Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-27-1964 Planning Commission Minutes St' mRY CITY OF SARATOGA PLAN!qING COMqISSION TLM~: Monday, July 27, 1964 PLACE: Saratoga High School, Herriman Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION The meeting was called to order by Chairman Norton at 7:30 P. M. A. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Cowley, Crisp, Glenn, Xellum, McFall, Norton, and O'Rorke. Absent: None. B. MINUTES The Chairman called for action on the minutes of July 13, 1964. After discussion the following corrections were approved by the Commission: Page 2...Paragraph 4...After the word '~ttorney", replace the semi- colon with a period and delete the last three ~.~ords of the paragraph. Paragraph 8...Insert the following after the first sentence: '~n the basis of this, the previous action was vacated by unanimous consent of the Commission." Change the first fou~ words of the next sen- tence to read as follows: "Commissioner Crisp then moved" Page 6...Paragraph 6...(V. CITY COUNCIL l~EPORT)...Correct as follows: Change "Commissioner Crisp" to "Commissioner Glenn." Co=missioner Glenn moved, seconded by Commissioner O~Rorke, that the reading of the minutes of July 13, 1964 be waived and that the minutes be approved as corrected; motion carried unanimously. II. pUBLIC HEA~INGS Chairman Norton declared public hearings open for the evening at 7:37 P.M. A. C-71 - Mamnar Investment Company, Walnut Avenue - Change of Zoning from ~-1-12,500" (Single Family Residential) to '~-M-5,000 P-C" (Multiple Fa~..ily Residential Planned Comnunity) The hearing on C-71 was opened at 7:38 P.M. The Secretary advised that a Notice of Hearing had been published and briefly reviewed the subject application. He then read 1) statement of reason filed by applicant 2) petition opposing the proposed change of zoning signed by 23 property o~ners on Alta Vista, Walnut, and Williams Avenues and 3) communications pro testing the proposed change of zoning filed by a) Mr. and Mrs. C. J. Hinderman of Victor Place b) Mrs. Ruth O~en of Victor Place c) M. Barrett, P. V. Barrett, E. Ponchiona, K. B. Brown and Irene Brown of Walnut Avenue d) H. ~. Oberhaus of Alta Vista Avenue e) Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Marts of Squirrel Hollow Lane and f) W. L. Cooley of Squirrel Hollow Lane. .PlanninR Commis.sion M___tnut,es -..July 27,__1.~.64 - Cont____J~nn.-_d II. A. CrT1 - M__a.xm~r Inve~tr~ent Cor~anV Mr. Resner was present to represent the applicant but stated that he would prefer to withhold further comment until interested parties from the audience had spoken. H, J. OBER}~US, Alta Vista Avenue, protested the proposed change of zoning on the basis of the traffic he felt would develop from such a project. Dr. COOLEY, Squirrel Hollow Lane, who stated that he also represented tile Murphys, Wetdens, and Marts of Squirrel Hollow Lane, protested the pro- posed change of zoning on the basis of the increase in density. I1e explained l) they had no objection to the conm~on green concept if the density was not increased and 2) they felt that a change from '~-1" to 'IR-M" was unnecessary since, in their opinion, the General Plan desig- nated sufficient area for multiple zoning. M. J. LEE, Woodmerit Drive, stated that he agreed with Mr. Oberhaus and Dr. Cooley. He explained that while he felt that Saratoga should provide for its Senior Citizens, he did not feel that it should be done by increasing the density. Chairman Norton explained that the subject request was not in violation of the General Plan since, although it is zoned ':R-I", this property has always been designated under the General Plan as '~-M". EDWARD COLLETOM, Victor Place, opposed the proposed change of zoning on the basis of the traffic he felt would be generated by such a development. MRS. DOUGLAS EWING, Williams Road, stated 1) the proposed apartments would be too expensive for the average Senior Citizen and 2) she felt that residents of the area would not have bought their homes if they had realized that such a development might be undertaken on the subject property. DOUGLAS EWING, Willjams Avenue, stated that he 1) did not feel that the proposed units were needed and 2) feared that families with children would move in at a later date and depreciate property values. ' Mr. Resner of Maxmar Investment Company stated 1) the proposed units were not apartments but single family dwellings and duplexes 2) 34 units were proposed for the five acres and coverage would be about 22% 3) the units would sell for $32,000 to $37~O00 4) traffic and density in connection with the proposed units would be no greater than in connection with a 15 or 16 lot subdivision developed under the existing '~-1" zoning 5) if the subject request was denied then, of course, a subdivision would be planned 6) the Planned Community Ordinance was passed for the purpose of filling an established need in the City of Saratoga 7) every effort had been made to propose a development that would be a credit to the City and 8) he ~ould like very much to have the Planning Commission make a decision at this meeting, In answer to a question from the audience, Mr. Lesner stated that he did not propose to sell to people with children~ only retired and semi-retired couples or single persons, and ~muld be happy to have the Planning com- mission make any stipulations they desired in this connection. When a question arose regarding the right-of-way to this property, W. Re