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Open Space Committee votes to modify easement at 27285 Elena Road after applicant seeks simplification
Summary
The Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee approved a change to the open‑space easement geometry proposed for 27285 Elena Road, removing a narrow ‘tail’ and directing staff to formalize an adjusted boundary to align with the house edge. The hearing officer will consider the committee’s updated recommendation at the public hearing.
The Los Altos Hills Open Space Committee voted to modify the recommended open‑space easement for 27285 Elena Road after the applicant asked the committee to simplify what he described as an oddly shaped contour‑driven tail.
The applicant’s representative, Andrew McIntyre, told the committee the original contour‑based easement wrapped around the house and “creates this tail sort of funny shape that…doesn’t serve any practical intent” and would make the easement difficult to document. McIntyre said the owners want a simpler easement that captures the steeper downslope areas but avoids encumbering pedestrian access and existing paths.
Committee members and staff discussed contour lines, an apparent swale near Maria Court and whether existing geotechnical reports showed surface water movement. After questions about the placement of the easement and whether the yellow (applicant) or red (committee-drafted) geometry best balanced conservation and future property use, a committee member moved “that we modify the proposal from the homeowner to extend the open space easement down to that line that was just drawn…even with the edge of the northwestern edge of the house.” Richard seconded the motion and the committee approved it. The meeting record states the motion passed.
Staff member Jonathan (planning staff) told the committee the modified recommendation will be included in the packet the hearing officer reviews: “that’s the open space committee’s updated recommendation, and that is what the hearing officer will consider at the public hearing.” The committee asked staff to include a drawing of the adjusted boundary in the minutes and to confirm the precise line with the property owner before the hearing.
The committee’s action does not itself finalize a legal easement; the hearing officer and any subsequent recordation steps will determine the final easement description. Members repeatedly emphasized that any final boundary should reflect geotechnical and survey evidence and that public‑record drawings be included with the committee’s recommendation.
