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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-26-1963 Planning Commission Minutes Sb~.e4AR.'.~ OF MINUTES CITY OF SAi~XTOGA PLANNING COF~IISSION [37}~: 7:30 P. M., Tuesday, November 26, 1963 YLACE~ Saratoga Nigh School, Herriman Avenue, Saratoga, California TiPE: Regular Meeting I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATIO~ The meeting was called to order by Chairman Webster at 7:30 P. M. Ao ROLL CALL Present: Co~cissioners Crisp, Kellum, Norton, and Webster. Absent: Commissioners Cowlay, Glenn, and Johnson. B, MINUTES Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Corm~issioner Kellum, that the reading of the minutes of November 12, 1963, be waived and that the minutes be approved subject to the following modification: Page 6...after III., G., before IV., DESIGN REVIEW, insert the following: "The Chairman welcomed Mrs. Ruth (hgen, Good Government Group representative~ and expressed the Commissionts appreciation for her attendance." Motion carried unanimously. II. PUBLIC HEARINGS The Chairman declared public hearings open for the evening at 7:35 P. M. A. UP-55 - Brookside Club of Saratoga, Cox Avenue - Use Permit for Additional Parking and Modification of Existing Use Permit - Continued from November ~2~ 1963 .. The Secretary explained that the original application had requested addi- tional parking only but since there were a number of items in the previous Use Permit which needed clarification~ the application had been revised to request modification of this Use Permit as well as the additional parking. He advised that Notices of Nearing relative to the revised application had been mailed and there were no ~=itten cor~munications on file. He then read the letter of explanation which accompanied the revised application. ~l~ Planning Commission Minut.e~...- November 26~ 1963 - Continued iI. A. UP-55 - Mrpo~cide Club of Saratoga Comissioners Crisp and Kellum explained that the revised application had been filed through a joint effort of the Subdivision Comictee and repre~ sentatives of the Club to clarify several items in the previous Use Permit. The Secretary presented a new site plan submitted by the architect, showing the proposed relocation of the club house and parking for 75 cars. Warren Heid, architect, was present to discuss this matter with the Com- mission on behalf of the applicant. He explained that the existing ordi- nance, which was used as a basis for determining the number of parking spaces shown on the site plans required that the Club provide 50 to 54 parking spaces~ so the 75 spaces indicated mare than met the requirements of the ordinance.. He further explained that the relocation of the parking provided better control. Mr. Ousterman, representing the Club, stated that 42 cars was the largest count ever taken on the parking lot and explained that this was during the summer months. He further stated that the normal number was approximately 20 to 22. Mr. Ousterman also explained that they planned to use the club house for meetings, minor social affairs, etc., but would not use it for social affairs of the entire membership because of the 20% tax that would be involved should they do so. Mr. Held explained that access to the Club property would be limited to the entrance at the club house. Warren Badger, Saratoga Creek Drive, stated 1) he could foresee no pro- blem with the additional courts and parking and 2) if activities in the club house were limited after darkJ this could possibly prove satisfactory, too. There was no one else present who wished to conunent with regard to this matter. Commissioner Crisp advised 1) the Subdivision Committee had been studying this matter for several weeks 2) they had visited the site, met with representatives of the Club, and discussed the matter with the Club mana- ger and 3) it was their suggestion that this matter be continued until the next regular meeting and referred to the Subdivision Committee for a report at that time. The Corm-iSsion concurred with this suggestion and the Club representatives expressed willingness to have the matter continued. On the