The URL can be used to link to this page

Home My WebLink About08-26-1963 Planning Commission Minutes SDI~aY OF MINUTES ,CZTY OF SARATOGA PFjR%'NZNG COI.9.1ISSIO~ Time: 72200 P. H., Nouday, August 26, 1963 Place-' Saratoga High School, Herr4r~u Avenue, SararoSa, California Type~ Regular l~eetin~ z. aouw.n . OaC SXZA. XOS The meeting ~as called to orde~ by Chairman l~ebster at ? ~00 P, ~ A. RO~ ~ ~esent: C~.~Jssi~s Cowley, ~tsp, Oleo, ~11~, N~ a~ ~ebs~u. C~ssioner Jobson a~ved aC a~oxl~=ely 7:15 P. M. Absent = None. B. C~si~er Clenn moveds seconded by C~lssi~er ~isp~ that the r~d~ng of the minutes of ~sC 12, 1963, be ~tved a2d ~C the ~utes be approved subJec= ~o the follo~ c~recti~s: Page 6...Para~aph 3 ~d~ EW BUS~ESS..,~e 3 ...... ~ge the ~ISP ~o Page 6...Para~aph 5 ~der ~ BUS~SS...L~e 1..,...~ange the ~ ~tl~ urried u~n~usly. IX. P~lC ~e C~ir~n deckFed public h~r~s open fo= =he ~ening at 7 ~0S P. A. C-60 - ~r Xnves~eu~ C~ny, ~lnut Avenue - ~nge of ~e ~blic h~ ~ C-60 ms ~en~ at 7x06 P. M~ ~e Eeue~y a~ls~ t~t ~21ce of B~n= ~ bee p~lish~ a~ zea4 ~he of Z~ing= 1) ~tter ~ ~ L, ~Y, S~lrrel ~ll~ ~ne 2) ~tt~ ~ed by ~ ~ P~ V. ~, ~ .B, ~ and ~ EO~ ~lnuC Av~e 3) ~tC~ ~m H~ =~ OBEE~US, Vie~ A~enue 4) ~tteT ~ ~S. ~Y B~ ~N, Vtct~ P~ce a~ ~rato~ AVis, PlanninS Commission Minutes - Auaust 26v 1963 T Continu~d 11. A, C-GO - Hax~ar Investment Company l~r, Herbert Resner and his attorneys Hichael di Leonardis ~ere present to discuss this application with the Cc~missiono Con~nissioner Johnson arrived at approximately 7:15 P, M. Mr. Resner stated 1) R-M-3,000 Zoning would alloy approximately 65 apartments on the subject property in lieu of the 70 indicated on the application 2) his company would develop the property rather than sell it to someone else for development 3) lux~wy rental units ~ere planned 4) the land would lend itself well to such a development and it was felt that this was the best possible use of the property 5) lit. Stern had tentatively agreed that the Lee property could be served by the road through the Brookglen Apartment property and 6) the Marill property would be served by Walnut Avenue. DR. COOLEY, Squirrel Rollov Lane, vigorously opposed the proposed change of zoning and stated that he represented every adjacent property o~mer ~rlth the exception of the Brookglen Apartments. He also Sub- mitted a petition with 31 signatures opposing approval of this appli- cation, Chairman Webster directed this petition filed for record. KENNETH MARTS, Glenbrae Drive, developer of the Squirrel Hollov Sub- division, stated that, on the basis of the General Plan, he had assured his buyers that they need not be concerned about apartments on the adjacent property. Commissioner Crisp, with concurrence o£ the Cuuuuission, suggested that this matter be referred to a cu...-~ittee for £urther study. On the basis off this suggestion, Chait~n Webster referred this appli- cation to the Subdivision Couauittee for further study and a report at the meeting on September 10, 1963, then directed the public hearing on C-60, Maxmar Investment Company, continued until that time, B, C-61 - Paul H, Cardiner, Allendale Avenue - Change of Zoning from 'R-1-40~000' to "R-1-15,000" The hearing on C-61 ~as opened at 755 P. M. The Secretary advised that a Notice o£ Rearing had been published and read the following communications which had been filed in protest of this application: 1) Letter from GEORGE D. and FRANCES M. CRAIGMILE of Alcott Way and 2) Letter from MR. and MRS. F. H, TURNERs Alcott Way. Sam Anderson, attorney, Henry Gilberts engineer, and Desmond Johnson, appraiser, were present to represent the applicant, Mr. Anderson submitted a letter from the applicant authorizing him (Anderson) to act as his representative. Chairman Webster directed this letter filed for record. Plannin~ Co~i~sion Hinutes - August 26, 19~3 - Continued II. B. C-61 - ~aul H. Cardiner l~r. Gilbe'~t stated that it as felt that a buffer zone ~vas needed be- tween the '~-1-10,000" Zone and the 'R-1-40,000' Zone ellowing a gradual increase instead of such an abrupt change. He submitted a letter per- caining