HomeMy WebLinkAbout0327.092July ~, 1992
~RABlE CITY COuNCIL
Palo Alto, California
1l.Q..J.gj~ Triln;:os Woods Road. SHe anLOJ~.1ign
Members of the Co~ncil;
Report if: Brief
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Tnis app1ication is for Site and De5fgn approval to construct 3: two-story. 3,584-
square-foot, Single-family residence on i 9.48-acr'E! site in the f{)Dthills of Pal<l
Alto. The proposed project includes a detached 4-car garage and rel ii!:ted terraces
and arbors.
PlannjDg Commission Action
On June 2 •• 1992, the Planning (omission reviewed the proposed projett and
recommended t~at the City Council approve the sit! a~d design applicatjon by a
5-2 vote (Carrasco and Christensen against). The Cornnjssion's discussion focused
on tne colors chosen foT' the house and trim. A motion to add a condition
requiring the appl icant to return with darker colors for staff review ind
ap~royal failed 3-4 (Beec"am, Cull~n, Giazier and Marsh agafnst)~ The majority
of t"e C0ITI'II1ssion belfeved thco_t the colors ch{lsen for the house are consistent
wIth natural foothill colors and, with shading from the 1<r9' overhangs and
terraces, will appear darker.
Re cow ndat j on
Plann:ing (orrm; ssion and staff r~corrmend that the City COlJnci 1 adopt the Negati .... e
Dec13ration and approve the Site and design application subject to the findir.gs
and conditions listed below.
FINllII!6S
I. The project wi)l not have a significant environmental impact, in that the
project is designed to mitigate the impacts of site grading and disruption
of site soils. and retain existing mature trees;
2. The proposed design will be orderly. harmonious, and compatible with
existing or potential uses of adjoining ptoperty, 11"1 that the proposed use
and improvements will be Similar to other single+family residences in the
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arel~ 3nd the project ~as bee~ car~ful1y sited to sc~e~n th~ project from
adjatent properties;
3. Th~ project 'll'i11 maintain jesirability of inv!'strr,ent in the same or
adjacent areas, 1n trat the required on-site impro .... t!ments, larodscaping iJ1d
construction standCl:r~s governed by tne current Uniform Building Code (UBC)
or ether current codes will assure a ~igh quality of development;
4. The proposed design wlll observe sound principles of environm~ntal design
and ecological balance, in tt·at the seiected -locition and c-oncent:"'aticn of
the new structure and improvements 1 imit disruption of the site and
measures incorporated into the project design will help to (errect areas
of uncompacted fill and erosion; and
S. Tnf proposed use will be in accord witn the Palo Alto Comprenensive Plan,
in that the proposed residential use and related improvements conform to
the intent of the Open Space/Ccntr::llled Dev~lopment designatfon to allt>w
limited residential de'llelopmp.nt on larger sites to minimize physical
impacts of development.
C1IIID IT! OMS
Conditions to be Met prior to issuance of • Building Permit:
1. T~e n(w residence shall be desi~ned to meet all pertinent reQuireme~ts of
Title 24, Stlte Energy codc.
2. All new structures shall conform with all the requirements of Apper.dix E.
as amended, of the current Uniform Fire Code for structure-s in the
hazardous fire ~rea. A Class "A-or equivalent fire retlrdant roof will
be required.
3. Ali grading and development on the site shall conform with all aspects of
the project s~11s and geotechnical report recommendations. The project
geotechnkal engineer ... i 11 be reqlr\red to c:.ertHy tha.t the grading and.
con.!;tructior. was done in accordance with their recommendations, prior to
finalilation of the building permit.
4. IT'lsta.11 an automatic lire sp'rinkler s)~t'em in a1 \ new structures.
Separate permit and plans for the system must be re'/iewed and approved by
the Fire Department.
~. Submit iI detailed grading and drainagE plan prepared by a registered civn
engineer to the Publ ic W'or~s Department for rtwiew and approval. All toof
drains shall outfall to paved surfaces or drainrock, ~r ~ther protected
areas approved by the PubTic works Department.
6. Submit a deUiled plan of the prop{lsed' pond and energy dissipater at the
termini.ls of the existing drainage l~ne out-fall to the Pub1;c works
Department fer revi~w and approval.
CMR:327:92
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,Submit a dehiled landscape arid irrigation plan to the Plafln1ng Department
for review a.nd approval. The f'inal pl an shali inciude tf'le r;:"JlmlDn and
botardcal r..ames of all species used, and the number, size) type, location
and S.PiC1rl9 of all plant ~iLteria1s. There shall be a minimum of B screE',n
trees provided anc t~ese trees shall be a mh of 24-inch and 15~gal1on
stze. T~e plan s~ould ilso i"~lude specifications for ~ai~tenance of the
e~istfng and proposed trees~ and recommendations for soil mixes or othe~
measures to assure adeQ~ate and continued coverage of denuded slopes. The
apprpved landscape pl an shall be ; nstall ed prier to OctobEr IS of iroe
cCtns.truct1on year. un1ess an erOSlOn contr,jl plan has been reviewed~
approved and installed to the satisfaction of the Public works Dep~rtm&nt.
Minor modifl..:a.tions to the pTan mz)' be made during instalhtion, subject
t~ tne PT~r.~ing Department's approval.
8. All exterior lighting sfia.l1 be nigh--efficiency, lOlli-illumination fixtures
designed and located so as to minimize visibility from off-site.
