HomeMy WebLinkAbout04/09/1986PLANNING COMdISSICN
TOM OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
Wednesday, April 9, 1986
Feel 121, Side I, Tract I, 000-850
Chairman Carico called the meeting to order at 7:35 p.m, in the 'Town Hall
Council Chambers.
A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present: Commissioners Gottlieb (arrived 8:10p.m.), Kaufman, Lschenbruch,
Siegel, Struthers, Yanez and Chairman Carico
Absent: None
city
Council Rep: Mayor Dronkert
Staff: Michael W. Enright, City Engineer; Nancy Lytle, Town Planner;
Leslie Mullins, Secretary
4 MOTION SEOONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Lachenbruch, seconded by Siegel and
passed unanimously to defer approval of the minutes of March 26, 1986 to
the April 23, 1986 Agenda.
m9TLcN sDccmED AND CARRIED: Moved by Lachenbruch, seconded by Siegel and
passed unanimously to set the following items for public hearings for the
April 23, 1986 Agenda:
1. Lands of Accola, 27461 Sherlock road, Preliminary Review of Proposed
New Residence
C. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF APRIL 2, 1986:
Commissioner Yanez reported the City Council approved Special Land Use Permit
for Lands of RDja, 3 story at 27'; considered preliminary budget; considered
revisions to Political Sign Ordinance; discussed action necessary for removal
of barrels at Adobe Creek Lodge, noting Council is initiating lawsuit;
discussion over real estate signs as requested by Gerard for Berry Hill property.
Commission and staff discussed further the proposed new residence for Roja
on Liddicoat and sign ordinance proposal by Council.
Items under public hearings were changed, to allow Berry Hill Farms at the
end of Agenda in order for representative to be present.
2. LANDS OF OVMWOOD FARKS, FILE #CUP 8007-75, 24970 O'Keefe Lane, Request for
approval of Annual Review of Conditional Use Permit
Ms. Lytle referred to her staff report dated April 3, 1986, noting the
Planning Commission conducted an annual review of the Use permit on March 12,
Planning Commission Minutes - April 9, 1986
Page Two
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
2. Lands of 0w1wood Farms (continued)
1986, as the permittee was not in compliance with Conditions 7.b., c., and d.,
the item was continued to April 9th to allow correction of the violations.
I,%. Lytle informed Commission as of April 8th , Art Kaupert of Envi.rcrmental
Health Services indicated the septic drainfield problems had been corrected,
but the installation of a backflow prevention device had yet to be installed.
Ms. Lytle indicated that Mr. Kaupert indicated that the backflow device not
being installed was not grounds for revocation of the Use Permit. Ms. Lytle
noted should the Commission renew the Use Permit, Condition 1 should be
amended to read as shown in the April 33:d staff report.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. Keith Ugie, 24970 O'Keefe lane, informed Commission he has not installed
the backflow device yet as it is very expensive and he doesn't feel it necessary,
as they are also currently in the subdivision process and the device would not
be needed after the split. Mr. Ugie questioned why he could not install a
syphon device, as the water is not drinking water.
Mr. Enright informed Commission and Mr. Ugie this is a matter which is best
handled through the Santa Clam County Environmental Health Services, suggesting
Ccmnission either continue until the condition is net or give a deadline as
to when the device should be installed.
` The Public Hearing was then closed.
Cmmission and staff briefly discussed the requirement of the backflow device,
noting the applicant and Health Department should see if a simpler solution
could be arrived at, with written docmmentation from the Health Department,
suggesting this be done within thirty days.
MOTION sBccNDED AND mmim: Moved by Iachenbruch, seconded by Siegel and
passed unanimously to allow the applicant thirty (30) days to receive approval
frau the Santa Clara O u ty Health Department for an alternative solution to
the backflow device,written confirmation to be received from
Santa County Health�
Lands of Owlwood Farms will be placed on the May 14, 1986 Planning Cmudssion
Agenda.
3. LANDS OF WFSTWIND FARMS, FILE #CUP 8022-77, 27210 Altamont Road, Request
for approval of Annual Review of Conditional Use Pennit
Ms. Lytle referred to her staff report dated April 3, 1986, noting the Cannission
at their March 12, 1986 meeting continued the annual review of the Use Permit
in order to receive a report from Site Development Coami.ttee on the status of
the Landscape Plan. Ms. Lytle informed Ca fission the Site Developm t Cmmittee
reviewed the plan on March 19, 1986, and continued it to April 9th to allow
Friends of Westwird to work with Connissioner Struthers to further implement
the plan, noting for this reason the Site Development Committee will present
a report orally to the Cammissim on the outcome of their meeting this horning.
