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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/27/19934+ Minutes of a Regular Meeting Town of Los Altos Hills PLANNING COMMISSION cc: October 27,1993, 7:00 P.M. mbers, 26379 Fremont Road ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVED Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Town Hall. Present: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Schreiner, Sinunu, Stutz, Takamoto & Ellinger (arrived at 9:15) Absent: Commissioner Cheng Staff: Linda Niles, Town Planner; Jeff Peterson, City Engineer; Suzanne Davis, Assistant Planner; Lani Lonberger, Planning Secretary 4 2. PRESENTATIONS FROM THE FLOOR Persons wishing to address the Commission on any subject not on the agenda are invited to do so now. Please note, however, that the Commission is not able to undertake extended discussion or take action tonight on non-agendized items. Such items will be referred to Staff or placed on the agenda for a future meefing. None 3. CONSENT CALENDAR Items appearing on the Consent Calendar are considered routine and will be adopted in one motion, except for any item removed for separate consideration elsewhere on the agenda. The Chairman will ask the Commission and the audience for requests to remove these items. None. 4. REPORT FROM THE CITY COUNCIL MEETING OF OCTOBER 20, 1993 4.1 The Planning Commission representative was Commissioner Ellinger. Due to his absence, Commissioner Schreiner reported the following items were discussed: Lands of Jabbour was pulled by Council; the final map Certificate of Correction of the McCullough subdivision, the Human Habitation Setback and the emergency ordinance Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED October 27, 1993 Page 2 that was put into place after the 1989 earthquake which would require that all lots having a HHSB or a non HHSB would possibly have to come in for a Conditional Development Permit. Some of these lots are conditioned for HHSB as far as noise is concerned. The emergency ordinance was actually adopted as an ordinance at a later date and the staff would determine if conditions warrant for some of these lots to return under a CDP which allows the Planning Commission to decrease Floor area, development area or anything else on the lot. Chairman Comiso requested from staff information relating to the emergency ordinance of 1990 and Council discussion from the October 20, 1993 meeting relating to CDP. Ms. Niles continued the report from the City Council meeting stating the Lands of Puri variance was approved. Commissioner Takamoto will be the Planning Commission representative for the November 3, 1993 City Council meeting. 5. PUBLIC HEARINGS 5.1 LANDS OF LOS ALTOS COUNTY FIRE PROTECTION DISTRICT, Loop Road, Foothill College (EI Monte, Elena Road and Moody Road); A request for a Site Development Permit, Conditional Use Permit and Variance for a New Firehouse. Commissioners Takamoto and Stutz stepped down from the public hearing. Commissioner Takamoto's architectural firm serves as the project's architect and Commissioner Stutz resides within 500 feet of the project. Since there was not the needed quorum, the Planning Commission decided to take public testimony and make comments to forward to the City Council without a recommendation. It was felt that continuing the item was not desirable. Ms. Niles provided the Commission with a copy of a letter from Sandy Sloan, City Attorney, providing information relating to Sid Hubbard and Bill Siegel, both City Council Members and Members of the Fire District's Board of Commissioners. They may participate in decisions regarding the project because they do not gain financially more than $250.00 a year and not considered to have a conflict of interest. Ms. Niles noted the last four pages of the Neg. Dec. were placed in their box as they were not included in the staff report. She discussed jurisdiction over Foothill College, which included the authority to review any projects on the college which are not directly classroom related. The standards adopted by the Town are for residential properties. That was why they have the provision for Use Permits to be reviewed for those uses which are allowed in the residential zone and to be reviewed for determination of appropriate standards. Staff and the City Attorney felt that since the Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED October 27, 1993 Page 3 Town's formula for floor and development area was based on development for residential lots, the standards do not apply across the board to something like Foothill College. Foothill College is not a residential unit but an institution that requires a considerable amount of floor area and a great deal more development area in parking. The same logic used for determining appropriate development of floor area and hardscape on a residential lot would not be used when figuring the MDA and MFA of 136 acres of an institute site. The project's cut and fill was discussed. The cut is 1,250 cu. yds. and the fill is 1,100 cu. yds. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Mary van Tamelen, 23570 Camino Hermoso, Fire Commission, discussed the project and the conditions of approval. She felt it was not possible to fence the large 76 inch oak tree at the dripline as requested in #4 and noted all work would be under the supervision of an arborist. She requested the approval, which will remain in effect for 30 years as mentioned in #13, be of a longer duration as their lease with Foothill College is for 99 years. She also requested Public Works to make the determination regarding the warning light mentioned in #15. Chairman Comiso questioned where the fire trucks were going to be washed and where the hoses are going to be laid out to dry. The location was not known, however, Mr. Peterson commented that Foothill College does have permits for vehicle washing and felt the Fire District would be required to have the same type of permits. Chairman Comiso was concerned with the drainage of water. Ms. Niles would address this in her staff report to Council. Commissioner Sinunu asked if there was any consideration given to use the same site for the fire house. Mr. Sid Hubbard, 25228 La Loma Drive, noted there were three reasons for not using the old fire house; it does not meet current earthquake standards, the new fire trucks require a higher ceiling, and the living quarters in the old fire house are not adequate for the fire crew. Also, Foothill College does not want to tear down the historic building as it is a part of the Griffin Carriage House. Chairman Comiso asked why this particular location was selected as it is so much more visible than other areas on campus such as the staff parking lot. Mr. Hubbard noted there were considerable discussion and negotiations with the college and this was felt to be the best spot, and closest to the roadway. The relationship with the college and the fire commission was discussed. Mr. Hubbard noted Foothill College donated the land to the fire district and they have entered into a 99 year lease agreement with the college for $1.00. 460 Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED October 27,1993 Page 4 4 Mary Stutz, 25310 Elena Road, resident, noted the building is very good looking and in a good location. She noted that the Cl page of the plan labeled the roads incorrectly. She further discussed the upper entrance road which is the emergency parking area and felt it had two problems; going around Loop Road to reach the emergency fire alarm and the difficulty exiting this area. She suggested leaving the emergency fire alarm in the same location, and making the road a double entrance opposite the entrance of the above parking lot. She questioned the six parking slots for the firemen and would like to see the college give up two or three more parking spots, moving them away, further giving them more room to pull out. Mrs. Stutz did not feel the noise level would change from the present situation. The Commission further discussed; site distance, emergency pull in, concerns with the requested warning light, the number of emergency calls per month, safety going onto Moody Road, redesign of the emergency parking space on the north side of building as a drive through, and traffic safety exiling onto Moody and El Monte. Dick Oliver, 25466 Adobe Lane, noted the college had always been a good neighbor, and discussed the location of the fire station, the architectural style not matching the style of Foothill College that has won awards for its buildings, serious mistake to differ from the architectural style on campus, the dangerous intersection due to stop signs being so far apart, more sirens will be heard and he was not sure this was a good expenditure of public money. Mr. Hubbard commented that the Fire District did hold public hearings while they were going through the process of selecting a site. Before the Fire District made their final decision they wanted public input and also held a presentation before the trustees for the Foothill College District, which reviewed the same architectural design being presented, felt it was compatible with their architecture and gave it their approval. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Sinunu was concerned with the visibility. However, after driving by the site again he felt it was not too visible to areas outside of Foothill College. He was also concerned with the location, however now felt satisfied. He liked the design and the location relating to accessibility to the surrounding areas, Moody and Elena Roads. Commissioner Schreiner noted her main concerns, after she satisfied herself regarding the requirements relating to the Town, were traffic safety entering and exiting. She would like this concern stressed to the City Council. She was concerned with the visibility, however with proper landscaping and buffering this could be mitigated. She also agreed with Mrs. Stutz that something should be done regarding the emergency parking spot to make it safer. Her last concern was the noise factor and she was not sure how to mitigate this. Residents have spent a great deal of money to live in a Planning Commission Minutes October 27,1993 Page 5 APPROVED 6 pleasant, rural environment and she felt the noise factor was a concern of the residents. If the Council could come up with some sort of mitigation, she would appreciate it. Chairman Comiso did not feel this was the best location on campus for the new fire station although it is better than what they have now. This is very close to three roads that come together that she drives every day. She discussed the safety coming down Elena Road which she considers a main traffic pattern and a main entrance to the Town, being a visible impact. The Planning Commission discussed the Environmental Checklist explanations of "yes" or "maybe" answers with the following suggestions: 1, 3, and 6 all were in agreement; the standards for lighting would apply to #7; 13b -suggested moving the road and changing the access/exit for emergency parking; 13d -request monitoring warning light for the first three months as noted in the Staff's conditions of approval. The Planning Commission supported the Certification of the Negative Declaration. The Conditional Use Permit findings were discussed with Ms. Niles suggesting adding that the fire station would be a benefit to the Town and required in General Plan. Commissioner Schreiner suggested adding to #4 that some mitigation would be needed regarding visual impact. Chairman Comiso did not feel the findings for 1, 2 and 3 had E been adequately mitigated. Commissioner Simmu and Schreiner agreed with regards to 4W #3. The Variance findings were discussed. The Planning Commission agreed with the findings and recommended approval of the Variance. Commissioner Schreiner was concerned that the Town does not require a survey of the whole college for determination of the existing and proposed MDA and MFA. Conditions of Approval were discussed. The following changes were made. Change #4 regarding fencing at the dripline of the old oak tree which would not be possible while under construction. The fencing shall be to the satisfaction of staff. Remove the first sentence in #13 "This approval will remain in effect for 30 years". It was felt that the warning light mentioned in #15 was needed now and it was not necessary to wait and have it monitored. The Commission felt they could leave this up to Public Works. There was discussion relating to a signal at the intersection. Mr. Peterson commented that in any situation when an emergency vehicle approaches an intersection, the emergency vehicle has the right-of-way. RE -OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Dick Oliver, 25466 Adobe Lane, discussed fresh cut brick versus old brick. He suggested reviewing the type of brick to be used. Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED October 27,1993 Page 6 4W Mr. Peterson discussed the intersection; reconfiguration with stripping, median, and other low cost improvements. Mr. Peterson may recommend re -configuring the intersection for safety. Commissioner Schreiner requested this information be relayed to Council. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Ms. Niles stated all comments and concerns would be forwarded to the City Council for the November 17, 1993 meeting. Brief break at 9:15 p.m. 5.2 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS; Review of revised Mineral, Pathways and Recreation Elements of the General Plan for forwarding to the City Council with a recommendation of adoption by Council. 5.2b Path and Trail Element The Staff had nothing further to add to the Staff Report. 4 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Carol Gottlieb, 24290 Summerhill, Pathways Committee, noted the words path and trail were interchangeable. She discussed the requested changes to the element. Les Earnest, 12769 Dianne Drive, Pathways Committee and Stanford University's Bicycle Advisory Committee, discussed page 2, under PRINCIPLES, the original #2 regarding 'paths should be separated from the road pavement, and meander, where possible." He felt the statement was correct for pedestrian, equestrian paths, however not correct for bicycle path use. He suggested inserting "Pedestrian and equestrian" to the beginning of the sentence. He suggested a change to page 4, #9. After lengthy discussed, the wording was suggested to be changed to "Major bikeways within road rights-of-way (where possible) have ample room for a bicycle to ride on pavement on the right while being passed by other vehicles." Further discussion ensued, page by page ,with suggestions noted by Town Planner and Assistant Planner. Page 6 under MAINTENANCE, the word "native" in the last sentence was suggested to be removed. Additional wording was discussed stating it was clear that property owners should keep paths clear, otherwise the Town has the right to keep clear. The Town will clear periodically. Mowing is encouraged. Planning Commission Minutes APPROVED October 27, 1993 Page 7 4 Commissioner Ellinger suggested re -naming "Type IIB". Perhaps "Type 1, 2 & 3" instead of IIA, IIB. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING This item will be continued. 5.2c Recreation Element Commissioner Stutz questioned page 1, paragraph 3 and asked Staff if the Town asked for parks or in -lieu fees on subdivisions. Ms. Niles responded, yes. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Carol Gottlieb, 24290 Summerhill, Pathways Committee, discussed page 4c adding "adjacent to Town Hall" for clarification of location and 4d, changing "should" to "must". Commissioner Stutz added wording to 4e changing "allowed" to "developed". Mrs. Gottlieb further discussed additional Town owned property used for pathway and suggested either adding "g." "There are other smaller areas used for recreation not mentioned above" or mention that the Town owns property above Murietta Lane and the pathway committee is in the process of developing some of the most beautiful trails that will tie into the Mid Peninsula Regional Park District. Under heading on page 4, it was suggested changing the wording to read, "The more prominent Town owned property where opportunities for recreational facilities include". Further discussion ensued, page by page, with suggestions noted by the Town Planner and Assistant Planner. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING This item will be continued. 5.2a Mineral Element OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING The Commission all agreed that the condensed version was excellent. There was a correction one page 1, paragraph 6, changing "north" to "west" and a change to page 2, 4 Planning Commission Minutes October 27, 1993 Page 8 APPROVED 6 paragraph 2, "There have been many operations at the Quarry since May 31, 1989." This item will be forward to City Council with changes noted. 5.3 TOWN OF LOS ALTOS HILLS: An ordinance of the Town of Los Altos Hills amending various sections of the Zoning and Site Development Ordinances: Zoning Ordinance a. Section 10-1.208 - definition of Basement; b. Section 10-1.233 - definition of Floor Area; C. Section 10-1.227 - definition of Height, structure; d. Section 10-1.401 - Non -conforming Structures; and e. Section 10-1.504 - Height. Site Development Ordinance a. Article 7, Section 10-2.702 (b) and (e) - Conservation easement setbacks from creeks. This item will be continued to the November 10, 1993 meeting. 5.4 Review and discussion of draft "Guidelines for Residential Design and Land Use". Staff had nothing further to add. OPENED PUBLIC HEARING CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING The Planning Commission discussed the Guidelines, page by page. Suggestions included: changing the drawing opposite the Table of Contents as it appears to have a three story facade; indicate on page 2 where the planning process starts; change the slope of the driveway on page 8, second drawing; rural fence was suggested on page 9, move the house on the right of page 12 down the slope or add a hill behind it, change the driveway to a curved driveway on page 18, first drawing; more work requested for drawings suggesting desirable and undesirable on page 23; changing the word "less" to "more" on page 24. #2; add walk ways on page 29, B; change wording on page 32, #6 to read "Locate satellite dishes out of sight of neighbors and landscape to conceal." Elayne Dauber, 27930 Roble Alto Road, thanked the Commission for all their comments. 4 Planning Commission Minutes October 27, 1993 Page 9 APPROVED 4 There will be a "Guidelines for Residential Design and Land Use" public meeting November 4, 1993 at 7:00 p.m. 6. NEW BUSINESS 6.1 Schedule future discussion of the Town's Adopted Color Board, continued. 7. OLD BUSINESS 7.1 Report from the Design Guidelines Sub -Committee -continued. 7.2 Circulation Element -Continued (to be re -scheduled by Staf0. 7.3 Land Use Element -Continued to October 26, 1993 at 5:30 p.m. 7.4 Conservation Element -October 26, 1993 at 5:30 p.m. 7.5 Noise and Scenic Highways Elements -November 9, 1993 at 5:30 p.m. 7.6 Safety and Seismic Safety Elements -January 18, 1994 at 5:30 p.m. 7.7 Open Space Element -January 26, 1994 at 5:30 p.m. 8. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 8.1 Approval of the October 13,1993 Minutes, continued. 9. REPORT FROM THE SITE DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MEETINGS None. The Planning Commission agreed by consensus to re -schedule the November 24th meeting to Tuesday, November 30th at 7:00 p.m. due to the Thanksgiving Holiday. 10. ADIOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 11:30 p.m.