Lee, owner of a portion of the subject five acre parccl~ assured the Commission that his right-of-way was unconditional and could be used for this development. [lannin~ Commission M~nutes - Ju! 27, 1964 - Continued II. A. C-71 - Max~ar Investment Company After further discussion, Chairman Nortons with concurrence of the Com- mission, directed C-71, Maxmar Investment Company, continued until the meeting on August 10, 1964, and referred same to the Subdivision Committee for study and a report at that time. B. ..UP-69 - Richard I'~. Koivisto, Case glance Lane - Use Permit to allow a Maximum of Three Lodgers or Boarders at Residence located at .18659 C~sa Blanca Lane The hearing on UP-69 was opened at 8:26 P. M. The Secretary advised that Notices of Hearing had been mailed and briefly reviewed the subject appli- cation. He then read a communication filed by l~eredith Ramona of Case glance Lane protesting the granting of this request. Mrs. Koivisto was present to discuss this matter with the Commission and explained 1) a relative was planning to come to live with them 2) since their home was larger than they need, they decided that perhaps they would also take a teacher from the area hut 3) since they had only two extra bedrooms, they would not have three extra people as allowed under a Use Permit. JACK MARDEN, Case glance Lane, objected to the Zranting of the subject Use Permit on the basis that he wanted to retain the area as a quiet residential neiZhborhood. He also raised a guestion relative to parking, stating that the applicant owned two cars yet was presently usins the ~arage for storage of equipment used in connection with a sweeping service. JACK KLEDER, La Par Uay~ opposed the granting of this Use Permit. He stated that one residence on the street had already taken a boarder and he objected to any further such use in the neighborhood. BERNARD M~VEYs Case glance Lanes protested the granting of this Use Per~,dt on the basis that it would establish a precedent. ARVEY DROWN, Case glance Lanes stated that he would be happy to see Mrs. Koivisto have her relative with her, but objected to her taking another Boarder. DON WILSON, Case Blanca Lane, advised that he did not object to Mrs. Koivisto's relative but did not want boarders in the neighborhood. Since the term "Change of Zoning" had been used several times during the discussion, the Commission explained the term "Use Permit" so that it would not be confused with a change of zoning. The applicant ~lained that provision had been made to store their equipment elsewhere last January~ so their Earage had not been used for this purpose since that time. After further discussions Chairman Norton, with concurrence of the Com- mission, directed UP-69 continued until the meeting on August 10, 1964, and re[erred this matter to the Subdivision Corm~ittee for study and a report at that time. The Chairman declared public hearings closed for the evening at 8:48 P. M. TEN MINUTE RECESS -3- .Planning Commission Minutes - July 27~ 196~ - Continued III. SUBDIVISIONS AND BUILDING SITES A. SD- 496 - Maria R. Barbieri, Prospect Road - Subdivision Approval - 19 Lots - Continued from July 13, ].964 Mr. Mastin, applicant's engineer, was present to discuss this application with the Commission. After reviewing the proposed conditions of approval, he questioned conditions 2, 3s and 5. After discussion he advised that he would like to discuss this matter further with the Subdivision Commit- tee before action was taken since he feared that compliance with the pro- posed conditions would make development of this subdivision impossible. After further discussion, Chairman Norton directed SD-496, Maria R. Bar- bierS, continued until the meeting on August 10, 1964, and suggested that Mr. Mastin contact the Planning Department for an appointment with the Subdivision Committee prior to that time. B. SDR-497 - NoJet Company, Inc., Quito Road - Building Site Approval - 3 Lots - Continued from July 13, 1964 .. Commissioner Crisp advised that the applicant had requested that this mat- ter be continued since additional time was needed to try to work out the septic tank and right-of-way problems. On the basis of this request, Chairman Norton directed SDR-497, Nojet Company, Inc., continued until the meeting on August 10, 1964. C. SDR-511 - M~rris J. Leer LaPslama Avenue - Buildip~ Site A~prgval - 1 Lot Ihe applicant ~as present and expressed satisfaction with the proposed conditions of approval. Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that the Building Site Committee Report of July 27, 1964 relative to SDR-511, Morris J. Lees he adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit '~", filed July 15, 1964) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in the Building Site Committee Report; motion carried unanimously. D, SDR-512 - Nans.Zw@iM~ Madtone Hill Road - Building Si~e Approval - 2 Lots The Secretary advised that the applicant had requested that SDR-512 be continued until the meetin~ on August 10, 1964, since the revised map had not been completed. Chairman Norton so directed. E. ~DR-513 - We.~da,r. Inc., Prospect Road - BuildinR Site Approval - 1 Lot The applicant's representative expressed satisfaction with the proposed conditions of approval. Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner ~!cFall, that the Building Site Gorm~ittee Report of July 27, 1964 relative to SDR-513, Weldair, Inc., be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit '~", filed July 17, 1964) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in the Building Site Committee Report; motion carried unanimously. F. SDR-514 - Mijo Corporation, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot A. J. Menards architect, was p~esent to discuss this application with the Commission. He advised that the applicant would like to preserve the trees in the Service Road area but that doing so would create a problem in meeting Ordinance requirements. .#- PlanDin~ Cc~nissio~ ~inutes - July 27, 1~64 - Coptinued llI. F. SDR-514 - Mile Corporation Commissioner Crisp advised that the Building Site Committee had discussed this problem with Mr. Menard and would like to discuss the matter with the Commission before making a recommendation. Commissioner Cowley stated that the Design Review Committee would like to meet with Mr. Menard relative to the Design Review application filed in conjunction with this application, so suggested that the matter of the Service Road be discussed at this time. The Commission concurred witix this suggestion. After further discussion Chairman Norton announced that the Planning Com- mission would hold a Study Session on Thursday, August 6, 1964, at 4130 P.M. at the City Hall to discuss this matter, and invited the public to attend if they so desired. He then directed SDR-514 and A-153, Mijo Cor- poration, continued until the meeting on August 10, 1964. G. SDR-454 - Hugh Purcell, Saratoga Avenue - Building Site Approval - 3 Lots Modification of Approved Tentative Map The Secretary advised that the applicant had filed a revised map proposing a modified lot line between Parcels "A" and "B". Commissioner Crisp, on behalf of the Building Site Committee, recommended approval subject to the conditions established in connection with the previously approved tentative map for SDR-454. After discussion Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that the revised tentative map for SDR-454 (Exhibit "A-I", filed July 1964) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in the Building Site Committee Report of November 12, 1963 relative to SDR-4541 motion carried unanimously. IV. DESIGN REVIEW A. A-145 - Joseph Long, Saratoga Avenue - Final Design Review - Office Bulldin~ Commissioner Cowley advised 1) the Design Review Committee had met to review and discuss the plans for the subject office building 2) the exhibits before the Commission reflected incorporation of recommendations made by the Committee al~ 3) the Design Revie~-~ Committee was satisfied with the proposed plans. It was observed that the building permit for the subject building could not be issued until a permit had been issued for construction of the restaurant proposed for the adjacent property. The applicant was not pre- sent, but the Commission concurred that the applicant had previously been advised of this situation. After further discussion Commissioner Cowley moved, seconded by Commis- sioner Glenn, that A-145, Joseph Long, be granted final design approval of the office building as shol~n on Exhibits "A-3" and "B" subject to issuance of a building permit for this building being contingent on issuance of a building permit for the restaurant on the adjoining property as shown in Files C-55 and A-134; motion carried unanimously. -5- Planning Con~nfssion Minutes .-,July 27? I~4 ~ Con~inued IV. B. A-152 - Weldair, Inc., Prospect Road - Preliminary Design Review - Commercial Building Commissioner Cowlay advised that the Design Review Committee had reviewed the plans for this building and had no objections to the general lay-out except that the parking seemed questionable. Messrs. Adair and Sundahl, two of tile three partners of Weldair, Inc., were present to discuss this matter with the Commission. After further discussion, Conmllssioner Cowlay suggested that A-152, Weldair, Inc.~ be continued until the meeting on August 10, 1964 to allow time for the applicant to meet with the Planning Director and work out an acceptable parking arrangement. Chairman Norton so directed. C. A-153 - Mijo Corporation, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Preliminary Design Review See SDR-514 - Mijo Corporation. D. A-114 - Eichler Homes, Inc., Cox Avenue - Final Design Review - Revised Site Plan fgr Lot 22~ Tract 3572 Commissioner Cowlay advised that the applicant had submitted a revised site plan for Lot 22 as requested by the Commission and that it met with the approval of the Design Review Co=mittee. After discussion Commissioner Cowlay moved, seconded by Commissioner Glenn, that Exhibit '~" under File A-I14~ site plan for Lot 22, be added to the list of e:~iblts given final design approval by the Commission at the meeting on July 13, 1964; motion carried unanimously. Chairman Norton acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence of Mrs. Ottenberg of the League of Women Voters and Messrs. Merkel and Metcalf of the Good Government Group. V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Commissioner Kellum gave a brief report on action taken by the City Council at the meeting on July 15, 1964, regarding items of particular interest to the Commission. VI. NEW BUSINESS A. yARIANCE APPLICATIONS Commissioner Kellum, Chairman of the Variance Committee, called attention to the "information sheet" in the Commission folders relating to Variance applications. He explained that, on behalf of better public relations, he and Councilman Tyler had drafted a statement for issuance to pronpec- rive applicants further explaining the findings necessary for the granting of a Variance. After discussion Commissioner Kellum moved, seconded by Commissioner O~Rorke, that the statement "Info~nation for Persons Making Application for Variances" be approve~ for distribution to prospective applicants together with copies of Section 17.6 of O~dinance NS-3; motion carried unanimously. -6- P./lannin~ Co~anission Min, utes- July 27, ].96!