9. For ail propo'Sed s~ptic tank. s.ystems, sutm1!: a l~tter an~ approyed plans
t{;l the Bun flg Official from the Santa ela,a County Departrr..ent {;If
Environmental 'ieaHh, ir-i1catir.g that the site 'is suitable ft'l)'" l septic
tank systeftl, and that p~ ",ns. for such a system have tli!'E:n approved.
10. Connection to the existing watej' line and payment of a r;roport1onal share
of the costs of tnstalliF1g t~e eA:lsting water lir.e shall be required •. ~
payment of SI5,19S.6C shall be paid to the City's water-Gas-Sewer
Depart ... nt.
11. The applicant shall cOflvey to the CHy of Palo Alto a 5-foot·..,ide .strip
along t~e west edge of los Tranc!)s Woods Road. far right-of-way purposes.
The conveyance shall be in the form of a deed of easement to the City, in
recordable form, sati sfactory to the City Attorney and Real Estate
Manager. It shall describe in metes and bounds, ar.d be accompa~1ed by a
desc.riptive plat map of a foT"1Tl satisfactory to the Planning and Public
Works Departments.
Conditions to be .. t during construetlon:
12. To reduce dust levels during c.o:lstruction~ the subdivider snall ensure
t~a.t exposed earth surfaces are 'Wat!red frequently during the late morning
;Jnd the end of the day, with freque!1cy of watering increasing on windy
days. Reclaimed water, in accordance with Public Worke; Department
pol icies, shail be used for this pur,p(}se. All streets and haul routes
shall be cleaned daily. The subdivider shall ensure that spillage
resulting from hauling operoltiOohS along or across any public Dr private
property shall be removed i~diately and paid fOor by the contract{}r. The
subdivider shilll~ also ensure that du!;t nuisanci!s ori9inaling from the
contractor's operations, either inside or outs-ide the right-of-way. shall
b~ controlled at the contractor's ~xpense.
13. The following tree protect;on measures shall be implem~l'lted during
construction activiti!s:
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a. ".11 trl(!es d'e:s.ignated to be prt:'ser't'ed shall be protected with a six
fOOt·"19'I'I c.:halP 1!nk. f~nce. mounted on twO· inch diamet!"r galvanized
iron posts, driven into the ground to a depth of at least 2 feet at
no mor!' than 10-foot spacing_ The fence shall enclose the entire
area under tne dripline of existing trees. In no '=.ase s~a" any
vehicles or equipment be permitted to be stored within this enclosed
ar!i. The fence sha 11 be eri!cted be fore CDns t ruct i on be9 i ns c:ild
r~main in place until final of the building p€rmit.
b. No stonge of materials or topsoil shall boa penrdtted ... ithin the
tree enClosure area.
c. Any grading ·.ahin the fencE:d area or under the dripline shalT be
limite-d to 6 inches of cut or rPl from the original grade.
d. Above ground surface runoff shall not be directed into the trpe
canopy area from adjacent areas.
Conditions to be met prior to issuance of an Occupancy permit:
14. All topsoil from Greas to be graded shall be rem'JV€d and stockpiled for
re-use after 9radi~9 i$ completed.
15. All grading and de~~Topment on the site shall conform with all 3Sp~CtS of
the arborlst rep{)rt recolTI'Geildations. The project arbor-ist win be
required to certify that site grading around trees. and measures employed
to protect trees d~ring construct~on were done in accordarlce with the1T
recommendations, prior to finalization of the build1ng permit~
16. TnE ap~llcant shall comply .ith the vector control measures established by
the Healtn Department of Santa Clara County for the control of mcsq~;toes
within the proposed pond.
Respectfylly submitt.d,
~£./~ Q.+ fIt.O-i---
«JOSEPH ~. COLONNA
Planner
Attachments:
CMR:317:92
p:\,*"'.81(l \ tw.CIa!'
KENNETH R. SCHREIBER
Director of Planning and
Community Envir~nment
Planning Convnis.sion Staff Report dated June 19~ 1992
Applicant's Submittal Package (Council Members only)
Project Pl ans (Co.men Members on1y)
7/9/92
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,~C:c: ph.tl.n 1tl9 tOlTCni s.s itm
John R. Que.n, Jr., S78 Universit} Avenue, P.). Alto, CA 94301
Gwendolyn Grace-Kull, 1409 F.irf •• Raid, Setnesda, MO 20819
ClIR:327 ;92
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DA1[; \1Jno 19. 1992
TO; PAlO ~lTO PlANHlH6 COMIIISS10li
PREPARED BY: Joseph M_ Colonna
REPORT I~ BRIEF: SiC lOS TRANCeS WOODS ROAP; Application for Site .nd
Design approYil to co~struct a two-story, 3.Sa4~squ~r€-fcot~ single-family
residence on a 9.4B-acre site in the foothills cf Pale Alto. The proposed
project includes I deta~hed 4-ca~ garage and rel~ted terraces and arbars .
Environmental Assessment: No significant impacts were determined t~ result
from this proj~ct and a Negatiye Declaration has beer. prepared.
lone District: OS
file Nos_: 92-P-I. 92-EIA-13
APPLI(ATI~ INFORMATIDN
Applicant;
Type ~f ApplicatiQn:
Oates:
s rn I NrQRMATIQN
Jo~n R. Qu~en? Jr.
