HomeMy WebLinkAbout1978-06-05 City Council Summary MinutesCITY
COV!ICIL
MIMUT€S
Regular Meeting
June 5, 1978
ITEM
Minutes of May 15, 1978
Oral Communications
Ethel Anderson, 360 Colorado
Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison Avenue
Consent Calendar -.Referral Items
Refuse Collection and Disposal Recommended Rate and
Service Level Charges (Referral to Finance and
Public Wcrks Coneittee)
Consent Calendar - Action Items
Policy and Pm.cedur°es Committee Recommends to Council
Re Comprehensive Plan Inip1enentatlon Priori Lies
Greer Park Master Plan Proposal Plan B
Veterans' Day Date Change 9 5 4
California Avenue Area Off -Street Parking Maintenance
District: Parking Maintenance District:' lntenticn
To Change Assessment Formula 9 5 4
Fifth Amendment to Agreement for Sale of Power
Parcel s--8ramco Developments, Inc., and Webster
Financial Corporation 9 5 4
Retirement of Edward R. 0blander 9 5 5
Retirement of Bige C. Pl eaaons 9 5 5
Presentation of Acrd , .v Metropolitan Transportation
Commission 9 5 6
CITY
of
PALO
ALTO
PAGE
953
953
953
953
953
953
9 5 4
9 5 4
Housing Program 13 and Dedication of Mini -Parks on
Downtown Park North Site
Bova l of Meus i ng Program 13
Dedication of Mini -Parks oca.Downtown Park North Side
Public Hearing to Consider the Reommmendations of the
Planning Commission on a New Comprehensive Zoning Map
for; Palo Alto and Draft Environmental Impact Report
(EIR) Pertaining Thereto
Zoning Nap
Future Meeting Dates
Finance and Public Works Committee lots
Adjoureatint
Cancelled
954
956
956
957
9 5 8
960
973
973
973
952
/5/78
Regular Meeting
June 51'1978
The City Council of the City of Palo Alto met on this date at 7:35 p.m.
in a regular meeting, Mayor Sher presiding:
PRESENT: Brenner, Carey. Clay, Eyeely, Fazzino, Fletcher,
Henderson, Sher
ABSENT: Witherspoon
Mayor~ Sher announced the method of submitting a card to the City Clerk
in order to be heard on the matter of -the Pubic Hearing for the new
Comprehensive Zoning Map; the future speakers were to differentiate the
topic on which they wished t, be heard --the Environmental Impact portion,
or the zoning map itself, indicating which section of the map they were
interested in.
MINOTS_WMAY_154_J970
monneemegorroareamesoimu sp
Vice Mayor Brenner said that pages, 919, 920, 921 and 922 incorrectly
referred to the Hewlett-Packard pro j ct_ n the refer-.._ have
. -.....� m a .afu the reference t �t G±tt.� should
been to WSJ Properties.
MOTION: Councilmembee Henderson droved, seconded by Fazzino, that Council
approve the minutes as corrected. The notion passed on a unanlmous
vote_
MAL C044MUPrICATINS
1. Mrs. Ethel Anderson, 360 Colorado, praised the government and
services in Palo Alto, and asked that on the vote to take place on
June 6, 1978, citizens vote for Proposition 3, rather than Proposition
13, which was thought to result in severe service cuts were it to
pass.
2. Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison , venue. faulted the City Council
members for not holding a p►Jbl is forum on the balloting to take
place June 6, '978. In his words, he wanted to castigate Council
for supporting scare tactics to defeat Proposition 13, which was
purported to result, if passed. in severe cuts in services. He
pressed for cuts in governmental spending that passage of Proposition
13 was alleged to brim about.
C OiT CALENDAR
Vice Mayor Rrenner asked that the Policy and Procedures Committee
recommendations on Housing Program 13 and dedication of C+ntowm mini
parks from the list of Comprehensive Plan Priorities be removed from
the Consent Calendar.
The fox l owi ng items remained on the Cott Calendar:
dar:
Referral Items
REFUSE COLLECTION AND DISPOSAL
RCOIENCED x, , ,.` tvEL
8)
Staff recomeends that Council refer the phi amenieent to a contract
with Palo Alto SanitationCompseyfor to collection and treesoortetion
of rem to become effective July 1, 1971; tke resolutions weeding the
953
615178
Refuse Fund schedules for he City of Palo Alto Utilities rates and
charges for collections and disposal to become effective July 1, 1978;
and the chatter of including in the arpended rate chedule a provision
for one -can, single-family residential collection'service for $3.00 per
month, t-, the Finance and Public Works Committee.
Action Items
POLICY AND PROCEDURES COMMITTEE
REMARRUrTrCUURTMETORMENsIvE
VEWIPPEORMATWPRioRITTEs •
Policy and Procedures Committee recommends a) to implement Program 1 under
Schools and Parks in the Comprehensive Plan and that Council request the
City/School Liaison Committee to initiate development of this process as
soon as possible; d) that gateway entrances be strengthened by
rye -introducing bright13 ;olored flowers; e) that the Mayor write a
letter to the State Department of Transportation asking the status of
Interstate 280 as a.scenic route; f) that Council approve staff's recommendations
for Comprehensive Plan implementation as modified by the Planning Comi•ssion
and the Policy and Procedures Committee.
GREER PARK MASIER PLAN PROPOSAL PLAN S (CMR:270:8)
Staff recommends that Council find that the approved Greer Park Master
Plan will have no significant environmental impact and approve the Greer
Park Master Plan Proposal Plan 8 as prepared by Rubera and Sue Associates,
by adopting the Park Improvement Ordinance.
ORDINANCE 3059 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE
CITY OF PALO ALTO APPROVING AND ADOPTING A PLAN FOR
THE IMPROVEMENT OF GREER PARK (AKA JOHN LUCAS GREER PARK)"
(First reading May 15; 1978)
VETtRANS' DAY DATE CHANGE
ORDINANCE 3060 entitled "ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL
1 THE CITY 0` PALO ALTO AMENDING SECTION 2.08.100(a)
OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL COOL TO CHANGE THE DAY
UPON WHICH VETERANS' DAY IS CELEBRATED." (First
reading May 22, 1978)
CALIFORNIA AVENUE AREA OFF-STREET
PARRINN NA zwrEare U
T!'TEml IDR TuTRKICEMTEMPUY FORKILA (ClyR: 297.8 )
Staff recommends that Council approve the following resolution:
RESOLUTION 5551 entitled "RESOLUTION
UrTRTINTIOrr CHANGE AND MODIFY
ASSESSMENT FORMULA."
:8)
Staff recommends that Council approve the modification to the sales
agreement by authorizing the Mayor to execute the original and duplicate
copies of Amendment 5 to Contract 3803. The documeut has been approved
as to form by the City Attvr►: y, ,and as to audit and accounting by the
City Controller.
AMEPOMENT NO. SALE OF
CONTRACT NO. X38003
AGREEMENT s FOR SALE OF PROPERTY--
BIANCO � Inc..
e1 tsy and Webster
Financial Corporation.
MOTION: Councilmernber Eyerly moved, second d by Fazzino, that Council
approve the contract, adopt the resolution, and approve the ordinances 3f
the Consent Calendar. The motion passed on a unanimous vote, Councilmernber
Witherspoon zbsent.
RETIREME OF EDWARD R. °BLAMER (CIR:280:8)
Ed Oblander retired after 20 years of service with the Palo Alto Police
Department. He had served with the U.S. Army and the Royal Canadian
Mounted Police Force. He had attained rank of lieutenant with the Palo
Alto Police Force. He had received a life teaching credential, and
certificates for middle management and executive development schools
with the Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training.
