HomeMy WebLinkAbout05/11/1994tv Minutes of a Regular Meeting Approved 6/22/94
Town of Los Altos Hills
PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, May 11, 1994,7:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, 26379 Fremont Road
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1. ROLL CALL AND PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. in the Council
Chambers at Town Hall.
Present: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, McMahon,
Schreiner, Stutz & Takamoto (left at 10:00 p.m.)
Staff: Linda Niles, Planning Director; Jeff Peterson, City Engineer; Lani
Lonberger, Planning Secretary
`, The Planning Commission and Staff congratulated Commissioner McMahon on
her new appointment to the Commission.
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 meeting.
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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 MAY 4 1994
A public packet is available the Friday prior to the City Council meeting for the Planning
Commission representative.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 2
4.1 Commissioner Takamoto reported the following items were discussed at
the City Council meeting: Lands of Vucinich; Lands of Ben-Artzi; Lands
of Becker/Sander pulled from the consent calendar and then approved;
requests to rebuild houses demolished in the 1989 earthquake; Lands of
Esber approved with a requirement for a native path; and street tree
maintenance ordinance.
4.2 Planning Commission Representative May 18th will be Chairman Comiso.
Commissioner Ellinger suggested adding to a future agenda the subject of the
intent of conditions of approval for adequate mitigation which might need
further conditioning for unknown impacts.
5. PT JBLICHEARINGS
If you challenge the proposed action(s) in court, you may be limited to raising only those
issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described below, or in written
correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission at, or prior to, the public hearing.
All applications approved or denied at tonight's Planning Commission meeting are
subject to a 10 day waiting period during which any member of the City Council may
initiate a Council review, or any member of the public may appeal the Planning
Commission decision.
5.1 LANDS OF BILGER (2-94-ZP-SDGD), 25901 Vinedo Lane; A request for a
Site Development Permit for a New Residence and Pool.(The applicant
requested continuation.)
5.2 LANDS OF GALLIE/MUNYAK (246-93-ZP-SD),12804 Clausen
Court; A request for a Site Development Permit and Variance for a
New Residence (continued from February 23, 1994).
Mr. Peterson introduced this item requesting additional wording "no barrier
maybe locked" to be added to condition 19.
Commissioner Schreiner discussed the interior noise levels and what
method to use for insuring compliance. Staff noted that the measurements
would be taken after the house is built to insure compliance.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Daryl Fazekas, 50 University Avenue, Los Gatos, architect, presented an
overhead presentation noting a complete redesign with the help of all the
comments from previous meetings. He discussed the constraints of the lot,
designing a 11/2 story house, the elevations of the freeway and freeway
ramp in relationship to the house elevation and the design of the house with
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 3
noise consideration. He noted the applicants agreed with the conditions of
approval.
The Commission discussed the vibration of passing trucks; the oak tree on
the left side of the property asking if the applicant could widen the drainage
to protect the oak; the pathway easement document; and not grading
beyond the 332 foot line.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Condition 5 was discussed regarding the large 36 foot oak tree. The oak is
in fair to poor condition. It was suggested to remove the last sentence of the
condition.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Stutz and
seconded by Commissioner Schreiner to approve the Site Development
Permit and Variance with amended conditions as follows:
1. Condition 5 -remove the last sentence, "The large 36 foot oak on site is
in poor condition and will need an arborist's care to keep it healthy."
2. Add, "There shall be no grading beyond the 322 foot line."
3. Condition 19, add "no barrier may be locked."
AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner,
McMahon & Stutz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Takamoto
This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar May 18,1994.
5.3 LANDS OF LEBEAU (57-94-ZP-SD),12795 Normandy Lane; A
request for a Site Development Permit for a Major Addition and
Remodel.