578 University Avenue
Palo Alto. CA 94301
(415) 858-1701
Site and Design
Application received ~:
Application complete ~~~:
Ma~datory action deadline 7-24-92
Owner: Gwendolyn Gr.,.-Kul1
7409 Fairfax Road
a.thesda, MD 20819
Assessor's Parcel Number: lB2-36-Zg
Comprehensive Plan Desi9natinf'1: Open Space/Controlled Development
Existing Land Use: Undeveloped single-famfly lot
Surrounding land Use: North:
East;
South:
"'est:
undeveloped open space
Sing' e--fami ly residence
Undeveloped open space let
Single-family de~elopment and
commercial nurse~y
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Parcel Size: 9.48 acres
PROJECT INFOBHATION
Site History: On May 21, 1979~ the Cit), Council approved a parcel map to
subdivide property at 810~B30 Los Trancos Woods Road into t~ree single
family lots. Of' March IS, 1982, the Cit,)' C.ouncil approved a s"ite and
design application to construct i single-family residence an1 pool. A
building permit for thi~ project WiS never su~~itted. and the approval has
lapsed. On May 4. 1987, the City Coundl approv.ed a site and desig.,
application t~ con~truct a two-story, 4,400-squar~-foot, single-family
residence ~nd pool. A building ~ermit ~as n€ver submitted, and the
approval has lapsed. T~e subject appl icatian is the tnh'd site and design
application for this property.
Site Descrlption: The pr~ject site i~ an irregularly ~haped 9.48-acre
pare!l whio:::h slopes down steeply to the northwest. Site access is provided
by a private road serving two addit~onal single-family lots to the east.
The propDsed building site is located adjacent to the eistern property
line, tne most l£,yel portion of the site. This part of th€ site is also
the most fr2e from existing mature trees. Directly adjacent to the
proposed building site is an area of uncompacted fill from a p"re\;lous
graded building pad. A portion of the site 1S crossed by an existing
d~ain~ge line and easement which serves the property locited tc the east.
The iJncompacted fill and outfall of the drainage lil1e nave contributed to
the death of s~ Pature trees and to erosion of site soils. These
problems are t~ be corrected is a part of this project.
project oescription: Tne applicant is proposing to construct a two-story,
3,584-square-fout , Honterey Colonial single-family residenc! and a detached
4-car garage. The ~ouse has been designed tc utilize the site's natural
slope by setting I portion of tne first story into the hillside. The house
will be a one-story with a partial second story dormer at the upper end and
a full two stories at the lawer end. The house will have a terrace that
completely encircles the perimeter of the upper flocr. rhe lower fl{1or
includes a dec~ which captur€s the long dista~ce views to the northwest.
The project includes a hot tub at the southwest corner af tr.e lower floor.
The proposed building s; te is in the general location of the t.wo previously
approved projects. Howe¥er, in cont~ast to the most recent appro¥al. the
house would not be built in the area of the ur.eompactoed fill; only the
detached garage is propos~d for tnat area. Additionally, the applicant
will not relocate tne existing drainage line ind eas~ment. All proposed
illprovements will be located out side of the ex i st i ng easement. I n order to
co~trol the flow of water and prevent additional erosion at the terminus of
the drainage line, the applicant proposes to construct a pond at the
Dot{all which will serve as an energy d.issipato~·. The Publ1c lIIorks
Department ~as reviewed the proposed pond and has approved it in concept
p, 'J'CSRI.SitTEMJl'U..
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.byt will require re~iew a~d approval of a detailed drai~age plan prior to
~$suance cf a bUlld1ng pe~it.
The exterior fjnfsh of the house and garag~ is to be a tan plaster. Tne
terrace and decks are to b~ darker brown, and the windcws, door and door
frames .are to be grepn. The roof will be (oliered with a ·weathered 'Wood"
f;~rglass s",ingle. The applicant w111 provide color samples at the
C~isston meeting.
NiAbYSlSIJ§SU£S
Grlding; Tn! presence of the 1.rge irea of unc~mpacted fill on the site
will requirf excavation and recompaction of i substantial amount of site
soils. The house design itself does ~ot reQui,e substantial grading,
Ippro~imate1y 360 cubiC yards of cut and fill. A minimal amount of grading
w1l1 be done along tne existing driveway, to widen it to 15 feet as
required by the Fire Department.
Q[ilinage: Arl ex; sting drainage 1 ine, located to the south of the b"nding
area, serves the undeyelo~ed property to the east. The ap~licant has not
proposed any improvements within t~e e~isting drainage easement. The
drlinage lin~ will remain in its present location and capacity. Th~
outfall location will be improved with ~ pond to act as an energy
dissipator to reduce eros;o~ potential.
"'-suill Impacts.: The hous.e has. been carefully sited to reduce visual
impacts and 105$ of existing trees. The house and garage will require
removal of only 3 existing trees, two of which are in very poor conditfon
as identified by the project arborist report. Th~ sit~ is he3vily wooded.
w1th tne exceptlon of the bujjding Site. The new house sho~ld only be
visible from existing residence~ in Portola Valley and to A limited ext~nl
f~ Las Trancos ~oods Road~ Please refer to the visual analysiS provided
by t~,e applicant.
Langscaping: Tne landscape plan complies with the City's polity regarding
the establ ishment of i greenbelt ..... 1tnin the zone ilTlllediately surrounding
tne residence. This concept includes the clearing cf flammable brush
wi th j n 100 feet of the res i dencE . The app 1 ; cant ; s propos i ng to plant 8
new trees including 2 coast live oa~s~ 1 Cilifornii black oaK, 2 California
Buckeyes~ 2 coast redwoods, and 1 CAlifornia bay. Ornamental plants~ is
well is a vegetable garden and 9 fruit trees have been limited to the area
adJacent to the residence. A transition betwei!n ornamental ~1anting and
existing native vegetation will be provided.
Septic Tank System: There are no City sewer mains in the vicinity of the
site and provision of a. septic tank systerll will be necessary. It will b.;:
ne(!ssary for the Santi Clara County Depart~nt of Environmental Health to
approve th~ system design and location prior to applicatinn for a buiTding
permit.