Ms. Lytle informed Comnission an April 3, 1986, staff comnnicated with Art
Kaupert, Etnvironvental Health Services Division, to determine the outcome of
a reinspection of Westwind Farms, noting he indicated that the permittee was
in the process of having the backflow device installed and that this condition
was no longer required.
Planning Commission Minutes - April 9, 1986
Page Three
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
3. lands of Westwind (continued)
Commissioner Struthers informed Commission the landscape plan should care
back for review in 6 months, as presently some plants are either dormant
or dead, noting some trees were just planted yesterday, (which the horses
are happily nibbling away).
Cmudssioner Gottlieb noted these is a tremendous drainage problem at this
site, suggesting perhaps Viestwind should address a letter to the Ton to
ask for help in correcting some of the problems.
Commission and staff briefly discussed the reoccurring issue of the landscaping
at Westwind Farms, lack of care, lack of water, etc.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Ms. Bev Cone, Chainmen, Board of Directors - Westwind Fars, 1915 Bayview
Road, Belnent, informed C miission one of the reasons we chose the types of
trees which are installed and going to be installed is because of their
strength, noting we are in conformance with the landscape plan which was
approved last year, noting plants which were to be installed have been, as
well as a drip system. Me. Cone informed Cmadssion last year Westwind
asked for a change in types of trees which were required, noting this was
approved by Staff. Ms. Cone noted the 6 mmth review will show a plan that
indicates what is planted and what is surviving. Ms. Cone informed Commission
a professional landscape architect, Mr. Steve orr has helped in selection of
plantings, and drainage solutions, noting he did not however, prepare the
landscape plan which was presented.
Mrs. Louise Dronkert, 27431 Black Mountain Road, speaking as a neighbor to
Westwind property, I am somewhat bewildered about the purpose of this
discussion; confused over objective - does Commission normally consider a
Landscape Plan as part of Conditional Use Permit?
Chairman Carico infoxmed Mrs. Dronkert the Commission has been considering
this subject for several .years, noting not only landscape has been discussed,
but also the tubs, troughs, etc. on site for visual impacts from off-site views.
Caanissioner Lachenbruch informed public that from the offset was to plant
species whichare native, just to breakup the hillside, although. Byrne Preserve
is similar, the use is not thesame., noting there are graded ,rings, bathtubs,
horses grazing, noting the idea was originally to have a few oaks, etc.,
planted for aesthetic reasons, as the hillside is not very natural and we
were in hope to make it Metter.
Mrs. Fran Stevenson, 26989 Beaver lane, Member of Board of Directors of
westwind, noted that when suchlittle plants are planted on such a large
property, their appearance is small, but they are growing, noting it will
take a couple years to take effect.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
%, Commissioner Kaufman noted the property is not rural but rustic, noting that
he is awed and amazed over theanomnnt of time Commission has spent over
this issue because of a few neighbors who complained, noting Westwind has
tried to meet the Town's requirements as best they can.
Planning Commission Minutes - April 9, 1986
Page Four
D.
3. lands of Westwind (continued)
Commissioners discussed the existing conditions of approval, noting perhaps
it would be best for Site Development Committee to review Landscape Plan,
as referred to in Condition 8 and 10 of the Use Permit, and have the Annual
Review cone up for review after June let. Commissioner Struthers added
the Site Development Committee would like re -review the most recently approved
landscape plan for confonrance in September 1986.
MONCN SECONDED ARID CARRIED: Moved by Kaufman, seconded by Yanez and passed
unanimously to approve the Annual Review for the lands of Westwind Farms,
File #CUP 8022-77.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by lachenbruch, seconded by Gottlieb and
passed unanimously to change the review period for the Annual Review to
follow the June let deadline (mentioned in Condition 8) for maintenance and
replacement, for annual implementation of the landscape Plan. The next
review shall be the first meeting in June, 1987.
4. IANDS OF WOW, 13456 Mandoli Drive, Appeal of Site Development Permit
for Satellite Dish Antenna
Chairman Carico informed Commission and public, Mr. and Mrs. Ferrari have
submitted the CC&R's for the Subdivision for information purposes only.