to this matter which ~8 filed for record at the direction of Chairman Webster. ~iro Johnson stated that the existing zoning made this property economi- cally infeasible for subdivision purposes since it was difficult to sell an acre lot which~as level, had no large trees and no view, espe- cially when it ~as located adjacent to 10,000 square foot lots. He submitted a letter further explaining this situation. The Chairman directed this letter filed f~r record, Hr. Anderson read a letter (directed to the Co~nission and signed by Hr. Anderson) setting forth the applicantss basis for requesting the subject change of zoning= He then filed this lette~ for record° WALLACE WISE, Alcott Way, stated that when he bought his home from George W. Day~ Inc., he had been assured that the subject property would not be zoned to allow lots of less than one-half acre. KENIIETH HARTS, Glenbrae Drive, stated that he ha~ built several homes in this area and did not feel that an acre site fronting on Allehdale Avenue in this area was economically feasible. He further stated that he felt that development of 1/3 acre sites on this property would enhance the area and benefit the surrounding property o~ners. Chairman Webster observed that the property along the north side of Allendale Avenue had been ~ade= a great deal of discussion in recent years. After further discussion, Co~issioner Cowley moved, seconded by Commissioner Glenn, that C-61, Paul H. Cardiner, be referred to the Subdivision Co~nittee for study and a report at the meeting on September 10, 1963, and that the Staff be requested to submit a report at that timel motion carried unanimously° Chairman Webster so directed, then continued the hearing on C-61 until the meeting on September 10, 1963. The Chairman declared public hearings closed for the evening at 8:29 P. H, Chairman ~ebster introduced Councilm~n Larry Tyler, appointed to fulfill the term of former Councilman Fred Ritchie ~ho was recently transferred. TEN HINUTE RECESS Plannin~ Conniselonl~inutes - August 26, .1963 - C~ntin-~ed III. SUBDIVISIOI~S AND BUILDING A. SDR-3§4 - Russell M. Bate~ Verde Vista line - Building Site Approval - I lot - Continued fromAugust 12, 1963 Mr. Bate was net present, Co~issioner Crisp suggested that this matter be continued until the next regular meeting since the revised map had not been received, The Secretary advised that Mr. Bate had telephoned to say that he contemplating proceeding with his original subdivision map° On the basis of the foregoing~ Chairman ~ebster directed Russell ~o Bates continued until the meeting on September 10s 1963. Be SDR-~37 - ~hillip Collins, Palemine Way - Building Site Approval 2 Lots - Continued from August 12s 1963 Mr. Collins ~as present and expressed satisfaction with the proposed conditions of approvalo Cou~uissioner Crisp moveds seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that the tentative map for SDR-~37 (Exhibit ~'~ filed July 16~ 1963) be approved in accordance with the si~e deve!opment plan (Exhibit filed August 16~ 1963) subject to the conditions contained in the Buildlug SIte Committee Report of August 26, 19631 motion carried unanimously° C. SDR-4~O - Shannon Ltghtfoo~, Springer Avenue - Building Site Approval - 2 Lots - Continued from August 12~. ~96~ . . ~ro Lightfoot ~as present and expressed satisfaction with the proposed conditions of approvals Countssioner Crisp moved~ seconded by Commissioner Glenn~ that the tentative map for SDR-440 (Exhibit '~', filed August 2s 1963) be approved subject to the conditisns outlined in the Butldlng Site Co~nittee Report of August 26, 1963: motion cartled nzantmouslyo Do S~R-4~1 - Hanover Corporation~ Braemar D~ive - Building Site Approval - 2 Lots~ Joseph S~eany~ engineers ~as present to represent ~he applicant and expressed satisfaction with the proposed conditions of approval. Commissioner Crisp moveds seconded by Commissioner Glenn, that the tentative map for SDR-~41 (Exhibit '~", filed August 6s 1963) be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the Building Site 6~mp21ttee Report of August 26, 1963~ motion carried unanimously. Plannin~ Commission Minutes - August 26t 1963 - Continued III. E. SDR-442 - Paul Giraudo, Reid Lane = Buildin8 Si~e Approval - 1 Lot ~fr. Giraudo was present and expressed satisfaction with the proposed conditions of approval. Cownlssioner Crisp moved, seconded by Co.