Staff noted there was nothing further to add to the staff report.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Scott Davis, 4856 El Camino Real, Los Altos, representative for the applicant
was available for questions. He noted that they agreed with the conditions
of approval.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
(
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 4
Discussion ensued regarding condition 12 and the request for pathway in -
lieu fees.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Cheng
and seconded by Commissioner Ellinger to approve the Site Development
Permit as submitted.
AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner,
McMahon & Stutz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Takamoto
This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar May 18, 1994
5.4 LANDS OF GILMARTIN (54-94-ZP-SD-GD), 25980 Quail Lane: A request
for a Site Development Permit for a Major Addition and Remodel.
Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report.
Commissioner Schreiner discussed underground wiring being conditioned; the
property not connected to sewer; the grandfathered area; the existing driveway
and parking area being reduced; and putting in grasscrete. It was noted that
Quail Lane is a private street.
Commissioner Stutz commented that some of the pages of the plan were upside
down. In the future staff should not accept plans which are not easy to read.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Bill Matson, 384 Castro Street, Mountain View, architect, discussed the
impervious surface area; the original subdivision; completing the Certificate of
Compliance; underground wiring; and their driveway, granting an easement to
their neighbor. They have read and agreed with all conditions of approval.
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Ellinger and
seconded by Commissioner McMahon to approve the Site Development Permit
with amended conditions as follows:
1. Add condition 19, "Overhead wires shall be undergrounded to the
satisfaction of the City Engineer."
2. Add condition 20, "A Certificate of Compliance shall be required prior to
submittal of plans to the building department."
AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner,
McMahon & Stutz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Takamoto
This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar May 18,1994
5.6 LANDS OF VUCINICH (179 -93 -TM -ND -GD), 13826 Page Mill Road
(located on Moon Lane); Negative Declaration and proposed subdivision
of a 4.97 acre parcel into 3 lots (Assessors Parcel No. 182-08-021)
(continued from March 23, 1994).
MOTION PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To move the Lands of Vucinich to the first
public hearing item.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 5
AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner,
McMahon & Stutz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Takamoto
This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar May 18, 1994.
5.5 LANDS OF MOORING (41-94-ZP-SD-GD),13791 La Paloma Road; A
request for a Site Development Permit for a New Residence and Pool.
Staff had nothing further to add to the staff report.
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING
Glenn Cahoon, 1585 The Alameda, San Jose, project architect, discussed the
project noting they agreed with the conditions of approval.
Dave Mooring, 13791 La Paloma, applicant, questioned condition 18. Mr.
Peterson commented on the condition to Mr. Mooring's satisfaction. Mr.
Peterson noted a correction in wording for clarification in the first sentence of
condition 18 which should read, "The applicant shall dedicate a thirty foot 1/2
(
street right-of-way on La Paloma Road."
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
MOTION SECONDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner Ellinger and
seconded by Chairman Comiso to approve the Site Development Permit with
amended wording to condition 18, first sentence, "The applicant shall dedicate a
thirty foot half street right-of-way on La Paloma Road."
AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng, Ellinger, Schreiner,
McMahon & Stutz
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Takamoto
This item will appear on the City Council consent calendar May 18,1994
5.6 LANDS OF VUCINICH (179 -93 -TM -ND -GD), 13826 Page Mill Road
(located on Moon Lane); Negative Declaration and proposed subdivision
of a 4.97 acre parcel into 3 lots (Assessors Parcel No. 182-08-021)
(continued from March 23, 1994).
MOTION PASSED BY CONSENSUS: To move the Lands of Vucinich to the first
public hearing item.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 6
firr
Mr. Peterson introduced this item noting that a written summary of the previous
night's subcommittee had been placed in the Planning Commission boxes. This
was the third meeting of the subcommittee. The memo summarizes the
improvements within the basin and a list of provisions that the subcommittee felt
should be part of the solution to the drainage problems. Mr. Peterson read
through the list of improvements 1 through 7 and the list of provisions 1 through
8. Based on these items, he read the recommended condition of approval from
the subcommittee that delineates how the improvements would be paid for. He
added the following sentence to the end of this condition: "The improvements
shall be constructed or bonded for prior to the recordation of the final map." He
noted a letter from Mr. Vucinich was part of the staff report.