basis of the foregoing, Chairman Webster directed UP-55 continued until the meetina on December 9, 1963, and referred the matter to the Subdivision Committee for further study and a report at that time. Plann~n~.Coranission Minutes - November 26~ 1963 - Continued 11o B, C-56 - O, R, Maggiores Saratoga Avenue - Change of Zpn{ng from ~-l-10sO00". (Single Fumi!y Residential) to '~-A" (Professlon~Z-Administrative)'- Continued f=o~ Ma7 27~ 1~3 ....... ;~ The Secretary briefly reviewed this applicatio~ and advised that it had. been held in abeyance for u period of six ~onths for the purpo~q of fur- ther review to determine ~he~he= or not a need for additional "P-A" ~oning had been created during this period, Jack Palmtag was present to represent the applicant and stated 1} he had previously presented statistics showing chats based on the standards of ocher cities in ~he general areas the proposed ~-A" zoning was needed for the future population of Saratoga 2) professional offices were being pro- posed because of the medical units being developed across the street and 3) the proposed deveiopment would be co=~atible with the general area, i.e,~ the units would have shake roofs and would range from lsa00 to 2~00 square feec in size, Co=~niss~oner Crisp observed that 1) the first building was beiug con~ strutted in the 28 lot Medical Village across the street from the subject property 2) large areas were also available in the ~-A" zones on Sara- toga Avenue (Saratoga Inn property) and Big Basin gay (near Sixth Street} so 3) hes personally~ did not feel that addit~onal "P-A" zoning was needed in Saratoga nows or in the foreseeable future, Mr, Palmtag advised that the applicant had been approached by a church group ~ith regard to the subject propertys but it was felt that the pro- posed development would be more compatible ~ith the general area end would not create as great a traffic hazard, He stated that they had contacted most of the adjacent property o~ners and the consensus of opinion had been that they would prefer a development of this type to a church. He also stated that they did not feel that "R-l" was the best use for the property because of land use of the other corners of this intersection, Natten Badger~ Saratoga Creek Drive~ stated that while the rendering pre-. sented by Mr, Palmtag was quite in~ressive~ it had been his experience that the finished product did not aiways produce the same effect, For this reasons he opposed the proposed change of zoning, Dr. Marcus Bitter~ River Ranch C~rcles advised that two additional bulldines would be under construction in the Medical Village in the very near future and would be completed for June, Z964s occupancy, Joe She=ridy~ Cox Avenues stated that he would not be opposed to a develop- ment similar to the Medical Village except that the subject property has little fron=age and the points of ingress and egress would be dangerously close to the ~ntersection to accomodate heavy traffic, P19nnin~ Cou~nission Minutes - November 26~ 1963 - Continued r~ B. C-56 -O. R. M~ggio~ Mrs. Wm. Brown, Cox Avenue, stated that she would not object if minimum lot size (I0,000 square feet) was required for each building. She ques- tioned the need for the additional '~-A" zoning~ however, and observed that both the subject property and the development across the street might remain only partially developed. ~. Brown, Cox Avenue, expressed satisfaction with the Medical Village and stated that he would not be opposed to another such development if there was an established need. Dr. Isaac Abrams, Saratoga Avenue, questioned the need for additional '~-A" zoning in the area. He stated that there were only about 20 persons in SaratoEa who needed this type office at present and the Medical Village was ready to accomodate 40. Mrs. Brown observed that this property was located at a hazardous inter- section and stated that she felt that a traffic study should be made before action was taken. Commissioner Crisp stated that he did not feel there was any evidence of need for the additional '~-A" zoning since property in the other '~-A" zones had not been developed. Commissioner Kellum