Mr. Enright informed Commission a Site Development Permit was issued for the
Wong's Dish Antenna on March 19, 1986, noting the Ferrari's attended the
public hearing to express their displeasure with the location of the antenna
on the Wong's property. Yx. Enright informed Commission the Site Development
Committee found that the antenna was well screened from Mandoli Drive, but
no one on the Site Development Committee has gone to the upper floor of the
Ferrari's residence to see the visual impact from their property. Mr. Enright
noted, the Ferrari's stated that if the antenna was in the Wong's backyard
area, then it would be visually unsightly to then, noting they felt the
antenna should be placed on the Arastradero Road side of the property, Mfr.
Enright noted the Committee considered alternate locations for the antenna,
but by locating the antenna out of the Ferrari's view, it would make the
antenna far more, visible to Mandoli Drive. Mr. Enright informed Commission
the Deed Restrictions are for the subdivision to impose, not the Town, noting
also it only includes page one fun the CC&R's not the full packet.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. Charles Ferrari, 13434 Mandoli Drive, informed Connission of trees which
were planted by the previous owner, and how they obstruct his view,noting with
the addition of the antenna it is more visible from our living area than to
the Wong's. Mr. Ferrari questioned why the Town was more concerned over the
people who would view the antenna that drive down the street, and not his
views from his living area.
Commissioners questioned Ferrari what view is blocked by the installation of
( the satellite antenna. Mr. Ferrari noted previously his view was of a lawn
�✓ area, and now it included a satellite antenna.
Mr. Vincent Wong, 13456 Mandoli Drive., noted the location chosen was best for
view from off site and logical location for availability of reception.
Planning Crmnussion Minutes - April 9, 1986
Page Five
D. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
L4. Lands of Wong (continued)
Own issioner Lachenbruch noted that the satellite antenna could easily be
screened with shrubs/trees to grow not more than 10' and planted close to
the antenna, which would help mitigate the views of Ferrari's and not
cause interference with reception. Mr. Wong agreed that plantings not too
high and planted closely could achieve this, noting planting is one of his
hobbies and could easily be done.
Commissioners raised conoensover plantings too close the pathway ease:ent.
Mr. Enright noted plantings have already encroached the easement on the
Ferrari's property.
Oam:issioner Gottlieb informed Oomnission she was on the Site Development
Committee but did not vote, as she did not vied the antenna from the Ferrari's
property, noting perhaps a better location world be near the garage.
Mr. Wong noted they had considered that location, but it was not a solution.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
Cmmission discussed locations on the property which would be bettersuited
as not to destroy Ferraris view, the possibility of landscaping the antenna
in the location approved by site development and cooperation of both property
owners in selection of screening to adequately mitigate the antenna from
off site.
MOTION SECONDED AMID CARRIED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by La'henhruch and
passed by the following roll call vote to continue consideration of this item
to allow Wogs to core in with a plan which attempts to screen the satellite
antenna. ComNssion noted the plan to be reviewed with a landscape Consultant,
noting the consultant should visually see the antenna from the Ferrari's residence
and bring this plan back before the commission in attempt to make the antenna
blend naturally and soften the views from off site.
POLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Kaufman, rarhenhruch, Siegel, Struthers, Yanez and
Chairman Carico
NOES: Commissioner Gottlieb
ABSTAIN: None
Cmmissioner Yanez left the meeting at 9:30 p.m.
1. LANDS OF BERRY HILL FARMS, FILE #CUP 8028-77, 14250 Page Mull Road,
Request for approval of Annual Review of Conditional Use Permit
Ms. Lytle referred to staff report dated April 3, 1986, noting the Ca:m:ission
conducted an Annual Review of the Use Permit on March 12, 1986, noting the
permittee was not in conplianco with Health Department requirements, therefore
Commission continued the review to allow the applicant to correct violations.
Ms. Lytle informed Cannission on April 3, 1986, staff ca:mmi.cated with Art
Kaupert, Environmental Health services, be indicated that the problems he
identified in his letter of March 11, 1986 have been satisfactorily corrected,
[ and that he would provide a letter to Cmmission for the meeting docu:enting
his reinspections. Ms. Lytle recmaended that if Camiission should approve
the Annual Review, Condition 1 be amended to rem as shown in the Staff Report
and as amended by added at the end of the paragraph: ..."at the end of one (1)
Year, and sprinklered building not be allowed to be used."