.Utiijties: The Cit,. of Palo A.lto will not be able to pro'Jide electric or
gas servh::~ to this site. P~cific Gas and flectric (omparlY will provide
service to this s.ite base-d all the rates i!rld rules in effect at the time the
;ppl icatian for service -;s recehed. There are e:dsting fadl ities for-gas
and electric se~ice in th~ area. Water is ~vailabie to this site from
existfng City water lines, which ~ere insta11ed at private expense. To
connect to tr.is wattt line the applicant shall be requirt!d to pay a
proportionate sha'l'"€ {If the costs lncurred by the ad,ioin'r,g pr\:lperty owner
when the w&ter line WlS installed. This property's share would be
$15,298.60. Thi. amount shall be paid to the City of Palo Alto for
allocation to the abutti~9 pr~pertj owner wh~ paid for installation of t~e
water main.
Staff recommEnds that the Planning Commission reco~nd that the City
Council adopt the Negative Declaration and approve the sit€ and design
application subject to t~e findings and conditions listed b~iow.
FINDINGS
J. The project will not have a significant erlllironmental impa.ct, in tha.t
~he project is deSigned to mitigate the impacts of stte grading. and
disruption of site soils and retain existing mature trees;
2. The proposed design will be orderly, P'lannonious, and compr.tible with
existing or potential uses of adjoining property. in that the
proposed use Ind improvements will be similar to other single-fami1y
residences in the ar~a, and the project has been carefully sited to
screen the prCJjec:t frOG adjacent pro pert ies;
3. T~e project will .aintain desirability bf investment in tne same or
adjacent areas, 1n that the required on-site 'mprove~nts.
1andscaping and construction standards governed by the current
Uniform B"il~ing Code (UBC) or oth.r current codes ~ill assure, high
Qualtty of development;
4. The proposed design wtll observe sound principles of envi'l'"onmental
design and ecologicil bahnce, in that the st!lected location and
concentration of the new structure and improvements limit disruption
of the site and measures ir.corporated into the project design will
help to correct areas of uncompacted fill ind erosion; and
5. The proposed use will be in accord with the Palo Alto Comprehensive
Plan, in that the proposed residentIal use and related improvements
conform to the intent of the Open Space/Control1ed Development
designatfon to allow limited residential development on larger sites
to minimize physical impacts of development.
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,.cONDITIONS
CondltlGns to be .. t prior to Is,uance cf • !ulidln9 Permit:
L T~t-new res~dence sh .. ll be dhigned to meet all pertinent
requirements of Titie 24, State Energy code.
2. All ne~ structures shall conform w1th all the requirements of
Appendix t, as a~nded. Qf the current Uniform Fire Code for
structures in the hazardo~s fire area. A Class "AN or equivalent
fire retardant roof will be required.
3. All grading and de,elopment on thE 'ite sh.ll conform with all
I!pects of the proj~ct soils and geotechnical report reco~ndativns.
The project geotechnical enginee~ will bE required to certify that
the grading and construction was done in accordance with their
recommendations. prior to finalization of the building permit.
4. Jnstalt an at.lt~atic fire sprinkler system in all ner.· struetures.
Separate permit and plans for the system ~st be reviewed and
approved by the FIr. Oep.rtment.
S~ Submit iI detaned grading arld drair,age plan prepared by a registered
civil eng1neer t~ the PubliC Works Department for review and
approval. All roof drains shall outfall to paved surfaces or
drair;rock., ur otn.er protected areas approved by the Publ ic works
Department.
6. Submit a detailed plan of the proposed pond and energy dlssipator at
the terminus of the existing drainage line out~flll to tne Public
Works Oepart~nt for r~yjew and approval,
7. Submit. detailed landscape and Irrigation plan to the P1aMing
Department for revi~ and a~Droval. The final plan sh~ll include the
c~n and bota~ical na~s of all species used, and the ntimber, size,
type, location ind spacir'9 of all plant materials. There shall be a
minimum of 8 sc~een trees provided and th~se trees shall be a mix of
Z4-inch anc lS-ga1lon size. The plan shou1d a1so int1ude
specifications for maintenance of the existing and proposed trees,
and recorrmendations for soil mixes or other measures to asstJre
adequate and continued coverage of denuued slopes. The approved
landscape plan sha1l be lnst.lled prior to October 15 of the
construction year, unless an erosion control plan has been re~iewed.
approved and installed to the satisfactlon of the Public Works
Oepartment. Minor modifications to the plan may be made during
installation, subject to the P1anning O~partment's approval.
8. All e~terior lighting shall be high-efficiency, l~w-illumination
fixtures designed and located so as to minimize Visibility from off
!;;te.
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For all proposed septic tank systems ~ubwtt a letter and apprcye~
'phns to the Building Offic.iol1 from t~e Sanh Clara COunty Depar'tmcnt
of Environmentai Hea~th. indicating that the site is suitable for a
septic t~nk system, ar.d that plans for such a syst~r. have been
approved.
lO. Connection t<l the e.xisting water 1 ine and payment of a proportional
share 0' the costs of i~stallfng tne e~isting water line shall be
required. A payment of SJ5.298.60 shall be paid to the City's Water
Gas-Sewer Oepartme~t.