Chairman Comiso noted that the Planning Commission is only going to take this
application from where they entered as a commission. She complimented the
staff for all their hard work and Mr. Peterson's efforts with the subcommittee
meetings.
The Commission discussed the recommendations. Commissioner Ellinger asked,
in case of a fund shortage, was there a prioritization of the improvements? Mr.
Peterson responded no. By the Town accepting and approving this condition,
the Town is placing themselves responsible. A funding fallout might be from
residents who decide not to participate. The condition is written in such a way
that if everyone backs out of the agreement, it would be left to the Town and the
applicant to improve the drainage in the Moon Lane basin. However, there are
members of the subcommittee who said that they were willing to commit funds.
Commissioner Ellinger further discussed #4 regarding the Town having a major
responsibility in the correction of the drainage basin problems, asking if this
conclusion was reached on the basis of there being public improvements in that
basin such as the roads. Mr. Peterson responded yes. They further discussed #3,
and the Town's percentage of responsibility. The rough cost would be $100,000
for the improvements listed in the report. However nothing has been designed
so the figure could vary.
Mr. Peterson noted that during the course of the discussions, they had again
discussed problems, solutions and cost sharing. He agreed with most of the
problems listed by the residents (subcommittee). There were various solutions
proposed. He guided towards not having total piping all the way to the creek
which he felt would cause problems with the creek later on. The comments from
the subcommittee were that the Town had a major responsibility regarding cost.
He felt this was really a policy issue and it was not his place to commit the Town
as far as their financial responsibility. That decision will ultimately be made by
the City Council. As far as this condition, the method of payment is primarily
�, from the residents of that subcommittee.
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 7
OPENED PUBLIC HEARING (Tentative Map)
Morley Young, 27840 Saddle Court Road, discussed the Town designing the
drainage system; solutions proposed were from the Vucinich's engineer; no real
research as to the rate of runoff; approval of the subdivision should not be
granted within this drainage basin problem; why the Town is so quick to
approve the subdivision in light of the drainage concerns; old approval of
subdivision; ownership of Moon Lane and who is responsible; fire truck access;
aesthetics and philosophy; country atmosphere; widening of Moon Lane; density
consideration; and most lots in the area are two acres or more. He noted that in
the subcommittee meeting they discussed responsibility, the drainage problem
being everyone's problem and no one knew what the total costs would be or how
it would be paid for. He also noted that the Town, before approving any other
subdivision, should consider the impact of any properties downhill. Many of the
decisions will have to be made by the Town.
Carol Gottlieb, Co -Chair, Pathway Committee, noted support by the pathway
committee of the City Engineer's recommendation for a pathway on the property
(#15).
L Dru Anderson, 27820 Saddle Court, asked what is the policy for Saddle
Mountain subdivision people who have improvements accepted by the Town
and now may have to contribute again noting this may be a City Council policy
issue.
A question was raised regarding requesting an opinion from the City Attorney.
It was felt that the legal aspects would be addressed when the City Council
addresses the issues.
Tim Chown, 13822 Page Mill Road, discussed the major responsibility of the
Town should be the number one issue as they approved the Saddle Mountain
subdivision and the improvements which he felt was a mistake; the Vucinichs
being held hostage by the Town; the recommended condition by the
subcommittee not addressing maintenance of the dissipater; and the Town being
100% responsible.
