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2011050207 - Desk Item 15881 Linda Avenue and 15950 Stephenie LaneS gpS COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT DATE: May 2, 2011 MEETING DATE: 05/2/2011 ITEM NO: DESK ITEM TO: MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL Q _' FROM: GREG LARSON, TOWN MANAGER �✓ SUBJECT: PLANNED DEVELOPMENT PD -08 -004; AND ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT EIR- 09 -01. PROJECT LOCATION: 15881 LINDA AVENUE & 15950 STEPHENIE LANE. PROPERTY OWNER/APPLICANT: MISSION WAY PARTNERS A. CONSIDER AN AMENDMENT TO THE FINAL ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT (FEIR) AND RECERTIFY THE FEIR (EIR -09 -001) IN CONNECTION WITH THE LINDA COURT PROJECT (PD -08 -004, S -08 -014 TO S -08 -020), PREVIOUSLY CERTIFIED ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2010; AND B. CONSIDER RATIFYING AND REAFFIRMING THE PRIOR APPROVAL OF THE LINDA COURT PROJECT CONSISTING OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION PD -08 -004 AND ARCHITECTURE AND SITE APPLICATIONS S -08 -014 THROUGH S -08 -020, ON SEPTEMBER 20, 2010, TO CHANGE THE ZONE FROM R -1:8 TO R- 1:8:PD, FOR A SEVEN -LOT SUBDIVISION, FOR A LOT LINE ADJUSTMENT BETWEEN TWO PARCELS ZONED R -1:8 TO DEMOLISH A SINGLE - FAMILY RESIDENCE, AND TO CONSTRUCT SEVEN SINGLE - FAMILY RESIDENCES. APNS 523 -25 -052 (FORMERLY 020) AND 051 (FORMERLY 036). REMARKS The project was previously approved by the Town Council in September 2010 and this Item does not re -open the project for approval. Staff has been made aware of concern by an individual pertaining to a number of items which have been previously reviewed, discussed and analyzed in the staff reports, Draft EIR and Final EIR. They include: (1) street conformity, (2) project PREPARED BY : tendie R. Rooney, Director of Community Development Reviewed by: Assistant Town Manager Town Attorney Clerk Administrator Finance ommunity Development N: \DEV\TC REPORTS\20I 1 \15881 Linda Avenue Desk Item 5 -2 -1 Ldoc.docx Reformatted: 5/30/02 PAGE 2 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL DESK ITEM SUBJECT: 15881 LINDA AVENUE /FILE #PD -08 -004, EIR -09 -01 May 2, 2011 compliance with Town tree regulations, (3) project compliance with General Plan requirements, (4) project compliance with Town Code regulations for density and floor area ratios, (5) compliance with Town floodplain management regulations, (6) conformity with State Subdivision Map Act regarding access to navigable streams regulations, (7) environmental impacts of Maintenance Access, (8) public access to open space, (9) conformity with the Guidelines and Standards for Land Uses Near Streams, and (10) compliance with height and story pole requirements. In response to those concerns, the following response is provided. 1. Street Conformity The commenter questioned whether the project's street width, sidewalks, right of way and cul -de -sac design, is in conformance with Town Subdivision Code. The project is a Planned Development application which proposes a Planned Development overlay zone to allow alternative regulations and requirements from the underlying zoning in order to provide an optimum quantity and use of open space. The subject project is not a Subdivision application. The Planned Development Ordinance for this project establishes the development standards including the private street width. There are no minimum street width standards beyond those stated in the Santa Clara County Fire Standard Details (Attachment 3) Specifications for accessibility requirements for private streets that require a minimum clear width of 20 feet. Additionally, Town Engineering Standards provide separate specifications for Special Design Streets and Private Roads`. Further, the California State Subdivision Map Act does not contain street standards. Street design standards are delegated to the local agency. The Planning Commission report for this project dated 8 -11 -10 addressed the street width in the following excerpt: "Additionally, the applicant is requesting an exception under the PD application to reduce the standard residential public street width of 36 feet to a private street width of 22 feet. During prior review, the consensus of the Commission was that the narrower street was the best solution to reduce the amount of impervious coverage. In addition, there is no alternative but to have a narrower street width at the entrance to the subdivision due to the amount of Linda Avenue lot frontage that is available." The Zoning Ordinance, which includes Planned Development overlay zoning (Chapter 29 of the Town Code) and the Subdivision Ordinance (Chapter 24 of the Town Code) work in conjunction together. Both the Town Code and the Planned Development Ordinance 2193 approved for this particular project support that the Town Codes apply to the project application (including Subdivision Ordinance), except where the Development Plan (PD overlay zoning) specifically sets forth a standard. The question that is really being posed is what standards under state law and Town Codes apply to an application for a Planned Development. Town Code (Sections 29.80.120 and 29.80.125) require that the Planned Development overlay zoning establish the Development Plan/Development Standards for the project. Town Code (Sections 29.80.080, 29.80.085, PAGE 3 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL DESK ITEM SUBJECT: 15881 LINDA AVENUE /FILE #PD -08 -004, EIR -09 -01 May 2, 2011 2980.090, and 29.80.095) describe the relationship of Planned Development procedures to other ordinances. The Town Code basically provides that even if an applicant obtains approval for Planned Development overlay zoning, the applicant still is required to follow the Subdivision Ordinance to process the subdivision and maps, and the subdivision must be inconformity with the regulations of the applicable zoning. If one were to adopt the position that is proposed by Mr. Crites (that the Town violated its own Code with respect to the Subdivision Ordinance), then the Town would never have the authority to approve a Planned Development zoning (which sets forth specific development standards) or a variance, or any other exception to development standards. That simply is not consistent with state law or Town Codes. 2. Project Compliance with Town Tree Regulations The commenter questioned whether project proposed tree removals are consistent with Town tree regulations. The project is in compliance with tree regulations of the Town Code. The code section cited by the commenter applies to subdivisions where no other applications are proposed. The project is not a subdivision application, but a Planned Development with detailed architecture and site plans which identify trees to be removed that conflict with project construction. All trees approved for removal will be mitigated in accordance with Town Code. Further, this issue was raised in the Final FIR Comments and was adequately addressed in Response 8 -37. The following excerpt is taken from Planning Commission staff report of 8 -11 -10 for this proj ect: "The project development will result in the removal of 45 trees. Four of these trees are within the riparian habitat and are non - native. These trees consist of eight oaks, one redwood, one eucalyptus and 35 non - native horticultural and /or fruit trees. Pursuant to Town Code, 26 of the trees to be removed are required to be mitigated." 