HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/12/1988( PLANNING COMMISSION
60 MINUTES OF A REGULAR MEETING
TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS
26379 Fremont Road
Los Altos Hills, California
Wednesday, October 12, 1988
Reel 128a Sd. I, Tr. I, 781 -End; Sd. II, Tr. I, 000 -End
Acting Chairman Emling 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 Carico, Emling, Noel, Patmore, Stutz
and Chairman Kaufman (arrived 8:25P•m•)
Absent: Commissioner Jones
Staff: Bill Ekern, Director of Public Works, Sally Lyn Zeff, Plan
ning Director; Leslie Mullins, Planning Technician
City Council Representative: Mary van Tamelen
B. CONSENT CALENDAR:
Commissioner Patmore requested the minutes of September 14, 1988 on
page ten, sixth paragraph, change "Huang" to "Tykeson Lot"; and on
page eleven, fifth paragraph, change "Passed" to "Failed".
Commissioner Stutz requested the minutes of September 14, 1988 on
page ten, fifth paragraph, revise to indicate that the fence could be
set back to have pathway on property.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Noel, seconded by Emling and
passed by the following roll call vote to adopt the Consent Calendar,
as amended.
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Emliing, Noel, Patmore, Stutz
NOES: None
ABSTAIN: Commissioner Carico
ABSENT: Commissioners Jones & Kaufman
C. REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 5,_1988:
Commissioner Carico reported the City Council approved the tentative
map for Lands of McCulloch with much discussion and amendments to
conditions of approval; continued consideration of Ridgeview Estates
tentative map; introduced ordinance for amendment to definition of
secondary dwelling units; continued discussion over the Horton path-
way on Altamont Road and requested the City Attorney to prepare a
written report on the subject and for the applicants to have an op-
portunity to review said report; authorized the closure of roads in-
volved in the November 5, 1988 Los Altos Hills Country Climb as re-
quested by Olin Nichols.
Commissioner Carico reported the October 4th site development commit-
tee approved garage for Davila on Stonebrook, landscape plan for
Basiji on Fawn Creek; approved landscape plan for Accola on Sherlock;
approved driveway modification for Bavor on Page Mill Road; and ap-
proved landscape plan for Summit on Lennox.
Commissioner Patmore referred discussion of site development commit-
tee meeting of October 6th to Old Business.
Commissioner Stutz reported the October 11th site development commit-
tee approved landscape plan for Manian on Berry Hill; approved
landscape plan for Stinson on Taaffe; approved landscape plan for
Carr on Bella Ladera; approved addition for Freeman on Sunset Drive;
continued consideration of Sun driveway modification on Robleda; ap-
proved swimming pool, spa, cabana and driveway modification for
Caress on Elena Road.
E. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR:
Mr. John Knox Seith, 27741 Via Cerro Gordo, questioned what types of
plantings are allowed within Open Space Areas in Matadero Creek Sub-
division, asking if grape vines would be allowed.
Ms. Zeff noted general uses allowed within Open Space/Conservation
Easements, and asked that Mr. Seith contact her in the office during
regular office hours to respond to this question.
F. PUBLIC HEARINGS:
Acting Chairman Emling noted due to the proximity and location of the
two applications for public hearing on this evenings agenda: Bellucci
& Gaither, which have similar concerns, suggesting perhaps the order
of the Agenda should allow Bellucci Tentative Map application be
heard as #2 public hearing after Gaither Tentative Map.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was passed by consensus to hear Lands of
Bellucci after the Gaither Tentative Map public hearing.
1. LANDS OF GAITHER, FILE #TM 7-88, 24837 Moody Road, Request for
approval of Tentative Map and Negative Declaration for three lot
subdivision (continued from September 28, 1988)
Ms. Zeff informed Commission the applicant has re -designed the tenta-
tive map to conform to Commissioners concerns raised at the September
`,- 28th meeting, noting this is a continued public hearing to consider a
tentative map for three lot subdivision.
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`, The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. Steve Gaither, 628 Westridge Drive - Portola Valley, informed
Commission he and his engineer, Bill Kull, met with staff (Planning
Director and Public Works Director) to revise the tentative map ac-
cording to comments made at the last meeting, asking Commission to
approve his requested three lot subdivision.