stated that he felt that in the absence of indicated need the Commission should be very slow to recommend a change in the General Plan. Commissioner Norton stated that he felt there should be a definite show of need before recommendin~ a change of zoning such as this since the objective was for Saratoga to remain a residential city. Chairman Webster quoted the section of the ordinance requiring a show of need and stated that he felt the applicant had been given every considera- tion. Iherefore, he con~inued~ he felt that the Cotmission should take action instead of continuing the matter fuzZher. He further stated that he felt negative action was indicated. In answer to a question from the applicant's representative, the Commis- tion advised that signed leases would not be adequate to establish a need for this additional zoning since they could so easily be broken. After further dtscussion~ Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commis- sioner Kellum, that the public hearing on C-56 be closed. Motion carried unanimously and the Chairman declared the hearing closed 'at 9:00 P. M. P~nnir~ Colmnissign Minute~ - November 2~, 1~63 - Continued lI. B. C-5.__~6- O. R. Ma~iore Cotmiestoner Crisp moved, sec~mied by CC~ra(eSi0~er ~ell~m, ~he~ the ni~ C~ission reco~ ~o ~h~ CiC7 CoUncil Cha~ C-56, O. R. ~iOre, be deni~ on C~ basis ~haC ~ cha~e ts noc requir~ co achi~e ~he Cives o~ the Zonin~ Ordinance. ~oll call vo~e~ ATes: Co~issi~ners Crisp, Kelly, Norton, a~ ~ebs~er. Noes: None. ~sen~: Co~ey, Cle~, a~ Joh~on. ~o~ion carried unan~usly~ C. C-62 - ~arreu D. ~orCer, Jr., Fifth S~ree~ - Cha~e o~ Zonin~ 'R-~-3,000" (Hu~Ciple Kestden~ial) ~o 'C-C' (Co~niC~ Co~rcia~) ~on~i~ed ~rom November 12~ 19~3 ...... Co~lssioner Crisp advised Chat ~he applicant h~d requested Chac Ch~s ~pp[i- ca~ion be con~inued until ~he nex~ regular ~e~iu~. I~ ~as his reco~endR- Ciou Cha~ ~his reques~ be ~ran~ed. ~ere ~as no one presen~ who ~ished co ~enC ~.~Ch re~ard ~o this pro- posed chan~e o~ zoning. On ~he baois o~ the ~oreSoin~, C~air~n ~ebs~er directed C-~2, ~arreu D. ~orCer, Jr., continued unCi~ ~e meecin~ on Dec~ber 9~ D~ C-~3 - Cre8~ Development Co~any~ ~rospecc Avenue - Cha~e o~ ZoninS '~S'' (Co~ercia~ Se~ice) ~o "C-N' (~ei~bor~ood Co~ercial) · he public hearin~ on C-63 ~as opened a~ 9~07 ~. N. ~e SecretarT advised ~ha~ a No~ice o~ Heari~ had been published and there ~ere no co~unica~ious on ~ile. He brie~ reviewed the application and read a S~a~ Repor~ per~ini~ Co ~his ~Ccer. Neeere. Garcia and Sha~er, o~ers of the subject propstOys ~ere presen~ ~o discuss ~hi8 application ~iCh ~he Co~ission. Nr. Garcia advised ~) ~he~ had ~ried Co develop this proper~7 under ~he '~-S' zonin~ but ~ound ic al~os~ i~ossible 2) ~he~ had par~icu~arl~ desired Co have an au~o~bile dealer bu~ could not l~eresC anyone 3) ~he property could be developed ~o~ a shee~ ~e~al shop, cleanin~ es~ablish~en~, etc., bu~ Che~ did no~ ~eel Chat ~his ~as the be8~ use o~ the ~a~ ~) ~he~ ~ould like ~o plan a To~ and Coun~r~ ~Tpe developmen~ bu~ ~o do so a marke~ ~ou~d be needed 5) since ~he 'C-S' zonin~ did no~ allo~ a ~arkec ~he request '~-N' zonin~ had been ~iled ~) ~he~ ~ould keep ~he man7 be~uCi~ul oaks on ~he proper~7 a~ ~ou~d box culver~ the creek a~ 7) ~he developmen~ ~uld be patterned a~Cer ~he Los Altos Ran~ho a~ ~he ~o~ and Coun~r~ develop~en~ on S~evens Creek Road buc ~ould have an enclosed ~. ~r. Garcia presented a prel~inary r~nderi~ and sca~ed ~haC he ~ou~d acc~p~ condi~ional zonin~ ~i~h a ~ ~ear limi~a~ion. ~ere was no one preseu~ who wished to speak wi~h reEard ~o this ~er. Plannin~ Co~raission Minutes - NoVember 26, 1963 - Continued II, D, C-6,,_/3 - Crest Development Company It was the consensus of the Commission that &his matter should. be referred to a Committee for study since it did not conform eo 6he General Plan, After further discussion, Chai~m~n Webster directed C-63, Crest Develop- the matter to the Subdivtsioh o a report at that time. E, C-64 - Virgil R, Herring, B~g ~asin Way - ~ha~ge of Zoning from '~-A" (Pro[ess~onal-Admtnistrative) to 'C-C' (Community Commercial) The public hearing on C-64 was opened at 9:25 P, M. The