Alan Huntzinger, project civil engineer, discussed the problem with last nights
subcommittee meeting. He would like to see the drainage problems solved in six
months, however he did not see that as a possibility. He would like to see the
project move forward. Mr. Vucinich does not have a drainage problem. He felt
Vucinich can detain their peak runoff so that there is no increased impact
f downstream. They will provide sanitary sewer, fresh water to the area, fire
turnaround, their drainage improvements and participate in the ultimate
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 8
drainage solution. There are only three neighbors who are stating they have a
drainage problem (Ewald, Chown, Bavor). He felt they could come up with a
solution for their property that would not add to the drainage basin which he felt
the City Engineer would approve. They could then approve a subdivision on
that basis and further stipulate that at such time that the staff, city attorney and
all the property owners involved come into an agreement with their ultimate
solution for drainage and financing, they then can determine what Vucinich's fair
share would be. The Vucinichs should not have to solve other people's drainage
problems. Mr. Huntzinger verbally corrected the position of the energy
dissipater on the Anderson land (Plan #4) noting he had looked at some old
plans. The dissipater is actually closer to the property line than indicated. In
discussing the Tentative Map, he clarified that each lot is over 11/2 acres. He
further discussed Plan #5 for detaining water on their own site so they are not
running any additional water down on the Bavors. The solution they have
before them is the ultimate system of pipelines, inlets and various things all the
way down to Matedero Creek. This might be what the final design solution is
but as he mentioned, the final design solution might be years in the making. He
hopes it isn t. He would rather see someone have it designed by the end of this
summer. His solution is drain basins on a temporary basis until such time as the
ultimate solution is built.
Chairman Comiso noted that they were spending a great deal of time on
drainage as there is a real problem. However, the end design would not be
coming from the Planning Commission. It will be gone over and over by staff
and the applicants. Tonight they will have to decide if it can be mitigated in
order to approve the map.
Commissioner Schreiner had some concerns regarding the configuration of the
lots. She was particularly concerned with lot 3 which is very constrained. She
further discussed the Lot Unit Factor. Lot 3 is constrained by several factors; (1)
the conservation easements resulting in, at one point, a 191/2% slope to the
driveway. The Wilsey and Ham report recommendation was a 15-18% slope on
the driveway. She was also concerned with the deed restriction limiting the
configuration (#24). She would also like to see lot 3 with more flexibility. She
asked Mr. Huntzinger if they had considered giving lots 2 and 3 more breathing
room. Mr. Huntzinger responded that his initial concern in siting lot 1 was to
follow the existing fence line and the existing landscaping. He believed there
was a little excess LUF on lot 1. If it was their desire to make each of the lot unit
factors equal, he could re -adjust the lot lines. They had already done this with
lots 2 and 3. His initial concept was equal size lots on 2 and 3 with the same
number of square feet. The staff suggested it would be better if they took into
account the steep roadway embankment on Moon Lane which adds to the overall
steepness of the lot and therefore make lot 3larger and get an equal lot unit
�w factor on lots 2 and 3. He could redesign the driveway slightly to get it down to
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 9
v 18% as recommended by Wilsey and Ham. He noted that this was only the first
concept and they were not trying to draw a house plan at this point. It was
initially drawn at that elevation to permit a septic system below it. When they
take the septic system out, then they can bring the house lower on the hill, and
move it further toward Page Mill slightly. It will depend on the shape of the
actual house.
Mr. Huntzinger further discussed the fire truck turn around noting that the fire
department has several configurations that are permitted; (1) build a circle like a
cul-de-sac, (2) build a square, (3) build a hammer head like a "T", (4) a "Y"
configuration which he would propose using. He would like to use the driveway
of lots 2 and 3 and Moon Lane and widen out the driveway for the fire trucks.
Mr. Huntzinger was asked by Commissioner Ellinger if they were planning a one
story house on lot 3. He responded yes perhaps with the living room, kitchen on
top of the garage which would improve their view.
A discussion regarding the outdoor living area ensued. Mr. Huntzinger noted
that the owner of lot 3 would have to be someone who would not want a sport
court. He could see it developed nicely in orchards or vineyards. There is room
for patios and possibly a pool below the house with the downhill swimming pool
wall actually being a retaining wall where the water goes right out to the edge.