Commissioners, staff and applicant discussed the proposed location of
conservation easements, possibility of allowing access through ease-
ment with a special condition of approval to allow such use, widening
of bridge to allow pedestrian/equestrian use.
Mrs. Jean Struthers, 13690 Robleda Road, informed Commission she has
reviewed the Harvey/Stanley report, noting this is a very good report
and suggests the need to correct creek all the way down the corridor,
asking Commission for 25' conservation easement on both sides of the
creek. Mrs. Struthers further informed Commission she spoke with
Linda Ulmer, Department of Fish & Game, noting she indicated she
would contact Sally Zeff and give recommendation, noting she did note
25' was not enough.
Ms. Zeff noted Linda Ulmer did not contact this office, and no writ-
ten communication has arrived at Town Hall.
Mrs. Libby Lucas, 174 Yerba Santa, noted the importance of perennial
springs on the property, noting they are a source of wtaer to us.
Mrs. Lucas also referred to letter to the Commission from Mrs. Dana,
asking if any improvements would be installed this winter.
Mr. Ekern informed Mrs. Lucas and Commission we would recommend
against any work during the winter.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
Commission, staff and applicant discussed driveway location to upper
lot and location of proposed development.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Noel and
passed unanimously to recommend approval to the City Council approval
of negative declaration.
MOTION SECONDED AND WITHDRAWN: Moved by Carico, seconded by Noel and
then withdrawn, to re -word condition N1, as follows: All land (area)
from the 575' elevation shall be dedicated as Conservation Easement
with an exception to existing driveway and building site envelope
prior to final map recordation. The exact location of the building
site envelope shall be determined and approved by a sub -committee of
the Planning Commission prior to Final Map.
Mr. Gaither informed Commission with regard to building siting, he
would favor a subcommittee of planning commission and staff reviewm
noting he still has further reviews coming from his engineers as to
the appropriate siting of the structure.
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Mr. Bill Kull, Civil Engineer, informed Commission they've met with
staff, noting it really wasn't clear to us how to determine the loca-
tion, noting he must in order to prepare the Final Map he must have
the exact locations of conservation easement, etc., noting perhaps
setting a finished floor elevation would be helpful.
Commissioner Patmore noted the Commission needs accurate maps to show
the location of conservation easement, building site area, etc.,
recommending this item be continued to allow applicant to re -vise
tentative map.
Commissioners, staff and applicant discussed the proposed conditions
of approval with regard to right-of-way dedications, conservation
easements, sewer design and construction.
Mr. David Proft, 26271 Moody Road, informed Commission with regard to
the sewer along Adobe Lane, it was to be installed as part of
Tanglewood and Murietta Lane subdivision, and has yet to be done.
Mr. Bob Stutz, Pathway Committee, referred to alternative pathway
easement requests made by the Committee.
Commissioners suggested that the applicant and staff work together
with the Pathway Committee to come up with pathway easement loca-
tions.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Noel and
passed unanimously to add new condition #17, to require deed restric-
tion regarding no further subdivision of Lot #3.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was passed by consensus to add new condition
8.a., with regard to wells, to be worded as written in the Bellucci
conditions of approval.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was passed by consensus to add to condition
#13, that the bridge shall contain adequate pedestrian/equestrian
crossing.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Carico, seconded by Patmore
and passed unanimously to continue the Lands of Gaither, File #TM 7-
88, Tentative Map, applicant shall return with tentative map which
reflects the conditions of approval reviewed and recommended at this
public hearing.
Chairman Kaufman began chairing meeting, informing Commissioners he
has received a request from applicants who have been waiting to be
heard, to put the agenda back in order as published.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was passed by consensus to hear public hear-
ings as published on the Agenda.
�w 2. LANDS OF WANG, FILE #VAR 18-88, 27101 Horseshoe Lane, Request for
approval of Variance and Site Development Permit for an addition
to existing residence
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fir. Ms. Zef£ referred to Staff Report dated October 6, 1988 informing
Commission this is a public hearing to consider a request for a vari-
ance ans its development permit for an addition to an existing
residence to exceed the allowed Maximum Development Area for the lot.