Frank Manfredi, 219 Addison Avenue, objected to pensions being given for
disability, when pensioners with such disability then took other jobs.
He cited a California official who had done so, and said he felt people
falsely obtained more money than they were entitled to.
Mayor Sher asked that Mr. Manfredi state his objections to pensions in a
more appropriate context.
TI : Counci €ra wer Henderson introduced the following resolution and
mined, seconded. by Fazzino, that Council adopt the -resolution.
RESOLUTION 5552 entitled ''RESOLUTION OF T'HE
COUNCIL or THE CITY OF PALO EXPRESSING APPRECIATION
TO EDWARD R. OBLANDER UPON HIS RETIREMENT .°
MOTION PASSED: The motion passed on a unanimous vote, Council neber
Witherspoon absent.
Mayor Sher presented Mr. °blander with a copy of the resolution and a
plaque, and invited him to address members of that Council.
Ed Oblander said a heart attack made it impossible for him to work any
longer; under different circumstances he would have continued to .ork
for eight more years. He and his wife would continue to live in Palo
Alto 6 -!..ere they found life very pleasant. He praised the people with
whom he had worked for the past 20 years.
RETIRE►iE►NT OF 8IGE C. PLEMONS (CPA:281:8)
B. C. "Hank" P1e.ons had spent 27 years of service with the City of Palo
Alto, beginning as a pipe fitter in Water -Gas -Sewer, end, es SipePylsor
in Water Transmission, played an important role -in WOO system improvement
projects. He rasa supervisor in Utility projects it the time of his
retirement. Many of those people whom he had trained in that work will
continue with the high standards which he had set. Mr. P1emons was not
present to receive his plague.
MOTION: Counc i l member Fazzino introduced the following resolution and
seconded by Carey, moved its adoption by Council:
RESOLUTION 5553 entitled *RESOLUTION OF THE
COUNCIL CITY OF PALO ALTO EXPRESSING
APPRECIATION TO RIG C. *HANK" PLEMONS UPON
HIS RETIREMENT.,"
MOTION PASSED: The motion passed on a unanimous vote, Courtcilee bar
Witherspoon absent.
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PRESENTATION OF AWARD BY METROPOLITAN
Louise Giersch, former mayor and councilmember from Antioch, Contra
Costa County, said that public transportation was important to the well
being and growth of the San Francisco Bay Area --the large number of
innovative programs underway demonstrated that. She said she was pleased
to present an award of merit to Palo Alto for the Palo Alto/Menlo Park
Transportation Study which had resulted in a productive system and
several employee vanpool programs. The study had been'done with local
funding and with wide public representation. Stanford University's
fare -less bus system, "The Marguerite,": had also won an MTC award, as
had John Morrow for his role in the ticket subsidy program for Southern
Pacific Railway.
Mayor Sher accepted the award, saying that there had been satisfaction
on Palo Alto's part, and he said the grid system, rather than the hub
system, had served the area well.
HOUSING PROGRAM 13
an -
J:�ICATI N F ttTiVx--PARK_i ON DOWNTOWN
MOTION: Councilrrember Fazzino moved, seconded by yendersoo, that the
items concerning Housing Program 13 and dedication of mini -parks be
discussed prior to the discussion to take place on the zoning + p.
Councilmeemier Fazzino explained that he thought the discussion would be
brief and anyone in the audience who wished to speak to the matter could
do so without waiting throughout the lengthy zoning map discussion.
MOTION PASSED: The motion to move Items 2 b) and 2 c) forward passed on
the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson
NOES: . Sher
ABSENT: Witherspoon
MOTION TO CONTINUE: Vice Mayor Brenner moved that Items 2 b) and c) be
continued to a later meeting.
!MOTION TO CONTINUE DIED: The motion died for lack of a second.
RE*WAL OF HOUSING PROGRAM 13 FROM
:STUDY
Vice Mayor Brenner said she had thought the removal of Housing Program
13 from the Comprehensive Plan had seemed to her to be unnecessary.
The program mourned procedures to encourage three- and four -bedroom
units. Since they expressed an interest in family housing she preferred
to leave it in the initial plan, The Policy and Procedures Committee,
by a vote of 2-1, had voted to remove the program. She said she would,
paradoxically, as the chairperson of the Policy and Procedures Committee,
move to remove the item, then she would vote against that removal.
956
6/5/78
MOTION: Vice Mayor Brenner moved, on behalf of the Policy and Procedures
Committee; that Housing Program 13 be removed from the Implementation
Study.
Naphtaii Knox, Director of Planning and Coilnunity Environment, said he
had understood that the Policy and Procedures Committee had voted to
remove Housing Program 13 from the Implementation study, not from the
Comprehensive Plan. The amendment procedure for the Comprehensive Plan
came to the full Council, and this work program which the Planning staff
had developed set priorities as to which programs should be worked on
first. He had understood that the Policy and Procedures Committee had
agreed that Housing Program 13 was. not to be worked on at this time, for
the staff had said that it was difficult to request, or even encourage,
developers to provide three- and four -bedroom units.
Anne Steinberg, chairperson of the Planning Commission, said the Comprehensive
Plan read "In the revision of the Zoning Ordinance establish procedures
which would encourage three- and four -bedroom units." It had not been
possible to do that in the revision of the Zoning Ordinance. Perhaps
that had been the reason for Councilmeriber Witherspoon having made that
recommendation in the Policy and Procedures Committee meeting, for
removing Housing Program 13.
Councilmember Henderson said he would be willing to remove it from the
Implementation Plan, but he had not been willing to remove it from the
Comprehensive Plan. He would support the Committee recommendation.
Councilmen-,er Carey favored the motion because if the Implementation
Study went ahead it would be based on a point for which there was no
procedure. He thought the goal was remote and compl icat(d, and Housing
Program 13 should be removed from the Is lementation Study.
MOTION PASSED: The motion that Housing Program 13 be removed from the
Implementation Study passed on the following vote:
AYES: Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Fazulno, Fletcher, Henderson Sher
NOES: Brenner
ABSENT: Witherspoon
DEDICATION OF MINI -PAS ON DOWdTMN
Kermit Kempf, 930 Palo Alto Avenue, spoke to the words "Neve toward
completion of a park for the entire Mock." The city -owned low-cost
bungalows, about seven in all, were contracted by the City with Santa
Clara County Housing Authority. for low-cost housing. If the entire
block were made a pork the City was, in effect, saying it did not i'nt
to retain that housing --Mr. Knopf thought that an ill-advised s to tea ent
for the City to make. He did not object to the dedication of the mia-
parks, but he did want to delete the words that would result in removal
of the low-cost housing. He said he had made a couple of quick studies
that shored that some consolidation of yards could take place, but he
did not think it should be acted upon quickly.
Councilor Carey said he thoughtthe matter should be discussed in
connection with the budget hearings to be held soon.
NOTION TO CONTINUE: Cour►ci 1 ber Carey moved, seconded by Fletcher,
that consideration of dedication of mint -parka on Downtown Park. North
Side, be continued.
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6/5/78
Mayor Sher said that though no motion had been made on the matter, he
would deem that one had been made, which made the motion to continue in
order.
Vice Mayor Brenner said she supported the motion to continue; she did
not, however, want to wait indefinitely to dedicate the mini -parks. She
asked if a motion to continue did not mean that it could be brought up
again at any time.
Councilmember Carey said his motion intended that the dedication be
continued for an indefinite period of time, pending resolution of the
budget for the fiscal year, which might take several months.
