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Open Space Committee approves site review for 26500 Burisma Road after trees, swale and fence discussion
Summary
The committee approved the site review for 26500 Burisma Road as amended. Staff reported 13 trees would be removed (including three heritage oaks), 14 would remain, and the owner plans oak plantings; the committee asked engineering to check a swale, and members recommended wildlife-friendly fencing options.
The Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee voted to approve the site review application for 26500 Burisma Road as amended after discussing trees, fencing, drainage and potential swale protection.
Chair moved to approve the site review "as amended," and Peter seconded the motion. Committee members voted in favor to approve the application and to forward the materials and staff recommendations to planning and engineering as appropriate.
Staff summarized the landscaping and tree impacts: the proposal lists 13 trees to be removed, including three heritage oaks, and 14 trees to remain; the applicant indicated plans to plant additional oak trees and prefers not to install front-yard fencing. Committee members advised staff to ask engineering to review a noted swale and to confirm whether any riparian protections apply along the Purisima-facing edge of the parcel.
Members also discussed fence types and wildlife connectivity. The committee recommended a wildlife-friendly wooden fence where appropriate and noted chain-link or taller fences may require additional consideration to preserve movement corridors.
Why it matters: The approval advances a residential project while recording tree-change impacts and engineering follow-up items; the committee’s recommendations are intended to protect drainage and wildlife corridors while accommodating the applicant’s plans.
Next steps: Staff will finalize the report with the committee’s edits, check grading/drainage and swale notes with engineering, include representative photos in the record, and transmit the approved site-review materials to planning/engineering for permit processing.
