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In a move that Portola Valley officials hope will become a trend for owners of large land holdings in town, longtime residents Bill and Jean Lane have guaranteed that their 10 acres in the Westridge neighborhood will continue to evolve at nature’s pace into perpetuity.
In a 4-0 vote Dec. 13, the Town Council, with Councilman Richard Merk absent, agreed to adopt a conservation easement to ensure that the Lanes’ property will not be subdivided, graded or developed in any substantial way beyond what is already there: a one-story main house, a guest house and a stable.
The easement obligates the town to be responsible for monitoring the use and development of the property. If a new house is built there by a new owner, for example, the house must be one story, and the total square footage of all structures on the property could not exceed 11,189 square feet. That figure includes a 1,400-square-foot increase as a result of the merging of the three parcels the Lanes own into one 10-acre plot.
A vineyard of no more than two acres with a driveway would be allowed, but existing trees native to the area are protected, as are wetlands, streams, ponds and the property’s “scenic and natural character.” Like many properties in town, it already includes a trail for hikers and equestrians.
The National Wildlife Federation recognized the easement with a certificate of “exceptional merit” for its value in preserving “backyard wildlife habitats.”
The Lanes are setting a precedent in establishing a conservation easement, said Planning Manager Leslie Lambert. Other such easements exist in Portola Valley, but they are associated with subdivisions such as Portola Valley Ranch and the Blue Oaks neighborhoods.
“(The Lanes) are, in effect, showing the major landowners in town the right way to take care of the land,” said Mayor Ted Driscoll at the Dec. 13 council meeting, where the easement was announced.
Councilman Steve Toben agreed and noted that a federal tax benefit associated with conservation easements expires January 1, 2008. “I want to raise the flag on this (provision) in hopes of inspiring others,” he said.
“It’s kind of an emotional thing for us,” Mr. Lane said. “We have a great deal of feeling, and thank you for your nice compliments.
Commenting on the trails and open spaces in Portola Valley and the recreational value they represent to residents and non-residents alike, Mr. Lane said the town faces a “long challenge” to protect its natural amenities. “There is no magic bullet,” he said. “Jean and I hope that our conservation easement is one step to help.”