3. Project Density The commenter questioned whether the proposed project density is consistent with the Town Code and General Plan. The project density is 3.98 units per acre once all dedications and the full riparian corridor are excluded. The General Plan allows for up to 5 units per acre on this parcel. Further, this issue was raised in the Final EIR Comments and was adequately addressed in Responses 8 -13 and 8- 24 and 8 -44. This issue was also discussed on page 3 -6 and 4.1 -10 of the Draft EIR The following excerpt is taken from the Town Council Report dated 9 -7 -10 for this project: "Planned Development projects are intended to allow variation from strict zoning ordinance standards in order to gain an optimum quantity and use of open space and create developments that take advantage of unique site characteristics, that PAGE 4 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL DESK ITEM SUBJECT: 15881 LINDA AVENUE /FILE #PD -08 -004, EIR -09 -01 May 2, 2011 otherwise may not occur in a standard development. Therefore, floor area ratios are not directly applicable, but are provided to show how the project compares to the neighborhood. Staff had made a determination that the site was unique due to its size and location at the end of the street, its gently sloping topography and its relatively undisturbed riparian habitat. In order to provide complete protection of the riparian habitat, the proposed development has been clustered on the southern portion of the property. This results in 33,527 square feet of the site being set aside in one form or another for protection of the riparian corridor, which is equivalent to one third of the project site. Pursuant to the General Plan, the allowed density for the subject parcels is zero to five units per acre. The proposed density is 3.66 units per acre, excluding the riparian dedications to the Town and SCVWD, and 3.98 units per acre when further excluding the entire riparian corridor (the full extent of the riparian vegetation dripline)." 4. Floor Area Ratios (FARs) The cormnenter questioned whether FARs are consistent with Town Code and the neighborhood homes. The project FARs were measured for compatibility purposes against those in the neighborhood and found to be compatible. The Planned Development provisions of the Town Code allow variation of FAR standards to vary from the underlying zone. This issue was raised in the Final FIR comments and was adequately addressed in Responses 8 -13and 8 -24, and to a lesser extent in Responses 8 -12 and 8 -17. This issue was also discussed on pages 3 -6 and 4.1 -10 of the Draft EIR. The following excerpfis taken from the Town Council Report dated 9 -7 -10 for this project: "It is important to note when comparing the project to lots in the neighborhood that Ross Creek is not deducted from the parcel sizes for the neighboring properties north of the project site in the Loma Vista/Longwood Drive /Linda Avenue extension neighborhood. Therefore, when comparing home sizes it is not possible to know how much land area might otherwise be deducted for riparian/creek dedication and potential Santa Clara Valley Water District (SCVWD) easements if those parcels were to be developed under current requirements that are imposed on the subject property. While the floor area ratios for the proposed homes are generally higher than those in the existing neighborhood, it is important to note that an additional 12,770 square feet of site area is dedicated as a SCVWD easement and a common open space area between Lots 3 and 4. If this area were not dedicated in commonly held open space it would contribute additional land area and would potentially reduce the FAR approximately four to six percent bringing the range from .21 to PAGES MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL DESK ITEM SUBJECT: 15881 LINDA AVENUE /FILE #PD -08 -004, EIR -09 -01 May 2, 2011 .28. (still accounting for a deduction of the area within Ross Creek dedicated to the Town)." 5. Compliance with Town floodplain management regulations The commenter questioned whether the project is consistent with the Town's floodplain management regulations that prohibit construction of structures in flood hazard zones. A hydraulic analysis prepared for the project and reviewed in the EIR in addition to FEMA maps set the defined area for the floodplain. None of the structures are located in the snapped 100 -year floodplain. The issue was discussed in the Final EIR Response to Comments: 6 -4, 6 -21 through 6 -25, 6 -27 through 6 -43, and 8 -14. 6. Conformity with State Subdivision Map Act access to navigable streams regulations The commenter questioned whether the project is consistent with State regulations for access to navigable streams. The project CC &R's are required to contain language to reserve access in compliance with the State Subdivision Map Act. The Final EIR provided a response to this item in Response to Comment 8 -25. Further, the following Performance Standard is included in the PD Ordinance: CC &R's — ACCESS. The CC &R's shall include language to require easements and deed restrictions over the private street which will guarantee access rights in perpetuity. 7. Environmental impacts of Maintenance Access The commenter questioned environmental impacts of the Maintenance Access (PD standard 111). This is a standard general condition for sites that will have Public Utility Easements (PUE) and in areas that Town crews will have to access. This covers both the PUE's and the creek parcel being dedicated to the Town. This was also a condition of the original approval in January of 2008. For this project, the SCVWD will be doing the bulk of the maintenance for the creek parcel and the Town will only need access to clean up litter, debris etc. No change in the proposed surfaces will be required or allowed as any Town maintenance will be done on foot and on an as needed basis only. The additional purpose of this condition as identified in the final sentence is to ensure that final improvements associated with utilities, final architecture, landscaping improvements, etc. do not impact the ability to repair /replace /access public improvements — storm drain etc. The standard condition reads as follows: MAINTENANCE ACCESS. The applicant shall propose maintenance access improvements for the Town Engineer to review, comment on, and approve. The Engineering Division shall approve the surface materials over each public easement. 8. Public access to open space The commenter questioned whether the project is consistent with General Plan requirements for public access to open space. PAGE MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL DESK ITEM SUBJECT: 15881 LINDA AVENUE /FILE #PD -08 -004, FIR -09 -01 May 2, 2011 The issue of public access to Ross Creek was discussed and rejected during the Planning Commission process. No trails exist upstream or downstream of the project site. The issue is discussed in the Final FIR Response to Comment number 8 -25. The following excerpt is taken from the Planning Commission Report of 8 -11 -10 During review of the prior PD application for this site, the Planning Corrunission expressed concern over providing a public trail and open space on the property. However the project plan allows for access to the natural common open space between Lots 3 and 4 of the subdivision which connects to the private street. In addition, the subdivision will provide dedications to the Santa Clara Water District which will further enhance enjoyment of the stream corridor. Conditions have been included to require easements and deed restrictions over the private street as part of the CC &R's which will guarantee these access rights in perpetuity, subject to the control of the regulatory agencies. 