L Lot 3 is the same slope as Mr. Young's lot. It is only slightly steeper than lot 1 if
4✓ you look at the underlining parts. Chairman Comiso asked if there was
adequate outdoor area on lot 3. Mr. Huntzinger felt there was adequate area.
CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING
Commissioner Ellinger felt there was a fundamental conclusion of the Negative
Declaration in that there was nothing that could not be mitigated. Mr. Vucinich
cannot mitigate all the drainage problems alone nor should he. However, if
nothing is done regarding drainage, the problem will continue as any
development will contribute to the problem. There are some issues that he
would call clear and recurring hazards of flooding of Moon Lane which cause
restriction of travel for safety vehicles and an inconvenience for the residents.
There are some solutions that are being proposed but they are limited to the
Vucinich property. There was a recommendation regarding a maintenance
provision for the improvements which includes repair of the energy dissipater on
the Anderson property. He further discussed the outdoor living area, the
conservation easement (good place for an orchard or vineyard) and the
possibility of dividing the subdivision into two lots which would be less
constrained.
Commissioner Takamoto agreed with Commissioner Ellinger in that this was the
time to handle the drainage problem before anything else is started. He was
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 10
concerned with the lots, not so much with the size, but the design of the homes
on those lots. If this project is approved, he will be looking at the design of the
houses on those lots and the positioning as he felt this was important.
Commissioner Schreiner was concerned with the lot configuration. Perhaps a
two lot subdivision would be better. She further discussed the City Council
discussion regarding quasi subdivisions as a problem. She felt strongly that the
status of Moon Lane needed to be clarified in order for the Vucinich's to dedicate
a 30 foot road right-of-way. Commissioner Ellinger noted that he had met some
residents who actually knew Mr. Moon.
Chairman Comiso viewed the drainage in three parts: an upper drainage
problem; a Vucinich problem; and a lower drainage problem. She further
discussed the Town dissipater; the Town's responsibility to maintain the
dissipater; the Vucinich property not being the cause of all the drainage
problems; and the lower neighbors who are experiencing the drainage problems.
She did not know who Moon Lane belongs to however it is a private road and
treated for over 40 years as a private road. She understands the residents like the
rural feeling and do not want to deed the road to the Town. The residents are
responsible for the upkeep of the road, making the improvements. The Planning
Commission cannot condition properties not before them. Part of the problem is
that the Town has not kept up with the dissipater. The Vucinich's are receiving
drainage from the Handley's property. This problem is adding to the drainage
downstream. The Planning Commission can recommend that all of the drainage
problems be mitigated but how do they enforce it. The Planning Commission
can recommend to the City Council that they take care of what is the Town's
responsibility; the dissipater and the drainage from above. A drainage district
might be able to be formed, however she did not know how the Town could ever
enforce it. This would have to be done by the neighbors. The Planning
Commission can condition the Vucinich's piece of property so they do not add
any more than their fair share to the drainage. She further discussed disking
adding to drainage problems.
Commissioner Stutz felt if the Town had taken care of their water, Moon Lane
would be fairly dry. The Bavors, Handleys and Chowns were all approved
secondary units without extra drainage conditions. She did not want to
condition Mr. Vucinich any more than the Bavors, Handleys or Chowns. She did
not feel fixing Moon Lane was a Town problem. It is a private road. If they are
going to condition residents to do something about drainage, they should also
condition the Town to take care of the water coming off of Saddle Mountain. She
had no problem with the lot unit factors as proposed and felt the application had
met all of the conditions for subdividing.
taw
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 11
Commissioner Ellinger recommended forwarding the recommendation to the
City Council. The drainage in this basin can be reviewed as an urgency matter as
they have findings documented over a historical time that there is a clear and
recurring hazard here caused by an inadequate drainage situation. He felt this
could be addressed with a variety of improvements, some of which could involve
the Town. Further, add to the findings that they have not only specific proposals
that have been submitted by residents and experts but there is a sense of
cooperation and constructive approach to solving the problem which is not likely
to occur again soon. Both that attitude and the clear and recurring hazard
compel an urgent action to address the drainage concerns and to arrive at a
proposed solution for implementation. This would be his first proposal. Staff
was not sure of the time frame in which this item would appear on the City
Council agenda. The reason Commissioner Ellinger suggested taking this
application in two parts was that he wanted to first, take some action that was
firmly known, documented and committed to an action. He would recommend
that the second part, the tentative map, be continued until part 1 is addressed.