11. The applicant sha11 c~nvey to the City of FaT a AltD a ~-foot-wide
strip along the west edge of Los Trancos Woods Road, for right-af-way
purpose-s. Hie con'lleyance shall be in the form of a deed <If easement
to the City, in recordab1e form, satisfactory to t~e City Attorney
and Real Estate Manoger. rt shall describe in metes and bounds. and
ue accDmPanied by a d~scriptive plat map ~f a form satisfactory to
the Plannt~g and Pu~lit Works Departme~ts.
Condltloos to be .. t during constructIon:
12. To redlJce dust le"vels during construction, the subdi\lider shall
ensure that exposed earth surfaces are ~atered frequently during the
late morning and the end of the day. with frequency of watering
increasing on windy days. Reclaimed witer~ in accordance witn Public
Works Oepartment pcliciE!s, shall be used (or this purpose. All
streets and haul routes shall be cleaned daily. The subdividEr shall
ensure that spillage reslJlting from hauling operations along or
across any public or private property shall b~ remoyed immediately
~nd paid for by tne contract~r. The s~bdivider shall als~ ensure
tnat dust nuisances originatin9 from the contractor's operations,
e;t~er inside or outside the right-of-way, shall be controlled it the
contractor's expense.
13, The following tree protection measures shall be implemented durin9
construction activities:
a. All trees designated to be preser~ed Shan be protected with a
six-fo(lt·high cha';n link fence, mounted on brio-inch diameter
ga1vanized iron posts, driVEn into the ground to a depth of at
least 2 feet at no more than lO-foot spacing. The fence shall
enclose tne entire area under the dripline of existing trees.
rn no case shall any vehicles or eq~lpment be permitted to ce
stored within this enclosed ar~a. The fence shall be ~rected
before construction begins and remain in pla,e until final of
the bulldin9 permit.
b. NQ storage of materials or top~oil shall be permitted within
the tree enclosure area.
P:'ll'CSJI.\SRTEloiPtJI,
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Any grading within: the fe.nr..ed Hea or under the dripllne shall
be Hmite-d to S inc.~es of cut (Ir fill from the criginal grade.
d. Above ground surfae! runoff s~al1 not be directed into the tree
ca~op~ area fr~ adjacent areas.
Conditions to be .et prfor to issuance 9f an Occup!ncy Permit:
14. All topsoil from areas ta be graded shall be removed and stockpiled
for re-use after grading ;s compl~ted.
15. All gradi~g .:)nd deve1.oprlent on the site stlall confonn with all
~5pects ~f the arborist report rec~ndatfons. The project arborist
will be r~quired to certify that site grading around trees, and
measyres employed t~ protect tre€s during construction were done in
accordance with their recommendations. prior to finalization of the
boil ding permit.
16. The applicant shall comp1y with the vector control meisures
.stablished by the Health Oepartment of S,nt. Cl.ra County for the
controi of mosquitoes within the prop~5ed pond.
Attachments:
Lor..atiQr'I Map
t~v1r~nmental lmpact Assessment
Ap~licant's SubMittal Package (Commission Members only)
Project Plans (Commission Members only)
(PRies Sent TQ:
John R. Queen, Jr., 578 University Avenue, Palo Alto. CA 94301
Gw<ndolyn Grace-Kull, 7409 Fairfax Road. 8ethesda. ~D 20819
6-19-92
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SITE LOCATION
'1Q LOS TRANCO'S WOOOS ROAD
Footnills
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~ GRAPHIC ATTACHMENT DATE: ,11./0, Sc.'U:
, TO STAfF REPORT FILE NO. U-D-1 f .2-EIA.-r3
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En~ironm~ntal Documents· City of Palo Alto
lNV I RQjJ~ENTAl ASS ESS~_E]I
Project Di!scriptionjTitle: iite and de"ign aQolication t(L .. £...o.ns_tr'Jct a 3.584·
sqyare-foot single-family resjdence en ~ 9,48 acre~sLiwt~'~. __________________ __
Location/Address: 810 Los Tr~_n..:os "'gads Road, Pale Alto
Sponsor i n 9 Ag e n cy I Ap P 1 i can t : Jotl n .8-,--QtJ".",e!!n~ . ..l"iJ' r~. _______________________ _
Address and Telep.hone of Applicant: 578 Un1'!:erslt! Avenue. PG10 Alto_ CA 9430J_
(4IS) SS8-1701
App 1 i c .. t i on for: SHe in dDs''''.ei 9"nwR"."'-'ise"w __________________________ _
loning at Project locat ian: ",OS"-__ _
NOTICE OF DETERMINATION
Bas~d upon review of the project ftles, the undersigned member of the Planning
Oepartm~nt has conciud~d:
iXI Negative DeelaratloQ' The project has no significant e",i.ror.~ent.l
impact. No Environmental Impact Report is required. The reasons for a
Negative Oeclaration are:
in tn'" attach2'd !nit1i"i Study. A recqrd of the_J!!.Qi~ __ t;:.t action is
aVii1a~r review at the Palo Alto Department of Plannir.g a.nd
COll"munitv Err1ljromrrent between the hours of 8:00 AM to 12:Q.9-..n..Q_on .!!a"nd"-;,,-
ljDO PM :0 5:00 PM. Monday through Friday. located on the 5th floor in
.lli Palo..AU9.....Civic Cent!::-at 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto, _____ _
The project may have a significar:t en 1/ironmental
Envjronmcntal !rr,pact Report wlll be prepared ..