Ms. Zef£ informed Commission staff recommends: 1) Based on the find-
ings presented in the October 6, 1988 staff report, approve the re-
quested variance in maximum development area, to allow additional
parking and patio area exceeding the maximum development area allowed
for the lot, as proposed; and 2) approve the requested site develop-
ment permit subject to conditions as recommended by Mr. Ekern in his
memo of October 6, 1988.
Commissioner Noel informed Commission he and Commissioner Stutz were
on the site development committee meeting in which Mr. Wang was
recommended to obtain a variance permit, noting there are no changes
to his request since that hearing.
The Public Hearing was then opened and closed with no one speaking
for or against this item.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Noel, seconded by Stutz and
passed unanimously to approve the Lands of Wang, File #VAR 18-88,
27101 Horseshoe Lane, Variance request for addition to existing
residence to exceed the allowed maximum development area for the lot
based on findings as presented in the October 6, 1988 staff report
\w MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Noel, seconded by Patmore and
passed unanimously to approve the Lands of Wang, 27101 Horseshoe
Lane, Site Development Permit subject to conditions of approval as
outlined in Mr. Ekern's staff memo of October 6, 1988.
3. LANDS OF SANTY, FILE #PM 8-88, 27881 Elena Road, Request for ap-
proval of lot line adjustment
Chairman Kaufman informed Commission the applicant has requested con-
tinuance of this item.
Mr. Andrew Chang, 27801 Via Feliz, informed Commission he was not
notified of the public hearing and he is the adjacent property owner,
and further noting he has concerns over the lot line adjustment and
how it will affect his property development area.
Staff informed Commission the list of residents within 300' of the
property was provided by the applicant's engineer, noting Mr. and
Mrs. Chang have been included onto the list when staff was made aware
of this oversight.
PASSED BY CONSENSUS: It was passed by consensus to continue the
Lands of Santy, File #PM 8-88, 27881 Elena Road, until further notice
from the applicant
`, q. LANDS OF AYMERICH, FILE #VAR 19-88, 27801 Edgerton Road, Request
for Variance for patio addition
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Ms. Zeff referred to her staff report dated October 6, 1988 informing
Commission this is a public hearing to consider a request for a vari-
ance in setback area to allow a patio which was incorrectly issued a
zoning and site development permit back in 1986. Ms. Zeff recom-
mended that the Planning Commission: 1) based on the findings pre-
sented in the October 6th staff report, approve the requested vari-
ance in setback, to allow the existing patio to intrude into the set-
back, subject to the following conditions: a) Screening shall be in-
stalled along the property line between the Aymerichs and the Kramers
(27800 Edgerton Road) within six months of the issuance of this
permit or prior to final approval of the building permit; b) the
screen plantings are to be approved by the site development commit-
tee; and c) that portion of the patio which extends beyond the oak
tree is to be removed at Town's expense.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. Tony Lagorio, Attorney for Aymerichs, informed Commission they
basically agree with the staff report, noting they would prefer to
keep the patio beyond the oak tree as exists, and would plant screen-
ing to mitigate view from Kramers property.
Mrs. Linda Kramer, 27800 Edgerton Road, informed Commission the ce-
ment slab has been in place since June, noting she concurs with staff
recommendations, noting however, they would like to see Mature Plant-
ings be installed as a requirement, and removal of the patio addition
which extends beyond the oak tree.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Moved by Stutz, seconded by Kaufman and
failed due to the following roll call vote, to approve the Lands of
Aymerich, File #VAR 19-88, 27801 Edgerton Road, based on findings
presented in the October 6, 1988 staff report and with amendment to
condition, a), that "Mature" plantings be installed, and shall be ap-
proved by the Site Development Committee; and removal of c).
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Stutz and Chairman Kaufman
NOES: Commissioners Carico, Emling, Noel and Patmore
ABSENT: Commissioner Jones
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Stutz, seconded by Kaufman and
passed unanimously to approve the Lands of Aymerich, File #VAR 19-88,
27801 Edgerton Road, based on findings presented in the October 6,
1988 staff report and with amendment to to condition, a), that "Ma-
ture" plantings be installed.