Mayor Sher asked if Councilmember Carey thought budget questions affected
the capability to maintain the mini -parks.
Councilmember Carey answered in the r'tegative; he merely did not think
the motion should come before Council again next week.
MOTION TO CONTINUE PASSED: The motion to continue consideration of
dedication of mini -parks on Downtown Park, North Side,. to an indefinite
date passed on the following
AYES: Carey, Clay, Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
NOES: Brenner
ABSENT: Witherspoon
PUBLIC ;EARINB TO CONSIDER THE
Mayor Sher announced that this was a public hearing for the new zoning
map and the draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR). The cut --off date
for written comments on the EIR had been May 16. Council would receive
counts from the public that evening on the EIR, after which the public
hearing would be closed on the EIR. Staff would respond to those ce nts
and then Council would make.a finding on the EIR. He declared the
public hearing open, clarifying that only the Environmental Impact
report and whether or not it had sufficient information on which the
zoning nap question could be addressed, would be considered.
?layor,Sher said he had no cards from people who wisheo to talk on the
topic. He questioned the audience generally as to whether or not any
one wanted to speak to Council about the EIR.Mayor Sher said that if no
one wished to speak he would close the public hearing on the EIR, and he
asked if Council had any cents on the CIR.
Councilmember Eyerly asked when a full EIR, not just the draft, would be
before Council.
Lou Greens Assistant City Attorney, repl i ed that once the draft EIR had
been approved and certified by Council it would then become the eomplete
and final EIR unless Council tg$k further action. If further information
should be disclosed a supplement could be drawn.
Counn: i i amber Eyerly said that at the t i ear of adopting the ",aaprehens i ve
Plan there had been predictions about what, for examples traffic would
be in 1980. Though the draft EIR before Council now had some. general
9 S8
6,15/7'8
comments on traffic ane housing in relation to zoning, there were no
specifics. He questioned why no specifics had been included, as had
been the case formerly, when the Comprehensive Plan was being drawn
up. With specifics it could be known if the zoning map would help to
mitigate possible bad effects from adopting the zoning map.
Betsy Crowder, Planning Department, said that the introduction to the
draft EIR before Council referred to the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) guidelines, which guidelines permitted the inclusion of
previous environmental impact reports, and so the November; 1976, Environmental
Impact Report was included. The Zoning Ordinance implemented the
Comprehensive Plan, to which the EIR before Council related.
Council er Eyerly said there were changes in the EIR up until the
time the Planning Commission finished the Zoning map two or three weeks
ago, and so those earlier documents did not apply.
Mr. Knox said the zoning ordinance was implementation to the Comprehensive
Plan, and the Comprehensive Plan and the earlier EIR had to be looked at
in their totality. Also, the changes that had been made were minor,
CEQA guidelines were concerned only with "significant" adverse environmental
impact.
Cauncilmeber Eyerly said he thought the staff should put some of the
spc'ific fic res from the earlier EIR into the present EIR now before
Council.
Mayor Sher asked if the; a were new figures not in the present EIR.
Mr. Green, said he was not aware of any --the point was, he said, that
Council had to certify the .EIR before it could act on the zoning, and
then amendments could be ;jade.
Councilmember Eyerly said he would not vote approval because he did not
think the EIR was complete, though inclusion of statistics would complete
it. He said the earlier zoning had been thought to be poor, and so a new
zoning map had been drawn up; without statistics he did not know whether
or not the new zoning map would correct earlier prc 1ems, though it was
purported to.
Councilmember Fletcher said the Comprehensive Plan for the EIR included
the land use lap; the zoning ordinance implemented the land use snap --if
it were not in conformity Council should not vote -for it. She said that
though she did not "...want to hold up the process," she was disturbed
at one staff response, Count 3, which said, "There is no comment on
the overall utility requirement. . . with an expected reduction in both
employment and residential development the demand for utilities should
be. . .reduced." Councilier Pletcher said she thought only the
previous projections of employment and residential development were
being reduced. In fact there would be added strain on utilities, and the
City would have to look for other- sources.
h'is. Crider, wing back to Councilor Eyerly's comments, said that
Council had found that the Comprehensive Plan EIR was sufficient; when
the zoning ordinance text had been approved by Council it had also
approved negative declaration for that ext. That approved zoning
ordinance text was now being applied to a< map. The map had been drawl
in response to the land use map of the Comprehensive Plan, the toning
Ordinance map, and to exxisting land use. The zoning ordinance EIR is
based upon the fact that the Comprehensive Plan had been written and
acted to mitieate various anticipated adverse impacts should continued
growth of Palo Alto have -been implemented. In that way the Comprehensive
Plan, in its entirety, was considered to be a mitigation Meesure, with
the zoning ordinance to be thought of as an implementation to the
Comiprehaens i ve Plan.
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6/5/78
Councilmember Eyerly said that though Ms. Crowder's words explained the
process, he was still not happy with the draft EIR.
Councilmember Carey asked why, since there had been an EIR on the Comprehensive
Plan, another was necessary.
Mr. Knox replied that it was required by law --it was considered a project,
under CEQA.
Councilmember Carey answered that it was, however, the same project on
which an earlier EIR had been made.
Lou Green replied that the earlier project and this one were closely
related and any subsequent re -zoning would be a part of the same project,
but each project under CEQA, had to -be looked at. The zoning was more
specific than that in the Comprehensive Plan. A separate analysis was
required at this time.
Councilmember Carey said he knew that many cities, having once made an
EIR, issued negative declarations when an application for re -zoning that
conformed with the general plan was submitted. Either other cities were
not following the law, or Palo.Alto was following the law too much. He
was satisfied, however, with the co leteness of the report.
Councilmember Henderson voiced concern that the utter might not pass --
he hoped Council would move along on what he thought was "...just a
formality."
MOTION: Mayor Shur moved, seconded by Carey, that Council hereby finds
and certified (1) that it has reviewed and consider the draft environmental
impact report and that the environmental impact report was prepared in
accordance with the requirements of the California Environmental Quality
Act and the State EIR guidelines, es, and (2) that Council has :onsidered
the information contained in the csraft EIR, together with responses made
to the comments, and finds that they constitute a final EIR, and (3)
that the EIR is sufficient as an informational document.
Corrected
see page
1041
The notion passed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner* Carey, Clay, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
NOES: Eyerly
ABSENT: Witherspoon
ZONING NAP
Councilmember Carey said that in view of the fact that the zoning map
covered several and various properties throughout the City, and sine he
was in the real estate business in the City, he would abstain from
discussion and voting, though he knew`of no specific properties to be
discussed, and he had inquired, on matters to which his business pertain.
Anne Steinberg, Chairwoman of the Planning Commission, said that the
zoning map completed the final stage in the Cmprehens i ve Plan and
zoning process. The zoning map adhered very closely to the land ust map
that had been approved by the Council. The Commission's actions had
been based on the wish to be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
After the zoning map had been adopted the Planning Commission intended
to consider if changes should be grade in the Comprehensive Plan land use
map based an information received in public meetings. The Commission
would follow a procedure outlined by Assistant City Attorney Green
pursuant to the minutes of Kay 17, 1978, so that subsequently re -zoning
of some parcels to a more appropriate designation could be recommended
to Council.