-.~issioner Kellum, that the tentative map for SDR-4~2 (Exhibit ~", filed August 16, 1963), Paul Glraudos 1 lot on Reid Lane, be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the Building Site C~--ittee Report of August 26~ 1963; motion carried unanimously, F. SDR-4~3 - Charles L. l~cKo~n, Sobey Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot The applicant was present and expressed satisfaction with the proposed conditions of approval. Con~uissioner Crisp moved~ seconded by C~u~uissioner Kellum, that the tentative map for SDR-443 (Exhibit ~", filed August 16, 1963) be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the Building Site Cc,~n~ttee Report of August 26, 1963; motion carried -nnuimouslyo zv, s.sxc RSVXS A. ATll~ - Quite r~erchants Association, Cox Avenue - Design Review - Off-Site Dlrectional St~n - Continued from July 22t 1963 Commissioner Cowley moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, that this application for a direct~onal sign be approved with the pro- vision that the applicant provide ~ sign vhtch complies with the standard design (size, ~ype, color and location) appr0ved by the planni~ CS~,issiou on August 12, 1963, for directional signs for public installations. ~otion carried unanimously. B. A-11~ - Eichler Homes Incos Cox Avenue - Preltmirmry Design Review - Subdivision Homes - Continued fromAugust 12, 1963 Commissioner Cowley briefly reviewed this application and rend the minutes of the meetin~ of the Special Architectoral Committee (Warren Heid, Bill Higgins and Fred Richards), Design Review Committee and Planning Dtrector. He then opened and read the individual reports submitted by l~ro Heid~ l~r. Hlggins and ~lr. Richardso Commissioner Cowley moved, seconded by Co....~xissioner Glenn, that A-114, Eichler Homes Inc°, application for preliminary design approval o~ subdivision homes be disapproved on the basis of the findings o£ the Design Review Co,~ltteeo ~lannin~ Commission Minutes - August 12, 1963 - Continued IV. B. A-i14 - Eichler Homes Inc. Commissioner Cowley stated 1) he would not have any objections to this subdivision if it was to be the only one of its kind in Saratoga but 2) when asked if it would be the only one proposed in Saratoga, Mr. Eichler stated that he would not accept this as a condition. Commissioner Glenn stated that he ~ould not have any objections to the houses if they were mixed with other types of architecture but felt that a large group of these would be monotonous. Mro Elchler, Mr. Boyd, architect, and Mr. Hill, attorney, were present to discuss this matter with the Commission. ~w. Eichler s~ated that they liked the idea of the homes being recognized as the work of the same artist. He ftmther stated that if a different floor plan or roof line was desired, he would be more than happy to comply, but he did not want to promise a different concept. He suggested that this appli- cation be allowed to proceed to final design review~ithout obligation on the part of the Commission. Commissioner Cowley stated that he vas not in favor of this since of the material required for final design review had already been submitted, so he felt that in all fairness to both the applicant and the Co~uaission it would be better to go back and re-study the problem. MRS, DOROTHY PARKER, Douglas Lane, expressed her approval of the Eichler Homes. She stated 1) their lands is beautiful 2) the low roof lines would be attractive 3) the homes are well built 4) shake roofs can become a little monotonous, toO; and 5) the subdivision would be an asset to Saratoga° BOB HARDIN, Regan Lane, sta~ed that he believed in the right for indi- vidual design but felt that most of the Saratoga residents came to Saratoga because of the type design that is predominant, He observed that Eichler homes are di[ferent and expressed