5. LANDS OF VISO, File #VAR 20-88, 28260 Matadero Creek Lane, Re-
quest for approval of variance and site development permit for
new residence
Ms. Zeff referred to staff report dated October 6, 1988 informing
Commission this is a public hearing to consider a request for vari-
ance and site development permit for a new single family residence to
exceed the allowed maximum development and floor area. Ms. Zef£
recommended that the Planning Commission: 1) based on the findings
presented in the October 6, 1988 staff report deny the requested var-
iance in maximum development area and maximum floor area; and 2) deny
the requested site development permit and direct the applicant to
prepare a proposal in conformance to the zoning ordinance.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. James Viso, 28515 Matadero Creek Lane, presented Commission with
elevations details and model of proposed residence, informing Commis-
sion he is requesting approval of variance for maximum development
and floor areas, due to changes made in the ordinances during his
designing of this residence with regard to backfilling of retaining
walls. Mr. Viso informed Commission he has received approval from
the Matadero Creek Architectural Review Board.
Mr. Kenneth Wright, 27791 Edgerton Road, presented Commission with
petition from neighbors (not within the Matadero Creek Subdivision)
requesting denial of the requested variance application.
Mr. John Knox Seith, 27741 Via Cerro Gordo, informed Commission he
did not receive notification of this hearing (please note that Mr.
Seith is not within 300' of the subject property), referring to the
time the Planning Commission and City Council approved the tentative
map for the Matadero Creek Subdivision, noting residents were as-
surred that the development of these properties would be in con-
formance with land, etc., keeping the rural atmosphere.
Mr. Ansel Schiff, 27750 Edgerton Road, noted concern over issuing a
variance on this application, noting it is his understanding that one
of the goals of the zoning ordinance is to maintain the rural charac-
ter of the community by setting the minimum lot size and limiting the
size of the house and development on any lot, noting he feels that
the granting of this variance would go against this policy resulting
in a significant, material, and deleterious impact on the character
of the area.
Mr. Herman Spector, 27271 Ursula Lane, noted concerns over drainage.
Mr. Miguel Aymerich, 27801 Edgerton Road, indicated that this devel-
opment does not belong in Los Altos Hills, it should be in Atherton
or Hillsborough, noting it is totally out of character. Mr. Aymerich
noted there is no north elevation of the structure provided, which is
his view of the structure, and added that the trees are not accurate
on the model presented for viewing.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
Commissioners discussed ordinance
C the last couple years, noting they
Town's zoning ordinances today or
to be built.
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revisions which have occurred over
did not believe that any of the
previous would allow this structure
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Kaufman, seconded by Carico
and passsed by the following roll call vote to Deny the Lands of
Viso, File #VAR 20-88, 28260 Matadero Creek Lane, based on findings
presented in the October 6, 1988 staff report for variance to exceed
the allowed development area and floor area for new residence; and to
deny the site development permit and direct the applicant to re-
design proposed structure in conformance with zoning ordinances
ROLL CALL:
AYES: Commissioners Carico, Emling, Patmore, Stutz and Chairman
Kaufman
NOES: Commissioner Noel
ABSENT: Commissioner Jones
6. LANDS OF BELLUCCI, FILE #TM 1-86, 26220 Moody Road, Request for
approval of Tentative Map and Negative Declaration for 11 lot
subidivision
Ms. teff referred to Staff Report Amendment dated October 12, 1988
informing Commission this is a public hearing to consider a negative
declaration and tentative map for subdivision of a 60 -acre parcel
into 11 lots, recommending that the Planning Commission recommend to
the City Council that the Council deny the requested tentative map
without prejudice, as it would create lots that would not meet the
Town requirements for size and slope, referring to lot sizes and
sloeps, subdivision design problems with regard to panhandles, noting
(( not all existing easements have been shown on the tentative map
4/ (i.e., McReynolds letter). Staff informed Commission there is a new
tentative map in the Planning Commissioners baskets which was
received late this afternoon.
Commissioners noted great concern over items being submitted at the
last minute for review, as it does not give staff or commission
enough time to do an adequate review. Commissioners stressed the im-
portance that if the applicant does modify the plans and moves on to
the City Council, to be sure that Council does not act on the ap-
plication, but refers it back to Commission for review and recom-
mendation.
