HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-21-1966 Planning Commission Minutes SU~KY OF: MINUTES
CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
TII'~Z: Monday, 28 November 1966, 7:30 P. M.
PLACE: .City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California
TYPE: Regular Meet ing
I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
?he meeting was called to order by! Chairman Norton at 7:33 P. M.
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Crisp, '. Johnson, Kasner, Kellum, McFall, and
Norton.
Absent: Commissioner' 0 'Rorke ~
B. MINUTES ~.-
Commissioner Johnson moved, seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that the
reading of the minutes of 14 NOvember 1966 be waived and that the
minutes be approved as distributed to the Commission; motion carried
unanimously.
II. PUBLIC HEARINGS ; ,.
A. C-4__3 - Dr. Isaac N. Abrams, Saratoga Avenue - Informal Hearing on
Request that "Convalesc~nt Hospital" be added to the List of
Uses Permitted under the Conditional Zoning on the Medical
Village for Lots 15, 16~ and 17 - Continued from 14 November
1966
The continued hearing on C-43 was resumed at 7:36 P. M. The Secre-
· tary advised that the applicant had requested that this matter be
continued off the agenda until'~ additional exhibits could be prepared
and submitted.
There was no one present who wished to comment with regard to this
request for an additional use.:
At 7:37 P. M., Chairman Norton', with concurrence of the Commission,
directed C-43 continued off the agenda until further notice and
advised that a notice would be. published prior to further hearing
on this matter.
B. C-66 - Joseph P. Long, Saratoga Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning
from "Conditional C-C" .(Conditional Community Commercial) to
"C-C" (Unconditional Co'mmunity Commercial) - Continued from
14 November 1966
The continued hearing on C-66 was re-opened at 7:38 P. M. The Secre-
tary read a letter from the applicant which contained a revised list
of additional uses requested under his conditional zoning.
There was no 'one present who wished to comment with regard to this
matter.
A question was'raised as to whether the list of additional uses re-
quested was of sufficient magnitude to Warrant a formal application
for change of zoning.
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Planning Commission Minutes - 28 November 1966 - Continued'
II.' B. C-66 -Jose. ph'P. Long
After discussion, Chairman Norton (7:43 P. M.) directed C-66 con-
tinued until the next regular meeting and referred same to the
Subdivision Con~nittee for further study with a request that con-
sideration be given to the possible need for requiring the appli-
cant to file a new application.for change of zoning·
C. .C-90 - Town & Country Realty, Cox Avenue - Request for Change of
Zoning from "A" (Agricultural) to "Conditional P-A" (Condi-'
tional Professional-Administrative) - Continued from
14 November 1966
The continued hearing on C-90 was re-opened at 7:44 P. M. The
Secretary read a communication'from the applicant requesting that
this matter be continued until~the next regular meeting to allow
adequate time for him to inveseigate the possibilities of a dif-
ferent approach to the problem~ involved in the development of this
site
Commissioner Kellum advised that while a report had been prepared,
the Committee had no objectionTto further continuance of this
application.
After a brief discussion, Chairman Norton (7:46 P.M.) directed C-90
continued until the meeting on 12 December 1966.
D. UP%~14 - West Valley Uni[ed Church of Christ (Congregational), Quito
Road - Request for Use Permit for Church - Continued from
14 November 1966
The continued hearing on UP-114 was resumed at 7:47 P. M. The Secre-
tary briefly reviewed this matter and advised that several signatures
had been added to the petition presented at the last meeting (opposing
the granting of this Use Permit).
There was no one present who wished to comment further with regard to
this application.
CommiSsioner Kellum read the report of the Subdivision Committee rela-
tive to this matter, recommending denial of the subject Use Permit.
After discussion, Commissioner. Johnson moved, seconded by Commissioner
Kellum, that the public hearing on UP-114 be closed; motion carried
unanimously and the hearing was closed at 7:56 P. M.
Commissioner Kellummoved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, that the
Subdivision Committee Report of 28 November 1966 relative to UP-114
be approved and that the Use Permit be denied since the findings re-
quired under Section 16.6 of Ordinance NS-3 could not be made; motion
carried unanimously.
E. UP-115 - Bob Berry, Sobey Road - Request for Use Permit for the Keeping
of One (17 Horse - Continued from 14 November 1966
The continued'hearing on UP-115 was resumed at 7:57 P.M. The Secre-
tary briefly reviewed this matter and advised that nothing further had
been added to the file.
.Planning Commission Minutes - 28 November 1966 - Continued
ti. E. DT-115 - Bob Berry
The applicant was present and, ~fter discussion this application with
the Commission, requested that same to be continued to allow adequate
time for preparation of a revised site plan, locating the stable on
the other side of the driveway.:
In view of this request, Chairman Norton directed UP-115 continued un-
til the meeting on 12 December '1966.