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6/5/78
Mr. Knox said that staff had submitted a report dated April 6, 1978, to
the Planning Commission. The report explained how the Planning staff
had gone about preparing the set of proposed zoning nips now displayed
on the Councilchamber walls, two mapS per section, a total of fourteen
maps in all. An overlay was ;he existing zoning, with the proposed
zoning underneath. The proposed paps'followed the land use map of the
Comprehensive Plan. Mr. Knox gave some translations that had been made
of the Comprehensive Plan and the'new,zoning map. He explained how
existing densities had been arrived at'for RM-1 through RM-5. He said
the City had 73 Planned Community zones, of which 22 had been recommended
for re -zoning when the approved plans did not exist or densities or uses
would conform to theproposed new zoning:or if there was no advantage to
the public or the property owner to retain the P -C designation. Some
downtown areas had been adjusted as called for by the Comprehensive Plan
in Housing Programs 1 and 2. Wherever possible the highest density
would adjoin the downtown commercial district; that had not heretofore
always been possible. The Comprehensive Plan asked for an R-2 zone for
cottage duplexes, with two single-family units being retained cinder the
same ownership; that R-2 zoning was applied, and would act as a transition
zone between multiple and singte-family areas when the lot size permitted.
Mayor Sher said he would now call on members of the public wishing to speak
to the Zoning Map as recommended by the Planning Commission. He said the
public hearing on the Zoning Map was now open.
Janet Owens, Mid -peninsula Citizens for Fair Housing, 863 Moreno, said
her group thought the proposed zoning map failed to discuss the critical
need for morn housing. The potential for new housing seed, in fact,
to be somewhat less than under the old plan. She thought the overall
ratio of jobs to housing would continue to worsen; her group had hoped
that the R-2 zone would cover more area. She said her group urged the
Planning Commission to grant increased density wherever possible --she
felt the Commission had heeded requests for down -zoning more than had
those for up -zoning. She expressed moderate approval for the one mobile
home park in the City, though preferring to see it zoned specifically as
a mobile home park. A mobile home made it possible for many senior
citizens to remain in control of their own lives in inflationary times,
and, were opportunity given through making more land open to such use,
more moderate -income people could also make homes in that way. She said
she regretted the Comprehensive Plan did not reflect realities, were
more needs of people who could expect to live in Palo Alto could be met.
M. E. Pratt, 1136 Waverley, spoke of a property at 519-623 Webster, now
owned by his mother. He though, that with the Carey proposal, it might
be well for maps shoring existir►?3 housing to be made permanent. and also
,made available to the public,
Mr. Knox replied that the mZps were working docents and would continue
as such; copies could be made and Mr. Pratt was welcome to do so.
Mar. Pratt said that the 600 block on Webster Avenue wes being changed
from ice► to llM-3, reducing dens i tyr by 50 percent. North of that bi ock
near the Methodist Church it was designated 11l -d and an apertmsent building
was located on the east; at the corner of Webster and Forest was a new
condominium with density of 10 units on less than one-fourth acre. He
thought the zoning resulted in an inequity for the subject lot.
Albert hoover, 701 Welch Road, referred to 105-123 arson, now zoned R-
5, L-9. The three properties, together, would permit 25 units. Proposed
zoning reduced density to RM-1. That resulted in a "very great financial
hardship to ourselves.* His fins would like to suggest R14-3 zoning,
still a 33 percent reduction, but consistent with density on adjacent
property. With RW3 there would be lot coverage of 40 percent, s,
with R$-1, 35 percent coverage would be permitted We respectfully
request your consideration of helping our situation in trying to provide
community housing in Palo Alto. . . ."
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5
Af
Dan Ganschow, 1272 Pine Street, referred to 177 Bryant, now zoned RM-1
which was "island zoning' for it was surrounded by multiple densities,
as called for by the Comprehensive Plan. He referred to a map which
architects had drawn for him,; showing the adjacent properties with
higher densities. The 1.ot at 177 Bryant had been reduced from the
50 -foot wideth it had had in: the 1894 subdivision, down to 45 feet in
about 1950, and it was=irpossiple, with present zoning, to have a driveway
to lead to further development.. The property had been down -zoned from
10 units permissible, doin to•tjlree units. He asked that the -City consider
re -zoning his property to a higher density than RM-1.
Marguerite Fletcher, 197 Bryant.- voiced appreciation for the City's
consideration of her neighborhood. Though there were high -density
structures nearby the area had achieved a delicate balance owing to good
planning. She asked that the RM-1 zoning be maintained.
Mayor Sher ascertained that there were no speakers about Map 3.
Louis J. Fourcreys 739 Marion Avenue, spoke about property on Map 4
owned by William A. North at 121 Santa Rita Avenue, three lots from
Alma. The dimension of the lots were 50 by 150 feet. The area was
presenuly zoned R-2, with R-1 zoning proposed. The R-2 was for "limited
apartment." Abutting properties were RM-2 and one lot removed was RM-2
also. A lot or so away was zoned RM-1 and was actually a triplex. Mr.
North would be happy to have the pew fpm -2, or cottage duplex, zoning, if
he could be accommodated. There was some precedent for granting that
request in the immediate vicinity.
Councilme: ber Carey asked how specific requests now before Council would
be identified later.
Mayor Sher suggested that any Councilmr r;ber interested in any property
rake notes on it for later identification.
Louis Fourcroy spoke of properties at 2620 and 2640 Middlefield Road=
owned by Meyer Scher, across from Midtown Shopping area, the Co-op
grocery and Baskin -Robbins, and so on. Abutting the property on the
south were a hardware store and other commercial stores, with single-
family residence to the north. The property was "heavily impacted by
the traffic situation" and looked across at commercial property which
did not have mitigating planting, Mr. Scher would like to have zoning of
Rte -3, allowing three units per lots a somewhat lower density than the
present R -3-P. According to the purposes given for RM-3, he felt such
zoning would be appropriate as a transition from single-family and
commercial.
Carroll D. Fruth, 108 Lois Lane, spoke of his building at 440 Pepper
Street, on Map 4, He read a letter he had sent to Council, regarding
this industrial building. The dimensions of the lot on which it sat
were 50 x 135 feet; the dimensions of the building were 40 x 60 feet,
making the lot coverage about. 36 percent building coverage. He described
the asphalt parking areas and the building which he said passed government
security regulations, unlike many other buildings in Palo Alto. The
estimated life of the building was about 32 years; he had been told that
a 20 -year amortization was unacceptable, though it should be 30 years.
When he purchased the building last year the area was zoned M -2-S, then
a legal conforming use. That classification no longer existed, and he
thought PF would be appropriate, though he would prefer a GM. He requested
PF zoning, though it was not in conformence with the Comprehensive Plan.
He thought a change in ''he Comprehensive Plan might be considered.
Hannah Riebe, 584 Benvenue Avenue, Los Altos, spoke of a lot at 826
Collebe Avenue, in Nap 5, about which she had written a letter to the
City on May 26. She outlined the area verbally, now, and for the ;past
30 years/At has been zoned R-3. An apartment building in the rear had
windows which looked into her backyard, destroying her privacy. She
favored maintaining the Rr-3 bounds as they now were.
9 6 2
6/5/78
Mr. K. K. Chan, 3413 Kenneth Drive, spoke of the zoning at the corner of
Loma Verde and Middlefield now zoned to RM-3. He requested that no
further change in zoning take place. At present it was an empty lot.
He raised questions about the regulations about the height of a fence.
Lou Green, Assistant City Attorney, replied that the regulations had
been established according -to the'"daylight plane" requirements.
Mayor Sher apprised Councilmembers and the audience that Council would
take a short recess before hearing the balance of the speakers.
