PC 072705 - Laserfiche WebLink

--- ~ Commissioner Blank stated that this is hazardous and a matter ol'risk. He noted that a lot of hillsides are collapsing, and it would be beneficial to have this in place now. He suggested that the policies have more specific details. Acting Chairperson Arkin noted that there have been many instances of downhill major developments which should not have occurred. He indicated that the benefit could never outweigh risk. Mr. Phil Grubstick indicated that in the past, GHADs were required in areas that have the potential for sliding and that these are created to ensure that remedi anon features such as drainage ditches are not ignored over time. He stated that GHADs were not established to allow development in a risky situation; rather, they are required in these areas which have design features to reduce the risk but need special attention because they are on the hillside. He noted that all established GHADs are west of Foothill Road and include Oak Tree Farm, Lemoine, Laurel Greek, Kolb, Panganiban, and. Moller Ranch.. He added that the City also looks at properties to be ai~tiexed to existing GHADs to determine if they have the same risk as the existing GHAD_ In response to Commissioner Roberts' suggestion that this be done in flatter areas as well and Commissioner Blank's inquiry if this would include homes in flat areas by hillsides with slopes, Mr. Grubstick said yes_ Commissioner Roberts proposed that the wording be such that it does not necessarily encourage any development but protects what is already there_ FIRE HAZARDS Page V-9 (Public Resources for the Mitigation of Fire Hazards CJorrtrrtissioner Blank expressed concern about the change of the Fire Department response time from -Five to seven minutes. Commissioner Pearce commented that the five-minute response time is actually travel time. She also noted that the text appears to he mostly background information and inquired if there were a way to streamline it. Ms. Stern replied that this is a question of the preferred format for the General Plan= to keep all the background information in the General Plan or to remove most of it to a. background report or technical appendix. FLOODING AND INUNDATION Page V-11-12 (Flood Hazard Zones/Flood Control Efforts/Dam Failure inundation) Commissioner Blank expressed amazement at the flooding and inundation information_ I-Ie suggested that there be more information on flood control and that a separate section be created on the website for the public to have easy access to information regarding flooding and inundation, flood hazard zones , and emergency planning and response, where the pipelines run along the City, etc_ PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES July 27, 2005 Yage 14 of 31