HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-22-1967 Planning Commission Minutes SUF~4ARY OF MINUTES
CITY OF SARATOGA PLAN~NING CO~v~ISSION
TIME: Monday, 22 ~y 1967, 7:30 P. M.
PLACE: City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California
TYPE: Regular Meeting
I, ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Crisp, johnson, Kasner, McFall, Norton, and Smith
Absent: Commissioner O'Rorke'. ,~
B. MINUTES
Commissioner Kasner moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, that the
reading of the minutes of the 8'M~y 1967 meeting be ~,~ived and that they
be approved subject to the deletion of the last three words of Item VII,
page 9 and the substitution thereof .with the following wording . . "at
the next regular meeting." Motion carried unanimously.
II. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. C-106 - M.V.S. Company, Saratoga Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning from
"A" (Agricultural). to "R-M-3,000" (Multiple Residential) - Continued
from 8 ~y 1967
The continued hearing on C-106 was re-opened at 7:33 P. M. Commissioner McFall
read the Subdivision Committee report dated 22 May 1967, recommending approval of
the requested change of zoning (C-106) subject to the following conditions:
a) That the overall plan, lay-out, facilities, and exterior design and front
elevations of structures be approximately as shown by plans submitted -
Exhibits B through G.
b) That the development be adequately attractive and appropriately landscaped
in a manner to best blend the two-story structures within the Com~unity as
a whole (Design Review).
c) That the quality design of structures and facilities be of a level commen-
surate with quality Saratoga ~esidences.
Dr. Abrams stated that the report was substantially in accord with his discussion
with the Subdivision Committee but he questioned the strong suggestion of the
-·-Committee that the minimum age limit of residents be restricted to approximately
~/fifty (50) years. Commissioner McFall commented that although the Committee
~" felt a minimum age restriction to be highly desirable, it had not reconm~ended
that this be a condition of rezoning.
At Commissioner Crisp's suggestion, an additional condition (d) was added,
"·'~ limiting the time for construction commencement to within one year from the
"'~ .... date of Council approval of the rezoning.
Mr. Robert Mensor, representing Saratoga Park Woods Home O~mers Association,
objected to the Conm~ission acting on this item until after his group has had
an opportunity to meet with Dr. Abrams to discuss the proposed development in
detail. Mr. Mensor indicated that, based on discussions he has had with other
Saratoga residents recently, he believes that much opposition exists to Dr.
Abrams proposal and suggested that the matter be reviewed ~y the Special Problems
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planninE Commission Minutes of 22 May 1967 - Continued
II. A. C-106 Continued
Committee of the General Plan Citizens Conm~ittee. Basically, ,.Mr. Mensor stated,
there is little disagreement as to the general outline of the proposal but that
the primary question is one of quality.
Chairman Norton'noted that this particular piece of property represents an
isolated instance and that~the Commission does not regard the rezoning requested
as any change in City policy requiring review by the General Plan Co~aittee.
Adm. Joseph Connolly spoke in favor of the rezoning and commended Dr. Abrams
for the plan which has been presented after several years of careful planning.
He urged that the proposal be approved and construction expedited to serve the
local residents who would otherwise have to find a suitable retirement facility
in another community.
Mr. MenSor was advised by Chairman Norton that C-106 will be put at the end
of the public hearings ageride for the evening to allow those who wish to do
so to review the plans and Subdivision Committee Report and discuss .them with
the Commission at that time. Public hearing was temporarily suspended at 8:03 P. M.~
to be renewed at the conclusion of the public hearings agenda.
B. C-71 - }~xmar Investment Company, Walnut Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning
from "R-1-12,500" (Single Family Residential) to "R-M-3,000" (Multiple
Residential) - Continued from 8 May 1967
Commissioner McFall stated that, after meeting again with the applicant, the
Subdivision Committee feels that some further revision should be made and
recommends that the matter be continued to the next meeting.
Public hearing was re-opened at 8:05 P. M. and it was no~ed that no one
was present on behalf of the applicant.
