HomeMy WebLinkAbout06/24/1987PLANNING COMMISSION_
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
Wednesday, June 24, 1987
Reel 129, Side II, Tract I. 000 -End
Chairman Struthers called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.min the Town Hall
Council Chambers.
A. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Present: Commissioners Carico, Emling, Kaufman, Patmore, Stutz, Yanez
and Chairman Struthers
Absent: None
Staff: Nancy Lytle, Town Planner; Lori Scott, Planning Consultant;
Frank Gillio, City Attorney; Leslie Mullins, Secretary
City Council Representative: Councilwoman Dronkert
Commissioner Yanez indicated he will not be able to attend City Council
Meeting on July 1, 1987. Commissioner Kaufman will take his place and
Commissioner Yanez will be representative at July 15, 1987 meeting.
Mr Frank Gillio requested that Item H.1. be heard out of order, prior to
any other business.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kaufman. seconded by Yanez and
passed unanimously to take 11H.1. Old Business" out of order to allow
discussion at this time.
Mr. Frank Gillio, City Attorney presented the Planning Commission with an
interpretation of the recent decision by the Supreme Court with regard to
"Down -Zoning" of properties. (Mr. Gillio will be preparing a written
document on this issue for distribution to Planning Commission and City
Council). Mr. Gillio referred to questions raised by the Commission at
their June 10, 1967, indicating that the Commission must define a
neighborhood as one which has certain similar characteristics, (e.g.,
drainage, canyons, slopes, ridgelines), before allowing a particular type
of development. City Attorney and Planning Commission discussed the
Supreme Court decision; determination of neighborhoods, Floor Area Square
footage allowed on properties, with regard to the R -A-1 Zoning Ordinance
proposal; and discussion over members of the Planning Commission voting on
subject items if they live within certain areas of designated
neighborhoods.
lanning Commission Minutes - June 24, 1987
Page Two
CONSENT CALENDAR:
Item Removed - (Patmore & Stutz) B.1. & B 2.a.
Commissioner Patmore requested the minutes of June 10, 1987 be amended as
follows: On Page Five, last paragraph, third line. " ..made by some
members of the Three Forks and MMCP..."; "These people have submitted a
suggestion and maps.. "; second to last sentence remove "and coverage" and
last sentence change "than" to "that". On Page Six, first paragraph,
second sentence change "their" to "the MMCP"; and add Mr. Stegnar spoke to
Roland Von Huene, and his comments. On Page Eight third paragraph, Add
the following: "Commissioner Kaufman pointed out that a minor review for
existing residences only, would be unworkable, since a residence becomes
existing immediately after its final inspection".
Commissioner Patmore questioned the results of Acceptance for Filing of
the Tentative Map for Lands of Clausen. Ms. Lytle informed Commission
that the Acceptance for Filing is a formality of the Town's Subdivision
Ordinance and would suggest that the Commission not only accept the
Tentative Map for filing and also set the public hearing for July 6, 1987
as shown on the Agenda under the Consent Calendar.
Commissioner Stutz requested the minutes of June 10, 1987 on page Nine
show what motions were for: First Motion: "for levels of review of
variances" and Second Motion: "for variance findings". Commissioner
Stutz also requested that the last paragraph indicate where the Santa
Clara County reviews are located as mentioned by Ms. Lytle. Commissioner
Stutz was informed that the addresses were not mentioned at the meeting,
and was only for an information item to let Commissioners know two
builidng permit requests were received from the Santa Clara County Central
Permit Office and that they are on file at Town Hall, Planning Office for
review.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Stutz and
passed unanimously to approve the Consent Calendar, Item N2.a):
Acceptance of Filing Tentative Map -
Lands of Clausen, File NTM 2-86. E1 Monte/I-280/Voorhees
APN: 336-22-008, Gross Acreage: 7.84; Net Acreage: 7.29;
Requested Number of Lots: 7
Acceptance of Filing is with understanding that this application is
not complete and applicant is requesting exceptions from the Town
of Los Altos Hills Subdivision Ordinances
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kaufman, seconded by Carico and
passed unanimously to approve the remainder of the Consent Calendar,
specifically:
Planning Commission Minutes - June 24, 1987
Page Three
1. June 10. 1987 as amended
(Commissioner Stutz and Chairman Struthers abstained from approval of June
10. 1987 minutes as they were not present).