RECESS
Council recessed from 9:40 to 9:50 p.m.
tlilly Davis, 344 Tennessee, spoke of the Traynor Property at the
corner of El Camino Real and Charleston, in Map 7. RM-4 zoning had been
recommended, but she asked Council to change that to RM-2, no more
density than R1j-3, so that the 35 -foot height for buildings: could be
maintained. She spoke of a September 26, 1976 Council meeting, at which
it was voted that "Densities will: ange from ten to forty-five units
per acre, but next to single-faril+ residential areas the density should
be on the lower end of the multiple -family scale, consistent with ad Recent
single-family residential use." She listed those Councilmembers who
voted in favor. She said that even with 150 -foot setbacks trees were
rat an effective screen against buildings 50 feet high. The Traynor
property backed onto single-faipily residences, she said, with possible
access from Charleston --there would be increased traffic. Neighborhood
coalition meetings had been held: the concern had been thought legitimate.
She asked a reduction in density to be brought about by zoning.
Dr. Herbert D. Zeman, 464 W. Charleston Road, represented the Charleston/
East Meadow Neighborhood Association, and spoke about the Traynor property.
His group had supported Planning Commission recommendations to the
extent that of 200 families polled 161 had said they were in support.
Mr. Traynor had said that the survey did not in fact represent the true
opinion of the residents. Mr. Traynor, Dr. Zeman said, had told the 22
members of the Charleston/East Meadow Neighborhood Association who had
attended a meeting he had held, about his specific plans. and 16 members
still maintained their original opinions. He supported the RM-2 zoning,
with RH-3 at the most.
Robert Moss, 4010 Orme, spoke of the Traynor prcperty on Map 7, and
questioned the purported cost to Mr. Traynor of the downzoning of his
property, saying that properties so zoned stayed high in price. Mr. Moss
asked that the beck portion of the Traynor property be zoned R4-2 with
RN -4 or -5 toward the front, possibly service commercial in the very
front. A P -C zone might be needed. Regarding Rap 11, he spoke of the
multi -family area between Matadero and Kendall, -3, -4, and -5. RN -6
was adjacent to RN -1. He suggested, that since the properties were not
developed to their fullest `dedsities, they be zoned RN -3. He would like
to see RN -1 zoning on a property on Magnolia Avenue, xn,that way it
would prevent the present home being torn down and followed by a larger
density. He suggested that instead of the RM-3 at the trailer court an
841-1 would be more appropriate, sine adjacent property was so zoned. He
wanted to see the trailer court retained. R-4, along the El Camino, he
would like to see reduced to RM 2. He outlined his reasons, relating to
access and traffic, along with possible resulting building heights.
adding g the t RN -2 would be more in keeping with the co ven i ty . He pointed
out some errors regarding his statements as given in the minutes of a
recent Planning Commission meeting.
John Traynor. 30 Churchill Avenue. referred to a letter he had given
Councilmembers. regarding the three and one half acres at the northeast
corner of El Camino and Charleston Road. of which he Ws part owner.
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6/5/78
The property was currently zoned C -3-S, except for parcel 7i. The
property now was in Servlc:/Contnercial use. The property had been
thought by the City staff to be suitable for concentrated commercial
development, in 1976. Therefore the subsequent downgrading was "incomprehensible.'r
Staff had since reconsidered and recommended that the property be designated
"single -land use," rather than the earlier split use. He requested that
the property be returned to Service/Commercial zoning, for the downzoning
had devalued it significantly. Leases for the present tenants would
expire as planned, permitting improvement of the property in early
1980s. The owners had retained architects for that purpose. The most
economic development would be two stories with retail on the first story
and offices on the second floor, with gradual integration of the lots as
they fell vacant when their leases expired. No single-family homes faced
the property. About 60,000 cars passed the property daily, according to
1976-77 City traffic count, making it "...not conducive to residential
development." Resulting trade could "...bring a very sizable amount of
sales tax to the City." Mr. Traynor asked that Councilmembers read the
letter he had written before they made a final decision on the zoning.
HA said present directives from the Architectural Review Board would
protect nearby residents, and he was sure there would be no serious
objections from the neighborhood, except for a "...a few people who
don't like commercial, regardless."
Counci lmember Carey ked if a l : the frontage of the Traynor property
could be developed in the early 1980s. He also asked how Mr. Traynor
had ascertained that lard values would drop 60 percent if the property
stayed in its present zoning.
Mr. Traynor replied that the properties had been so leased that as they
became vacant a gradual development could be built. Mr. Allen Ledford
had quoted some figures some years back, as had one Mr. Rhodes.
Councilor Carey suggested that Mr. Traynor have the property assessed
at potential residential densiies vis-a-vis commercial at present-day
values. He thought the answer would surprise Mr. Traynor.
Donald C. Wilson. 231 Carolina Lane, asked that the Traynor property be
developed in a way that protected the quality of life in the area.
Commercial development from Charleston to Page dill, he said, should be
seen as "...pote,tially jeopardiz'ng those neighborhoods which abutt it."
He offered that so-called "downgrading" was, in fact, "upgrading," for
it promoted nearby residential neighborhoods.
Denny Petrosian, 443 Ventura Averwe, asked that Council hold to its
commitment made through the adoption of the Comprehensive Plan, and not
endanger the Ventura neighborhood further, for it had already suffered
from the closure of its neighborhood school. She said it was "unthinkable"
that there should be further changes in the present neighborhood commercial,
for it was hope that it would develop, given the proper chance. She
pointed out that the moratorium on Fl Canino would soon end, and she
ranted to see the zoning map adopted before the moratorium lifted, for
she feared there might be some spot zoning along the El Camino Real.
The area needed not short- but 1 ong- term compatibility. She praised the
thoroughness of the Planning Commission on the zoning maps.
John Gould, 663 Glenbrook, owner of Neptune Pool Service, located at
3705 El Camino Real, asked that his business property be designated
Service/Commercial; instead of Neighborhood Commercial. The business
involved mostly the sale of pool supplies and accessories, though some
minor service operations kept his business from being permitted, technically,
in Neighborhood Commercial zoning. He pointed out most of the business
was done over the phone. He said he had an option to buy the property,
and he asked'that s Boning change be considered.
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6/5/78
Councilmember Henderson asked if Mr. Gould would not be permanently protected
should his business be found'to be compatible.
Mr. Knox replied that if the CM (coamercial neighborhood) were adopted
Neptune Pool would become a non -conforming use; Mr. Gould could then
apply for that compatibility'test to obtain an exception to the amortization
provision.
Mayor Sher ascertained that there were no speakers on Maps 7 or 8.
Phil Williams, Planning Director, Stanford University, spoke on maps 10
and 13. He said that Stanford's concerns had been aired at the May 3
Planning Commission meeting both by letter and statement, as he was .
doing again at this present time at the Council meeting. He spoke of a
change of zoning of a parcel adjacent to the Stanford Shopping Center
from P-3 to PF (publictfeciilty}, along with the re -zoning of the so-
called annexation strip on map 13, a part of Stanford land being reserved
for academic purposes, from REA, to AC (agricultural conservation). The
present agricultural grazing'was an interim measure aimed at keeping
grasses; down to protect against fire hazard. PF (public facility) would
be the most appropriate designation, for it permitted colleges and
universities. The small parcel between Stanford University and San
Francisquito Creek did have the PF designation, and the Cit__v lid said it
intended to purchase part 6f the parcel as part of an agreed price of
$250,000, as part of the Sand Hill Road improvement, with the land to be
used as public park and open space, the balance to be purchased for the
road itself. The PF designation would be appropriate after its acquisition,
but before that it was zoned for co rercial use. P-3 would be correct
designation, permitting integration of the parcel into the shopping
center, subject to the requirement for Open Space in the Comprehensive
Plan. At the May 3 meeting staff has said that the PF zoning did not
relate to the Sand Hill Road project, but was based on the adjacency of
the site to the Children's Hospital, and its ownership by the university.