concern as to whether they were desirable for Saratoga unless they were quite different from other Eichler subdivisions he bad seen, RAy PROCTOR, Chateau Drive, stated that he came to Saratoga because he liked a community of individual homes created for individual people and disapproved of allowing these homes to be built in Saratoga~ He further stated that he had great faith in the Design Review Com- mittee and was in complete agreement with their recommendation, ARNOLD ACEER, Regan Lane, stated that he concurred with Messrs. Hardin and Proctor° He further stated that the subject homes are high maintenance type homes and if not properiy maintained, could become quite undesirableo -6- Pla~nin~ Con~ission Ninutes- August 26, 1963 - Continued IV. B. A.j!14 - Richlet Homes, Inc. JOIh] FROI{CZAK, Chateau Drive, expressed concern that the Richlet Subdivision might extend to Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road. He etated that he preferred to have the same type homes that new exist in that At ~-pFroximately 9:55, Couxnissioner Crisp explained that he did not feel well and excused himself from the meeting. Chairman Webster stated 1) he felt that the Eichler interiors were excellent but 2) it ms his personal opinion that the exteriors were not and 3) he felt that a large group of these houses in one area ~as not desirable. Mr. Bichler stated 1) he realized that all opinions were honest 2) he felt that to disapprove an application of this type left the burden heavily on the Commission 3) a decision to disapprove the application should not be based on merely an opinion but reason vith clear cause that it would be detrimental to the City and 4) he felt that the problem was a difference of opinion regarding design. A roll call ~ote ms requested on CouuiSsioner Cowleyes motion to disapprove this application on the basis of the findings of the De~ign Review Committee: AYES: Co,,,,,,tssioners Cowley, Glenn, Johnson, and Webster. NOES: CommisSioners Crisp, Felltun and Norton. Commis- sioner Crisp's vote was cast by Chairman Webster, who stated that Counissioner Crisp had made this request before leaving the meeting. Motion carried. Chairman Webster reminded Mr. Richlet that he had the right to appeal this decision to the City Council. C~ A~ll8 - GeOrge J. Kocher, Big Basin Way - Final Design Review - C~afts Display and Accessorieh - Continued from August 12, 1963 The Secretary read a letter from the applicant requesting that this matter be continued until the meeting on September 10, 1963. He read a further letter from the applicant advising that since it ~ms a non- profit organization, the Youth Center felt that only a temporary access could be granted, so he wes tryin~ to negotiate with Mro Dempsey for parking space across the street. Commissioner Cowley suggested that the Committee review this matter with the applicant and submit a report at the next regular meeting. On the basis of the foregoing, Chairman Webster referred this appli- cation to the Design Review Counittee for further study and a report at the meeting on September 10, 1963, and directed A-118 continued until that time with the further direction that the Staff review the matter and submit a report to the Design Review Co~ittee to assist in their study. Planntn~ Commission Minutes - August 26, 19~3 - Continued V, CITY COUNCIL REPORT Coaissioner Cowley, who artended the last City Council meeting, gave a brief report w~th particular emphasis on C-59~ A, & G. Investment Co, s Prospect Avanues application for change of zoning from "Agricultural" to '~-M-4~000-X"~ and the discussion with regard to underground utilities, Vlo NEW BUSINESS COrnm~ ssioner Kellum advised that the following items had been discussed with the Planning Committee of the City Council and it was felt that they should be brought to the attention of the Commission: 1, Excavation Commissioner Kellum advised that Ordinance NS-3 provides no control over excavation although prior to the adoption of NS-3 a Use Permit was required for the removal of more than 50 tons of earth. He questioned the possibility that this might have been inadvertantly omitted from the new ordinance. A~ter a discussion of this matter~ Co~ntssioner Kellum moved, seconded by ComnL~ssioner Johnson~ that the City Attorney and the Staff be directed to prepare an amendment to the ordinance to restore City control of excavation and similar activities referred to in the prior ordinance; motioh carried unanimously, 2. Tentative Maps and Easements Co.