impact, An
Planning Department Official: ~.!t.{~ . .:..0.!~~G:!.~=-----
Planning Director: A:f,,~e ££q,-<.,&__ Date: -llM.< ~,19y,,:
The project has. been approved. Date:
The project has been denied. Dat-e :
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ENVIRO~M£~TAL DOCUMeNTS -PALO ALTO
INITtALSTUDy" **
I. Pr~ject Title/Address' BIO Los Tranc9L"lQods Road. Palo rG.Ho
]1. Proj~ct Desc\"'1ptio!"'!": ,S:ite and dgsign application t~nstruct a two
stgry. 3,S84-sguare-foQt s"ingle-famiJ..L..r.g_sidenc.e. with a 4-car dill~hed
.9.lr~~ted terraces and arbors,
ilL £nvironmental Sett'rl~: An 1rreguhrly shaped 9.486 acre. t',eavl1v wooded
site with slopes varying bet",een 2% tp 50%. TMl'! pro.QCJse.d house location
is on the Jr.Dst 1e\l£'1 ptirtioTj tlf the site adi~.cent to tt'ie eastern
prop~rty 1; ne. The :;; te sl opes mpre .steepl y to the-southwes.t. Site
access is frem ~ private road off los Irancos Woods Road. lhe private
road 1S sho1red by two other single-family lots up-sTope of this sJtL
one of which is unde.'eloped.
IV. Environmental rmpact Checklist (Explanation of all "yes" and "maybe
answers are ln Section VJ
L illlh. 'Will the proposal result; n:
a. Unstabie earth conditions or changes l
in geologit substructures?
b. Disruptions. displacements. compac-
tion or ovarco'/ering of the soil l
c. Change in topography or ground
surface rel ief features? -A..
d. 1he destruction, covering or mod;
fication of any unique geolog1c or
Physical features? _~ __ _
e. Ar,y 'ro.crease 11'\ wind or water eros.ion
of soils. ~itr.ef" on or off the sHe? __ X_
f. Exposure of peopl e or proj)erty to
geo1ogic hazards suer. as earthquak~5,
landslides, mUdslides. ground failure
or similar nazards? ~
.. A.dapted from Appendix I, California Guidelines fer Implementat4.Qn of
CEQA, December 14, 1976.
** Updated May 1982, Jwne 1983
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g. Changes in siltation. deposition, or
erosion which rr,ay mo,ji fy the cknnel
of a river or the bed of a bay or
inlet?
2. Air. Wi 11 the proposal result in:
a. Substantial air emissions or de
terioration of ambient aIr quaTity?
b. The creation of objectionable odors?
c. Alteration of air movement, moisture
temper:=.ture, or any change in c1 i
mate, eit~er locally or re910nal?
3. Wat!r. Will the proposal result in:
a. Clianges in absorption rates, drail'1age
patterns, or the rate and amount of
YES
surface water runoff? -L
b. Alterations to the course or flow of
flood waters?
c. Discharge intn surface waters, or in
any alteration of surface water
quality~ including but nat limited t~
temperature, disso1ved oXY9€n or
turbidity?
d. A1teration of the direction or rate
~f flo~ of ground wate~s?
e. Exposure of people or property to
water related hazards such as f1001-
ing or tidal wave?
f. Change in the quant i ty of ground
~aters, either through direct
additions or withdrawals, or through
interceptions of an aquifer by cuts
or excavations?
4. el.!n.LJHe. lrIill the proposal result in:
i. Change in thE diversity of spe~ies. or
number of any species of pTants (i~
eluding trees, shrubs. grass, crops,
microflora and aquatic plants)? ~
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b. Reductio~ of the numbers of ~ny
uniq~e, rare or endangered species
of plants?
c. lntroductinn of nelJi species of
plants into in area, or in a barrie"!"
to the nonnal repl en; shment. cf
existing species?
d. REduction in acreage of a~y
agricultural crop?
Animal Life. Will the proposal result in:
a. Change in the diversity of species,
or of any species of animals (birds,
land animal s incl uding reptiles,
fish and shellfish, benthic org!nisms,
insects or microfauna)?
b. Reduct10n of the numbers of any
unique, rare or e~dangered species
of animals?
c. Introduction of nelJi species of
animals into an area, or resu1t in
a barrier tc the migration or move·
ment of anSmals?
d. Deterioration in existing fish or
wildlife habitat?
6. Nolse. Will the proposal result in:
7.
8.
a. Increases in existing ~oise levels?
b. Exposure of people to severe noise
leveis?
light and Glare. Will t~e proposal
produce new light glare?
land Use. Will the proposal res~'t in
a substantial alteration of the pr~sent
or planned land use of an area?
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9'. fnergylNatLtr.al Res.ources. Itlil~ t;-;e
pro~csal result in:
10.
I. Use of substanttal amounts of fuel
or er.ergy ~
h. Sub stant ; al increase in demand upon
existing sources of en~rgy. or
reQuir~ the d~velQpment of ne~
sour'CiaS or energy?
c. IncreasI;! in the rCite of i..'se of Jny
natural resources?
d. Substantial depletion of any nonre
newable natural resource?
Risk. of Up __ set. Does the pr{)po~al
invol~e a risk of an explosion or the
release of hazardous substances (in
cluding, but not limited to, 011,
pesticides, chemicals or radiation) in
the event of an accident or upset?
l!. E..Q.ruJl at i on 'H~.
a. Will the proposal alter the lDcation,
distribution. density. or growth rate
of the human pop:.,da_tion of a;'l are')?
b. Will the proposal effect existing
housing, or creat~ a demand for
additional housing?
12. Tr.a"rlsportattc)_D/Circulation. "ill the
proposal resu;t in:
a. G~neration of SUbstantial add1t1onal
vehicular movement?
b. Effects on ex'st'ng p;rktng faCili
ties, or demand for new parking?
c. Alterations to present patterns of
circuiation or ~ov~ment of peuple
an<:!ior goads?
d. Increase in trc.rfic hazards to motor
vehicTes, bicyclists or pedestrians?