Mr. Williams said staff's rationale made the change even more confusing,
for he did not think PF was in conformance with the Comprehensive Plan,
since the land was not in public ownership. The question had not been
discussed at the May 17 Planning Commission meeting but four additional
zoning changes of Stanford property had been made --Mr. Williams held
that such a situation was im: w restricted to Stanford University; the
Planning Commission had made such changes in relation to other properties
as well, and after the public hearings had been closed, so that the
public did not get a chance to•respond. For those reasons Stanford had
brought the outer of the amrmer of making zone changes, relating to
process as well as principle, to Council itself.
Councilaae ber Grey asked if Mr. Williams was saying that the Planning
Commission had taken no action on Stanford's suggestions and request
regarding the subject PF and AC designations.
Mr. Williams relied in the affirmative.
Mayor Sher stated that in the event any motions were wade regarding
Stanford University property he would disqualify himself from participation,
since he was an employer, of Stanford University.
Will Beckett. 4189 Baker Avenue. referred to the high density resulting
from the building of the Barron Square apartments, on Map 11. He agreed
with Councilmember He. erson's start that no more high density
should be built in that area. We cited the densities of other developments
in that area. along with traffic study estimates, and said that "...balancing
housing and jobs in a community as small and highly developed as Palo
Altai! unrealistic."
965
6/5/76
Jack Shapiro, 4651 Black Swan Drive, Salt Lake City, spoke about the
property at 3606 El Camino, which had been purchased by his mother, in
...the early 1930s." He represented his family regarding that property.
The lot had been given RM-Cionin g,'and it had 151 foot frontage, 176
feet depth. He wanted the property to remain zoned commercial, and he
did not know of other feasible alternatives to that commercial zoning.
The property had an autoMotive shop on one side, office/retail on the
other. Access was from El Camino only.
Mrs. Jane Movik, 663 Los'Robles Avenue, spoke of a letter she had written
to the Planning Con i ssion on May 6. She voiced concern about the
possible density of the trailer park across from her R-1 property. She
understood the trailer park property bad been zoned to conform with the
McElroy property having .9.2 qnits per acre, and she feared an increase
of the already heavy traffic, particularly in relation to the older
people who lived there.
F.W. Weiler, 3980 El Camino Real, owned the property at El Camino and
Los Robles including the parcel where the mobile park was located. The
proposed zoning for that area of RM-2 was not reasonably economic. He
wanted a higher potential; there were about 18 motor coaches there at
the present time.
David Stearns, 3890 Magnolia Drive, quoted from a November 12, 1975,
letter to residents of Barron Park: "de recognize that Barron Park, is a
unique area that has faugget long and hard to retain its special rural -
like character. We interpret your vote for annexation as confidence
in the City's willingness to help preserve that character. . .'` He also
quoted Housing Policy 1 from the Comprehensive Plan: lRaintain the
general low density character of existing single-family areas. Housing
Program 1, "Bands of decreasing density surrounding downtown will provide
a transition in the commercial area to single-family zones. . . ." He
said the density around the mobile home park was zoned for under IJ
units per acre. The ;mobile home area provided low-cost housing. He
urged its retention. He referred to a parcel at 3898 Magnolia, north of
the trailer court, which had, since annexation, been over -developed
"willfully and illegally." The City Planning staff had proposed a split
zoning for the parcel, R -1, and RM-2. He thought that proposal would
not control against possible future development. He thought that if
the R-1 parcel were kept to one unit the RM-2 would pewit three additional
units. Mr. Knox had said the question was whether or not the parcel
should be R9-1 or RM-2. Mr. Stearns asked that the parcel be zoned i t-
1, to prevent over use.
Ken Arutunian, 922 Matadero Avenue, spoke as chairman of the Barron Park
Association, on Maps 11 and 14, which association, he said, supported
his statements that followed 101Ypercent. He expressed disappointment
that none of the items the Barron Park Association had brought up had
beep acted upon by the Planning Commission. in spite of that group's
unr fitting activities backed up by attendance at meetings, He read
from a letter the group had written, dated May 10, 1978. He said the
transition zone between Ely Cam1no.ang Barron Park the Commission had
talked about had not, in fact, been put into action. He read the letter,
listing eight specific items relating to zoning which his group wanted
addressed..
Joyce Anderson, 3881 Magnolia, said she had been very depressed to
,..sit for five hours watching the Planning Commission decrease densities
all over this City until they came to this southwest quadrant where
existing densities were increased." She said the Commission had recommended
R-4 and R-5 densities on several properties bated on two and three
sides by single-family homes. She cited same recent zoning visions
that were inconsistent with adjacent and nearby zoning. She said that
the annexation of Barron Park had added 1,389 households to Palo Alto,
and Barron Park annexation had not caused the job/housing imbalance.
She thought Barron Park was something of more value to the City than
...a piece of land that has to be developed." She asked that the job
potential be reduced so that residential areas would not be over -burdened.
John Miller, 3736 Cass Way, said the Neighoriood Commercial designation
from Los Robles to Kendall was theresult of much discussion, and he
thought the Comprehensive Plan should be adhered to, and changes from
neighborhood commercial should nit be made --no used car lots and auto
repair shops, for example. He hoped high density development such as
that permitted by propose: RM.-4 and RM-5 zoning would not take place.
Ken Buckwalter, 285 Ha:ni l ton Avenue, represented the owner of Auto
Sport, Limited, located a 3666 El'Camino. He asked that the proposed
zoning of Neighborhood Commercial (CM) be changed to Service Commercial.
He cited several other properties which had automotive companies now
zoned Service Comemercial. •He objected to the comments he had heard
throughout Comprehensive Plan and Zoning Map discussions which rumored
that it would be inappropriate and fruitless to make specific requests
regarding zoning; hr,' thought the time had come to consider individual
propertyowner's rights.• He said he had written a number of letters
giving reasons for his request.for zoning change; the proposed neighborhood
co rcial zoning was unnecessary, for it brought no real benefit to
Palo Alto. Owners had i;veetea t usands Of dollars in the property and
the use of automobile service businesses would persist. He thought its
present use ccmratible with Neighborhood Commercial zoning, but, even
with the compatibility test owners would be deprived of the chance of
selling the property or the business itself. Mr. Buckwalter gave a
brief history of how the owner had been "...boxed into a position, . ."
at a Planning Commission meeting,
Don Ganschow, 1272 Pine Street, spoke regarding 4110, 4114, 4118 Gobel
Lane, saying the correct zoning should be as it was now designated,
RM-1, a parcel 90 :x 163 feet. There were now three houses on the property
and the lot would permit no more density.
Ed VanVleck, spoke regarding 630 Los Robles, to the right of the trailer
court. He voiced annoyance at groups of speakers who had rehearsed the
positions they intended to take before Council and who then made a "mass
attack." The lot he spoke of was zoned RM-4, as it had been when he
bought it. The charge that it had been zoned "up" from RM-1 was untrue,
he said. He said that apparently there "...is no notification process
when something i going to happen to your property, and 1 would like to
be notified if there iS going -to be n change as a result of these last-
minute statements."
Mayor Sher stated that all the public hearings were advertised --the City
could not individually notify each property owner; also, people were
free to say what they wished at public hearings.
Councilmember Henderson asked what was now located at the property Mr,
VanYleck spoke of.
Mr. VanYleck replied that the property now had about 33 units, rented
primarily by business and professional people, who had families, such as
professors doing a sabbatical at > {tanford.