9. Conformity with the Guidelines and Standards for Land Uses Near Streams The commenter questioned whether the project is consistent with Santa Clara County Guidelines and Standards for Land Uses Near Streams. The FIR consultant fully evaluated the project for consistency with the Guidelines and Standards and found the project to be in conformance with all applicable regulations. The Draft EIR contains a complete consistency review in Appendix F. The project is evaluated in the context of the Guidelines and Standards throughout the Biological Resources and Hydrology and Water Quality sections of the Draft EIR. Additionally, the Final EIR provides responses to these issues in Response to Comments: 6 -2, 6 -16, 8 -3 through 8 -8, and 8 -43. 10. Compliance with hei ht and story pole requirements The commenter questioned whether the project complied with Town policy for height and story pole installation. Story poles were in place for prior public hearings on the project in 2008. The Community Development Director has authority to allow alternatives from the Height and Story Requirements under exceptional circumstances. Although the applicant was encouraged to install story poles, the footprint staking in lieu of story poles was allowed because the proposed residences were generally in the same location where story poles were initially erected prior to the public hearing, the majority of the Planning Commissioners were on the Commission at the time of the previous hearing and according to Metroscan records there was only one new neighbor inunediately adjacent to the property. Attachments 1 - 2. Previously submitted 3. Santa Clara Fire Department Standard Detail & Specification (5 pages) 4. Emails from David Crites dated April 30, 2011 (9 pages) 5. Letter from Andrew L. Faber dated May 2, 2011 (5 pages) WRR:HB:SB:cgt PAGE 7 MAYOR AND TOWN COUNCIL DESK ITEM SUBJECT: 15881 LINDA AVENUE /FILE #PD -08 -004, EIR -09 -01 May 2, 2011 2.3 Other Roads DESIGN STANDARDS SECTION 2 STREET DESIGN STANDARDS A. Special Design Streets Special design streets shall be allowed wherever warranted by unique land use, circulation conditions, or environmental conditions. These streets can either be arterial streets, collectors, existing local hillside streets or scenic residential streets. Their design will take into consideration the following features: 1. Retention of existing physical amenities. 2. Protection of existing trees within existing right -of -way. 3. Special treatment of transition sections when conforming to standard street sections. B. Private Roads Road safety, function and reliability are best served if the road is owned and maintained by the Town. However, recognizing that private roads may be occasionally allowed in Planned Residential Developments, provision is made for them in these standards. Private roads, defined as those roads serving more than 20 Average Daily Traffic (ADT), shall meet the following conditions: 1. Permanently established by tract or easement providing legal access to each affected lot, dwelling unit, or business and sufficient to accommodate required 2 -3 improvements, and to include future use by adjacent property owners when applicable. 2. Designed to serve up to the maximum potential of dwelling units based on the ADT thresholds when the entire length of the private road system to the nearest public road is considered. The maximum potential is the number of dwelling units that can possibly be served by the road when physical barriers, . zoning or other legal constraints are considered. 3. Accessible at all times for emergency and public service vehicle use. 4. Located so that land locking of present or future parcels will not occur. 5. Maintained by capable and legally responsible owner or homeowners association or other legal entity made up of all benefited property owners. 6. Covenants shall be required for maintenance of the private road binding each lot owner and all subsequent lot owners, such that by acceptance of a deed or other conveyance, is deemed to covenant and agree that if at any time the Town of Los Gatos concludes that maintenance of the roadway included in the common property is necessary and has not been done by the Association, the Town of Los Gatos may perform such maintenance as agent for the Association, and the Town of Los Gatos will charge the Association for the cost of any such maintenance, which charge shall be an obligation of the Association. Such reimbursement shall be a cost subject to assessment, and there shall be a lien on the property, which may be placed on the tax bill and collected as ordinary taxes by the Town. 7. Clearly described on the face of the plat, short plat, or other development authorization and clearly signed as a private road. GLAR,t C FIRE DEPARTMENT SANTA CLARA COUNTY 14700 Winchester Blvd., Los Gatos, CA. 95032 -1818 (408) 378 -4010 • (408) 378 -9342 (fax) • vnvw.sccfd.org In-anummily Acaedi[ed Agency STANDARD DETAILS & SPECIFICATIONS Spec No A -1 Rev. Date 06/01/09 SUBJECT: Fire Department Apparatus Access Eff. Date 01/23/97 Approved By Page 1 of 5 SCOPE Applicable to Fire Department apparatus access roadways serving commercial buildings and three or more single- family dwellings. Note that the specifications contained in this Standard apply only to properties located within the service area of the Santa Clara County Fire Department. DEFINITIONS Roadway: A vehicular access roadway greater than or equal to 20 feet in width Driveway: A vehicular access roadway less than 20 feet in width and serving no more than two, single- family dwellings. Temporary Access Roadway A temporary vehicular access road or driveway that is provided until such time that the permanent road or driveway is installed. REQUIREMENTS ROAD DESIGN 1. Minimum clear width: The minimum clear width of fire department access roads shall be 20 feet. Modifications to the design or width of a fire access road, or additional access road(s) may be required when the fire code official determines that access to the site or a portion thereof may become compromised due to emergency operations or nearby naiural or manmade hazards (flood prone areas, railway crossings, bridge failures, hazardous material- related incidents, etc.) The width of secondary access roads may be reduced to less than 20 feet provided turnouts are installed adjacent to the roadway every 500 feet with a minimum dimension of 10 feet wide and 40 feet long or as otherwise determined by the fire code official. 2. Access and loading: Facilities, buildings or portions of buildings hereafter constructed shall be accessible to fire department apparatus by way of an approved fire apparatus access road (including bridges and culverts) with an asphalt, concrete or other approved driving surface capable of supporting the imposed load of fire apparatus weighing at least 75,000 pounds (34050 kg) or as otherwise determined by the fire code official. Organized as the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District Serving Santa Clara County and the communities of Campbell, Qrperiino, Las Altos, - Los 6 1 1 ns Nills. Las Gatos. Monte Serene. Morgan 1-11g,, and Saratoga ATTACMIE:NT 3 3. Minimum clear height: Vertical clearance over required vehicular access roads and driveways shall be 13'6 ". 4. Grade: Maximum grade shall not exceed 15% (6.75 degrees). 