The Secretary reported that no communications have been added to tixe file
since the last meeting.; ~. john Bastianelli (o~mer of the Brookside Glen
Apartments) asked if an issue raised by his attorneys relasive to an ease-
ment hao been clarified and Chairman Norton advised him that the Commission
has no control over the matter and that it is a question which will have to
be resolved by the Courts. Public hearing was closed for the evening at
8:08 P. M. and continued'to the 12 June regular meeting.
Cf.. V-294 - Stephen Dimeff, Saratoga Avenue, Request for Variance in Connection
with Site Area and Lot Depth Requirements - Continued from 8 ~.~y 1967
The Secretary briefly reviewed this application and stated that an additional
report from the Variance Comm~ittee has not yet been added to the file. Com-
missioner Kasner, on behalf of the Variance Committee, stated that further
information is needed from the applicant before the Committee can complete
'its study. Com~issioner Kasner indicated that the Committee has requested
a plan line report from the Planning Director and Director of Public Works
relative to the trees on Saratoga Avenue in relation to the property.
With the concurrence of the Commission, public hearing ~ras not opened and ~as
continued to the next regular meeting.
D. MORTUARY FACILITY - Alan A. Alameda, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Informal Hearing
on Request to Add Mortuary Facility to the List of Uses
Permitted Under the "C-S (Com~aercial Service District) -
Continued from'8 ~)~ 1967
The informal hearing on this request was opened at 8:10 P. M. and the Secretary
stated that nothing new has been added to the file since. the last meeting.
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Plannin5 Conmission Minutes of 22 May 1967 Continued
II. D. MORTU.~RY FACILITY - Continued
Mr. Alameda was present and indicated that he had no cormnents to make at this
time.
The Secretary read the staff report dated 22 ~y 1967 relative to this matter
recommending favorable action by the Commission on this request. No one present
wished to comment regarding this matter and the informal hearing was closed
at 8:12 P. M.
Commissioner McFa!l moved that the Staff report dated 22 May 1967 regarding the
request of Ao A. Alameda, to add to the list of permitted uses in the C-S Dist-
rict a mortuary facility, be approved and the mortuary facility (or funeral
parlor) be added and approved as a permitted use. Commissioner Kasner seconded
the motion ~ich carried unanimously.
Chairman Norton advised the applicant that the additional use is permitted
as a conditional use and asked if the requirement for a Use Permit would cause
any problem. Ms. Alameda stated that it would not and was told that he can
apply for a Use Permit at any time.
E. UP-131 - L. B. Nelson, Prospect Road - Request for Use Permit for Construction
of an Automatic Car Wash with Gasoline Sales
Public hearing was opened at 8:16 P. M. and the Secretary stated that notice
of hearing had been mailed and then briefly reviewed the application for a
use permit for an automatic car wash with gasoline sales on the property
located between the Lawrence Expressway and Saratoga Avenue.
The Secretary stated that a letter in the file indicates that the former
applicant has no further interest in the property and that it is solely
for the ~se of the present applicant.
Mr. Gurley, Engineer for the applicant, spoke in favor of the application
and stated that he has been working with the Commission's committees on
design plans. At the request of the Chairman, Mr. Gur!ey indicated that
he will file with the City satisfactory written evidence of the former
applicant's disinterest and non-association with the presen~ proposal.
After discussion, during which Cliff Gost, representing the Saratoga Avenue
Baptist Church, was advised that high level fence screening (probably grape-
stake fencing) and landscaping would be required, Commissioner Kasner co~ented
that, although he felt that the Commission should at this time act on the Use
Permit application, he wished to point out that the Design Review Conm~ittee
did not react favorably to the preliminary design of the proposed development.
It was moved by Commissioner Smith, seconded by Commissioner Kasner and
carried unanimously to close the public hearing on UP-131 at 8:25 P. M.
Commissioner McFall moved that the Commission make the findings required by
Section 16.6 of Ordinance NS-3, and grant the Use Permit, subject to the
conditions of site approval, design review, and submission of appropriate .·
documentary evidence that the former Use Permit holder is no longer involved.
