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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-14-1966 Planning Commission Minutes SU~iARY OF MINUTES CiTY OF SARATOGA PLANnNING COMMISSION TE4E: Monday, 14 November 1966, 7:30 P. M. PLACE: City Council Chambers', Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, C~lifornia TYPE: Regular Meeting I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION ~e meeting was called to order by Chairman Norton at 7:30 P. M. A. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Kasner, Kellum, McFall,'Norton, and O'Rorke. Absent: Commissioners Crisp and Johnson. B. MIh~jTES Commissioner McFall moved, seconded by Commissioner Kasner, that the reading of the minutes of 24 October 1966 be waived and that the minutes be approvedsubject to the following modification: page 4...paragraph 5...change item 3 to read as follows: 3) the Cormnission had not felt that it was proper, however, to intrude upon the pri- vate arrangements of the property owners motion carried unanimously. II. PUBLIC FZARINGS A. C-90 - Town & Country Realty, Cox Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning from "A" (Agricultural) to "Conditional P-A" (Conditional Profes- sional-Administrative) - Continued from 24 October 1966 " The continued hearing on C-90 was resumed at 7:33 P. M. The Secretary briefly reviewed this application and advised that nothing further had been added to the file. ,Co~.-m~.issioner Kellum commented 1) many problems had been encountered in connection with the proposed development of this property 2) extensive' time, study, and effort had not yet produced a satisfactory solution to all of these problems 3) although the applicant, in compliance with the Conz_aittee's requests, had revised his plans on several occasions, none of these proposals had provided for traffic circulation through the Medi- cal Village property 4) the major concern of the Commission, therefore, was still that of access and 5) the applicant was informed at a meeting earlier in the day that the Committee was not prepared to make a'recom- mendation at this time. Dr. Abrams advised I) his contact with the applicant relative to the proposed easement across the Medical Village property had achieved nothing 2) in view of this, he had requested that his attorney prepare .the necessary papers for granting an easement to the City subject to certain conditions and giving the City the right to grant such an ease- ..ment to the owner of the subject property and 3) he hoped this. would provide the basis for a solution to the problem.- -1- Planning Commission Minutes - 14 November 1966 - Continued II. A. C-90 - Town & Country Realty · On the basis of a suggestion from Commissioner O'Rorke, Chairman Norton requested that the Secretary inquire about the possibility of having a traffic study done to help determine the potential hazard of an access to Cox Avenue in such close proximity to the intersection with Saratoga d~venue. The'Secretary advised that Dr. Cooley of the Medical Village had tele- phoned to 1) express his objections to the granting of this application and 2) request that the Commission again review the past testimony in connection with C-90. Joseph Sheredy, Cox Avenue, stated that he felt that granting this pro- perty access to Cox Avenue so near the intersection would be contrary to the concept presented to the residents of the area for the develop- ment of the Medical Village area. .He also raised a question as to whe- ther, if such an access was granted, the City would then find it neces- sary to grant access to the various lots in the Medical Village with frontage on Cox and Saratoga Avenues (which access was previously denied). Adrien Anderson, Craigen Circle, observed 1) .he was serving on the Com- mission at the time the application for the Medical Village was filed 2) the applicant had proposed a development of high quality buildings, of designs comparable to individual residences in the area, with exten- sive landscaping and parking areas that were not readily visible from the street 3) while the residents of the area were strongly opposed to construction of a typical apartment or professional development in the area, they had accepted the applicant's proposal 4) the City had spent many months studying the proposal and had imposed stringent conditions at the time of approval 5) when the Conmission expressed concern at that time with respect to the lot on the corner that was being withheld by the property owner, it (the Commission) was informed that the property was being held for the ox.mer's grandchildren and that the Medical