5. Turn Radius (circulating): The minimum outside turning radius is 42 feet for required access roadways. Greater radius up to 60 feet may be required where the Fire Department determines that Ladder Truck access is required. Circulating refers to travel along a roadway without dead ends. 6. Turning Radius (Cul-de-sacs): The minimum outside turning radius is 36 feet. Use of cul -de -sacs is not acceptable where it is determined by the Fire Department that Ladder Truck access is required, unless greater turning radius is provided. 7. Turnarounds: Turnarounds are required for all dead end roadways-with a length in excess of 150 feet. The turnaround details shown in this document are intended to provide a general design concept only. Modifications or variations of these designs may be approved by the Fire Department on a case -by -case basis. All turnaround designs submitted for Fire Department review shall meet all previously stated requirements. These details are applicable when a 36 -foot minimum turning radius for dead ends is specified. These details are not applicable where turning radius greater than 36 feet is specified or when a circulating radius is specified. 8. Dead ends: Dead -end fire apparatus access roads in excess of 150 feet (45720 mm) shall be provided with width and turnaround provisions as determined by the fire code official. 9. Parking: When parking is permitted on streets, in both residential/ commercial applications, it shall conform to the following: • parking is permitted both sides of the street with street widths of 36 feet or more • parking is permitted on one side of the street with street widths of 28 — 35 feet • no parking is permitted when street widths are less than 28 feet NOTE: Rolled curbs can be part of the curb /sidewalk and used to increase the roadway width with approval from the fire code official. Additional requirements may apply for buildings 30 feet in height or greater. See requirements under AERIAL FIRE APPARTUS ACCESS ROADS. 10. Access to a hydrant: Fire hydrants located on a public or private street, or on -site, shall have an unobstructed clearance of not less than 30 feet (15 feet either side of hydrant), in accordance with California vehicle code 22514. Marking shall be per California vehicle code 22500.1 11. Traffic calming: Traffic calming devices and the design thereof shall be approved by the fire code official prior to installation. Organized as the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District 2 Serving Santa Clara County and the cornmanities of Campbell, Cupertino, Los Altos, Los Alta Hills, Los Galos, j route Sereno. Morgan Hill, and Saratoga 12. Alternate paving material: Alternative paving materials such as 'Grass Crete', turf block or similar type material may be used for emergency vehicle access (EVA) under certain conditions. The submittal shall include the design criteria based upon the imposed load of fire apparatus as identified in item 2, Access and Loading The EVA shall: • Be marked. The lane at the curb delineated with lights, bollards, paint, contrasting material, etc. • Be structurally sound to preclude movement or disbanding with soil movement. • Be field tested by the contractor in the presence of the fire code official Testing may include driving the EVA by a weight verified vehicle. Prior to final approval, the engineer of record (civil or soils engineer) shall certify the installation. FIRE APPARATUS ROADWAY SIGNS Where required by the Fire Code Official, fire apparatus access roads shall be designated and marked as a fire lane as set forth in Section 22500.1 of the California Vehicle Code. The designation shall be indicated (1) by a sign posted immediately adjacent to, and visible from, the designated place clearly stating in letters not less than one inch in height that the place is a fire lane, (2) by outlining or painting the place in red and, in contrasting color, marking the place with the words "FIRE LANE ", which are clearly visible from a vehicle, or (3) by a red curb or red paint on the edge of the roadway upon which is clearly marked the words "FIRE LANE'. NUMBER OF ACCESS ROADS REQUIRED Commercial and Industrial Developments 1. Buildings exceeding three stories or 30 feet in height. Buildings or facilities exceeding 30 feet (9144 mm) or three stories in height shall have a least two means of fire apparatus access for each structure. 2. Buildings exceeding 62,000 square feet in area. Buildings or facilities having a gross building area of more than 62,000 square feet (5760 mm) shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads. Exception: Projects having a gross building area of up to 124,000 square feet (11520 mm) that have a single approved fire apparatus access road when all buildings are equipped throughout with approved automatic sprinkler systems. Multi- Family Residential Developments (R -1 & R -2 occupancies) 1. Multi - family residential projects having more than 100 dwelling units shall be equipped throughout with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads. anized as the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District 3 Serving ssrta Claw County and the corm. th. of Calrot)PJ). Cunariivn I Atr.., Los Altos Hills, Los Gatos. )Worte Set mo. Mozgan Hlll, and One -or -Two Family Residential Developments 1. Developments of one or two family dwellings where the number of dwelling units exceeds 30 shall be provided with two separate and approved fire apparatus access roads and shall meet the requirements listed under; separation of access roads Exception: When approved by the fire code official, where there are more than 30 dwellings units on a single public or private fire apparatus road and all dwellings units are equipped throughout with an approved automatic sprinkler system in accordance with California Fire Code Section 903.3.1.1, 903.3.1.2 or 903.3.1.3, access from two directions shall not be required. The number of dwelling units on a single fire apparatus access road shall not be increased unless fire apparatus access roads will connect with future development; as determined by the fire code official. REQUIREMENTS FOR SECONDARY ACCESS ROADS 1. Separation of access roads. Where two access roads are required, they shall be placed a distance apart equal'to not less than one half of the length of the maximum overall diagonal dimension of the property or area to be served, measured in a straight line between accesses (from centerline to centerline). 2. Connection to other roads: Where a secondary access roadway connects to a public or private street there shall be either; no curb, a rolled curb or a driveway cut as approved by the fire code official. 3. Easements: Only lands owned or in control of the property owner, held in common with adjacent properties or publicly owned maybe used for 'secondary: access. Secondary access roadways shall not be located in easements through private property unless specifically approved by the fire code official. When easements are required for secondary access roadways, they shall be recorded as Emergency Vehicle Ingress Egress Easements (E.V.I.E.E) granted to the Fire Department. 4. Marking and Identification: When necessary, signs or other approved notices shall be posted at secondary access roadways to prevent obstruction by parked vehicles. Such signs or notices shall be in accordance with Fire Department Standards. 