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Open Space Committee roundup: easement edits approved, landscape comments adopted and policy draft reviewed
Summary
The Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee reviewed draft defensible‑space policy language and approved a set of committee comments or modified easements for multiple properties (Deer Springs Way, Magdalena Road, Moody Road and others). The committee also discussed a request to scatter ashes in Burn Preserve and asked staff to note public‑perception concerns.
The Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee spent its meeting reviewing a draft defensible‑space and open‑space management framework, approving several site‑specific recommendations and providing comment language for planning staff.
On policy, planning staff presented draft code edits and review‑level guidance for defensible‑space and conservation areas. Members recommended tighter drafting to avoid “unnecessary removal” of native or protected vegetation beyond defensible‑space minimums, suggested referencing best‑management practices for riparian areas and asked staff to consider GIS‑based notifications to help residents identify riparian corridors on their properties.
The committee approved a set of site‑level comments or recommendations for multiple properties: - 27390 Deer Springs Way: staff and members discussed a potential open‑space easement in the southwest corner of the lot; members asked staff to draw the recommended triangle between two contour crossing points and verify slope before finalizing. - 11035 Magdalena Road: the committee approved a landscaping comment letter that calls for removal of invasive oleanders from setback areas and asked that recommendations be numbered and tightened for clarity. - 27855 Moody Road: the committee recommended positioning the proposed pool off slopes greater than 30% where feasible and limiting hardscape; members moved and approved the comment. - 23100 Encino Court and 13961 Fremont Pines: committee members recorded no substantive objections and approved brief comments noting tree protections where applicable.
The meeting also included a discussion prompted by a citizen request to scatter ashes in Burn Preserve. Members noted California law allows scattering on public lands with agency permission but expressed concern about public perception and precedent. The committee agreed to tell the requesting party and staff that it has “no specific objections” while flagging possible public‑perception issues and recommending that an implementing body (for example, a recreation or ecology group) advise on an appropriate location and process.
The committee concluded the meeting by asking staff to add the approved drawings and clarified wording to the minutes and to return revised materials to the committee for the next meeting.