Village would be granted permission to landscape same as an integral part of the development 6) to now permit construction of a large building on this corner with parking visible to the street and access to Cox Avenue so near the intersection would be disastrous 7) furthenmore, he could see no need for further P-A zoning in the area at this time 8) the applica- tion for change of zoning across the ~treet ~iaggiore) had been denied on this basis and 9) he felt the Commission should revi~ the Medical Village file and compare the subject application to this (Medical Vil- lage) proposal and the rigid conditions imposed on same. After further discussion, Chairman Norton (7:56 P.M.) directed C-90, Town & Country Realty, continued until the n~xt regular meeting. B. V-285 - Joseph Sheredy, Cox Avenue - Request for Variance in connection. with Side Yard Setback. Requirement - Continued from 24 October 1966 The continued hearing on V-285 was re-opened at 7:57 P. M. The Secretary advised that the subject application had been'revised, briefly reviewed the matter, and read a statement filed by the applicant. -2- Planning Comnission Minutes - 14 November 1966 - Continued Ii. B. V-285 - Joseph Shered. y Con~issioner Kasner, on behalf of the Variance Conm~ittee, suggested that this matter be continued to allow adequate time for the Committee to give consideration to the revised application. On the basis of this suggestion, Chairman Norton (7:59 P.M.) directed V-285,· joseph Sheredy, continued until the meeting on 28 November 1966. C. C-43 - Dr. isaac N. Abrams, Saratoga Avenue - Informal Hearing on Request that "Convalescent Hospital" be added to the List of Uses Permitted under the Conditional Zoning on the Medical.Village for Lots 15, ~6~ and 17 The informal hearing on this matter was opened at 8:00 P. M. The Secre- tary advised that a notice had been published and briefly reviewed the subject request. Dr. Abrams was present and requested that this matter be continued to al- low time for preparation of additional exhibits. ~ere was no one else present who wished to speak with regard to this request. · Chairman Norton (8:01 P.M.) directed C-43 continued until the next regular meeting~ D. C'66 - Joseph P. Long, Saratoga Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning from "Conditional C-C" (Conditional Community Commercial) to "C-C" (Unconditional Con~munitv Commercial) The public hearing on C-66 was opened at 8:02 P. M. The Secretary ad- vised that a Notice of Hearing had been published and explained 1) the applicant had originally requested that his zoning be made unconditional 2) at a meeting'with Mr. Long, the Subdivision Committee had suggested the possibility of reqhesting a number of specific additional uses under the conditional zoning in lieu of a change of zoning 3) in a letter dated 31 October 1966, the applicant submitted a list of approximately 40 addi- tional uses and 4) after this list w~s reviewed by the Subdivision Com- mittee and the City Attorney, it'was decided that (on the basis of this list) a formal change of zoning would be necessary. There was no one present who wished to comment with regard to this matter. After discussion, the Secretary observed that perhaps '~-A" zoning should have been requested instead of "C-C" since most of the.proposed uses would qualify under a Professional-Administrative District. Chairman Norton then (8:06 P.M.) directed C-66 continued until the meeting on 28 November 1966 and referred same to the Subdivision Conmaittee for study and a report at that time. E. bT-114 - West Valley United Church of Christ (Congregational), Quito Road - Reouest for Use Permit for Church The public hearing on UP-!14 was opened at 8:07 P. M. The Secretary ad- Vised that Notices of Hearing had been mailed and there were no written cox~unications on file. -3- Planning Commission Minutes - 14 November 1966 - Continued II. E. bI'-l14 - West Valley United Church of Christ James W. Walton (member of the congregation) was present to represent the Church and explained 1) they would like to remodel the existing buildings and occupy same on a temporary basis 2) as soon as finan- cing was available, a new building with a seating capacity of 400 was contemplated 3). there would be little activity at the church during the week and 4) a substantial number of the members of the existing congregation are Saratoga residents. Dr. D. S. Barrett of Marilyn Lane read a petition signed by 76 resi- dents of the area opposing the proposed location of the church. Jerome Smith of Ravenwood Drive, after submitting a map of the general area, brought to the Con~nission's