5. Maintenance: Secondary access roadways shall be maintained at all times by the property owner. The roadway surface gates /locks and vertical and horizontal clearances shall be maintained in serviceable condition. Maintenance of secondary access roadways on commonly held lands shall be clearly stated in the Covenant, Conditions, and Restrictions (CC &R) or Landscape Maintenance Organized as the Santa Clara County Central Fire Protection District 4 Ser✓ing Santa Clara Counly and the comrnunihes o! Campbell, Cupertino, Las Altos, Los Alto, Hills, Los Catoq Monte Sereno. Morgan HIV, and Saratoga agreements of the development project. The CC &Rs shall mandate that the owners association shall retain professional management to oversee maintenance responsibilities. AERIAL FIRE APPARATUS ACCESS ROADS 1. Where required: Buildings or portions of buildings or facilities exceeding 30 feet (9144 mm) in height above the lowest level of fire department vehicle access shall be provided with approved fire apparatus access roads capable of accommodating fire department aerial apparatus. Overhead utility and power lines shall not be located within the aerial fire apparatus access roadway. 2. Width: Fire apparatus access roads shall have a minimum unobstructed width of 26 feet (7925) in the immediate vicinity of any building or portion of building more than 30 feet (9144 mm) in height. 3. Proximity to building: At least one of the required access routes meeting this condition shall be located within a minimum of 15 feet (4572) and a maximum of 30 feet (9144mm) from the building, and shall be positioned parallel to one entire side of the building, as approved by the fire code official. TEMPORARY ACCESS ROADS 1. When approved by the Chief, a temporary access road may be installed for fire department access to buildings under construction until such time that the permanent road or driveway is in place. A written request along with detailed plans for the temporary access road shall be submitted to the fire department for review and approval prior to installation. The plan submittal shall also include timelines for use of the temporary roadway and acknowledgment that the integrity of the roadway will be maintained at all times. 2. The width and turn radius dimensions of a temporary access road shall be the same as for the required permanent roadway. As a minimum, the roadway shall consist of a compacted sub base and six (6) inches of road base material (Class 2 aggregate base rock) both compacted to a minimum 95 %. The perimeter edges of the roadway shall be contained and delineated by curb and gutter or other approved method. The use of geotextile reinforcing fabric underlayment or soils lime- treatment may be required if so determined by the project civil engineer. Provisions for surface drainage shall also be provided where necessary. 3. Engineering certification of the temporary roadway construction shall be documented and submitted to the Fire Department prior to or at the time of the acceptance inspection of the roadway. standard Details & specifications A -1 /DM: dh/ 12.02.09 as the Santa Clara C ounty Central Fire Protection District 5 Serving Santa Clara Countv and the communities of Campbell, Cupertino. Los ARos, Las Altos Hills, Los Gatos, Monte Serene. Morgan Hlll, and .Saratoga T.° "'PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFT BLANK Heather Bradley From: David Crites <davidcrites @frontier.com> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 20118:56 AM To: Heather Bradley Subject: For May 2 Council Meeting Attachments: Letter to Town Council re Street Width.pdf Importance: High Hi Heather — The attached letter is for Council's consideration at the May 2, 2011 Council meeting under the 15881 Linda Av agenda item. Thank you, Dave Crites ATTACffiMENT 4 David Crites Ross Creek Neighbors 15900 Rochin Terrace Los Gatos, CA 95032 May 2, 2011 Town Council Town of Los Gatos 110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 Dear Council Members Town staff is asking you to approve a project that includes an "exception" to the Town's codified, mandatory subdivision ordinance which sets a minimum width for subdivision streets. What they are asking you to do is better known as "breaking the law ". Staff's position is that planned developments can violate codified law — presumably because they area legislative act or have mythical qualities under California law. The reality is that Los Gatos PDs have only the power that is granted them in the Los Gatos town code. In Orinda Homeowners Committee v. Board of Supervisors, the appellate court upheld a PD rezoning but only insofar as it conformed with the zoning law that was spelled out in their city code. In Millbrae Assn. for Residential Survival v. City of Millbrae, the appellate court upheld a PD rezoning but only insofar as it conformed with the zoning law that was spelled out in their city code. Los Gatos Town Code Chapter 29, Article 8 sets out exactly what zoning regulations apply and don't apply to planned developments. It says that since PDs are a rezoning they don't have to conform to the zoning rules of the underlying zone. So, in this case, they don't have to conform to the residential zoning rules in Chapter 29, Article 4. But the PD zoning regulations specifically sM that the subdivision regulations do apply to PDs Note too that the subdivision regulations themselves say that they apply to all subdivisions which means PDs too. And finally, note that PD zoning is a zoning tool, so it only removes the applicability of zonin regulations. It clearly does not remove the applicability of subdivision regulations That would be like trying to say that PDs don't have to conform to Los Gatos building regulations, or Los Gatos garbage collection regulations, or Los Gatos transfer tax regulations. That would be breaking the law just like town staff is asking you to break the law. And don't think that Judge Nichol's ruling in our court case absolves you from having to follow the law. He did not review the Los Gatos law. He simply said that the town council is the best body to understand and enforce the Town code. If he had reviewed the Town code he would have enforced its plain meaning ... just as you must. I urge you to enforce the Town code and reject the project as proposed. Regards, David Crites Ross Creek Neighbors pl Heather Bradley From: David Crites <davidcrites @frontier.com> Sent: Sunday, May 01, 20117:48 PM To: Heather Bradley Subject: One more item for the administrative record for 15881 Linda Ave Attachments: Petition 2 Order3- 9- 11.pdf Importance: High Hi Heather- Here is one more document for the council's consideration on Monday evening. It is the decision document from Superior Court regarding the 15881 Linda project. This document demonstrates that Judge Nichols did not interpret Los Gatos law. As a result the burden remains on the Town Council to understand and follow the law regarding the minimum street width and other mandatory regulations. Please include the attached decision document and this email in the administrative record. Thank you, David Crites 03/08/2011 05:50 FAX 408 8822183 DEPT 7 SUPERIOR COURT [A 002/012 0 1 PA 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIF OWA COUNTY OF SANTA CLARA R05S CRFEKNEIGHBORS, an unincorporated association, Case No, 1- 10- CV- 189381 ORDER RE: WRIT OF MANDAMUS Petitioner, VS. TOWN OF LOS GATOS, its TOWN COUNCIL, and DOES I to 10, 'a Respondent, I LINDA COURT PARTNERS LLC, et al., Real Parties in Interest. 