3. Setting Public Hearings for July 8, 1987:
a Lands of Clausen, File #TM 2-86. Tentative Map and Negative
Declaration for 7 lot subdivision
b. Lands of Cook, 11471 Page Mill Road. Reconsideration of
realignment for Buena Vista Drive
C. Lands of Bellucci, File NTM 1-86, 26220 Moody Road. Tentative Map
and Negative Declaration for 11 lot subdivision
Study ession_
1. Noise Element of the Los Altos Hills General Plan
C REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 17, 1987:
Commissioner Carico reported that City Council approved Boyd Variance;
�W discussed relocation of Town Hall Entrance and appointed van Tamelen and
Plummer to work on subcommittee: discussed request from PTA of Bullis
School for installation of Stop Sign at Fremont and Manuella Roads, and
directed City Manager to prepare a report on installation of flashing
yellow lights and proper signing at Fremont Pines and report to City
Council with cots, time frame, etc ; discussion of request for additional
stop sign at Fremont and Concepcion Roads, and passed a motion to approve
the installation of three-way stop at Fremont/Concepcion intersection as
outlined by the City Manager; discussion over acceptance of streets within
the Page Mill Estates Subdivision, item continued to allow City Attorney
to prepare the necessary documents for acceptance; directed City Attorney
to draft the necessary resolutions to initiate and process annexation of
Dr. and Mrs Riley on Stonebrook; discussion over Currie Improvements,
with regard to oak tree, noting staff is to review the Conditions of
Approval from the Currie Subdivision and if meeting the conditions means
removal of the oak tree so be it; appointed subcommittee of van Tamelen
and Mayor Tryon to review Matadero Creek Subdivision and the Architectural
Review Committee; appointed Siegel and Dronkert to subcommittee to
administer the Tree/Landscape Program for Town properties.
V
Planning Commission Minutes - June 24. 1987
Page Four
D. REPORT FROM SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS OF JUNE 16 1987 AND JUNE
2-3---F98-7--
Commissioner
31987-
Commissioner Struthers reported Site Development Committee on June 16.
1987 approved new residence for Owen Homes on Carrington Circle: approved
addition for Leland on La Cresta; approved swimming pool for Komo on
Ravensbury; approved Landscape Plan for Lacy on Red Rock Road and held
Subcommittee on Clausen Property for 7 lot subdivision, noting the
Committee s recommendation is denial to the Planning Commission, due to
inadequate lot size and right-of-way, drainage concerns, noise impacts,
and emergency access. Struthers informed Commission that Mr. Clausen
appeared at the hearing waving the property rights decision by the Supreme
Court
Commissioner Stutz reported the Site Development Committee on June 23,
1987 approved new residence and swimming pool for Carse on Altamont and
Taaffe Roads and approved new residence and remodeling of swimming pool
for Saviano on Robleda, noting existing residence and structures are to be
demolished.
`C (a). REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF JUNE 3, 1987:
Commissioner Stutz reported that the City Council on June 3, 1987 held
discussion over Police Protection Proposal from City of Los Altos;
approved Lin swimming pool (smaller pool). and indicated that van Tamelen
reported that the Commission seems to be approving variances which are not
recommended by Staff to be approved questioning if the Commission has had
a change in policy? Chairman Struthers informed Commission that staff is
currently putting together statistics on variances, by name, what variance
is for, staff recommendation and Planning Commission and City Council
actions, and Ms Lytle added that a planning study session is to be
scheduled (joint meeting) for review of variances and Neary Quarry
property (Vidovich application).
PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
1 Mr. David Proft, 26271 Moody Road, informed Commission he is present
this evening as a neighbor to Hidden Villa, and a concern over a public
hearing scheduled with Santa Clara County regarding their requested
Conditional Use Permit, Master Plan for Hidden Villa. Mr. Proft informed
Commission he and Judy Zurbriggen went to the County to review the
application and file letters from neighbors addressing their concerns.
