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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-1966 Planning Commission Minutes SUNMARY OF MINUTES · "" · · CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COP~XISSION . !.. TI~E:. Monday, 14March 1966, 7:30 P. M. PLACE:· City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California TATE: Regular Meeting I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION . The meeting was called to order by Chairman Norton at 7:30 P. M. A. ROLL CAT.T. · .. Present: Commissioners Crisp, Johnson, Kellum, McFall, NortonY and " O 'Rorke. Absent: None. B. MINUTE S ' ' Chairman Norton advised that the minutes of 28 February 1966 had, for good reason, not yet been completed, so would be given con- sideration by the Commission at the next regular meeting. " II. PUBLIC HEARINGS .. The Chairman declared public hearings open for the evening at 7:31 P.M. A. .C~93 - John B. Jessup, Big Basin Way - Request for Change of zoning from !~-M-4,000-X" (Multiple Residential) to "R-M-4,000 P-C" .... (Multiple Residential Planned Community) - Continued from 14 February 1966 The hearing on C-93 was not re-opened at this time since 1) nothing further hadbeen added to the file 2) the applicant was not present and 3). there was no one in the audience who wished to comment..with regard to this matter. '. In view of the foregoing, Chairman Norton directed C-93 continued until the meeting on 28Morch 1966. B. UP-96 - P. G. & E., Cox Lane - Request for Use Permit for Expansion of Existing Public Utility Power Station - Continued from 28 February 1966 The continued hearing on UP-96 was resumed at 7:33 P. M. Mr. Huston, present to represent P.G.& E., advised that further con- sideration had been given to the feasibility of 1) the. tubular steel pole design and 2) a depressed station (alternates proposed at the l~st meeting). He discussed both possibilities with the Commission and explained that while either was possible, neither, in this case, would be practicable. The Secretary read the report of the Subdivision Committee relative . to this application, recommending approval subject to certain conditions. Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that the public hearing on UP-96 be closed; motion carried unanimously and the hearing was closed at 7:43 P.' M. It was moved by Commissioner Kellumand seconded by Commissioner Johnson that the Subdivision Committee Report of 14 March 1966 be approved and .that the Use .Permit (UP-96) be granted subject to the conditions contained therein; motion carried unanimously. Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 14 March 1966 - Continued II. C. y-270 - Frank Thatchef, Montewood Drive - Request for Variance in connection with Side Yard Setback Requirements - ContinUed from 28 February 1966 The hearing on V-270 was re-opened at 7:44.~P. M. The Secretary 1) advised that nothing further had been added to the file and 2) briefly reviewed this application. .. The applicant's representative was present but stated that he had -. no further comment at this time. Commissioner Johnson read the report of the Variance Commxtteerela- rive to this matter, recommending that the variance in connect:~ton with the swimming pool be granted and that the variance in com~ec-. tion with the cabana be denied. After discussion, Commissioner Kellummoved, seconded by Commis- sioner Johnson, that the public. hearing on V-270 be closed; motion ...... carried unanimously and the hearing was closed at 7:48 P. M. · " It was moved by Commissioner Johnson and seconded by Commissioner McFall that the report of the.Variance Committee dated 14March 1966 relative to V-270 be approved and that the variance requested ~n · ' connection with the swimming pool be granted and that the variance requested in connection with the cabana be denied as recommended in said report; motion carried unanimously. D. ROY M. WESTLY - Request that "Automatic Car Wash with Gasoline Sales" ..... be added to the list of Conditional Uses for the .' Neighborhood Commer.c, ial .