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Public Services. ~il1 the proposal have
an effect upon. or result in a f1ee{j for nfW
or altered go' .. ernmoeontal ser~ices: i;'1, any of
the fcl1ow;n~ a'eas:
a. fire protection?
b. Police protection?
t. Schools?
d. Parks or other recreational
facil ities?
e. Maintenance of public facilities,
including roads?
f. Other governmental servic~s?
l~. Utilit~es. Will the proposal result in a
need for new systems, or substantial
alterations to the followin9 utilities:
a. Power or natural gas?
b. Comm~o!Cation5 systems?
c. Water?
d. Sewer or septic tank?
e. Storm water drainage?
f. S01 id' waste and disposal?
15. Human He~lth. Will the proposal result in:
a. Creation of any h~a'th halard or
potentiai health hazard {excludi~g
mental health)?
b. Exposure of people to potential
health hazards?
16. Aest~et !c~. ~ill the proposal result
in the obstruction of an~ scenic v~sta
or view open to the public, or ~ill the
proposal resuit in th~ creation of an
aesthetically offens;~e site open to
public vlelN?
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1'7. ~ecrC":at ion. Wi II t'. proposal reSoult
ln an i mpac t upon the qual it)' or quant ltj
of existing recreatiol"1al 0ppGrtunitien ..L
18. ~uHljral Besources.
a. ~i1l the pHlposal reSoul t ir. th'
alteration of/or the destructir.:r'l
of • prehisto"ric or historic
ardlaeclogical s. lt€? ..L
b. ~ill Ue proposal r€sult in ad·
verse physica1 or aesthet ~, effects
to a preh1storic or historic
bui lding, structure; or object? ..L
to Does the propcsa 1 have the potential
to cause-• physical change-which
would affect unique cultural val ues? -~-
d. Wi 11 the proposal restrict existing
Tel igious or sacred uses within the
potential impact area? ..L
19. !lilt:la'~tor:r: Fi ndin~s..Jgn"f fLc::_ance.
•• Does. the project have th, potent;!' to
degrade the qual Hy of the ern' 1 ronment.
5ubstantlally reduce the habitat of ,
fi sh or ... ildl i fe species. calIse a fish
or wildl i fe po-puhti on to drop be 1 \)'W
self-sustaining 1evels, threaten to
eliminate a p13nt or animal community,
redUCE the number or restrict the
rang€: of a rare or endangered D1 an'". or
aninlal or el imina~E ir1portant e~ample:i
of the major periods of California
history or prC!history? _X_
b. Does the project have tn. Doter.ti C'.'
to achieve shcrt-ter:n, 1.0 th, dis-
advantage of long-term, environmental
goals? (A s~ort-term impact cn the
environment is or.~ \oih i cn cccurs i r~ • relatillely brief. defin~tive period
of t 1m€! wh; Je 1 org -t em i m~,ac t s wi.l1
endure we 11 into the future., _X_
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c. Does the proje:t ~ave impacts which
are indivi~u~11y limited, but
cumulatively considerable? tA pre
jed may 1~,i>act on two or mo!'"e
separate resources wn~~e the impact
I}n each resource is relat~ .... el.Y
small, b<Jt where the effect of the
total of those impacts on the
en~;ronment is significJnt.)
d. Does the praject t'lave environrr;entCil
effects which ~il1 ca~se substantial
adverse effects on human beings,
either directly or indirectlY? _1_
'W. Explanation cf ~yes" and "maybe" answers in en ... ironmental checklist.
Se. attached.
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J (b,cTe,f) Earth. A soils 1nvestigat~o~ was conducted 01 t~1s site by JCP
"Ensine2rs and Geo1ogists Incorporated ir. February ]987 for a previ.ous S:te and
Design a~plication. The current appllcant has ccnt:'acted ~ith JCP Engineers
for further consultation and on·site inspections durtng construction. The
purpose cf the investigation was to determine tt1+:! developabilitJl cf the site,
evaluate slop£! stabi1itJ, and. establish rercmmendaUans for sHe development.
four sub5Urfac€ borin9s werE! taken ~n the JO(dtiol'1 of the proposed hOi..lse a:-ld
detached garage. The conclusions of the-report submitted by tne appTicant are
that the site is sUltable for t~e proposed improvements provided that the
recorrmended d2velopment m!:'astJres are followed and representativ€'s from JCP
Engine€rs rewie~ the gradi~g and foundation pl~ns and are present during
grading actiwities.
JCP Engineers have recommended the !l5~ of il pfer and g~'ade beam t.;<pe-of
foundation for the new structures, because of site slopes and the presence of
moderate to highly expansive soils. The information cDnta;ned in the JCP
Engineers R€port "Soil and Foundation Study fer ..... roposed Residence at 810 los
Tra:v:os Woods Road, Palo Alto· dated FebruHY Il, 1987 is incorporaLed into
t~is enwironmental assessment by reference. A CDPY of this report is
ava~lab'e for review at the Paln Alto Planning Oep~rt~ent, Compliance ~ith
the recommendations: containad in th1S report she'told be required as a condition
of approval.
Evidence on the site at'ld from site borings St10'tJ tr.at substantial grading was
perfcrmEd on the site in the past. A 511bstantial a~ol.lnt of Ul'1conlpacted,
uneng1neered fill exists in th~ location of the proposed detQched 9ar~ge. The
pre-senc! of th;~ fin within an existing natural drainage swale ha:i
ccntributed to the death of several exi~ting trees and resulted in some areas
of erosion. To assure slope stability, JCP Engineers recom8end that the
entire art:!a of unccmpacte-d ft 11 D€ excioJated and recompacted to current
engineering standards.