The applicant was advised that both the ·Design Review Committee and the
Subdivision Committee will meet with him at a mutually convenient time.
F. V-295 - Quito Merchants Association~ Cox and Saratoga Avenue - Request for
Variance in Connection with Off-Site Identification Sign Location
Public hearing was opened at 8:28 P. M. and the Secretary announced that
notices of hearing were mailed on the application for an off-site directionai
sign for the Quito Shopping Center. Normally, the Secretary explained, such
signs are placed on-site and this one is requested for installation within
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Plannin~ Commission Minutes of 22 ~y 1967 - Continued
II. F. V-295 - Continued
City right-of-way at the north-eastern corner of Cox and Saratoga Avenues.
This use of City right-of-way would be permitted by the granting of an
encroachment permit.
~. Fred Fischera, representing the Quito Merchants AsSociation, stated
that for some time the merchants have attempted to erect a new directional
sign near the location where the original sign was and are now asking for
a variance to allow this.
Rex Burnett, layman representative of the Prince of Peace Lutheran Church,
obj.ected that if a 40 foot sign is erected near their church it would be
considerably higher than. their cross and would detract from the beauty
of the area which they expect to enhance by their long-range plans for
construction of a sanctuary in the area.
Coxmnissioner Kasner stated that, for several reasons, he must disqualify
himself from consideration of this matter and asked that Commissioner johnson
be Acting Chairman on the Variance Committee in this instance. Chairman
Norton, with Commission approval, so ordered.
The Committee of merchants present indicated, in response to a question
from the Secretary, that if a variance is granted they would have no
objection to placing the sign on any part of the right-of-way, even on
the opposite side of the street.
Mr. Burnett objected that either side of the street would be undesirable
from an aesthetic point of view, and that such a sign would set a precedent
for other similar applications.
Roy Swanson, also representing the Quito Merchants Association, explained
that the ~uito Merchants are pleased to contribute to the community and,
due to their location, need directional signing for the benefit of those
traveling on Saratoga Avenue. Mr. Swanson indicated that this particular
situation is unique and would in no way establish a precedent for other
areaS.
The Pastor of the Prince of Peace Lutheran'Church spoke and indicated that
he felt the Quito Merchants should have contacted the Church relative to the
Variance application. He stated that the Church development is oriented
toward the corner and that the preliminary plans for many years past have
utilized thdse two streets as a focal point for future Church development.
The proposed sign would detract from the buildings.which they are contemplating,
he stated, and he objected strongly to the erection of the proposed sign on
either side of the property. Questioned as to his reaction to a sign being
installed on the other side of the highway, the Pastor said that he had no
objection to the sign being placed where it would not detract from the Church
development and that it might even be possible that it could be installed on
Church property further down Cox Avenue.
Mr. Burnett stated that he would object to a 40 foot sign anywhere in
Saratoga. Mr. Warburton, operator of the Richfield Station in Quito Park
Shopping Center, pointed out that no design plans have been drawn and there
is no question in his mind of height at this time.
I~s. 0ttenberg asked if the 40 foot figure.might not refer to square feet
rather than lineal feet and Commissioner johnson informed her that the sign
design which was submitted about a year ago to the Design R~view Con~nittee
was 40 square feet. M~. Bridges, ~nager of the Quito Foo~ Center, stated
that the sign proposed at that time would measure approximately 19-1/2 feet
installed ~eight. ~. Bridges briefly reviewed the history of the m~rchants
e~forts to replace the sign which for some 8 to ~0 years was located across
the street from the Church property and which the merchants propose to replace
with a sign which would serve the Center's directional needs and, at the same
time,' be compatible to the area, utilizing plantings and tasteful design.
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Planning Commission Minutes of 22 ~y. 1967 - Continued
II. F. V-295 - Continued
There being no further comments, public hearing was closed for the evening
at 8:50 P. M. and the application V-295 was referred to the Variance Committee
for study and report at the hearing which was continued to the next regular
meeting.