(C-~ Zonin~ District Z '. The informal ·hearing in connection with Roy'M. Westley's request ' that "Automatic Car Wash with Gasoline Sales" be added to the list of conditional uses for the C-N zone was opened at 7:49 P..M. ',.The ..... Secretary 1) advised that Notices of Hearing had been mailed to all property owners within a 500 foot radius of the subject property and 2) read a letter filed by Mrs. Elsie Patrick. in opposition to this request. The applicant was present to discuss this matter with the Commission.. He briefly explained the proposed operation and advised that, as proposed, it would be a $170,000 investment. He also explained that this location had been selected in lieu of'a site in the C-S District since a shopping center such as this was needed to support th~s operation. Mrs. Patrick was present.to re-affirmher opposition to this request. After discussion, Chairman Norton (at 8:02 P. M.) directed this mat- ter continued until the next regular meeting and.referred same to the Subdivision Committee for study and a report at that timel E. C-9~ -Manuel Lozano, Prospect Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning from '~-1-10~000" (Single Family Residential) to'Eonditional C-N" (Conditional NeiEhborhood Commercial) The public hearing on C-95 was opened at 8:03 P. M. The Secretary advised that a Notice of Hearing had'been published and read 1) the .- applicant's statement of reason and 2) a letter filed by Mrs. Elsie Patrick in opposition to the proposed change of zoning. P.laru~in~ Commission Minutes - 14March 1966 - Continued II. E. C-95 - Manuel Lozano . Mrs. Patrick reaffirmed her opposition to the proposed use, but com- mented that if the City felt this. area was appropriate for a Car Wash she would prefer Mr. Lozano's proposed location to that of Mr. Westly. Frank Crest, attorney, was present to represent the applicant and advised 1) Mr. Lozano .had applied for conditional zoning so that the City would be aware of the proposed use prior to giving consideration · . to the request for change of z6ning and 2) he did not want the "C-N" zoning unless it was conditioned to permit the Auto Wash and Auto- Parts Store. There was no one else present .who wished to comment with regard to this matter. After a brief discussion, Chairman Norton (8:22 P. M.) directed C=95 continued until the next regular meetin~ and referred .same to the · Subdivision Committee for study and a report at .that time.-- - ..... -.' ........ F. UP-97 - Roy M. Westly, Prospect Avenue - Request for Use Permit for . · i- ° Automatic· Conveyor System Car Wash with Gasoline Sales "' The public hearing on UP-97 was opened at 8:23 P. M. The Secretary advised that Notices of Hearing had been mailed and there were no written communications on file. There was no one present 'who wished to comment with regard to this " '. app 1 ica t ion. ', In view of the foregoing and the continuance of Mr. Westly's request relative to addition of this conditional use, Chairman Norton (at 8:24 P. M.) directed UP-97 continued until the next regular meeting · . and referred same to the Subdivision Committee for study and a'..report'. G. V-271 - Robert Jackson, Canyon View Drive - Request for Variance in connection with Rear Yard Setback Requirements " The public hearing on V-271 was opened at 8:25 P. M. The Secretary advised that Notices of Hearing had been mailed and there were no written communications on file. He then briefly reviewed this.i ap p 1 ica tion. Mr. Jackson was present and explained that hi's need for a vari~[mce " was created by the topography of the site. He further explain~id that the Travers property, in connection with. which Lthe CommisSion had recently granted a variance on the basis 'of topography, was adjacent to the subject property. There was no one else present ,who wished to comment with regard to this matter. The Chairman (at 8:27 P. M.) directed V-271 continued until the meeting on 28.March 1966 and referred same to the Variance Committee for study and"a report at that time. H. .V.-272 - Miss Adah Nelson, Trinity Avenue - Request for Varianc& in connection with Lot Depth Requirements The public hearing on V-272 was opened at 8:28 P. M. The Secretary' advised 1) Notices of Hearing had been mailed 2) there were no -3- i! · · I Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 14March 1966 - Continued II. H. V-272 - Miss Adah Nelson written communications on file 3) at a meeting with the Subdivision Committee earlier in the afternoon, the applicant had decided to try to revise the tentative map and 4) in view of the foregoing, ~t was his recommendation that this matter be continued. .. There was no one present who wished to comment with regard to this application. At 8:30 P. M., Chairman Norton'directed V-272 continued until the next regular meeting and. referred same to the Variance Committee for review.' The Chairman declared public