Secretary advised that a Notice of Hearir~ had been published and read comunicationsfrom the following persons which were filed in protest of this application: 1) Anna L. Loze 2) Barbara Caldwe11 and 3) Artus Metzger, The applicant was present and explained 1) he was being evicted from his present place of business on January 1, 1964, since the prpperty had been sold 2) he Could find nothing else available in the commercial zoning 3) he would like very much to continue to operate a business establishmen~ in Saratoga and 4) he would be happy to accept conditional zening. Sam Hernandez~ Big Basin ~ay~ spoke in favor of the proposed change o~ zoning, Clarence Neale, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road~ stated 1) Mr, Herring was not only an established Saratoga business man but a most desirable member of the community and 2) he felt the request for change of zoning was reaspna~ ble and should be granted. Robert Neale, Saratoga Avenue, observed 1) Saratoga has created an ~mnge as an antique center 2) Mr. Herring operates one of the better shops and 3) he felt the change of zoning should be granted so that this shop coul~ continue in operation. Murray Brookmarts Pamela ~ay~ stated 1) the subject request, if granted, obviously could not be considered spot zoning since it would be an exten- sion of the existing commercial zoning and 2) he felt that business of this type should be encouraged so .felt the reques~ should be granted. Chairman ~ebster observed that the quaint appearance of the Village made it unique and he felt the antique shops were compatible with the general atmosphere. He further expressed the belief that the commercial zone could be extended ~ith ample protection for the neighbors, and observed that there was a proven need since an established merchant was being evicted. ~lannin~ Commission H!nuCes - November 2.6~ 1963 - Continued IX. E. C-64 - Virgil R. Herrin~ Commissioner Crisp observed that while there had been a great deal of opposition to Robest Neale's request for change of zoning, his antique shop was a credit to Saratoga. After further discussion, Chairman Webster directed C-64 continued until the meeting on December 9, 1963, and referred the matter to the Subdivi- sion Committee fox study and a report at that time. TEN MINUTE RECESS F. ~r233 - Dr. Richard A. Wallace, Juniper Lane - Variance to allow 10' Side Yard Setback in l~eu of the required The public hearing on V-233 was opened at 10:15 P. M. The Secretary advised that Notices of Nearing had been mailed and there were no written communications on file. Dr. Wallace was present to explain the need for this Variance. Commissioner Crisp stated that the Variance Committee would like to mal~e an on-site inspection relative to this request. There was no one present who wished to comment with regard to this matter. The Chairman, after further discussion, directed V-233 continued until the meeting on December 9, 1963, and referred the matter to the Variance Committee for study and a report at that time. Chairman Webster declared public hearings closed for the evening at 10:20 P~M. SUBDIVISIONS AND BUILDIN~ SITES A. SDR-450 - Jerry Kocir, ~arion Road - Building Site Approval - 3 Lots - ~vised Ma~ - Continued from November 12m 1963 Commissioner Crisp advised that the Variance relative to the residual parcel had not been filed, so suggested that this matter be continued until the next re~ular meetir~. On the basis of this suggestion, Chairman X~ebster directed SDR-450 con- tinued until the'meetir~ on December 9, 1963. -F- Plannin~ Con~nission Minutes - Nove. mber 26~ 1963 ? Continued III. B. SDR-452 - Oene C. Buthenuth, Palomino Way - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - ,Continued from November 121 1963 The applicant was not present. Conm~issioner Crisp moved, seconded by Co~nissioner Kellum, that the Building Site Committee Report of October 28, 1963~ relative to SDR-452, Gene C. Buthenuth, be adopted and that the tentative nmp (Exhibit "A" . , filed October 18~ 1963) be approved in accordalice with the site develop- ment plan (Exhibit "B", filed October 28, 1963) subject to the conditions