He cannot support a subdivision at this point until he receives some resolution
on what action will be taken regarding drainage.
Commissioner Schreiner did not want to leave the applicant hanging again. She
hoped they had made enough recommendations on the tentative map so the
Vucinich engineer, Mr. Huntzinger, could return with more definite ideas
regarding their concerns. She further discussed the conditions of approval, in
particular #24. She would like to have a little more flexibility in the tentative
map. Chairman Comiso commented that deed restrictions as conditioned really
do work. Mr. Peterson asked for clarification and direction regarding
Commissioner Ellinger's recommendation. Commissioner Ellinger would like to
see, after Council action, a list of improvements to be completed, a schedule or an
order in which the improvements would be completed, roughly the cost, how
much (percentage) the Town will be paying and know how you are going to
collect the money that the residents claim they are willing to pay on a prorated
basis. Chairman Comiso felt this was not a possible request for the City Council
meeting next Wednesday. Further discussion ensued regarding the Town
dissipater, the request to send the drainage concerns to the City Council, and
action necessary to mitigate the hazardous drainage situation.
Ms. Niles commented that the request can be put on the City Council agenda for
the next meeting describing the Planning Commission's concerns. The City
Council can then set their time for analyzing the situation. Together with the
City Attorney the City Council will be better able to understand how to address
the drainage concerns and under what public hearing forum. As far as the
tentative map and negative declaration is concerned, these are separate items
from the Moon Lane drainage basin. The Commission needs to, as much as
possible, go through the conditions of the project for the design as proposed or
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
` Page 12
for a possible re -design they might feel necessary if the recommended conditions
do not provide a lot design they feel is appropriate. At that point they need to be
requesting some re -design. If the conditions do not address the issue of
constrained lots then they need to request a re -design. She further discussed the
slope density formula, steep lots versus flat lots, and the Town policy to approve
projects that will accommodate reasonable development within the Town
standards for whatever are the constraints of the property. The Commission is
still working on what they feel is an appropriate design for the subdivision of the
Vucinich site. It appears this may need another continuance. However, if they
do continue the tentative map, the Planning Commission needs to enumerate all
the concerns for the applicant and their engineer. Mr. Peterson suggested
sending the issue of drainage separately from the approval process of the
tentative map.
Commissioner Schreiner's concerns were: (1) the drainage basin; (2)the steepness
of the driveways; (3) the configuration of the driveways to lots 2 and 3; (4) the
actual configuration of the lots, especially lot 3 and its placement because of its
constraints due to the conservation easement; and (5) the status of Moon Lane
and how they will be able to require a dedication. Concerning the status of
Moon Lane, it has been noted that Moon Lane is a separate parcel on the
assessors roles; no one knows who is paying the taxes; and Mr. Moon is still
[ alive. Commissioner Stutz did not feel they had to address (1) as it is left to the
�►" satisfaction of the City Engineer. Commissioner Stutz did not have a problem
with the lots as designed. She did feel, as suggested by Mr. Huntzinger, the
driveway slope could be reduced on lot 3. Commissioner Ellinger and Schreiner
would like to see the driveways combined to reduce the steepness which may
require an adjustment of the proposed lot line that divides the two lots.
Commissioner Schreiner would also like the Commission to consider
conditioning lot 3 to be below a certain contour line because of the view (of
windows) from Saddle Mountain. Chairman Comiso noted that this is already
conditioned to be a step on contour house so they should not have the same
height and mass problem that you would with a single level or a two level house.