hearings closed for the evening at 8:31 P.M. RECESS AND PalCONVENE III. SUBDIVISIONS AND BUILDING SITES A. SD-592 - Western Hills Investment Company, Pierce Road - Subdivision 26 Lots - Continued from 28 February 1966 The Secretary advised that the applicant's engineer had submitted a revised map and had requested that consideration be given to same at the meeting on 28March 1966. In view of the foregoing, Chairman Norton directed SD-592 continued until the next regular meeting. B. SD-607 - Douglas Hines, Pierce Road -' Subdivision - 5 Lots - Continued from 28 FebruarX 1966 The applicant was present and.expressed minor concern with respect to Conditions 5 and 8. After discussion, both conditions were modified to Mr. Hines satisfaction by adding "as appr~ved.by the Director of Public Works" to each of the conditions. Commissioner Kellummoved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the Subdivision Conmittee Report of 14March 1966 relative to SD-607, Douglas Hines, be adopted, as modified, and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A-2", filed 7 March 1966) be approved subject to the condi- ditions set forth in said report; motion. carried unanimously. C. SDR-615 - W. C. Garcia, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Building Site Appro- val - LLot - Continued from 28 February 1966 The applicant was present and, after Conditions B, C, and D had been modified by adding "as approved by the Director of Public Works" at the end of each of'the three donditions, expressed satisfaction.with the proposed conditions of approval. He also requested that he be permitted to dedicate to the City the property to be used as a park area (instead of a service road). The consensus of the Commission was that'this request ~as not unreasonable, so Chairman Norton reques- ted that it be brought to the'attention of the City Administrator. Commissioner O'Rorke observed 1) the previous discussion had answered some of the questions of the'Design Review Committee and 2) since the restaurant would be set back and partially screened, ingenuity would be required in arriving at a satisfactory way to bring it to the atten- tion of the public and, at the same time, meet the standards and ob- 3ectives of Design Review. Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 14March 1966 - Continued III. C. SDR-615 - W. C. Garcia Commissioner expressed appreciation for the willingness with which the applicant had worked to solve the problems of building site approval. "" , It was moved by CommiSsioner Kellum and seconded by Commissioner Johnson that...the Building Site Committee Report of 14March 1966 relative to SDR-615 be adopted, as modified, and that the t@nta- rive map (Exhibit "A". filed 18 February 1966) be approved Subject to the conditions set forth in'said report; motion carried unanimously. ' D. SDR-616 - P. G. & E., Cox Lane - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 28'February 1966· Mr. Huston, present to represent P. G. & E., discussed the proposed conditions of approval with the Commission and explained that the street dedication required under Condition II-B created a problem since they did not.own all the property. He further explained that knowing what was expected of them, not the. cost of same, was the primary concern at this time. After discussion, Chairman Norton directed SDR-616 continued until the next regular meeting tO.allow adequate time for further review of this situation. E. SDR-617 - Sacred Heart Church, Saratoga Avenue - Building Site ..'.,-~.'~'~: .... Approval.- 1 Lot -- .". Commissioner Kellumadvised that the Building Site Committee was not prepared at this time to make a recommendation in connection with this application, and recommended that same be continued un- til the meeting on 28March 1966. Chairman Norton so directed. .. F. SDR-618 -'Jordon M. Pennoyer, Pierce Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot The applicant was not present, but the Secretary advised that he had reviewed the proposed conditions 'of approval earlier and had expres- sed satisfaction with same. Commissioner Kellummoved, seconded by CommiSsioner.Johnson, that the Building Site.Committee Report of 14March 1966 relative to · ' SDR-618, Jordon M. Pennoyer, be adopted and that the tentative map ,'. (Exhibit "A" filed 4March 1966) be approved subject to the condi- · . , tions set·forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. G. SDR-619 - Thomas B. Fryer, Sa[atoga Hills Road - Building Site Appro- val'- 2 Lots The applicant was present and expressed satisfaction with the pro- posed conditions of approval. It was moved by Commissioner Kellum and seconded by Commissioner O'Rorke that the Building Site Committee Report Of 14 March 1966 relative to SDR-619 be .adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 1 March .1966) be approved subject to the conditions outlined in. said report; motion carried unanimously. -5- Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 14March 1966 - Continued III.. I{. SDR-620 - Tom Scott, Via ReBina - Building Site ..A..pp~roval - 1 Lot The applicant was not present but the Secretary advised that he had reviewed the proposed conditions of approval earlier and had expressed satisfaction with same. " Commissioner Kellum m6ved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, that the Building Site Committee Report of 14 March 1966 relative to SDR-620 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 4 March 1966) be approved subject to the conditions set ·forth said report; motion carried unanimously. · . I. SDR-621 ~ Miss Adah Nelson, Trinity Avenue - Building Site Appro- val ~- 1 Lot Commissioner Kellum advised 1) V-272, filed in conjunction with this application, had been continued 2) as advised earlier, the applicant planned to submit a revised map and 3) in View of the . . ·foregoing, it was the recommendation of the Committee that this matter be continued until the next regular meeting. -: Chairman Norton so directed. IV. DESIGN REVIEW' A.' A-20.6. - Town & Country Realty, Saratoga and Cox Avenues - Prel:i, hninary ~ Design Review - Professional Building - Continued from'!i. "' 28 February. 1966 .... ., .-.- Commissioner O'Rorke advised that it was the recommendation of the Design Review Committee that .A-206, Town & Country Realty, be con- tinued until the next regular meeting since 1) the Commission had ' ='~ ........ not yet made a recommendation relative to the revised request for change of zoning (which appearslater on the agenda under Item VII) and 2) the additional information requested by 'the Con~nittee ].%ad- .. not yet been filed by the applicant. [. ,. Chairman Norton so directed ~ B. A-21.0. - W. C. Garcia, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Preliminary Design Review - Restaurant - Continued from 28 February 1966 Commissioner O'Rorke advised 1) this application had previously been continued pending action on the application for building site approval and 2) since the tentative map had 'now been approved~, it. ~ was the recommendation of the Committee that preliminary design ap- proval be granted. Mr. O'Rorke also advised the applicant that the Committee, before making a recommendation relative to final approval, wanted to see a lay-out of the site to determine .the extent to which the building would be screened from the street. It was moved by Commissioner O'Rorke and seconded by Commissioner Johnson that preliminary design approval be granted A-210, W. C. Garcia, on the basis of Exhibit "A-i"; motion carried unanimously. C. A-211 - Jack Purcell, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Final Design Review .. Sign - Continued from 28 February 1966 Commissioner O'Rorke advised 1) the subject application covered a proposed sign for the C!.arence Neale property 2) it had been the Committee's understanding that the building would be handled as one unit and 3) it was the recommendation of the Committee that no action be taken on this matter until the over-all sign layout could be reviewed.'~ -6- PlanninE Commission Minutes - 14March 1966 - Continued IV. ·C. A-211 - Jack Purcell After discussion, Commissioner O'Rorke moved, seconded by Commis- sioner McFall, that the signs proposed for Mr. Neale's building be handled as one unit to insure compatibility of design; motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Crisp brought to the attention of the Commission condition (established ·under C-80, application for change of Zoning on this property) limiting this property to one (1) sign. At the suggestion of Commissioner O'Rorke, Chairman Norton directed this matter continued off the agenda until details of all signs proposed for· this property were ready for consideration by the Plan- ning Commission. ' D. A-212 - P. G. & E., Cox Lane - Final Design Review - Expansion of Public Utility· Power Station ~ Continued from 28 February 1966 Connnissioner O'Rorke advised 1) further review revealed that neither of the suggested alternates (tower design and depressed station) presented advantages over the subject proposal 2) P.G.