detailed in the Building Site Committee Report; motion carried unanimously. C. SDR-453 - Multi--Building and Development Corporation, Ambric Knolls - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from November 12, 1963 The Secretary read a letter from Robert E. Hacklet granting a 30 day extension in connection with SDR-453 since a problem had developed rela- tive to the septic tank permit. Through mutual consent of the applicant and the Commtssion~ this applica- tion was extended for a period of 30 days. The Chairman then directed SDR-452 continued until the meeting on December 9, 1963. D. SDR-458 - Paul S~.lanson~ Farxqe.ll Avenue - Building S~t.e App.r. oval- 2 Lots_ Connnissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that the Building Site Committee Report of November 26, 1963, relative to SDR-458 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit ';A" filed November 4, 1963) · be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the Building Site Com- mittee Report; motion ca=tied unanimously. E. SDR-459 - .John Taylor~ .Pierce Road - Buildin~ Site Approval - 1 Lot Jim Cole of MacKay & Somps was present to represent the applicant and expressed satisfaction with the proposed conditions of approval. Conunissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that the Building Site Committee Report of November 26, 1963, relative to SDR-459 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A"~ filed November 12, 1963) be approved in accordance with the site development plan (Exhibit s'B"s filed November 26, 1963) subject to the conditions detailed in the Building Site Committee Report: motion carried unanimously. P~annip~ Co_uuui~sion Minutes - November 26, 1963 - Continued III. F. SDR-460 - R~chard O. Bywater, Sobev Road - Build~..ng Site Approval.- 2. Lgts Mr. Bywater was present and stated that it was his understanding that t~e City Engineer would like to discuss the site development plan further. He requested, therefore, that this matter be continued to allow time for this discussion . Gounissioner Crisp confined the need for further discussion of the site development plan and recommended that this matter be continued until the next regular meeting. On the basis of the foregoing, Chairman Webster directed SDR-460 continued until the meeting on December 9, 1963 G. SDR.-461 - Dplores Hickman,. Sobey Road - Buildinn Site Approval.- 2 Lo.ts Mrs. Hickman was present and expressed satisfaction with the proposed conditions of approval. Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that the Building Site Conmaittee Report of November 26, 1963. relative to SDR-461 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed November 15, 1963) be approved in accordance with the site development plan (Exhibit "B", filed November 26, 1963) subject to the conditions detailed in the Buil- ding Site Committee Report; motion carried unanimously. IV. ~ES~GNREVIEW A. 4-118 - George J. Kochere Big Basin Way - Final Design Review - Crafts Display and. Accessories - Continued from November 12, 1963 The Secretary read a letter addressed to Mr. Kocher and signed by Mrs. Anderson of the Plumed Horse, confirming that she would lease Mr. Kocher six parking spaces for a period of one year with an option to renew the lease for an additional four years. After discussion,Cenmaisdoner Norton moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the six parking spaces on the Plumed' Horse parking lot be accepted and that f~nal design approval be granted A-118, George J. Kocher; motion carried unanimously. B. A-12a - Brown & Kauffmann, Inc., Prospect Avenue - Final Design Review - Subdivision Ho~e~ - Un%t 4-~, Prides Cross~3~ . The Secretary read a Staff Report pertaining to this application. Commissioner Kellum moved, seconded by Conunissloner Crisp, that final design approval be granted the subdivision homes in Unit 4-A of Prides Crossing as sho~m on Exhibit '~" (site plan) and Exhibit "B" (26 eleva- tions and color schemes); motion carried unanimously. P~ann~.n~ Commission Hinutes - November .26, 19.