~ - Continued VI. B. ~4PROVEbmNT STANDARDS....ECR HILLSIDE CO~4ON GREE~ DEVELORE.4ENT~ Commissioner Kellum advised that he had contacted County Planning and the Soil Conservation District and, upon their recommendation, Mr. Hocktot, a Landscape Architect who appears highly qualified in this field. He fur- ther advised that Mr. Hocktot had made some very good suggestions and had stated that for a fee of $450 he would outline the requircmnnts and submit a model plan for a typical hillside common green. After discussion Commissioner Kellum moved, seconded by Commissioner O'Rorke, that the Planning Commission recommeud to the City Council that the services of a qualified Landscape Architect-Planning and Development Consultant be engaged to develop standards for the planning, development, and management of open space in Planned Community Districts in the hills; motion carried unanimously. VII. OLD BUSINESS A. Proposed Research Laboratory - Santa qlara County The Secretary advised that he had artended the meeting of the County Planning Commission on July 15, 1964 and that the application for a change of zoning to allow a Research Laboratory on the Palm property south of Vtlla Montalvo had been denied. B. SDR-432 - W. H. Lynch, LaPaloma Avenue - Request for Extension - Continued from July 13, 1964 , Commissioner Crisp briefly reviewed this request for extension and advised that the Building Site Committee recommended approval subject to an addi- tional condition requiring submittal of an irrevocable offer of dedication for the extension of LaPaloma Avenue, The Secretary advised that he had talked to the applicant and he had readily agreed to comply with such a condition. After discussion Commissioner Crisp moved~ seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that an extension of one year from present date of expiration (July 22, 1964) be granted in connection with SDR-432, W. H. Lynch, subject to addi- tion (to the original conditions of approval) of the following condition: "Submit irrevocable offer of dedication to provide for a 20 foot half-street adjacent to the southwesterly line of Lot "A" and a 25 foot half-street along the southwesterly line of Lot "B" for the entire depth of the property for the extension of LaPaloma Avenue." Motion carried unanimously. C. Refiuest for Annexation - Benevento Property~ Prospect Road Coranissioner Crisp briefly reviewed the request for annexation of the Benevento property on Prospect Roads and called atteution to the report in the Comaission folders. After discussion Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Glenn, that the Chairman be authorized to sign the report relative to the Bene- vento annexation request, and that the report then be transmitted to the City Council; motion carried unanimously. -7- ~I~3~DiP~. Connnission Minutes - July 27, 1964 - Continued VIII. COI.}IUNICATIONS A. I'~RITHEN 1. SDR-509 - Charles E. Harden, Sobey Road - Building Site Approval - 3 Lots - Request for Reconsideration. Commissioner Crisp advised that the applicant had requested modifica- tion of Condition '~" of the conditions of approval established under SDR-509 on the basis that 1) trees would have to be removed 2) the creek is only 26 feet from street centerline in some areas 3) no other property o~mer has been requested to improve to this extent and 4) if so required it would be a costly process for them because of location of houses and nature of roadway. Re then read a memorandum from the Director of Public Works pertaining to this matter. He also advised that the Building Site Committee had considered this request for reconsideration and, on the basis of the Co=mittee's findings and the report of the Director of Public Works, it was reconmended that the request be denied. After discussion Commissioner Glenn moved, seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that on the basis of the findings of the Building Site Com- mittee and the report of the Director of Public Works the Commission recommend to the City Council that the request for modification of Condition '~C" of SDR-509 be denied; motion carried unanimously. 2. UP-53 - Los Gatos Unitarian Fellowship, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Request for Extension The Secretary read a communication requesting an extension of one year in connection with UP-53. He recommended that this matter be continued to allow tlme for a review of the parking situation. On the basis of this recommendation, Chairman Norton directed UP-53, Los Gatos Unitarian Fellowship~ continued until the meeting on August 10, 1964. B. ORAL The Secretary advised that a University of California Extension Course in City end Regional Planning would be given starting on September 17, 1964, at Santa Clara High School and stated that if any of the Plan- ning Commissioners were interested to please contact him for further information. El. ADJOURN14ENT Chairman Norton doclared the meeting adjourned at 1C:O? P. M. Respectfully submitted, Stanley M. ]4 k Secretary al er, Sh%Uv