25 This mandamus matter was heard, argued, and submitted for decision at 9:00 a.m. on 26 February 10, 2011 in Dept. 16. In advance of the hearing, the Court carefully reviewed the e 27 administrative record and all briefs and pleadings in the matter. The Court -pow orders as 28 follows: Order re: Writ of Mandamus I 03/08/2011 05.50 FAX 408 8822193 DEPT 7 SUPERIOR COURT 1) All requests for judicial notice are GRANTED. 2) In this action Petitioner challenges the adoption of Planned Development Zoning 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 U 003/012 Ordinance no. 2193 ("PD Ordinance ") by the Town of Los Gatos ("Town ") which was adopted to rezone the subject property from R:1 -8 zoning to R:1.8 PD zoning. Petitioner asserts that the approval violated sections of the Town of Los Gatos Ordinance Code ("Town Code ") pertaining to tree removal, street width, right -of -way width, sidewalk construction, density and minimum lot size. The Writ Petition and Complaint states a single cause of action for violations of local code provisions. Despite sharing an administrative record with and involving the same real property as case no. 1- 08- CV- 106461, also before this Court, this is not a CEQA action, As an initial matter the Court notes that the parties disagree as to the applicable standard of review, Petitioner essentially argues that review here is under CCP § 1094,5 (administrative mandamus) while Respondent asserts that review is under CCP § 1085 (traditional mandamus) arguing that the challenged action was legislative not administrative. There is some basis for both positions, but Respondent's is better established by precedent. See Citizens far Planning Responsibly v. County of San Luis Obispo (2009) 176 Cal App 4" 357, 367 ( "In the land use context, legislative acts are distinguished from administrative or adjudicative acts on a categorical basis. InArnel Development Co. v. City of Costa Mesa (1980) 28 Cal.3d 511, 523 -525 [169 Cal. Rptr. 904,620 P.2d 565], our Supreme Court said: '[P]ast California Iand -use cases have established generic classifications, viewing zoning ordinances as legislative and other decisions, such as variances and subdivision map approvals, as adjudicative.... [T]he current California rule that rezoning is a legislative act is well settled by precedent .... We therefore adhere to the Wile that a zoning ordinance is a legislative act and, as such, may be enacted by initiative. ") The chango here from existing zoning to PD zoning could possibly be considered a variance and therefore adjudicative, but ultimately the standard of review question does not control the outcome of this matter because even if it is assumed that CCP § 1094.5 applies the Town's adoption of the PD Ordinance still survives because its action is presumed correct and Petitioner does not meet its burden to show that the zoning decision was unsupported by substantial evidence in the record. Order re: Wrh of Mandamus 03/08 /'2011 05:'a1 FAX 408 ea2218J IIFPI ! SUPEXiOR I;UIIRI 10004/012 I In a review controlled by CCP § 1094.5(b); "The inquiry in such a case shall extend to 2 the questions whether the respondent has proceeded without, or in excess of jurisdiction; whether 3 there was a fair trial; and whether there was a prejudicial abuse of discretion. Abuse of 4 discretion is established if the respondent has not proceeded in the manner required by law, the 5 order or decision is not supported by the findings, or the findings are not supported by the 6 evidence." CCP § 1094.5(c) then states that: "Where it is claimed that the findings are not 7 supported by the evidence, in cases in which the court is authorized by law to exercise its 8 independent judgment on the evidence, abuse of discretion is established if the court determines 9 that the findings are not supported by the weight of the evidence. In all other cases, abuse of 10 discretion is established if the court determines that the findings are not supported by substantial I 1 evidence In the light of the whole record." Court's emphasis. 12 This non-CEQA area is not one where the Court is authorized to exercise its own 13 independent judgment. "Flee courts have rarely upheld the application of the independent 14 judgment test to land use decisions." Abbott, et al„ Cal. Administrative Mandamus (3rd Ed., 15 2007 Update) §6.148, p. 282, citing Cadiz Land Co. v. Rail Cycle (2000) 83 Cal App 4" 74, 111 16 and §6.154, p.288 (citing the same). See also Stolman v. City of Los Angeles (2003) 114 Cal 17 App 4 916, 922 (substantial evidence review applies to denial of zoning variance). 18 Accordingly, an abuse of discretion should only be found if the Court determines that the 19 findings are not supported by substantial evidence in the light of the whole record, Substantial 20 evidence in this context means evidence of "ponderable legal significance" which is "reasonable 21 in nature, credible, and of solid value." Abbott, et al., supra, at §6.141, p. 274, citing Mohilef v. 22 Janovici (1996) 51 Cal App 0'267, 305 n. 28 and Newman v. State Personnel Board (1992) 10 23 Cal App 4 41, 47, among others, 24 Petitioner has the burden of proof. "At the trial court level, the petitioner in an 25 administrative mandamus proceeding has the burden of proving that the agency's decision was 26 invalid and should be set aside, because it. is presumed that the agency regularly performed its 27 official duty, When the standard of review is the substantial evidence test, as it is here, it is 28 Order re; Writ ofMandamua 3 03/09/2011 05:51 FAX 408 9822193 DEPT 7 SUPERIOR COURT U 005/012 Y 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 presumed that the findings and actions of the administrative agency were supported by substantial evidence." Desmond v, County of Contra Costa (1993) 21 Cal App 4 330, 335. Petitioner has not met its burden here to defeat this presumption. The record viewed as a whole contains sufficient evidence that the Town correctly applied its local codes, in particular its PD zoning provisions, as interpreted by the Town and found them consistent With its General Plan. The Court must give substantial deference to the Town's interpretation of it own codes an ordinances, particularly where there is evidence that the interpretation of the relevant language has been consistent over time, See Mason v, Rerlrement Bd. of San Francisco (2003) 111 Cat App 4 1221, 1228 (City agency's interpretation of its own charter provisions entitled to great weight); Calderon Y. Anderson (1996) 45 Cal App e 607, 613 (agency Interpretation of its own regulations deferred to unless clearly erroneous or inconsistent with text); Declaration of Bud Lortz in support of opposition to Petitioner's Writ (offering evidence of Town's past use and application of PD zoning). The fact that reasonable minds could differ on the interpretation of any particular language in a local code or ordinance is not a ground for finding an abuse of discretion. Accordingly, the petition for writ of mandamus is DENMD, Dated: L 2 D I / Order re: Writ of Mandamus , ja� V Yte Leslie C, Nichols .fudge of the Superior Court 9 Heather Bradley From: David Crites <davidcrites @frontier.com> Sent: Saturday, April 30, 201110:38 PM To: Heather Bradley Subject: For the administrative record for 15881 Linda Ave Hi Heather - Ross Creek Neighbors continue to assert that the project proposal at 15881 Linda Avenue does not comply with local and state regulations and is inconsistent with the Town's general and specific plans. I have documented the reasons in prior documents and comments and I incorporate those documents and comments here by reference. For the record here are some of our ongoing objections to the project: • The project