F. UP-116 - Roy and Luceal Westmoreland, Souza Lane - Request for Use
Permit for 16-Bed Addition to Hospital Boarding Home - Con-
tinued from 14 November 1966
After presenting the applicant.with a copy of the Subdivision Con~nit-
tee Report relative to this application (setting forth the proposed
conditions of approval), Chairn~an Norton deferred discussion of this
matter until later in the evening to give the applicant an opportunity
to review said report.
G. V-285 - Joseph Sheredy, Cox Avenue - Request for Variance in connec-
tion with Side Yard Setback Requirement - Continued from
14 November 1966 ,
The continued hearing on V-285%was re-opened at 8:07 P.M. The Secre-
tary briefly reviewed this application and advised that nothing fur-
ther had been added to the file.
There was no one present who w~shed to comment further with regard to
this matter.
Commissioner I(asner read the report of the Variance Committee rela-
tive to Mr. Sheredy's request,:recommending denial of same.
it was moved by Commissioner C~isp and seconded by Commissioner Kasner
that the public hearing on V-285 be closed; motion carried unanimously
and the hearing was closed at 8:10 P. M.
Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Kasner, that the
Variance Committee Report of 28 November 1966 relative to V-285 be
approved and that, accordinglyi, the request for variance be derLied
since the findings required by' Section 17.6 of Ordinance NS-3 could
not be made;'motion carried unanimously.
F. UP'-ll6 - Roy and Luceal Westmoreland, Souza Lane - Request for Use
Permit for 16-Bed Addition to Hospital' Boarding Home - Con-
tinued from 14 November 1966
The public hearing on UP-116 Was resumed at 8:11 P. M. Commissioner
Kellum briefly reviewed this application, together with Mrs. Westmore-
land's application for a 41-bed expansion of the Convalescent Hospital
which was previously approved :by the Conmission.
After discussion, Commissione~ Johnson moved, seconded by Conm~issioner
Kasner, that the hearing on UP-116 be closed; motion carried unani-
mously and the hearing was closed at 8:16 P. M.
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Planning Conmission Minutes - 28 November 1966 - Continued
ti. F. UP-116 - Roy and Luceai Westmoreland
Conmissioner Keli~n moved, seconded by Commissioner ICasner, that the
Subdivision Con~L~ittee Report of 28 November 1966 relative to UP-116
be approved, that the findings required by Section 16.6 of Ordinance
NS-3 be made, and that the Use Permit (UP-116) be granted subject to
the conditions contained in said report; motion carried unanimously~
H. V-286 - Lawrence H. Stock, Sobey Road - Request for Variance in con~°
nection ~.Tith Side Yard Setback Requirement - Continued from
14 November 1966
The continued hearing on V-286 was re-opened at 8:17 P. M. The
Secretary briefly reviewed this matter and advised that the appli-
cant had requested continuance of same since he would be unable to
attend the meeting.
In view of this request, Chairman Norton (8:19 P. M.), with concur-
rence of the Co~.-nnission, directed V-286 continued until the next
regular meeting.
I. UP-117 - Nick jozovich, Horseshoe Drive - Request for Use Permit for
Storage ,of House-Trailer
......................... The'publi'c hearin~"~n UP-117' was opened at 8:20 P'. M. The Secretary
briefly reviewed this application and advised that Notices of Hearing
had been mailed. He then read a communication filed by six residents
of Arroyo de Saratoga opposing the granting of this application.
The applicant was present to discuss with the Commission the need for
the requested Use Permit.
George Pierce of Horseshoe Drive presented a petition signed by eight
residents of Horseshoe Drive protesting the granting of the subject
Use Permit.
After further discussion, Chairman Norton (8:27 P.M.) directed UP-117
continued until the next reguiar meeting and referred same to the
Subdivision Committee for study and a report at that time.
J. UP-118 - ~est Valley Baptist Church, Fruitvale Avenue - Reques~ for
Use Permit for Lodging House
The public hearing on UP-118 was opened at 8:28 P. M. The Secretary
advised that Notices of Hearing had been mailed and no written com-
munications had been received~ He then briefly reviewed the subject
application.
Rev. Wornock, pastor, explained the problem encountered by the Church
with regard to vandalism and the need to have someone living on the
property. He further explained that Mr. McKinney, a member of the
congregation, had agreed to live in the house and make the necessary
renovations at his own expense if a Use Permit could be obtained for
the keeping of three lodgers or boarders.
Mr. McKinney 'obse~wed that the existing house would be demolished at
the time of full utilization of the property by the Church (within
the he}mr ten years), thus placing an automatic expiration date on the
Use Permit.
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Planning Commission Minutes - 28 November 1966 - Continued
II. J. UP-118 - }~est Vat.ley Baptist Church
Delbert Hartwell, member of tee congregation, advised that the Use
Permit application had been fi'led in an effort to assist Mr.
