida Real, questioned why discussion over interference
when it isn't addressed in the ordinance, noting it usually is not the amateur
operator causing the problem. Mr. Miller suggested the most important thing
in siting antennas is the use of common sense, asking Commission to not adopt
a restrictive ordinance.
Mr. James Treybig, 27220 Altamont Road, indicated they accept the ordinance
if necessary, suggesting perhaps a committee of amateur and non -operators
work together on interference concerns.
Commissioner Gottlieb and Mr. Kaufman gave Commission and public brief
background on the reasoning behind the proposed ordinance.
Mr. Sam Woods, 12648 La Cresta Court, asked Commission to make an exception
to exempt satellite dish antennas under 6'.
It was discussed there would be a need for Mass Mailing or Newsletter Mailing
to count amateur radio operators within Town if the Ordinance is adopted with
Grandfather Clause.
MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED:: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Yanez and failed by
the following roll call vote to not propose adoption of the proposed antenna=
ordinance.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Siegel and Yanez
NOES: Commissioners Gottlieb Struthers and Chairman Carieo
ABSENT: Commissioner Laehenbruch
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Kaufman
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Gottlieb and passed
by the following roll call vote to amend the proposed Draft Ordinance to exempt
antennas up to 6', and include Grandfather Clause referring to City Attorney
for amendment.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Gottlieb, Siegel, Struthers and Chairman Carieo
NOES: Commissioner Yanez
ABSENT: Commissioner Dachenbrueh
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Kaufman
Planning Commission Minutes - February 26, 1986
Page Six
( D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3. Antennas (continued)
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Gottlieb, seconded by Struthers and
passed by the following roll call vote to recommend to the City Council
adoption of the amended Antenna Ordinance.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Gottlieb, Struthers and Chairman Carico
NOES: Commissioners Siege and Yanez
ABSENT: Commissioner Lachenbruch
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Kaufman
E. OLD BUSINESS:
F. NEW BUSINESS:
1.. Requesting interpretation of Section 9-5.503 (c) regulating watts
and fences, Lands of Howe, 13090 Cumbra Vista Court
Ms. Lytle referred to her staff report of February 19, 1986, noting the Howe's
have applied for zoning permit for a number of improvements, noting the plans
conform with zoning ordinance with one exception, a retaining wall at the
front of the property which is located on the wrong side of the reference Zine
as defined in Section 9-5.503 (c). Ms. Lytle recommended the Commission
interpret the wall and fance ordinance to exclude retaining walls which are
not visible from the roadway as the proposed is.
Mrs. Howe, 13090 Cumbra Vista Court, requested approval of staff interpretation.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by KaufYnan, seconded by Gottlieb and passed
unanimously to concur with staff interpretation for the Lands of Howe, 13090
Sumbra Vista Court as the wall is not visible or obtrusive. Commission indicated
they would prefer any other requests of this type also be forwarded to Commission
for review.
2. Commissioner Struthers reported on her attendance at the Planning Commission
Forum held in Los Gatos, noting they get together about 4 times a year,
discussion this past meeting was over open space - hillside specific plans -
and zoning. Struthers noted we are host next time, if you have any ideas please
pass them on.
3. Commissioner Struthers informed Commission of actions taken by City Council
of Los Altos regarding the EZ Retiro property.
G. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no futher new or old business, the meeting was adjourned at 10:50 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Mullins
Engineering/Planning
4W