does not comply with the Town's subdivision ordinance with respect to street width, right -of -way width, sidewalk width, lot area, cul -de -sac design, and others. • The project does not comply with zoning regulations with respect to tree conservation, CDWR and FEMA consultation for floodplain management, definition of lot area, density, neighborhood consistency, the legislative intent of the PD zone, and others. • The project does not comply with the Subdivision Map Act with respect to access to navigable streams, compliance with local subdivision regulations, and others. • The project does not comply with CEQA as enumerated elsewhere, including Condition 111 (Maintenance Access). The location, materials, and impacts of this public easement should be assessed and the EIR amended prior to certification. • The project does not comply with the General Plan with respect to density, appropriate intensity for flood prone property, public access to open space, and others. • The project does not comply with the Guidelines and Standards for Land Use Near Streams with respect to, among other things, the top of bank delineation, the width of the riparian buffer, the riparian zone delineation, and others. • The project has not complied with the Height & Story Pole and Netting Requirements. Thank you, Dave Crites Ross Creek Neighbors 1 Council Questions for Town Staff Regarding 15881 Linda Avenue 1. The subdivision code (24.10.015, 24.50.015, and 29.80.095) requires ALL subdivisions to have a street of conforming width. What section in the code gives council the authority to approve an "exception" for a PD? What section in the code excludes PDs from the requirements of the subdivision code? 2. The tree conservation ordinance [Sec. 29.10.0990(5)] states: "[i]n connection with a proposed subdivision of land into two (2) or more parcels, no protected tree shall be removed unless removal is unavoidable due to restricted access to the property or deemed necessary to repair a geologic hazard (landslide, repairs, etc.) The tree removed shall be replaced in accordance with the standards in section 29.10.0985 of this Code. Tree preservation and protection measures for any lot that is created by a proposed subdivision of land shall comply with the regulations of this Code." What section in the code excludes PDs from the requirements of this provision? Sec. 29.10.050 in the code specifically states that the tree conservation provisions "apply to all zones ". 3. Town code (29.10.020) defines the area of a lot as "the total horizontal area included within lot lines, q xcept as otherwise provided in the chapter, and excluding land required fo public dedication and any land determined to be riparian habitat." The gross parcel size listed on the project plans is NOT adjusted for slope, is that correct? So the gross parcel size used in the density calculation is NOT adjusted for slope, is that correct? And the dedicated street and sidewalk is NOT subtracted from the density calculation, is that correct? So what is the density of the project if the full riparian habitat is excluded, the street and sidewalk are excluded, and the gross parcel size is adjusted for slope? The general plan and PD ordinance allow up to 5 units per acre after exclusions and slope adjustment. 4. The planning conunission expressed concern that the project FARs are not consistent with the neighborhood. The residential design guidelines and the Town Code (29.10.020) require FARs to be calculated using slope adjusted lot sizes. But the published FARs for the project are NOT slope adjust, is that correct? The Town engineer calculated an average 16% slope for the project site, is that correct? What are the slope- adjusted FARs for the project? The neighborhood homes used for comparison are generally flat, is that correct? 1 1 t� THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLY LEFTBLANK 3ERLINER 'CC DRNEYS AT:'LAVV, SANFORD A. BERLINER KATHLEEN K SIPLE THOMAS P. MURPHY ANDREW L. FABER KEVIN F. KELLEY MILES J. DOLMGER FORREST W. HANSEN MLPH L SWANSON MARK MAKIEWICZ TEN ALMADEN BOULEVARD CHRISTIAN E. PICONE KATHLEEN F. SHERMAN R SAUFMAI ELEVENTH FLOOR THOMAS D. MORELL ALAN D. NIEBEL SANDRA G. SEPULVEDA JOSEPH E. D SEPHE.IVORAK SAMUEL L. FARE JEFFREY S. FFREYKAUFMAN lOL1EI10USTON SAN LOSE, CALIFORNIA 95113 -2233 SETH I. COHEN MARCO CAMPAGNA ALA BRIAN L R LAURAPALAZZOLO KAM L. G DEBBIE Y. Y. BAE LINDA A A CA CALL F. JOHN O. OMIN ( 408)28 8 J. J. IORGI MARY XA WILSON JAMES P HARRY A. LOPEZ ETELEPHONE: FACSIMILE: (408)998 -5-5388 8 MATTHEW HEATHER Y. TAYLOR TAYLOR J RBCJ( STEVENJ. CHARLES W. IV. VOLPE O HEATHER H. MUNOZ TYLER A, TYLER0.5HEWEY JOHNSON NANCY J. JOHNSON MICHAEL MLNTI Gnnv.berlineLCOm JEROLD A CHRISTINE N E LONG ROBERT L. K CHORT AARON M. VALENTI JONATHAN D. WOLF D. WOLF RETIRED SAMUEL I. COHLN OF COUNSEL ROBERT W. HMQHREYS HUGH L. ISO" ' TERRY , ALLEN STEVEN L HALLGRIMSON Branch ORice —Me.M, CA FRANK R UBIIAUS ERIC WONG PHILIP GOLDEN NANCY L. BRANDT May 2, 2011 Mayor Joe Pirzynski and Members of the Town Council Town of Los Gatos 110 East Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95031 Re: May 2, 2011, Agenda Items 7 -8, Linda Court Project Our File No.: 17938 -001 Dear Mayor Pirzynski and Members of the Council: The purpose of this letter is to respond to materials that have been presented to the Town by David Crites in opposition to the requested action tonight. This office represents both the applicant for the project as well as (in the two lawsuits filed against the project) the Town itself. Tonight's Agenda Item It is important to note that the issue in front of the Council tonight is narrow. After very extensive litigation, the only defect found by Judge Nichols in the EIR that was done for the project and in the zoning approval itself was one response to a comment by the DTSC. The Court found that that response was not adequate.. The item in front of the Town tonight is recertification of the FEIR based upon the addendum - amendment to the FEIR prepared by Strelow Consulting, which amplifies the response to the comment in compliance with the Court decision, rendered on March 8, 2011. Because the Court determined that it was not necessary for the Town to vacate the prior approval of the project, the staff recommendation is to recertify the FEIR and to ratify and reaffirm the former project approvals. wLF1847690.1 050211 - 17938001 ATTACtDMKNT 5 Mayor Joe Pirzynski and Members of the Town Council May 2, 2011 Please note that there has been no change to the project, no change to the circumstances under which the project is being undertaken, and no change in the relevant law or the circumstances of the project. The only document change is the addendum - amendment to the FEIR incorporating the revised response to the DTSC's comment. The Issues Raised by Mr. Crites Are Not New The issues raised by Mr. Crites in his various correspondence have all been raised and answered in one or more of four manners: (1) In the FEIR itself by responses to comments; (2) in discussion in front of the Town Council at public hearings for the approval of the project pursuant to the FEIR; (3) in the original CEQA lawsuit in which on behalf of the Town we presented the final EIR approved in September 2011 to the Court, and as previously noted, the Court accepted everything in the FEIR as being adequate and in compliance with CEQA, with the sole exception of the response to the one DTSC letter; and (4) finally, in the opponents' second lawsuit, Ross Creek Neighbors v. Town of Los