McKinney financially in tenova. ring the house so that he could re-
side on the property.
After further discussion, Chairman Norton (8:35 P.M.) directed UP-118
continued until the next regular meeting and referred same to the
Subdivision Co~nnnittee for study and a report at that time.
K. RETAIL SPECIALTY SHOPPING CENTER - Proposed .~nendment to Ordinance
.. ' NS-3, which amendment would add
'IRetail Specialty Shopping Center"
to the List of Conditional Uses
in the Cormmercial Service Zoning
: District
The public hearing on this nmtter was opened at 8:36 P. M. The
Secretary briefly reviewed theZproposed amendment, advised that a
Notice of Hearing had been published, and read letters from 1)
the Merchants Association of Argonaut Shopping Center 2) B. T.
Galeb and' 3) the Azule Crossing Merchants Association protesting
the addition of the subject use. The Secretary also advised that
there were several documents in the file which had been submitted
to the City Council at the meeting on 16 December 1966.
Rainey Hancock, attorney representing a number of Saratoga resi-
dents and/or merchants, 1) reviewed the General PlanI 2). reminded
the Commission of the t~e and~ effort that had gone into prepara-
tion of same 3) stated that h~ felt the subject proposal was in
conflict with the basic objectives of the General Plan 4) observed
that Saratoga could be proud of its current Zoning Ordinance 5)
referred to the proposed amendment as a type of spot zoning 6)
cormnented that retail sales and commercial service establishments
are not compatible in the same'area and 7) stated that there seemed
to be no immediate need for further commercial zoning in Saratoga.
}!r. Hancock also stated that he felt the decision on the subject
proposal was of the utmost importance to the City of Saratoga and
,suggested that prior to nmking such a decision 1) the General Plan
should be studied thoroughly to determine if the proposal is i~
keeping with same and 2) consideration should be given to the ques-
tion of whether it is ~ise to mix retail uses with those of the
Con~nercial Service Zone. In closing, Mr. Hancock brought to the
Con~nission's attention the list of conditional uses prescribed for
the Conm~ercial Service District and stated 1) the subject proposal
is not compatible with these conditional uses and 2) addition of
the proposed use ~,~uld change the text of the Ordinance.
Mrs. S. M. Smith of Hill Avenue again suggested the possibility of
developing a small park on the.property at the southeast corner of
the intersection of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and Prospect Road.
~'~. G. Clark, attorney for Garcia & Associates (owners of the sub-
ject property), advised that the partners in this finn were Sara-
toga residents and more than ~illing to develop this property in
accordance with the City's desires, but that development under the
e:{isting zoning had proven difficult. He assured those present that
while the property ~.~ould be developed in some m~nner, only the
highest quality development would be undertaken.
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Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 28 November ].966 - Continued
ii. K. Retail Specialty Shopping Center
Frank Ziegel, on behalf of the' Northwest Homeo~.raers Association,
spoke in support of the propos'ed amendment.
it was the consensus of the Commission that a written reco~menda-
tion should be submitted to the City Council so Chairman Norton
1) directed the hearing on thi's matter continued until the next
regular meeting (9:35 P.M.) 2) asked that the Zoning Administra-
tor prepare a report relative to the proposed amendment and 3)
requested that the Subdivisio~ Con~ittee submit a report with
respect to the findings requir'ed under Section 18.6 of Ordinance
NS-3.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
IIi, BUiLDiNG SITES AND SUBDIVISIONS
A. SD.R..-66! - B. T. Galeb, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Building Site
Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 14 November 1966
~e Secretary advised that additional time had been requested by
both the Director of Public Works and the app!icant's architect
(for further study with regardi to the right-of-way) and suggested
that this matter be continued until the next regular meeting.
Chairman Norton so directed.
B. SDF,-664 - David B. Rosehill, M.D., Madrone Hill Road - Building
Site Approval - ! Lot - Continued from 14 November 1966
CoFanissioner Kei!ua~ advised that the Committee was not prepared to
make a recommendation in connection with this application and
recommended that same be continued.
Chairman Norton, on the basis of this recommendation, directed
SDR-664 continued until ~he next regular meeting.
C. SDR-665 - Westhope United Presbyterian Church, Saratoga Avenue .-
Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 14 Novem-
ber 1966
?ae Secretary called attention to Condition II-F (pertaining to the
20-foot easement to Cox Avenue) which had been added since the last
meet ing.
After a brief discussion, Commissioner Kellum moved, seconded by
Conm~issioner Crisp, that the Building Site Committee Report of
14 November 1966 relative to SDR-665 be adopted and that the ten-
tative map (Exhibit "A", filed: 4 November 1966) be approved subject
to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried
unanimously. - .