Mr. Proft indicated they were informed the letters submitted to the County
would be included in the Stafi Report to the County Planning
Commissioners. Mr Proft indicated that the Master Plan for Hidden Villa
is very open ended noting concern over the potential use, etc., asking
`, Commission to bring this item up under "New Business" for further
discussion. Chairman Struthers indicated that as many Commissioners as
possible should attend the public hearing at the County as well as
concerned citizens on July 2nd.
`, Planning Commission Minutes - June 24, 1987
Page Five
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED- Moved by Patmore, seconded by Emling and
passed by the following roll call vote to add to "New Business", Item #1,
Hidden Villa
ROLL CALL:
AYES- Commissioners Carico. Emling. Kaufman, Patmore, Stutz and Chairmar
Struthers
NOES None
ABSTAIN? Commissioner Yanez
2 Mr. Stephen Gaither, 140 Golden Oak Drive, Portola Valley, informed
Commission of a letter addressed to Nancy Lytle Town Planner, authorizing
Steve Gaither to act as Agent for the Bellucci applications and granting
of a thirty day extension for the Lands of Bellucci, Tentative Map, File
#TM 1-86.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Kaufman and
passed by the following roll call vote to remove "Lands of Bellucci. File
#TM 1-86 for Tentative Map and Negative Declaration, 11 lot subdivision",
from setting public hearings for July 8. 1987.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Carico, Kaufman, Patmore, Stutz, Yanez and Chairman
Struthers
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Emling
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
1 Amendments to the Zoning Ordinance including a procedure and
definition for minor variances and a modification to the required
variance findings
Ms. Lytle referred to Staff Report dated June 18, 1987, informing
Commission staff recommends after conducting the public hearing, that the
Commission recommend that the City Council approve the draft ordinance and
direct the City Attorney to prepare the final ordinance. Ms. Lytle
further ndicated that staff recommends that a$500.00 fee be collected for
administrative variance applications.
Commissioner Kaufman asked if Commission has ever discussed, Section 10-
1 703 (c) that it is against State Law that trailers be restricted.
Commissioner Stutz questioned allowing trailers on properties during
construction. Ms. Lytle suggested that this item be continued to a later
agenda for discussion.
The Public Hearing was then opened and closed, with no one speaking for or
against this item.
M
Planning Commission Minutes - June 24, 1987
Page Six
Commissioner Patmore suggested that the City Engineer also be in
attendance at the administrative level review of variances for support to
the Town Planner. Ms. Lytle indicated she would concur with this
recommendation.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Emling and
passed unanimously toince in the proposed ordinance to reflect the
presence of both the Town Planner and City Engineer for administrative
level variance review.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kaufman, seconded by Yanez and
passed unanimously chat the Draft Ordinance as amended be submitted to the
City Attorney and brought back to Planning Commission for recommendation
to the City Council.
G. NEW BUSINESS
1. Hidden Villa
Mr. Dave Proft, 26271 Moody Road, informed Commission he spoke with Nancy
Lytle earlier in the day with regard to how to proceed with the Hidden
Villa Master Plan Conditional Use Permit Review with Santa Clara County
Planning Commission.
Ms. Lytle informed Commission and Mr. Proft that when the Master Plan for
Hidden Villa was received at Town Hall we were informed by the County that
we would have time for review and response prior to the public hearing.
noting she spoke with Mr. Hugh Graham, Planner with Santa Clara County,
earlier in the day and he indicated that a Staff Report would be prepared
later in the week and will be forwarded to the Town for review, and
discussed with Mr. Graham if it would be possible for the Town to request
an extension of time for review and agendize on the Planning Commission
Agenda for discussion. Ms. Lytle further informed Commission that the
Master Plan is on file at Town Hall in the Planning Office for review by
Commissioners.
Commissioner Kaufman suggested that Commission appoint a Commissioner to
attend the public hearing at the County on July 2nd
Commissioner E'atmore indicated she would volunteer to attend the public
hearing, requesting that she be briefed with the Town views of this Master
Plan proposal. Ms. Lytle indicated the most important item to start with
is to request a continuance of the public hearing to allow Planning
Commission to review the proposal. Commissioner Patmore suggested that
City Council appoint a subcommittee to work on this item, suggesting 3
Commissioners to work on this project. Ms. Lytle requested that the
liason to the City Council pass on comments made this evening, and noted
that the City Council should make formal comments from the Town, and
suggested that in addition to commissioners on the subcommitee it should
include City Council members.