Planning Coimiission Minutes - April 9, 1986
Page Six
f 1. Lands of Berry Hill (continued)
40,
The Public Hearing was then opened and closed with no one speaking for or
against this item.
Oamussion and staff briefly discussed the fill material placed on the
subject property.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Gottlieb, seconded by Siegel and
passed unani,cusly to approve the Annual Review for the lands of Ferry
Hill Farms, File #CUP 8028-77, with amendment to Condition 1 as suggested
by staff.
5. IANDS OF IA LaoE, FILE #CUP 9-85, 13770 Robleda Road, Request for
approval of Conditional Use Permit for secondary duelling unit.
Ms. Lytle referred to her staff report dated April 3, 1986, noting the
applicant is requesting a Use. Permit for an existing unit, attached to
the garage, noting a variance for the garage was approved in 1982, and
plans at that time indicated an attached workshop. Ms. Lytle informd
Conadssion the applicant later converted the workshop/party roan to a
dwelling unit with a range without permit, noting the requiremnt to ob-
tain pexmit was made by Town Staff when the owner filed an application
to construct an addition to the main residence. Ms. Lytle gave Caanission
property descriptions with regard to Zoning Ordinance criteria. Ms. Lytle
noted staff recwm�ends that the findings in Section 9-5.1107 (a)i-iv,
necessary to grant a Use Permit can be made, noting the unit treasures
approximately 400 square feet of gross floor area, less than the 600 square
feet allowed. Ms. Lytle informed Commission staff recomrends that the
Camiission approve the Use Permit application subject to Conditions of
Approval attached to the April 3, 1986 Staff Report.
Oamussioper Struthers stepped down frau consideration of this item, as
she is an adjacent property owner.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. Is Londe, 13770 Robleda Iniad, no additional cements to be made as
part of the staff report, noting he has received adjoining neighbors
signatures that there are no objections to the proposed use permit. Mr.
La Londe informed Commission they had in the past had cctplaints received
over parking from the occupant of the unit, noting she is no longer
living in the unit,and now only one person lives there who takes care
of their children. Mr. Is. Londe informed Co mission there is a loft
storage arca above the unit.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
MOTION SE(.Ucm AMID GUUUED: Moved by Siegel, seconded by Kaufman and
,manimm,cly approved to approve the Conditional Use Permit for the Lands
of La Londe, File #CUP 9-85, subject to Conditions of Approval attached
y to the April 3, 1986 Staff Report.
Planning Omvdssion Minutes - April 9, 1986
Page Seven
E. OLD BUSIIjESS:
1. Study Session for Zoning Ordinance Anendments is scheduled for
Monday, April 14th at 7:30 P.M. to adjourn at 10:00 P.M.
F. NEW BUSINESS:
1. Coanission received copies of Floor Area Diagram presented to
Council.
2. Commissioner lachenbruch questioned staff over the develoLment
oacurringan Elena Road, as it sears to be 2-3 of the largest in
our cmuunity, asking Staff if it is being carefully monitored?
Mr. Enright informed Ctnmission this is the Fenwick property,
currently under develoIamnt for new residence, swimming pool and
tennis court, noting the Engineering Technician and Soils Engineer
Consultant have been inspecting as the project is progressing.
Mr. Enright noted the grading was approved by Comiission and Council
to help mitigate the views of the structure from off site.
Tachenhruch questioned mitigation of the views fran the south side?
Enright noted the Landscape Plan will consider the entire property.
3. Commissioner rachenhruch noted Commission should take into consider-
ation a building setback as just recently adopted in the City of
los Altos, an 80' setback frau creeks, noting we should look into
this further for our live creeks, and what kinds of provisions
for exceptions for those who live rear creeks. Mr. Enright noted
the Los Altos Ordinance is only for those lots created after 1985,
noting the Town Planner will be in touch with them for a workable
solution for our Town. Ms. Lytle suggested perhaps CmTdssion
should address a letter to the City Council for their direction
for those properties whichare currently in for subdivision.
There was sore discussion over the upcoming Joint Meeting between
Los Altos, Los Altos Hills and Santa Clara Valley Water District
over Adobe Creek, for preservation and sensitivity.
4. Commissioner Gottlieb referred to vegetation preservation which was
passed out by San Mateo County. Staff nota] they would forward
this on for review..at the Study Session.
There being no further new or old tusiness, the meeting was adjourned
at 10:10 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Leslie Mullins
Engineering/Planning