The Public Hearing was then opened.
Mr. Bill Kull, Civil Engineer, informed Commission he does not agree
that the slope density calculations done by staff are accurate, with
regard to the LUF of .99 Mr. Kull noted it could be remedied easily.
Mr. Kull informed Commission the revised tentative map presented this
evening shows the 10' dedication along Francemont Road, as required,
and no other changes or amendments were made. Mr. Kull informed Com-
mission with regard to the turn -around bulb, he designed them accord-
ing to the Town's Subdivision handout, noting if it is incorrect, it
needs to be revised.
Mr. Tom McReynolds, 26045 Moody Road, questioned how the Commission
could act on an application with does not have accurate information
provided by your staff and applicant. Mr. McReynolds noted his let -
CD
ter to the City council with regard to the well on Mr. Bellucci's
`, property has been addressed by the City Attorney.
Mr. David Bellucci, 26220 Moody Road, informed Commission the well
Mr. McReynolds refers to has been abandoned 7 years ago and power has
been disconnected by PG&E, noting the pump house is in need of
repair.
Mrs. Dot Schreiner, Pathway Committee informed Commission of pathway
easements they wish to obtain.
Mr. Bellucci added he is a strong supporter of the pathway system,
and wilkl agree to connection path with the Gaither property, pathway
to meander through conservation/open space easement, but would not
accept pathway below.
The Public Hearing was then closed.
Commissioners, staff and applicant discussed the lack of easements
shown on tentative map, lot unit factors of .99, turnaround bulbs,
access to existing residence, creeks, pathways and conservation ease-
ments. Commissioners asked applicant if he would be willing to give
an extension of time to allow his engineer to revise the tentative
map as per discussion this evening.
Mr. Bellucci informed Commission he would not be willing to give an-
other time extension, noting your staff does not have time to act
adequately on all the applications they have on file.
MOTION SECONDED AND CARRIED: Moved by Patmore, seconded by Noel and
passed unanimously to Deny without prejudice the Lands of Bellucci,
File #TM 1-86, 26220 Moody Road, Request for recommendation of Tenta-
tive Map and Negative Declaration for 11 lot subdivision
Commissioner Noel added that he is favorable towards the subdivision
of this property, but based on the way it was presented to the Com-
mission for review he could vote for recommendation of approval to
the City Council.
Commissioner Patmore asked that a note be forwarded to the City Coun-
cil along with the recommendation of denial that the Commission was
generally in favor of this subdivision, but the applicant was not
willing to grant an extension for minor revisions to the map.
G. NEW BUSINESS:
Ms. Zeff informed Commission in their boxes this evening, there is a
request for review and comments on application for Single Building
Site Approval at 17600 Moody Road from Santa Clara County, noting she
has included two letters she had previously forwarded to the County,
asking Commission to make additional comments to the County on this
subject application due to concerns from citizens regarding the
height and size of the proposed structure.
Commissioners asked that staff prepare a letter to the County on the
Commissions behalf expressing their concerns over the proposed struc-
ture, i.e., height, size, visibility from off site, etc. Commission
also requested that staff contact the County by telephone and let
them know the letter is coming, and find out when the review meeting
is in case a Commissioner could attend the hearing at the County Of-
fices.
H. OLD BUSINESS:
1. Request from Commissioner Patmore to discuss outcome of City
Council review of Lands of McCulloch, Berms for noise mitigation
Commissioner Patmore informed Commission the application for the
Lands of McCulloch will be going back to the City Council for
reconsideration of the tentative map conditions of approval with
regard to the noise mitigations, as the applicant can not meet the
requirements for mitigation with placement of noise berms.
Commissioners discussed the review of the berms by the Site Develop-
ment Committee, noting another meeting is scheduled for Friday, 14th
at 10:00 a.m. for futher review. Commissioners discussed the 60 db
level recommended for this development, and asked that this item be
placed under Old Business for the November 9th meeting after City
Council has reviewed the conditions of approval for amendments.
I. ADJOURNMENT:
There being no further new or old business, the meeting was adjourned
at 12:50 A.M.
Leslie Mullins
Planning Technician
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