Planning Commission Minutes - June 24- 1987
Page Seven
Councilwoman Dronkert indicated that she agreed this would be a good idea
for review of the proposed Master Plan, with Commission and City Council
Subcommittee working together.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED., Moved by Kaufman, seconded by Stutz and
passed unanimously to request the Chairman of Planning Commission prepare
a letter to the Santa Clara County Planning Commission to request a
continuance of the Conditional Use Permit - Hidden Villa Master Plan on
their July 2nd Agenda, with concurrence by the City Council.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Emling and
passed by the following roll call vote to set up a subcommittee of three
Planning Commissioners to summarize issues surrounding the Hidden Villa
Master Plan (CUP) and present to the Planning Commission their report and
invite two City Council members to join in the subcommittee.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Carico, Emling, Kaufman, Patmore, Stutz, and Chairman
Struthers
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Yanez
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: Subcommittee shall consist of: Commissioners
Emling, Patmore and Chairman Struthers,
Mr Proft thanked the Planning Commission for their interest, and
indicated that there are numbers of residents who would like to attend the
subcommittee meetings to give opinions, etc.
Commissioner Carico questioned if the County does not give us a
continuance then should we request an EIR for this proposal. Ms. Lytle
noted a request in that order would be appropriate to come from the City
Council noting she is sure there is an appeal process the Town could
follow. in that case
2. Chairman Struthers informed Commission on the next Agenda for our July
8th meeting, the election of Chairman and Vice -Chairman is scheduled.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Stutz, seconded by Patmore and
passed unanimously to add Planning Commission time lines to the Agenda
under "New Business".
Chairman Struthers indicated some concern raised prior to the meeting this
evening, with regard to the expiration of terms of Planning Commission
members, and lack of continuity of these terms. Commissioner Kaufman
stressed the importance of terms, and indicated that action must be taken
by City Council in ordinance form, suggesting the Commission make a
recommendation to the City Council. Ms. Lytle concurred.
{` Commissioners questioned what would happen to current terms?
Planning Commission i�iinutes - June 24 1987
Page Eight
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kaufman, seconded by Patmore and
passed unanimously that the Planning Commission expresses recommendation
to the City Council that rotation of the Planning Commissioners expiration
and their terms to be 2-2-2-1, to give smoother continuity.
H. OLD BUSINESS
Draft R -1-A Zoning Ordinance
Commissioner Kaufman indicated that he does not believe that R -A-1 Zoning
ordinance is required, and do not support agendizing an ordinance just for
the sake of a public hearing to be held. Commissioner Carico echoed
Kaufman'a comment, noting she does feel it is a creative approach to
zoning, however. there aren't enough areas left. noting the newly adopted
ordinance is working and we are tightening up and going in the right
direction noting there are areas of concern. i.e., Neary Quarry and MMCP
Areas which need some designation. Commissioner Yanez echoed same reasons
made by Carico and Kaufman, however, he feels it is appropriate to set
public hearing and discuss this matter and get public input, and at that
time let Commissioners give their opinions Commissioner Stutz indicated
that the City Council has asked the Commission to make a recommendation,
noting she agrees with the Staff Report that we do not need a new
ordinance, and let's see how the new ordinances are working out, noting
that she has on site development turned down and have requested redesign
on new residences with the new ordinance for guidelines and support.
Commissioner Emling concurred with Carico, Stutz and Kaufman, noting the
new ordinances are just beginning to take effect, let's test the water and
give this some time.
MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Yanez and failed
by the following roll call vote to set public hearing on R -A-1 Zoning
Ordinance for July 22, 1987•
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Patmore, Yanez and Chairman Struthers
NOES Commissioners Carico, Emling, Kaufman, and Stutz
ABSTAIN: None
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kaufman, seconded by Yanez and
passed by the following roll call vote to have the Planning Commission
liason (Kaufman) report to the City Council that it is a consensus to the
Planning Commission that "No R -A-1 Zoning Ordinance is required", in Los
Altos Hills.