attention 1) the surrounding area was entirely residential 2) the subject parcel has 175 feet of frontage on Quito Road and is 160 feet deep 3) if developed in accordance with the plan submitted, the parking would be located at the rear of the pro- perty, adjacent to many residential properties 4) ingress and egress on this frontage would be difficult and 5) he did not feel that the proposal was consistent with the objectives of the Zoning Ordinance. Arnold Berwick of Ravenwood Drive stated that he and his wife had at- tended the meeting to obtain further information before making a deci- sion to support or oppose this application. In answer to his inquiry, Chairman Norton explained that it would be possible to delay his deci- sion until the next regular meeting since it was the policy of the Com- mission to continue such hearings and refer same to a committee for study. James Riley of Loquat Court spoke in support of the subject application subject to careful attention to site distance at the intersections in the area. A show of hands indicated 1) the majority of the large group of people present in connection with this'application were opposed to the proposed location 2) a substantial number of this group, however, were present in support of same 3) a few of those present were undecided at .this time and 4) a number of those supporting the subject application did not re- side in the area. After further discussion, Chairman Norton (8:31 P.M.) directed UP-114 continued until the next regular meeting and referred same to the Subdi- vision Committee for study and'a report at that time. F. b~-l15 - Bob Berry, Sobey Road - Request for Use Permit for the Keeping of One (1) Horse The public hearing on UP-115 was opened at 8:32 P. M. The Secretary ad- vised that Notices of Hearing had been mailed and there were no written cormnunications on file. The applicant was present but stated that he had no comment at this time. Cormnissioner Kellum advised that, anticipating referral, the Subdivision Committee had made a brief on-site inspection and had found that the applicant proposed to locate the corral in his front yard. -4- Planning Commission Minutes - 14 NOvember 1966 - Continued II. F. DT-115 - Bob Berr7 Keith Krieger of Sobey Road spoke in opposition to permitting a corral to be located in the front yard and raised a question as to whether the applicant could meet the setback requirements if the corral was constructed at the front of the property'. After further discussion, Chairman Norton (8:41 P.M.) directed this matter continued until the next regular meeting and referred same to the Subdivision Committee for study and a report at that time. G. UP-116 - Roy and Luceal Westmoreland, Souza Lane - Request for Use Per- mit for 16-Bed ~dition to Hospital Boarding Home The public hearing on UP-116 was opened at 8:42 P. M. The Secretary advised that Notices of Hearing had been mailed and there were no writ- ten coxmnunications on file. Bob Peepari, architect,.was present to represent the applicant and ad- vised 1) a 16-bed addition. to the Boarding Home was proposed 2) there was sufficient parking at the Convalescent Hospital for this addition at the present time 3) when the hospital addition was constructed, how- ever, additional parking spaces would be provided and 4) the applicant feels that there is an established need for this addition. There was no one else present who wished to comment with regard to this request. After discussion, Chairman Norton (8:45 P.M.) directed UP-116 continued until the meeting on 28 November 1966 and referred same to the Subdivision Committee for study and a report at that time. H. V-286 - Lawrence H. Stock, Sobey Road - Request for Variance in connec- tion with Side Yard Setback Requirement The public hearing on V-286 was opened at 8:46 P.M. The Secretary 1) ~dvised that Notices of Hearing had been mailed 2) read a communication filed by Vera H. Ramke in opposition to the proposed variance and 3) briefly reviewed the subject application. Mr. Stock was present and further explained the need for the requested variance. Bob Berry'of Sobey Road explained that 1) his property adjoined that of Mr. Stock 2) he had no objection to the granting of the requested variance 3) he was willing to grant Mr. Stock an easement across his property for access to the proposed carport and 4) he would, however, request that the carport not front on the easement. At 8:51P. M., Chairman Norton directed V-286 continued until the next regular meeting and referred same to the Variance Committee for study and a rep6rt at that time. Comnissioner Kasner, on behalf of the Variance Committee, made an appoint- ment with Mr.. Stock for an on-site inspection at 9:45 A.M., Saturday, 19 November 1966. R=CESS ~ND i~ECONVEFE -5- Piannin% Conm~ission Minutes - 14 November 1966 - Continued III. BUILDING ·SITES ~\~ SUT.