~.~dssiouer Kellum explained that tentative maps were often approved prior to notification of Flood Control District requirements since the General Condition8 required compliance with these requirements, He explained that problems sometimes occur and proposed that the Planning Commission hold up action pending Flood Control notification. After discussion with the Secretary, it ~ras the consensus of the Co~muission that this could be done~ and, if necessary, the agenda could be closed earlier with regard to tentative maps. Commissioner Kellum also explained that the Flood Control District could require easements but could not require fee title. He advised that the City could require fee title but this would require an amendment to the Zoning Ordinance° Chairman Webster referred this subject to the Subdivision Committee but directed that the Staff make a study, confer with the City Attorney, and report to the Subdivision Committee. Plannin~ COmmiSsion M~nutes - August 26~ 1963 - Continued Vll. OLD BUSINESS A. Signs The Secretary advised that St. Andrews Church and Our Lady of Fatima Villa had been notified that it would be necessary for them to remove the construction signs erected on their property, He advised that the sign at St. Andtaws Church ~ould be removed immediately and if the other sign had not been removed by the end of the week, the City would remove it at their expense. Be Trees and Fence The Secretary advised that Mr. Mendel1, Saratoga Avenue and Saratoga Glen Place, had been notified that the trees and fence must be removed within ten days from August 19, 1963. He then read a letter from Mr. Mandell and stated that he would report again at the next meeting. With regard to the intersection (northeast corner) of Thelma Avenue and Hammons Avenues the Sectstar7 reported that he had been unable devote proper time to this matter but would report back at the next reaular meeting~ C. Fruitstend The Secretary advised t~at the 1ease would expire on this stand at the end of the year and the o~ner planned to develop the property at that time~ The Secretary was directed to confer with the City Attorney to ascer- tain the Cityms rights in this matter. D. SDJ+39 - We Co Garcia~ Prospect Road - Subdivision - 48 Lots - Request ior Exception on Condition of Tentative Map Approval The Secretary read a letter requesting reconsideration of Condition No. 14 of the Conditions of Approval on the basis of financial hardship. Messrs. Joe Rogers and Pat Creegan were present to discuss this matter with the Commission. Cou~uissioner Norton suggested that this matter he referred to a com- mittee for study and a recomm~ndation on release from Condition No. Chairman Webster referred this matter to the Subdivision Committee and directed the request for exception in connection with SD-439 continued until the meeting on September 10, 1963. -9- Plannin~ Cozenlesion Hinntes - August 26s 1963 - Continued VII, OLD BUSINESS E. Connissioner Norton submitted a draft of a possible revision to the ordinance to allow temporary construction signs for a period of six months or until completion. Chairman Webster referred this draft to the General Plan Committee for study and a report at the next regular meeting. VIII, COMMUNICATIONS A. WRITTEN B. ORAL 1, Co~nfssioner Cewley advised that he would be amay during the month of September so would not be available for the meetings~ 2. Chairman Webster acknowledged the ~esence of M~so Parker, Smith and M~s. O~ens from the Good Government Group and expressed the C~lssion~s sppreciation for their attendanoe. MEETING ~DJOL~NED AT 11~'1~ ~, M~ Respectfully submitted, , . :" Stanley M. Wa~er, Secretary Saratoga Planning Commission v/m -10-