Commissioners McFall and Johnson established a tentative meeting date for
2:00 P. M., June 1 and asked that the Quito Merchants Representatives who
wished to. attend contact the Secretary to verify this time.
G. UP-'132 -'Caroline B. Winston, Live Oak lane - Request for Use Permit for the KeepinS of one (1) Horse
Public Hearing on UP-i32 was opened'at 8:51P. M. and the Secretary reported
that notices of hearing were mailed. The Secretary noted that a variance
application is also involv!ed in'this application as the proposed stable for
the horse would not meet the required 50' property line setback.
Mrs. Jan Roller was present on behalf of the applicant and spoke briefly
regarding the request.
M~s. Saunders, owner of adjacent property, objected that she has already
· ' had problems with horses in the area trespassing on her property. ~s.
Saunders stated that she does not l{ve on the property there; that it is
in undeveloped walnut orchard use and that she would like assurance that
she would have protection f~om horses on her property. ~-s. Saunders
further stated that it was her belief that horses in the area, ~ether
trespassing on her property or not, were down-grading to the area.
Mrs. Roller then stated that she had expected no strong opposition to the
request and that, in view of F~s. Saunders's strong protest, she felt that
she would withdraw the application.
Chairman Norton advised that the application can be withdrawn hy letter
by the applicant but that the matter would not be acted upon at this
meeting and that if such decision is made, the letter requesting with-
drawal could be submitted prior to the next meeting. Hearing on UPi132
closed for the evening at 8:57 P. M.
H.. V-296 - Caroline B. Winston, Live Oak Lane - Request for Variance in
Connection with Property Line Setback Requirements
Public Hearing was opened at 8:58 P. M. and the Secretary announced that
notices of hearing were mailed for a variance to allow a stable 36' from
the northern boundary line of the Winston property line in lieu of the
required 50' setback. The Secretary explained that an existing building
is already located 36' from the property line.
Commissioner Kasner stated that, subject to the possibility t'hat this
application may be withdrawn (as indicated in Item G - UP-132, above),
the Variance Committee would inspect the area.
I,~s. Roller stated that, in view of her neighbor's objections, she felt
strongly that she wished to withdraw the applications and would apply for
withdrawal by letter. F~s. Roller. was advised that the Staff will review
her applicatiom and recomnend refund of any fees which have not been used
to date.
public Hearing closed at 9:02 P. M. and ~.ms continued to the next regular
meeting for formz1 application for withdrawai of U?-132 and V-296.
Commissioner McFall moved, seconded by Commissioner Kasner, to approve the
withdrawal of UP-132 and V-296 upon receipt of ~itten application from
the applicant; motion carried unanimously.
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Plannin$ Commission Minutes of 22 ~.May 1967 - Continued
!I. PUBLIC HEARINGS - Continued
I. C-108 - Walter M. Seagraves (George W. Day), Saratoga Avenue - Request for
Change of Zoning from "A" (Agricultural) to "R-1-12,500" (Single
Family Residential)
The Secretary reported that notice of public hearing on C-108 had been
published and briefly reviewed this application. He stated that one
cormnunication had been received; a letter, dated 17 May 1967, from the
Arroyo de Saratoga Community Association, indicating concern about the
application. The area consists of approximately 26 acres and.the Secretary
said that a tentative map has been filed for the development of 64 lots.
Jim Kaiser, of F~cKay and Somps, appeared"on behalf of the applicant.
.Patrick McCarthy, home owner in the tract adjacent to the property, spoke
in favor of the application for rezoning but stated that he wished to comment
when the tract development proposal comes up on the ageride.
Con~issioner McFall indicated that the Subdivision Com~itte'e expects to make
a recommendation on the subdivision approval at the next meeting.
Chairman Norton stated that, although there will be no public hearing on
either subdivision approval or design review, ~. McCarthy was welcome to'
comment at this time. The Secretary reported that a communication had been
received from F~. McCarthy asking to be heard this evening and Mr. McCarthy
then filed a statement, signed by 37 home o~,mers and read by the Secretary,
objecting to certain design plans for the development.