ROLL CALL:
AYES- Commissioners Carico, Emling, Kaufman, and Stutz
NOES: Commissioners Patmore, Yanez and Chairman Struthers
ABSTAIN: None
„ Planning Commission Minutes - June 24, 1987
Page Nine
Councilwoman Dronkert indicated that she felt this action is appropriate,
and let City Council members know Planning Commissioners intrepretations
and discussion.
Commissioner Patmore indicated that the present ordinances will allow a
6.000 sq.ft. residence on all lots, and strongly disagree with statement
that existing ordinances will control this, as we do not know how it will
affect these lots.
Ms_ Lytle recommended as indicated in the Staff Report that the Planning
Commission hold the public hearing on the proposed ordinance.
2. Design Review Guidelines. Consideration of whether or not to include
them and how to prioritize them into out Work Program
Ms. Lytle referred to June 18. 1987 Staff Report, noting in response to a
request from the. City Council to consider a Draft Ordinance for R -A-1
zoning. staff recommends that the Commission may wish to instead recommend
that the City Council authorize the development of design review
guidelines. Ms. Lytle indicated that staff envisions that a handbook be
developed which illustrates language of the Site Development Ordinance and
include "Dos and Don'ts” and that the final product be drafted by a
professional design firm. Ms. Lytle recommended that the Planning
Commission recommend to the City Council that the Planning Agency
undertake the task of developing a Design Review Guidelines as Item #6 of
the first year of the Work Program.
Commission and staff discussed the design review guidelines booklet, and
what a benefit it would be to have as a handout to be included with
packets available at Town Hall.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Stutz and
passed unanimously to recommend to the City Council to undertake the task
of developing a Design Review Guidelines as Item #6 of the First Year of
the Work Program
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Struthers and
passed unanimously to move old Item #6 of the Work Program to follow Item
#9
3. Study of the MAPS Area, Consideration of whether to include and where
to prioritize it wichin the Planning Agency Work Program
L
Planning Commission Minutes - June 24, 1987
Page Ten
Ms. Lytle referred to June 18, 1987 Staff Report, informing Commission
that if Commission wishes to undertake a study of the MAPS Area, they
should recommend to the City Council that the study be conducted during
the second year of the Work Program, and the Commission should further
prioritize the item into the second year program and forward this
recommendation to the City Council. Ms. Lytle noted that at the meeting
of June 10. 1987. some Commissioners expressed a desire to review the Work
Program in order to include a study of the roadway safety and fire hazard
concerns in the MAPS study area, notin this item was previously
prioritized as 18th in a list of 24 items voted on last November.
Commissioner Patmore indicated as discussed earlier in the meeting on
voting on certain items, as she cannot make a strong opinion on this
subject it=mshe would like to inform Commission that the people who
showed up at the last meeting, would not like to see a study of the
roadways and drainage, noting they would like to see the zoning reduced,
noting they do not want a review such as this which would be long and
drawn out.
Commissioner Carico noted she requested that this item be agendized,
noting she would like to see a review of the entire MAPS area, prior to
any further subdivisions.
Commissioner Stutz questioned if this would be something in the way of a
moritorium?
Ms Lytle indicated that this has not been suggested and would not
recommend per earlier discussion with the City Attorney.
Commissioner Emling noted this is a unique area, and there are citizens
who have concerns, noting we do need to study the area and learn more
about it. with regard to terrain, drainage, etc.)
Chairman Struthers expressed concern over fire access, roadways, pathways,
etc. within this area.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED. Moved by Carico, seconded by Yanez and
passed by the following roll call vote to Study the MAPS Area.
ROLL CALL:
AYES Commissioners Carico, Emling, Kaufman, Stutz, Yanez and Chairman
Struthers
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Patmore
Ms. Lytle recommended that this study be #18 of the Work Program.
Planning Commission Minutes - June 24, 1987
Page Eleven
MOTION_ SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Emling, seconded by Yanez and passed
FY the £o lowing roll call vote to place the MAPS Area for study as $10A
on the Work Program.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Carico, Emling, Kaufman. Stutz, Yanez and Chairman
Struthers
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Patmore
4 Ms. Lytle informed Commission briefly of the Neary Quarry application
on file by John Vidovich with regard to the reclamation plans.
I. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further new or old business, the meeting was adjourned at
1040 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lesli= Mullins
Planning Technician