& E. had agreed to provide mature landscaping (trees to be at least 10 feet in height)· 3) the sub-station had been relocated on the site as requested and 4) in view of the foregoing, it was the recommen- dation of the Committee that final design approval be granted. With reference to the fence proposed by P. G. & E., Mr. Huston ad- ..... vised that it met the requirements of the Public Utilities Commis- sion and their experience with this particular type fence had been quite Satisfactory. He also advised that the proposed lighting would be for safety purposes only and would not glare outside the sub-station · After further discussion, it was moved by Commissioner O'Rorke and seconded by Commissioner Johnson that final design approval' be granted A-212, P. G. & E., subject to 1) the sub-station 'being landscaped as indicated on Exhibits "A" "B"' and "C" and 2) the , , applicant p~o~iding mature planting with trees of at. least 10 feet in height; motion carried unanimously. E. A-213 - Mijo Corporation, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Final Design Review - Commercial Building - Continued from 28 February 1966 Commissioner O'Rorke advised that the Committee had reviewed the revised plans and had found same satisfactory. A~ter discussion, Commissioner O'Rorke moved, seconded by Commis- sioner McFall, that final design approval be granted A-213, Mijo Corporation, on the basis of Exhibit "A"; motion carried unanimously. F. A-21..4. - Sacred Heart Church, Saratoga Avenue·- Preliminary Design Review - Faculty Residence Commissioner O'Rorke advised 1) the Committee had reviewed the subject plans' and had found same satisfactory for preliminary approval and 2) the proposed building was a convent with only a two-car garage indicated for parking but. there was sufficient space for adequate guest parking and a revised plan showing same would be required prior to final approval. Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 14 March 1966 - Continued IV. F. A-21.4.. - Sacred Heart Church .. Commissioner O'Rorke moved, seconded by Commissioner McFall, that preliminary design approval be granted A-214, Sacred Heart Church, on the basis of Exhibit "A"; motion carried unanimously. G.' A-215 -b~adonna CoiffUres, Prospect Avenue - Final Design Review - SiKn (Big Tree Shopping Center) H. A-21..6 - Pfeiffer Jeweler, Prospect Avenue - Final Design Review - _SiMn (Big Tree Shoppin~ Center) I. A-217 - Henderson Music Store, Prospect Avenue - Final Design Review - Sign (BiK Tree Shoppi. nK Center) Commissioner O'Rorke explained that these three proposed signs were for ~hop~ in ~he BiS Tree Shoppin~ C_eB~er requirements of the Ordinance. It was moved by Commissioner O'Rorke and seconded by Commissioner McFall that A-215, A-216, and A-217 be granted final design approval on the basis of Exhibit "A" of File A-215, Exhibit "A" of File A-216, · and Exhibits "A" and "B"-of File A-217; motion carried unanimously. J. · SS-46. - Finnegan Construction Company, Ten Oak Way - Final Design Review - Subdivision Sign. Commissioner O'Rorke advised· that the Committee had reviewed the plans for the proposed· sign and found same satisfactory.· It was moved by Commissioner O'Rorke .and seconded by Commissioner McFall that final design approval be granted SS-46, Finnegan Con- struction Company, on the' basis of Exhibits· "A" and '~"' motion car- - , tied unanimously. " V'. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Commissioner Johnson gave a brief report on action taken at the-City Council meeting on 2 March 1966 with emphasis on items of particular interest to the Commission. .. VI. NEW BUSINESS VII. OLD BUSINESS A. C-gQ - Town & Country Realty, Saratoga and Cox Avenues - City Coun- cil Request for Recommendation on Revised Application - Continued from 28 February 1966 Commissioner Kellum briefly reviewed this application from the date of filing to the present,. Mr. Papalias was present to discuss the 'matter with the Commission. Commissioner Norton advised that there was a motion be·fore the Com- mission (from the last meeting) to disapprove the Subdivision Com- mittee Report 'of 28 February 1966 relative to this matter and refer C-90 back to the Subdivision Committee with a request that they en- deavor to establish conditions for this application that would make the requested zoning compatible with that of