HomeMy WebLinkAbout091024 - 0 5.1 PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT 5.1
TO: Chair and Planning Commission September 10, 2024
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2024-04, adopting a Mitigated Negative Declaration of
Environmental Significance and approving Major Subdivision request
SD 9264 allowing for the subdivision of a combined 8.49 acre site into
seven single family lots. The site is located at 2449 & 2451 Tassajara Lane
(APN: 207-061-008 & 207-061-009)
DESCRIPTION
This application is a request to subdivide an 8.49-acre site, including two existing parcels,
into seven single-family residential lots. Specific architecture is not proposed at this time,
however design guidelines to guide the future design of the residences were submitted
and were reviewed and recommended for approval by the Design Review Board.
The proposed project is located on a hillside on the south side of Tassajara Lane, a private
street. Land uses to the west and north of the subject site include Braddock and Logan’s
Tassajara Lane and Rockhaven residential projects and one vacant parcel of land adjacent
to the west.
BACKGROUND
The Town’s General Plan designates the Tassajara Lane/Sherburne Hills area as a Special
Concern Area, which recognizes the need to coordinate remaining development to ensure
full provision of services to this area. In addition, there are several General Plan policies
that apply to this area. In summary, they state that the remaining vacant land should be
developed to maintain the character of the area, conserve steeper slopes as open space,
and minimize grading and vegetation removal. The General Plan also seeks to coordinate
the development in the area to ensure the provision of necessary shared public and
private improvements in the area.
EVALUATION/ DISCUSSION
The project was presented to the Planning Commission on March 12, 2024. The previous
plan called for the removal of one 60” Town-protected oak tree. The Commission
directed staff to work with the applicant to develop alternative grading schemes to
evaluate the feasibility of saving the 60” oak tree.
The applicant’s engineer developed and submitted a revised grading scheme which
2449 & 2451 Tassajara Lane 2 September 10, 2024
would preserve the subject oak tree (Attachment G). The revised plans include a series of
three five-foot tall retaining walls outside the tree’s dripline. This plan would still provide
a sizable building pad to accommodate a new single-family residence on the lot.
The arborist report (Attachment F) includes mitigation measures to insure the remains in
good health.
A soils report was prepared for the revised grading plan and concludes that the revised
plan is sound geotechnically (Attachment E).
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The project has been found to have less than significant environmental impacts by
incorporating mitigation measures consistent with the requirements of the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). As a result, a Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration
of Environmental Significance has been prepared for this project (Attachment C).
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public notice of the September 10, 2024, hearing was mailed to property owners within
750 feet and posted online. A total of 80 notices were mailed to surrounding property
owners.
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt the Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance and approve
Major Subdivision request SD 9264 and allowing the subdivision of a combined 8.49-acre
site into seven single family lots. The site is located at 2449 & 2451 Tassajara Lane (APN:
207-061-008 & 207-061-009)
Prepared by:
Fred Korbmacher
Project Planner
Attachments: A - Resolution No. 2024-04
B - Public Notification & Notification List
C - Draft Mitigated Negative Declaration of Environmental Significance
D - Project Design Guidelines
E - Revised Geotechnical Report – ENGEO
F - Arborist Report
G - Revised Tentative Map and Grading Plan