~DIVISIONS A. SDR-661 - B. T. Gaieb, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Building ·Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 24 October 1966 The applicant was present and reaffirmed his architect's·request (earlier in the day) that this m~tter be continued until the next regular meeting. Chairman Norton so directed. B. SDR-664 -· David B. Rosehill, M. D., Madrone Hill Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot Conmaissioner Kel!~m advised that the Building Site Committee Report bad not yet been completed and suggested that the matter be continued until the meeting on 28 November 1966. Chainman Norton so directed. C. SDR-665 - Westhope United Presbyterian Church, Saratoga Avenue - Building Site z~oroval - 1 Lot There was no one present to represent the Church, but the Secretary ad- vised that the appticant's representative had reviewed the proposed con- ditions earlier and had expressed satisfaction with same. Conmm.~issioner O'Rorlce raised a question with respect to the access to Cox JA~enue and requested ·(if the time element was not a problem to the appli- cant) that this matter be continued to allow time for review of the Design Review File relative to the proposed church. The Secretary advised that,· to the best of his knowledge, the delay would not inconvenience the applicant. In view of the foregoing, Chairm~n Norton directed SDR-665 continued un- til the meeting on 28 November 1966. IV. DESIGN REVIEW A-234 - Clarence Neale, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Final Design Review - Iden- tification Signs for Neale's Hollow After a brief review of this application by Commissioner O'Rorke,·the Secre- tary read a Staff·Report recommending approval of same. The Secretary also explained ·that while the applicant had previously displayed temporary porta- ble signs on this property, he had assured the Staff that these would be re- moved permanently upon approval of the subject application. After a brief discussion, Commissioner O'Rorke moved, seconded by Commissioner Rasher, that final design approval be granted A-234, Clarence Neale, as sho~m on Exhibits "A" and "B':· subject to immediate (15 November 1966) removal of all temporary signs on the·property; motipn carried unanimously. V. CI!~ COUNCIL REPORT Tee Secretary·gave a brief report on discussion and action at the City Council meeting on 2 November 1966, with emphasis on items of particular interest to the Commission. -6- Planning Commission Minutes - 14 November 1966 - Continued Vi. BZW BUSINESS A. .qVITO ROAD PLAN LINE - Proposal Submitted for Review prior to preparation of official Plan Line Map The Secretary 1) presented a map showing two alternate proposals for the future development of Quito Road 2) briefly reviewed these proposals and 3) explained that a Planning Commission recommendation was required prior to City Council adoption of an official plan line. After discussion, Chairman Norton referred the subject map to the General Plan Comnittee for study and a recoramendation, and directed this matter continued off the agenda until the General Plan Committee Report had been submitted. B. HAKONE GARDENS - Proposal for Acouisition of Additional 15 Acres The Secretary read a memorandum from the City Administrator relative to the possible purchase of 15 additional acres adjacent to Hakone Gardens, requesting that the Planning Commission advise the City Council whether. it felt such an acquisition would be consistent with the objectives of the General Plan. Chairman Norton referred this matter to the General Plan Committee for review and recommendation and directed same continued until the next regu- lar meeting. C. RETAIL SPECIALTY SHOPPING CENTER -. City Council Request that Planning Com- mission.Conduct Formal Hearing to Con- sider Addition, by Ordinance, of Retail Specialty Shopping Center to List of Conditional Uses for Commercial Service Zoning District The Secretary read a memorandum from the City Administrator advising that the City Council had requested that the Planning Commission set a formal hearing on a proposed.amendment to Ordinance NS-3 relative to adding "Re- tail Specialty Shopping Center" to the list of uses in the Commercial- Service Zoning District. After discussion, the Chairman requested that the Secretary set the sub- ject hearing for the earliest possible date. At the suggestion of Commissioner O'Rorke, Chairman Norton further requested that the Secretary advise the Chamber of Commerce of this hearing since iC had been unable to make its presentation the last time this matter appeared on the agenda. VII. OLD BUSI~]SS A. SDR-525 - Wynn &'Dmnas, Wardell Road - Request for Extension - Continued from 24 October 1966 The Secretary explained 1) the City Attorney had advised that the Plan- ning Commission, under the recent revision to the I.