~3 -.Continue~ V. CITY COUNCIL REPO~ The City Council Report was deferred until later in the meeting. VI, N~4 BUSINESS A. Chairman Webster welcomed Councilman Drake, Mrs. Owen and Mr. Merkel from the Good Government Group, and Mrs. Ottenberg from the League of Women Voters. g. Report ~e Re~ire~ent Developments Commissioner Kellum read a report from the Subdivision Conunittee relative to their study regarding retirement developments. There was a representative from the Episcopal Church present who stated that they were making a preliminary study regarding the possibility of such a development for their church. Barney Rosasco, Aloha Avenue, stated that he had felt for some time that a development of this type was needed in Saratoga, but felt that it should be limited to older people. He further stated that he had visited several such developments and was impressed. Mrs. Ruth Owen stated that she felt that there were many people in Sara- toga who would be interested in a development of small individual units instead of the typical size Saratoga home. Mrs. Dorothy Parker stated that she, personally, would be interested in a small individual unit because she no longer needed nor wanted to main- rain her present half-acre site. After further discussion, Commissioner Norton moved, seconded by Commis- sioner Kellum, that the Subdivision Committee Report be approved by the Commission and transmitted to the City Council, together with an appro- priate letter of transmit~al prepared by the Secretary, for their infornm- tion and indication of acquiescence; motion carried unanimously. V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Commissioner Crisp gave a brief report on the City Council meeting of Novem- ber 20, 1963, with particular emphasis on the following: 1) Architec~ Warren Held was authorized to proceed with plans for the new Civic Center building. 2) Ross Nall's proposal that the City share in the indicated additional cost for ~he storm drains across Highway 9 was rejected. 3) Since the School (at Titus and Prospect Avenues) will install full street improvements on Titus Avenue and 23 feet on Prospect Avenue, the City Council agreed to improve half of the remainder providing the County would improve the balance. -10- plannin~ Comnission Minutes ~ November 26, 1963 - Continued VII. OLD BUSINESS A. SDR-451 - Wade Hovers Peach Hill Road - ReqUest for Roconsideration - Continued from November 12w 1963 Mr. Hover was present earlier in the evening but, because of another appointments left prior to discussion of his request. Coummisstoner Crisp read the Subdivision Committee Report relative to Hoverss request for reconsideration. Co=~lssioner Norton moved, seconded by Comissioner Crisps that this report be adopted, subject to the following modifications, and then transmitted to the City Council with the recomendation that Condition '~" be changed as set forth in the report: Page 2...paragraph 1..,lines 9 and 10 --- Omit "6 inch base rock and". Page 2...paragraph 3...Revise condition to read as follows: "Improve Peach Hill Road to provide for a 13 foot half-street, usinE double seal coat oil and screenin~s on 6 inch base rock, along the entire frontage of the property. This improvement is to be made concentric with existin8 pavement (not right- of-way) as approved by the City En~ineer." Motion carried unanimously. B. Subdivision Si~n~ - Staff Report relative to Maintenance and Repair At the request of the Plannin~ Director, this report was deferred until the next regular meeting. VIII~ ~O~14UNICATIONS A. WRIT£~N SDR-3~9 - O. T. Robertshaw~ Fa.rwell Avenue - Request for Exteuelon The Secretary advised that this building site approval had previously had a six month extension but an additional six months time was needed. He read a letter from Mr. Del Carlo requesting an additional six months. Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Norton, that the request for a six month extension from November 14, 1963, be granted; motion car- ried unanimously. -11- ~lnnn!n~ Commission Minute~ - November 26, 1963 - Continued VIII. B. ORAL El. ADJOURNi~NT Chairman I.lebster declared the meeting adjourned at 11:37 P. M. Respectfully submitted, ~..~-"i " .... \- Stanley M. l'~a~er, Secretary v -12-