Mr. Peterson suggested that the Commission describe to staff generally what
they are interested in seeing and the staff can work with the applicant on some
scenarios. He noted that there are different provisions in the code that the staff
will have to work with to provide the best solution. Commissioner Stutz felt
they should not look at drain fields at all and condition the property to be on
sewer. Mr. Peterson noted that in talking with the design engineer, his
understanding was that on the title report it shows that there is an utilities
easement on Moon Lane already. There may be a need for cutting across a corner
of the Ewald's property. Mr. Ewald noted there was not a problem with granting
an easement for the sewer line. Commissioner Ellinger going back to the height
and the location of the specific building as proposed by Commissioner Schreiner,
�W noted that Saddle Mountain is more than 100 feet above this project. He does not
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
( Page 13
want to add a condition regarding lot 3 being at a certain contour line. He felt
the staffs recommended condition was adequate.
Further discussion ensued regarding the design of the driveway suggesting a
condition so staff can review the plan and approve it for the driveway change to
reduce the slope. Commissioner Ellinger agreed with the provision requesting
that if they cannot reduce the driveway steepness down to an acceptable level
without moving the lot line as drawn, it would be returned to the Planning
Commission. Commissioner Schreiner further discussed several lots on Saddle
Mountain that were specifically conditioned to be at a certain contour level so
you could see over them or at least not see into their windows. She noted this
condition was something they have done quite often in Town which leads to a
rolling contour feeling. Her concern was with lot 3. Commissioner Ellinger
agreed to a condition stating the height on these properties of any construction
cannot exceed a building that would prevent anyone from Saddle Mountain
looking straight across and being obstructed by these projects. He really felt the
condition was not needed. Further discussion ensued. After discussion,
Commissioner Schreiner noted that the issue of height and a contour level could
be addressed at the Site Development Permit stage when a house design comes
in.
The Commission discussed the proposed conditions of approval including the
condition proposed by the subcommittee adding "and maintained" to the second
sentence after the word "repair".
The added condition 19 under "Improvements" which was discussed at the
March 23rd meeting (The applicant shall widen Moon Lane up to four feet in
width on the north side of the street adjacent to the subdivision to the satisfaction
of the City Engineer. It shall be required by the applicant and demonstrated by
the applicant's geotechnical engineer that the widening will occur on stable soil.
The applicant shall also crack -seal the pavement and fix any potholes on Moon
Lane adjacent to the subdivision) was discussed by the City Engineer.
Further discussion ensued regarding condition 6. Mr. Peterson noted the
applicant could dedicate the 10 foot strip adjacent to the 20 foot half street width
that is on their property. They can also dedicate any rights that they have to the
section that is in front of their property. If they have limited rights, they have
dedicated those rights. This is something that can be worked out in the legal
documents. At a minimum, they can dedicate the 10 feet. They cannot grant or
dedicate an easement that has been dedicated to them.
Commissioner Ellinger questioned the discussion regarding three driveways
sharing a common exit from Moon Lane. He asked if they needed a special
4 condition that permits staff to accept this request. Mr. Peterson commented that
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 14
if it turned out that the best solution involved a combination of three driveways
which was not a street, they could recommend a variance of that particular
ordinance because of the configuration of the land. This would be opposed to
sending off a separate street in that direction which he felt would have an impact
on the property. If the Planning Commission felt this was appropriate, they
could recommend this to the City Council.
Commissioner Stutz had a problem with condition 15 requiring a Type IIB
pathway constructed on the north side of Moon Lane along the subdivision
frontage as she felt it would not be maintained or be usable. The Commission
asked for the opinion of Carol Gottlieb, pathway committee co-chair. Mrs.
Gottlieb noted this was designed by the City Engineer. This was another case
where they have an opportunity to put in a IIB path that will be used and
maintained.