~p Act, did not have the authority to extend°this application further because of the previous e~ctension and 2) the applicant had been advised accordingly. -7- Planning Commission Minutes - 14 November 1966 - Continued VII. B. SDR-655 - Dr. Donald Hambey, Farwell Avenue - Request for Modification of Conditions of Approval - Continued from 24 October 1966 The Secretary 1) advised that no further conmunication had been received from Dr. Hambey and 2) suggested that this matter be continued off the agenda until the applicant had submitted the needed information. Chairman Norton so directed. C. COmmeRCiAL SERVICE ZONE After discussion relative to further study of the Commercial Service Dis- trict, Chairman Norton referred this matter to the General Plan Committee for a reco~-maendation as to whether this item should be given consideration under the review of the General Plan or studied as a separate matter prior to that time. D. OFF-Srl]IEET PARKING Commissioner Kelt~ observed 1) it was felt that the plans developed for off-street parking in the Village were good 2) the proposed district, however, had not been completely successful in proceeding and 3) it seemed desirable to protect this plan from being spoiled by the interim development of the properties involved. In this connection, he suggested the possibility of an ordinance making the Parking District Plan an inte- gral part of the Master Plan of the City. After discussion, Chairnun Norton directed that this matter be placed on the agenda for the major review of the General Plan. VIii. COi~'~ICATIONS A. ~,~ITTEN 1.' SDR-400 - R. J. Hunter~ PierCe Road - Request for Extension The Secretary 1) read a communication requesting an extension of one year in connection with SDR-400 and 2) explained that the City Attor- ney had advised that the Map Act limitation relative ~o further exten- sion did not apply to building sites. After discussion, Commissioner Kellummoved, seconded-by Commissioner Kasner, that an extension of one (1) year be granted in connection with SDR-400; motion carried unanimously. Chairman Norton, with concurrence of the Commission, requested that a Staff Report be submitted relative to making extensions cQnsistent on building sites and subdivisions. 2. Tract. 4246 - C & I Deveiopment~ Prospect Road The Secretary read a communication from C & I Development expressing appreciation for the prompt and efficient handling of their application. -8- Planning Con~:ission ~{.inutes - 14 November 1966 - Continued VIIi. 'B. 0i~ !. Argonaut Shopping Center Landscaping Mrs. William Duffy of Leonard Road 1) explained that the landscaping in front of the Argonaut Shopping Center had been removed when the highway was widened and 2) questioned the possibility of having.the landscaping replaced since construction had now been completed. Chairman Norton requested that the Secretary check into this matter and try to determine the responsibility and the possibility of having the landscaping replaced. 2. P~thway alon~ Highway 85 Clarence Neale of Williams Avenue advised that construction of a walk- way from the Village to Saratoga High School had begun, and he felt it would be of great benefit to the City. 3. Pon Property - Prospect Road Commissioner McFall commented that, according to the newspaper, Mr. Port plans to re-submit his application for cor~aercial use of his pro- perty on Prospect Road. After discussion, Chairman Norton requested that the Secretary check into this matter and, if the application is substantially the same as that previously submitted, again oppose the granting of this applica- tion on behalf of the City of Saratoga. 4. Guests Chairman Norton acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence of Council- man Burry, Mrs. Owen and Mr. Wilberding of the Good Goverr~ent Group, and Mesdames Ottenberg and D~ffy of the League of Women Voters. He also explained that the coffee had been served through the courtesy of the Good Goverp~ent Group and expressed appreciation for same. IX. ~DJOUP~'~NT %~e Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at'10:01P. M. Respectfully submitted, Stanley M. Walker, Secretary Saratoga Planning Cormmission V