the area. PLANNING COMMISSION MINU~]~S - 14 Mardh 1966 Page 9...Item VII-A ...... paragraph 6i..line 8 ............................. Insert the following before the word "Committee": 'Medical Village Control" Planning Commission Minutes - 14March 1966 - Continued i~i ... VII. A. .C-90 - Town & Country Realty Commissioner Kellum again explained 1) the access problem created in connection with development of this...property 2) the limited access permitted to Cox and Saratoga Avenues in connection with development of the Medical Village 3) the feasibility of utilizing the Medical Village access for this property and signalizing same,' if needed and 4) the lack of intent indicated by the applicant" meet the standards established by the Medical Village which will produce a first-class professional center. Commissioner O'Rorke suggested 1) that conditions be established in connection with C-90 that would require the same standards for this development as those set forth by the Medical Village and 2) the developer could then proceed or not, as he chose. Dr. Abrams stressed the importance of the access problem and sUg- gested that perhaps the City could require the one (1) foot re~;er- vation along the street frontage that was required'in-Connecti,~in with development of the Medical Village." After further discussion, Commissioner O'Rorke withdrew his pre- vious motion and Commissioner McFall his second. Commissioner O'Rorke then moved that the Commission recommend to the City Council that C-90, Town & Country Realty, be denied with- out prejudice; motion carried unanimously. ~ With reference to a discussion relative to possible negotiations between the applicant and the Medical' Village in connection with access, Dr. Cooley explained that the applicant should contact~!'Dr. Abrams to discuss this matter but that it must be remembered that ~. in dealing with the Medical Village one was not dealing with Dr. Abrams alone but with the Association (consisting of the various individual property owners). He further explained that Dr. Abrnm~ was no longer a member of the Committee but had been chosen toe~ speak for the Medical Village Association since he was more fmni- liar with the situation. He also commented that the AssociatiOn was important ~o all the property owners since its government ~n- sures the future of the area. B. .Street Signs In answer to an inquiry by Chairman Norton, ~he Secretary advised that the matter of street signs along Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road had been referred to the Director of Public Works. who was no~ checking into this situation. VIII. COM/~ICATIONS A. WRITTEN SD-478 - Claude T. Lindsay, Cox Avenue - Request for Extension 'The Secretary advised that the applicant had requested an exten- sion in connection with SD-478, and suggested that this matter be continued until the next regular meeting and referred to the Sub- division for study. Chairman Norton so directed. Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 14 March 1966 - Continued' VIII. B. ORAL 1. Continuation of Public Hearings Commissioner 'O'Rorke advised of hearing remarks ~hat '~ublic " hearings were set before the Commission, then continued until the opposition wa~ worn down". After a brief discussion, the Commission concurred that some thought should be given to a possible solution to the repeated continuance of these applications. 2. plannin~ Commission Dr. Abrams, with reference to a letter published recently in the newspaper, expressed the opinion that the letter contained .' misinformation. He further stated that as one who had felt the heavy hand of. the Commission he could, in all honesty,~! say that there was no reason to point the finger of corruptio~ ... this Commission. 3, Committees Chairman Norton advised that since Commissioner Johnson's sche- dule was extremely heavy at present, Commissioner McFall had agreed to'serve on the Subdivision Committee until_.he left for Europe. % 4, Guest.s. Chairman Norton'acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence of Councilman Burry, Mesdames Owens and Stark and Fir. Wilberding (earlier in the evening) of the Good Government Group, and Mrs, Scharf who is now a candidate for the City Council. He also expressed the appreciation of all for the coffee served by the Good Goverranent Group at recess. IXo ADJOIELNMENT Chairman NOrton declared the meeting adjourned at 10:43 P, M, , ' er, .Secretary .S. ara to ga...P 1 arming Commi s s ion V. -10-