Construction of the house a.nd garag€ will n'sult 'ir, exca .... ation of
approximatelY 3-60 tubic yards Df cut and the placement of an eQual amOUl1t of
ft11. This amount of grading is not co~sidered significant. Thf re~oval of
apprOXimately 1,185 cubic yards of uncompacted fi'1 ~ilT also be required.
n,e re-placement of existing uncompacted soil with enginE:ered, cOr1pacted soil
will have beneficial impacts of cons::ting the poter.tia1 s"!ope ins.tability and
repairing Existing eros1on in that area,
The additiona1 grading proposed on th,=, sit€" could ircre-ase water erosion Df
site soils, but the proposed mitigation to reseed and Tand5cape the graded
areas will minimize potei1tial erosion.
The site is located in a seismic area of moderate to high risk and will be
subject to ~iolent or very strong ground sha~ing in the Event of an
earthquake. Development on the site should not increase exposur@ to seismic
hazards if as required, all the recommendations contai~ed in the project SOils
report ire impltmented. The project will also be required to comply with the
current provisions Qf the lInifonr. BiJilc:!inii Cone, whi-:h are djrected at
reducing seismic risk.
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.L.i.iLA1r. Gradi(lg and construction activities cou1d '{<crease dust
partic~ltes in the project area. The construction contract sho~ld provide for
per'odic wat~rin9 of the site so~ls, and spraying of trees to keep dust to a
minimum.
Lill.Wat..t!:..:. The project wiil result in an increas.e cof 14,100 sqlJare feet of
im,pf!r~·ious surface (approximately 3.4 percent of the tota1 site ut.la)
incllJding the driveway and turr'! around area. The increase in runoff generated
frDm the site should not have a significant impact on site drai~age as the
amo~nt will be reTatively small.
A..I'I existing drairj1l.ge line and drainage easement I-o'tiich serve ti-,e lot to the
northeast of the site is located just to the south of the building area. The
applicant is not proposing any strljctuies within t~e easement and intends to
m~'ntain jt in its present capacity. Hc~e~er, th2 outfall lecation of the
elfistil'lg drainage line ;s eroded and must tl:! repaired. The c;.pp1icant proposes
tl> construct a pond at the terminus of the drainage 1 i<le that wi 11 act as an
energy dissipator to prevent future er<Jsion. The Public Works Department has
reviewed the pond and ~as approved the proposal in conc~pt but ~il1 require
review and approval of a detailed drainage plan prior to issua~ce of a
building permit.
4 (" Plant life. .,~ project as proposed will result i~ the removal of 5
small scr~b aaks, each 115S than 6 inches in diameter, an 8-~nch madrone and
an a-inch coast li..,.e oak, both ha~'e been identified as belng ir. .... ery poor
cOfldltion. The house na5 been careful1} sited to take advantage cf the most
level part of the property and to pr-eserv€-existing trees. An arborist report
on existing site trees was submitted to identify pcssible impacts of
construction and mde recommendations for their preservation. Site grading
activlties w'iil require r.:-moval of some existinC2 brush which is aho
considered to be a fire hdzard. The proposal complies with the CHy's
greenbelt policy ""hie,", requires the clearing of low fire fuel within 100 feet
of i new home, limiting ornamental species to the immediate area of tne
re5ide~ce, and providing a tra~sit;on bet~een ornamental and native
vegetation.
The landscape plan calls fer th2 addition of 17 ne~ trees including coast live
caks, coast redw0ods, California black cak, Cal ifor'nia ba'{ ani Cal ifornia
buckeye. There are also or~amental plant1ngs and turf ii the 1~~edjate
vicinity of the residence. Tha selected species a~e considered suitable for
their proposed location. The total area of the site to be landscaped is .75
acres. The recommer;dations In the arborist report for the retention a'ld
mainten~nce of remalning trees shall be implemented as a condition of
approval.
6 (al Noise. Project construction will temporarily increase ambi~nt noise
levels in the area. All (on~trU(tiDn acti~ities will be required to comply
~'th the pruv~stons of the City's NOise Ordinance, Cnapter 9.10 FAMe.
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,-14 (d.e' Utilities. water ser~ice 15 a~~jlable, but th~ ~ater maj~ kas
installed at prhate exp.ens~. The aHlicant wiil be required to connect t.o
(ity water~ and to pay a proportionate share of the cost of the installation
of the existing main. HIe Fi'!"e Departrr.el",t ~ould prefer e;;:tenS10i1 of He
eXlst1ng water main in ordEr to have fire ~ydrants installed, but this would
pr1marlTy serve only this one residence and wD:Jld be prchibitively exp!'!r1sive
fDr one property owner tc be;,:>"". The original extension of the water main ccst
S46,685.0C at ttle t~me {)f installation. Further extensfol"l -of ti1e water main
(ould Nsily cost an equ;va1ent or r.igh-er amotJr:t. This applicant wl/l alre~dy
be required to contribute approximately 515,000,00 towards the cost of the
existing main.
The projfct site is nQt provided with a sanitary sewer connection and must
install iI septic tank. Any application for a building ~el'mit sho!J1d include a
stat2ment frem Santa Clara Department of En, .. i~onmental Kealth, that the site
can support a sanitary septic system whic.~ meets 'With the County's approval.
It is recommended tnat the percolatiQn tests be preformed, and location of a
suitable septic system be approved before the appljcan~ prep.ar€s constr;Jction
drawing~.
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