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Plannin~ Cormnission Minutes - 28 November 1966 - Continued
IV. DESIGN REVIEW
A-235 - B. T. Galeb, Saratoga-Sunn3~ale Road - Final Design Review -
Identification Sign for Shopping Center
After a brief discussion, Conmissioner McFall moved, seconded by Com-
missioner Kasner, that final design approval be granted in connection
with A-235, B. T. Galeb, for the identification sign and supporting
pole as shown on Exhibit "A", nature and intensity of lighting to be
determined at a later date; motion carried unanimously.
V. CITY COUNCIL lIEPORT
Co~Lissioner Crisp gave a brief report on discussion and action at the
City Council meeting on 16 November 1966 with emphasis on items of
particular interest to the CommisSion.
VI. NEW BUSINESS
Vii. OLD BUSINESS :
A. Hakone Gardens - Proposal for 'Acquisition of Additional 15 Acres -
Continued from 14 November 1966
Commissioner Johnson read the report of the General Plan Committee
relative to the proposed acquisition, recommending approval of same.
After discussion, Co~mnissioner Johnson moved, seconded by Commis-
sioner Kellum, that the report of the General Plan Committee, dated
28 November 1966, relative to the proposed expansion of Hakone
Gardens be approved and forwarded to the City Council as the recom-
mendation of the Planning Commission; motion carried unanimously.
B.. Commercial Service Zoning District
Commissioner Johnson read a report from the General Plan Committee
relative to the review of the Commercial Service Zoning District,
advising 1) a detailed study is being conducted for the purpose of
incorporating the recoF~endations of the Riches Research Report into
the Zoning Ordinance and 2) a'final report will be submitted to
the Commission for review and approval as a recommendation to the
Council.
C. ~uito Road Plan Line ~
Conm~issioner Johnson read a report from the General Plan Committee
stating that the proposed alternates for the Quito Road Plan Line
seemed acceptable but that there were unresolved details and com-
pletion was some years in the future.
Commissioner johnson moved, sedonded by Commissioner Kellum, that
the General Plan Committee Report of 28 November 1966 relative to
the proposed Quito Road Plan Line be approved and forwarded to the
City Council as the recommendation of the Connnission.
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Planning Con~ission Minutes - 28 November 1966 - Continued
· VII. C. Ruito Road Plan Line
Co~nissioner Kasner observed that the plan was vague and raised a
question as to x.~b. ether the Con~nission was approving the three
alternates included in this plan as a precise plan line or as a
basis for determining the precise plan line at a later date.
After discussion, it was the consensus of the Con~nission that fur-
ther information was needed. .Connnissioners Johnson and Kellum then'~
withdrew the previous motion and second, and Chairman Norton 1)
directed this matter continued until the next regular meeting 2)
asked that the Planning Director determine whether the plan pre-
sented to the Cor~2ission was proposed as a precise plan line or as
a guide for determining the precise plan line and 3) requested that
if the plan was to be reviewed as a proposed precise plan line, the
General Plan CoEittee give further consideration to same.
D. Village Parking Plan
Con~issioner Johnson read a r~port from the General Plan Con~ittee
recon~ending that the Village Parking Plan be incorporated as an
addendum to the Village Devel6pment Plan section of the General Plan.
After discussion, Con~issioner Johnson moved, seconded by Co~is-
sioner Kellmm, that the General Plan Co~ittee Report of 28 November
1966 relative to the Village Parking Plan be approved by the Comis-
sion; motion carried unanimouS, ly.
On the basis of the foregoing,. Chai~an Norton directed that the
Secretary set a public hearing on this matter at the earliest possi-
ble time.
VIIi. CO~,2~fu~ItCATi0NS
A. i,RITTEN
C-7~ - I~xmar investment Company, Walnut Avenue
~ae Secretary read a conmmnication from Mr. Resner of Maxmr Invest-
ment Company requesting an extension of time in connection with C-71.
After discussion, Chairman Norton moved, seconded by Cormnissioner
Kellum, that the Planning Co~Yission recon~end to the City Council
that an extension be granted in connection with C-71 for a period
of' one year from present date bf expiration to begin construction
and two years from present date of expiration to complete construction;
motion carried unanimously.
B. 0~
Chairman Norton ackno~.;ledged, with pleasure, the presence of Council-
man Robbins, Mrs. McGuire of the Good Government Group, Mrs. Duffy of
the League of Uomen Voters, Mrs. Dyer of the Times-Obeerver, and Mrs.
Walker, wife of the P!anni~ Director.
ADJOUFi~NT
Chaiman Norton declared the meeting adjourned at 10:35 P.M.
Respectfully '-xx.F~Z~'
Stanley }i. Wal,~er, Secretary
v 'Saratoga Planni~lg Co~anission