Mayor Shur ascertained that there were no speakers on maps 12, 13, and
14.
967
6/5/78
Robert Medearis, 89 Virginia Lane, Atherton, spoke of his property at
187-89 Bryant Street on Map 2.. He said he had arrived late at the
meeting. He spoke of the complexity of arriving at solutions to the
varied problems raised before Council that evening. Mr. Medearis said
that changes brought about through Cie Comprehensive Plan created a
...somewhat further (job/housing) imbalance." The way to achieve more
low-cost housing, he f=ared, was'tilr®ugh higher densities- He said the
lead time to developing a pied of property increased all the time --
purchasing two or three years before development a developer "gets
married to existing zoning," WO, on 187 Bryant, was R -5-L-9. When
changes in zoning uccurred increased costs resulted. The property was
contiguous to multi -family --he asked that the R -5-L-9 zoning be retained.
If zoning changed, the property, to be used for condominiums, would be
non -conforming, as had been a case with a property he had developed
earlier.
After ascertaining that :here were no further speakers, Mayor Sher
declared the public hearing closed, and returned the matter of the
zoning rap to Council.
Mayor Sher outlined the requirements for disposing of the zoning map
;ratter, and Councilmember Henderson replied that he thought Council could
dispose of the matter that evening if speeches were brief. Vice Mayor
Brenner suggested starting with Map 11, Mayor Sher reminded Council
that a motion regarding adoption of the zoning map had to be made.
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Henderson, the ordinance for
first reading adopOre the Planning Commission recommendations in the
Conn of naps 1-14, and a finding that the adoption of those maps is
required by the public interest, safety, peace, comfort, convenience and
general welfare; and a further finding that the adoption of the zoning
rap will not have any significant adverse environmental impacts, and
that any potential adverse impacts have been adequately mitigated by
reason of the implementation of the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan by the
new zoning ordinance.
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF
PALO ALTO ADOPTING A COME/ENS/YE ZONING
MAP FOR THE CITY OF PAL° ALTO
ORDINANCE OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY
OF PALO ALTO AMENDING CHAPTER 16.20
OF THE PALO ALTO MUNICIPAL CODE TRANS-
FERRING SIGN REGULATIONS, FROM TITLE 18
TO TITLE 16 OF THE PAU `° \LTO Ml 1 C I PAL
CODE
PMyor Sher asked if anyone wished to make an amendment to the Foothills
nap, and, there being no one, he moved to the di scussion of Map 13 for
amendments.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Carey moved, seconded by Clay, that the AC
designation on a portion of the Stanford University land, of which Mr,
Williams had spoken, be changed to PF (public -facility) as requested.
Mayor Sher turned the cha i rat sh f p over to Vice Mayor Brenner, since he
wanted to disqualify himself from participation on netters concerning
his employer, Stanford University.
Councilmember Henderson asked if the present designation of AC would be
considered native.
968
6/5/78
Naphtali Knox, Director of Planning and Community Environment, said the
AC designation originated from staff and had not been revised by the
Planning Commission. ne thought the PF zoning would be appropriate.
Councilmember Herderson said that unless the Planning Commission had any
remarks against the PF zoning he would support the motion.
Anne Steinberg, chairwoman of the Planning Commission, said that unless
the map designation had seamed inappropriate the Commission had not
discussed it.
Vice Mayor Brenner asked if a matter raised by the Council regarding
zoning had to return to the Plenning Commission.
Lou Green, Assistance City Attorney, said that it did not.
Eouncilmember Eyerly asked if the taxation rate was different for AC
zoning, as opposed to PF.
Mr. Knox replied that the tax mould probably stay the same since the
land use wotid be about the sari.
Councilmember Eyerly asked if university property was exempt from taxation.
Mr. Knox replied that he knew of no tax exemption.
AMENDMENT PASSED: The amendment that designation on a specified portion
of the Stanford University land be changed to PF from the present AC,
passed on a unanimous vote, Coun-ci lr eiber Witherspoon absent, Mayor Sher
not participetiing.
Mayor Sher ascertained that there were no notions on Map 12.
Referring to Nap 13, Councilmember Clay asked for a recapitulation of
testing for compatibility, and how the Carey motion related to it.
Mr. Knox replied that any property that was made non-c3nforr ing by the
adoption of the -zoning map would be notified by the Director of Planning
of the non -conformity. within two years the owner could come forward to
the Planning Commission and bE granted an exception to the a ortiiation
provisions based on a showing of compatibility with the usage of the new
zoning.
Councilmember Clay said he had understood the representative of Auto
Sport, Limited, to say that an amortization process took place if the
ownership of the property changed. Once compe tibi l i ty was established,
did it persist?
Lou Green said that if an exemption (from non -conformity) were established
it would transfer along with any possible change of ownership, as long
as the use stayed the same.
Mr. Knox added that it had been stated that no cars were offered for
sale outdoors, all the cars for sale were inside a showroom. Mr. Knox
said his observation had bsean that that statement was incorrect.
Mayor Sher said that compatibility was an issue that would be discussed
within another context.
Councilmember Clay said that if the property where Auto Sport was located
were zoned Service/Commercial rather than Neighborhood/Commercial the
property owner would be conforming, therefore his question about
compatibility related to that.
969
6,!5/T8
Vice Mayor Brenner said she thought that the low number of problems
demonstrated what a good job the -Planning Commission had done. She
asked if RM-2 designation on the Magnolia Avenue property now given to
apartments ellowed for higher density than that allowable at present.
1
Corrected
see page
1 041
1
Mr. Knox replied that as he recalled the allowable density was within a
couple of units, one way or the other.
Vice Mayor Brenner said she was concerned about the trailer park; she
thought that that parcel had been designated multi -family so that the
trailer park would not be rendered non -conforming, the lowest multi-
family being M-1. She thought the comparison to the Thain and McElroy
properties was suitable. She thought R-1 designation would preserve the
trailer park which was supported by the neighborhood.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Brenner moved. seconded by Fletcher, that that
piece of land on Map 11, designated as ARM -2, which includes the trailer
park, be changed to RM-1 designation.
Council beer Eyerly asked how many trailer units were presently in the
park --he thought there were five acres with 21 units per acre.
Mr. Knox replied that was correct; staff had recommended RM-3 but residents
had wanted RM-1; RM-2 had been a Planning Commission compromise. Mr.
Knox pointed out that the height regulation for RM-1 was more gradual
than for RM-1, -3, -a, and -5. That meant the buildings gaie a lower
profile, like that of the earlier designation of R -3-T, which had a
specifically low profile.
Vice Mayor Brenner said that apropos of the 21 units per acre, the
housing was almost the same as retirement housing, and so higher density
had been allowed.
Councilmerrtx:r Carey ascertained if the motion included an apartment
house in that area, which had been recently handled by his company. He
received an answer in the negative, He said he understood RM-2 gave
less impact than PM -1 so far as height and mass were concerned. Seeming
d zoning, then, mignt result in more mass than height,
Mayor Sher said he would support having more mass rather than more
traffic.
AMENDMENT PASSED: The motion that the piece of land on Map 11, designated
as RN -2, which includes the trailer park, be changed to RN -1 designation,
passed on the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
NOES: Carey, Clay, Eyerly
ABSENT: Witherspoon
Vice Mayor Brenner said she was concerned with the zoning oa Los
Robles Avenue since a 50 -foot height old take away the rural feeling
in the era.
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Brenner moved, seconded by Henderson, to reduce
the density of the RN -4 parcel on the corner of Los Robles and El Camino,
on Map l 1, to RM-3.