Gatos, et al. filed in December 2010. In the second lawsuit, Mr. Crites challenged the PD zoning and compliance with Town ordinances, including the Town's subdivision code. All of the various arguments that he now raises regarding alleged inconsistency with the PD zoning with the subdivision code were raised in that lawsuit and rejected by the Court. Judge Nichols stated in his order dated March 7, 2011: "The record viewed as a whole contains sufficient evidence that the Town correctly applied its local codes, in particular its PD zoning provisions, as interpreted by the Town and found them consistent with its General Plan. The fact that reasonable minds can differ on the interpretation of any particular language in a local code or ordinance is not a ground for finding an abuse of discretion." The Court also relied on a declaration that was submitted on behalf of the Town, signed by Bud Lortz. In that declaration, Mr. Lortz noted that the Town had consistently interpreted its PD ordinance and subdivision code in the past to allow such variations, including reduced street widths, sidewalks, and lot sizes, in such subdivisions as the Villa Filice subdivision, the Highlands of Los Gatos subdivision, the Roberts Road subdivision, and the Rinconada Hills development. Specific Issues 1. Crites's letter of May 2, 2011 In this letter, Mr. Crites alleges that the PD zoning approved by the Town is inconsistent with the Town's subdivision ordinance. He cites two cases, both of which in fact stand for the proposition that planned development zoning is legal and in compliance with state law. Mr. Crites raised this issue (in part) in his March 25, 2010 comment letter in the EIR proceedings. (Comment 8 -12; ARD0491.) The FEIR response stated: "With a PD overlay in conjunction with the provision of open space, FARs, setbacks, street width, lot coverage and lots sizes do not need to conform to the underlying zone district regulations." (ARD0514) KFN7898.1 -2- 050211- 17938001 Mayor Joe Pirzynski and Members of the Town Council May 2, 2011 This exact issue was raised by Petitioners and fully litigated in the Zoning Lawsuit. The court rejected Petitioners' arguments and agreed with the Town's, which were essentially these: a) PD ordinances contain a general development plan which takes precedence over any fixed requirement of another code with which it is inconsistent (e.g., street widths in the subdivision code). (Town Code §§ 29.80.080, 29.80.085); b) the street is a private road that was approved by the Los Gatos Fire Department, and thus, the street raises no public safety concerns; and c) the Town interprets its PD Ordinance to allow PDs with variations from standard development standards. Once again, Judge Nichols squarely rejected the arguments made by the opponents in the zoning lawsuit to the effect that the PD zoning violated other Town codes, including the subdivision ordinance. There is no question that the development must obtain a tentative subdivision map (as it has) because it is indeed a subdivision of property. However, the development plan approved by the Council as part of the PD ordinance is the standard by which the subdivision is to be measured, and that is consistently how the Town has interpreted these codes. 2. Alleged Non - Compliance with Various Town Codes (Crites Email — April 30 2011) • The project does not comply with the Town's subdivision ordinance with respect to street width, right -of -way width, sidewalk width, lot area, cul -de -sac design, and others. • The project does not comply with zoning regulations with respect to tree conservation, CDWR and FEMA consultation for jloodplain management, definition of lot area, density, neighborhood consistency, the legislative intent of the PD zone, and others. • The project does not comply with the Subdivision Map Act with respect to access to navigable streams, compliance with local subdivision regulations, and others. These are mostly answered by the above discussion. In addition, flood plain management was responded to in the Final EIR. Access to navigable streams was an issue discussed at the September hearing and decided in front of the Town Council. With respect to trees, these issues were raised in Mr. Crites's email of April 30, 2011. Mr. Crites raised this issue in his March 25, 2010 comment letter in the EIR proceedings. (Comment 8 -37; ARD0499.) The FEIR response stated, in pertinent part, that the proposed tree removal was found to be in compliance with the Town's regulations except for specified trees that were later retained on revised project plans.... KF1847890.1 -3- 050211- 17998001 Mayor Joe Pirzynski and Members of the Town Council May 2, 2011 ¶ Further, this is a Planned Development application rather than a Subdivision application. It has been the interpretation and past practice of the Community Development Department, supported by the Town Council that the referenced ordinance section does not apply to projects of this nature [i.e., PD projects]. (ARD0523.) This exact issue was also raised by Petitioners and fully litigated in the Zoning Lawsuit. The court rejected Petitioners' arguments and agreed with the Town's, which were essentially these: a) PD ordinances are not required to comply with the Town's other ordinances (Town Code §§ 29.80.080, 29.80.085); and b) The Town's tree ordinances do not apply to subdivisions created by PD zoning. 3. Alleged Non - Compliance with CEQA (Crites email April 30, 2011 The project does not comply with CEQA as enumerated elsewhere, including Condition 111 (Maintenance Access). The location, materials, and impacts of this public easement should be assessed and the EIR amended prior to certification. CEQA compliance was decided adversely to Crites by Judge Nichols at the hearing on the Return to the Writ. In Judge Nichols's Order of March 7, 2011, he rejected all challenges raised to the Final EIR with the sole exception of the response to the DTSC comment. 4. General Plan Argument (Crites email, April 30, 2011) The project does not comply with the General Plan with respect to density, appropriate intensity for flood prone property, public access to open space, and others. These issues again were raised in the zoning lawsuit, and Judge Nichols concluded that the Town properly found the project to be consistent with the General Plan. 5. Guidelines for Land Use Near Streams (Crites email, April 30, 20111 The project does not comply with the Guidelines and Standards for Land Use Near Streams with respect to, among other things, the top of bank delineation, the width of the riparian buffer, the riparian zone delineation, and others. Issues regarding compliance with streamside guidelines, delineation of top of bank, etc., were extensively raised in comments on the FEIR. The Town's consultants responded at length. The adequacy of the responses was challenged in the CEQA litigation, and Judge Nichols rejected all such challenges. XR847896.1 -4- 050211- 17938001 Mayor Joe Pirzynski and Members of the Town Council May 2, 2011 6. Height and Story Pole Requirements (Crites email April 30 2011) These issues were raised in front of the City Council, as well as in the final EIR. In summary, Crites raises no new arguments and none that are responsive to the very narrow issue in front of the City Council at this hearing. Very truly yours, ALF:cem cc: Town Clerk Sandy Bailey Judith Propp, Esq. Wendie Rooney BERLINER ANDREW L. FABER E -Mail: andrew.faber @berliner.com IALR847898.1 _5_ 050211- 17938001 THIS PAGE INTENTIONALLYLEFT BLANK