After discussion of the'plans, Mr. McCarthy was invited to attend a Monday
afternoon meeting of the Subdivision Committee when this matter will be
discussed.
There being no further comments, public hearing was closed for'the evening
at 9:16 P. M.; referred to the Subdivision Committee, and continued to the
next regular meeting.
J. C-104 - Roy Kosich, Saratoga Avenue and Radoyka Drive - Request for Change
of Zoning from "R-l-10,000" (Single Family Residential) to "C-N"
(Neighborhood Commercial) and from "R-l-10,000" (Single Family
Residential) to "R-M-4,000" (Multi-Family Residential) - Continued
from 24 April 1967
Chairman Norton opened the continued public hearing. on C-104 at 9:18 P. M.'
and the Secretary read a letter from the applicant advising that he would be
out of the Country and unable to attend this meeting. The Secretary also
read a letter, dated 16 ~y 1967 from ~. Sommerville Submitting arguments
against this application.
A request for continuation of this matter had been received, the Secretary
noted, and Commissioner McFall suggested that the request be granted but he
stated that the Subdivision Committee has been ready to report on this matter
for the last two weeks.
With no objection, public hearing on C-104 was closed at 9:23 P. M. and
continued to the next regular meeting, as requested by the applicant.
II. A - C-106 - M.V.S. Company, Saratoga Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning from
"A" (Agricultural) to "R-M-3,000" (Multiple Residential) - continued
from earlier oR aSenda
Chairman Norton re-opened the hearing on C-106 at 9:24 P. M. and 1~~. Mensor
stated that he felt there was a definite moral obligation on the part of
Dr. Abrams to ask for postponement of this matter until his group has had
an opportunity to meet with Dr. Abrams to discuss the proposal.
Dr. Abrams reviewed the history Of his application and stated that, except
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Planning Con~ission Minutes of 22 ~y 1.967 - Continued
II. A. C-i06 - Continued
for l~-. Mensor's group, all other opposition has been withdrax.m and Dr.
Abrams stated that he now believes'that his proposal is generally supported
and desired for Saratoga. Dr. Abrams further stated that, in view of the
Com~ission's ability to act on this matter tonight, he felt that the
application should no longer be postponed and that ~. Mensor's group will
have ample opportunity to express their views at public hearings be£ore the
City Council.
~. MenSor repeated his strong objections to the proposal and again asked
that no action be taken until after the General Plan Committee has studied
the matter. Chairman Norton iterated his belief that this property has no
relation to other property which properly=should receive the attention of
the General Plan Con~ittee and reminded I~. Mensor that the Planning Com-
mission's action is advisory only and that final determination can only
be made by the Council, after duly advertised public h~arings.
Mr. Bridges, 20464 Ashley Way, Sara.toga, commented that he is a member of
the General Plan Connnercial Development Citizens Committee and that he has
reviewed the plans for the retirement facility proposed; he urged that the
Co~mission act favorably at this time on this application.
No one else present wished to comment and CommissiOner McFall moved that
the public hearing be closed at 9:40 P. M. Commissioner Johnson seconded
the motion which carried unanimously.
It was moved by Commissioner McFall, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, and
unanimously carried that the report of the Subdivision Committee, dated
22 ~y 1967 and as amended earlier on the agenda, be accepted.and that it
be forwarded to the City Council as the favorable recommendation on the
rezonfng application No. C-106.
Chairman Norton announced that public hearings for the evening were then closed.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
III. BUILDIN~ SITES AND SUBDIVISIONS
A. SD-567 - Pacific Shore Properties, Meadow Oak Road - Subdivision - 16 lots -
Continued from 8 ~y 1967
Commissioner McFall stated that.the Subdivision Committee met with the
applicant and recommends continuation to study new plans for a second
access. The Secretary reported that a letter from the applicant had been
filed authorizing a 30-day extension and, with no objection, Chairn~n Norton
directed SD-567 continued to the next regular meeting.