Councilmember Eyerly asked -'`Hat the staff describe what was pres t1y on
the property.
$r. Knox answered that RudOlfo's restaurant and The Axe Rouse were
located oo the property.
9 7 0
5/5/78
PPVNDNENT PASSED: The motion to reduce the density of the RM-4 parcel
on the corner of Los Robles and El Camino on Map 11, to RM-3, passed on
the following vote:
AYES: Brenner, Eyerly, Fezzino, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
NOES: Clay
ABSTAIN: Carey
ABSENT: Witherspoon
AMENDMENT: Vice Mayor Brenner moved, seconded by Fletcher, that the
entire parcel on the corner of Vista Avenue and El Camino, on Map 11, be
changed from RN -4 to RM-3.
Councilmember Eyerly asked what access that parcel had for cars.
Mr. Knox replied that driveways were already in on El Camino and Vista;
561 Vista was at the rear of the Don Sherwood golf retail center.
Councilmember Eyerly asked if access was available to El Camino.
Mr. Knox replied that curb cuts on El Camino required state approval;
there would be right turn in and right turn out.
AMENDMENT PASSED: The motion to redw a the density of the RM-4 parcel
on the corner of Los Robles and El Camino on Map 11, to RM-3y passed on
the following vote:
AYES; Brenner, Eyerly, Fazzinu. Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
NOES: Carey, Clay
ABSENT: Witherspoon
Vice Mayor Brenner said she hew there already was a structure at the
corner of Maybell and El Cam4'no, but she wanted to change the zoning
anyway.
ANT; Vice Mayer Brenner moved, seconded by Fletcher, that the
parcel cn Map 11 on the corner of Maybell and El Camino be changed from
RN -4 to RN -3.
Councilor Carey pointed out that the subject parcel fronted on El
UMW it was surrounded by a P -C with .about 10 units per acre. In
view of those circumstances he saw no reason for reducing density —where
was high density in Palo Alto going to occur?
Vice fi yor Brenner said that to have high density on the subject parcel
would be toles high density. The largest residential gain had been
through using land formerly zoned industrial rather than squeezing
existing residential. The Greenhouse and Palo Alto Gardens ware cases
in point,
Councilmember Carey said that Vicaa Mayor Brenner was speaking of changing
designations, and -that was his argument in this case as well.
AMENDMENT PASSED: The amt that the designation on the corner of
El Camino and Ma ybel l Avenue on Nap 11, be changed from to RN -3,
passed on the following vote:
AYES: Srenner. Eyerly, Fazzlno, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
NOES: Carey, Clay
ABSENT: Witherspoon
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Councilmember Carey asked that staff clarify Barron Park's concern about
the City's commitment on the;regafning two RM-1 parcels, which, theoretically,
could bring 12 units per acre. iyith the lot sizes and the setbacks was
12 units per acre a practical possibility? Was there a possible lower
density that could be assigned so that the City could follow through on
its commitment to Barron Park?.
Mr. Knox replied that he thought 11 units was the maximum on Maybell
versus 9 units on the 9,8 zo4iost fte did not know if there was access,
however, in view of lfmitatfogs on setback and daylight plane, and
achievement of small, more expensive units, such'as in downtown areas,
might be difficult. R-1 was the lowest multi -family zone. Council's
commitment, he thought, of 9.8 units per acre, was for the period of the
moratorium.
Councilmenber Carey said that when he had made the motion he had not
intended that it be only for the length of the moratorium --it had not
been just a temporary commitment.
Mr. Knox replied that the minutes indicated otherwise. Corncilmember
Faztirto had asked, at the time, what particular aspect of the moratorium
would lose its force when the moratorium was lifted and if the density
at that time continued. Mr. Knox said that he had said on November 17
that there was no specificdirection, but staff would have to recommend
to the Planning Commission that the zones that would be applied would be
the closet the City could get to the limitation of 9.8 units per acre.
A subsequent comment by Cour`tcilmember Henderson, in the same set of
minutes, confirmed that his *asscmtption that the limitation would lift
with the 11'rting of the moratorium was correct. Mr. Knox continued,
saying that he had stated to the Planning Commission that the Planning
Department had tried to devise a set of zones that related to the entire
City; it would be difficult to have one set of zones for Barron Park and
then try to apply that set to the Downtown.
Councilmember Carey asked about how many units per acre were permitted.
Mr. Knox said about 9 units, as opposed to 11 units on R-1 or R-2. R-2
permitted two units per lot, with a minimum of 7500 or 8000 for those
two. The lot size on Maybell was about 41,800 square feet --three parcels.
That would give about four. iupl ex lots with frontage on Maybel l , with R-2.
AMENDMENT: Councilmember Carey moved, seconded by Fazzino, that the
Meybell Avenue lot be changed from R-1 to R-2, on Map 11.
Cauncilmember^ Eyerly suggested :hat the matter be continued so that the
staff could be more specific, though he res favorable to the motion.
Cou cflmember Carey said he was ready to .vote --he saw that with the
present potential the City could maintain its commitment to Barron Park.
He would be agreeable to continuing the motion itself, however.
MOTION TO CONTINUE THE MOTION TO AMEND: Council amber Eyerly moved,
seconded by Fletcher, that the amendment before Council be continued to
the next Council meeting. The motion passed on the following vote:
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AYES: Clay, Eyerly, Fletcher, Henderson, Sher
NOES: Bremer, Carte, Fazzino
ABSENT Witherspoon
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NEXT MEETING DATE
Mayor Sher said that it would be wise to continue discussion of amendments
on the zoning maps at the next meeting, when Councilmembers would be
fresh. Since some Councilmeabers could not be on hand the following
Monday, June 12, 1978, it had been suggested that the next regular Council
meeting take place Wednesday; 4une 14.
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Clay, that the next regular Council
meeting take place June 14, 19781. 'The motion passed on a unanimous
vote, Councilmember Witherspoon absent, Counciimemier Fletcher abstaining.
Counc i l seeder Fletcher expl a i ned she had abs to i ned because she knew she
would have to miss the Transportation Cdission meeting scheduled for
that same evening.
MOTION TO CONTINUE
MOTION: Mayor Sher moved, seconded by Eyerly, that Council continue the
meeting of June 5, 1978, to June 7, 1978, at 8:15 p.m.
Councilme ber Fazzino said he would not be able to attend the Wednesday,
June 7 meeting. He felt meetings sh uld not be planned only two days in
advance, and the public should receive more notice than that,
Mayor Sher said that the meeting could also be continued to the following
Monday, June 12.
Mr. Knox pointed out that the public notice of the public hearings on
the zoning map had stated that there would be subsequent meetings as
necessary during the week in which the first meeting was to be held, and
sine it was quite a large ad, it could be thought to be sufficient
notice to the public.
AMENDMENT: Councllmember Fazzino moved, seconded by Henderson, that
Council continue the June 5 meeting to June 6, 1978, at 7:30 p.m.
AMENDMENT TO MOTION TO CONTINUE PASSED: The motion passed on the following
vote:
AYES: Brenner, Carey, Eyerly, Fazzino, Fletcher, Henderson Sher
ABSTAIN: Clay
ABSENT: Witherspoon
?Won as amended passed on a unanimous vote, Councilmember Witherspoon absent.
FIB ANG PUOLI WONO INGCANCELLED
Coutcllmember C1*y, Chairman of the Finance and Public Works Committee,
announced that the committee's scheduled meeting on June 13, would be
cancelled.
ADJOURNMENT
Council adjourned at 12:30 p.m.
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