MOTION SECONDED AND FAILED: Motion by Commissioner Stutz and
seconded by Chairman Comiso to remove the requirement for a Type IIB path
way to be constructed as conditioned in #15.
AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Cheng & Stutz
NOES: Commissioners Ellinger, Schreiner, McMahon
ABSENT: Commissioner Takamoto
Commissioner Stutz discussed condition 24. She did not like to see the "25%
average slope" as lot 2 only has a 22% slope. She recommended changing the
wording to "lot 2 at 22% and lot 3 at 270/6."
Discussion ensued regarding the subcommittee condition as written and how to
divide cost responsibility (i.e. percentage of MDA, linear frontage).
MOTION SECONDED, AMENDED AND PASSED: Motion by Commissioner
Ellinger, seconded by Commissioner Stutz and amended to approve the
recommended subdivision as proposed and amended including the condition
proposed by the subcommittee amended as follows:
1. The applicant shall construct drainage improvements within the
subdivision boundary to the satisfaction of the City Engineer. The Town
shall repair and maintain the storm drainage dissipater on the Anderson
property and shall construct a grass -lined earthen swale with erosion
protection through the Chown property. The applicant shall participate in
the construction of drainage improvements downstream of the
subdivision to Matadero Creek with prorated financial participation of the
residents within the Moon Lane drainage basin, including the Town.
Proration means a figure based on percentage contribution calculated on
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 15
Maximum Development Area for existing properties with participation
implied to be up to.or equal to that amount as required. The storm
drainage improvements outside of the subdivision shall be designed by
the Town. The improvements shall be constructed or bonded for prior to
recordation of the final map.
2. Adding condition 19 under "Improvements" as follows: The applicant
shall widen Moon Lane up to four feet in width on the north side of the
street adjacent to the subdivision to the satisfaction of the City Engineer.
It shall be required by the applicant and demonstrated by the applicant's
geotechnical engineer that the widening will occur on stable soil. The
applicant shall also crack -seal the pavement and fix any potholes on Moon
Lane adjacent to the subdivision.
3. Wording to the effect that staff can look at the plan for combining the
three driveways to access Moon Lane to the satisfaction of the City
Engineer to reduce the steepness. If the driveway steepness cannot be
reduced down to an acceptable level without moving the lot line as
drawn, it shall be returned to the Planning Commission.
AYES: Chairman Comiso, Commissioners Stutz, Cheng & Ellinger
NOES: Commissioner Schreiner
ABSTAIN: Commissioner McMahon
ABSENT: Commissioner Takamoto
This item will be noticed for the City Council public hearing meeting.
6. NEW BUSINESS
None.
7. OLD BUSINESS
7.1 General Plan Elements -Update schedule for work sessions.
a. Land Use Element -Continued.
b. Circulation Element -Continued.
C. Conservation Element -Continued.
d. Scenic Highways Elements -Continued.
e. Noise Element -Continued.
f. Seismic Safety/Safety Elements -Continued.
g. Open Space Element -Continued.
The Planning Commission scheduled June 6th for their next special meeting.
4W
Planning Commission Minutes Approved 6/22/94
May 11, 1994
Page 16
•• 1 ►C
8.1 Approval of the April 27, 1994 Minutes (minutes will be available at
the May 25,1994 meeting).
C. • C C • �� M:.. MY � /_ • u ►M • u1u Y�Y. ul MI► •
u.
9.1 LANDS OF TURNER, 26342 Ginny Lane; A request for a Site
Development Permit for a Sport Court and Landscape Plan.
Approved with Conditions.
9.2 LANDS OF BALL, 24183 Hillview Road; A request for a Site
Development Permit for a Pool and Decking. Approved with
conditions.
9.3 LANDS OF ADDISON,13470 Carillo Lane; A request for a Site
Development Permit for a Landscape Plan and Related
Improvements. Approved with conditions.
The meeting was adjourned by consensus at 12:20 a.m.
Respectfully submitted,
-
"
LaniLonberger
Planning Secretary