B. SDR-691 - Frank Fasold~ Bella Vista - Buildin~ Site A~proval - 1 Lot
Commissioner McFall reported that the applicant has been advised of the
conditions recon~aended by the Subdivision Committee and expressed no objections.
After brief discussion, it was moved by Commissioner McFall, seconded by
Commissioner Crisp, to adopt the Subdivision Con~nittee report dated 22 ~,~y 1967
relative to SDR-691; motion carried unanimously and tentative site approval
was granted, subject to the conditions set forth in the Committee report.
C. SDR-689 - Dr. Clemmer Peck, Ten Acres Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot -
. Continued from 8 I~v 1967
Con~issioner McFall stated that, as directed at the last ~eeting, the
Subdivision Committee had met with .the applicant and the City Attorney and.
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Planning Commission Minutes of 22 May 1967 - Continued
III. C. SDR-689 - Continued
is now prepared to accept the City Attorney's opinion that no variance is
necessary. Commissioner McFall then moved that the Subdivision ConLmittee
Report on SDR-689, dated 24 April 1967, be adopted and the tentative map
be approved subject to the conditions outlined in the report. Commissioner
Smith seconded the motion which carried unanimously.
D. SDR-~92 - Milt Sampson, Piedmont Road - Buildin~ Site Approval - 2 Lots
ComMissioner McFali reported. that the applicant has requested a continuation
and that the Subdivision Committee recommends that the request be granted.
Chairman Norton ordered SDR-692 continued to the next regular meeting.
E. SDR-693 -.0. Theodore Robertshaw, Three Oaks Way Building Site Approval -
1 Lot
The applicant was present and presented no objections to the Subdivision
Committee Report on SDR-693. It was moved by CoF~issioner McFall, seconded
by Commissioner Kasner and carried unanimously to adopt the report of the
Subdivision Committee dated 10 }~y 1967 and approve the tentative n~p, sub-
ject to the conditions set forth in the report.
F. SD-694 - George W. Day, Via Monte Drive and Saratoga Avenue - Subdivision -
64 Lots
Commissioner McFall reported that the Subdivision Committee expects to submit
its report relative to SD-694 at the next meeting and, with no objection, the
matter was continued to that time.
IV. DESIGN REVIEW
A. A-204 - Robert Green, Big Basin Way - Final Design Review - Conversion of
Apartment Buildin~ to Co~erciai BuildinS
Comraissioner Kasner cormnented that Commissioner O'Rorke had the Design
Review Committee's notes relative to A-204 and the Secretary, with Commissioner
Kasner's concurrence, reported that the matter will need to be continued as the
Committee has asked for plans which'have not yet been submitted. With no
objection, Chairman Norton ordered the application A-204 continued to the
next regular meeting.
B. A-238 - Youth Center, Fruitvale Avenue Final Design Review - Youth Center
BuildinS
The Secretary stated that the final plans are in accord with the preliminar~ly
approved plans and that the Design Review Committee has reviewed the plans
and recommends approval, subject to'requesting the City Council to {nvestigate
the possibility of widening the entrance road to a more appropriate width.
The Conunission discussed this possibility and suggested that the widening cOUld
be achieved by reducing the nun~ber of existing parking spaces on that side of
the Council Chambers Building. Although the Committee felt that the Youth
Center lay-out was satisfactory, it did feel 'that a safety problem exists
due to the narrow width of the access road.
It was moved by Commissioner I~sner, seconded by Comnissioner Johnson, to
grant final design review for A-238, and to express to the City Council the
Commission's concern about the width of the access street and its request
that some action be taken by the Council to alleviate the problem. Motion
carried unanimously.
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Plannin~ Co~nission Minutes of 22 ~.~
- y 1967 Continued
IV. DESIGN REVIEW - Continued
C. A-250 - Dr. ~rren Sturla, Village Drive Preliminary Design Review - Medical Village #7 Continued from 8 May 1967
Con~issioner Kasner reported that the Design Review Conm~ittee does not feel
that the trellis arrangement proposed by Dr. Sturla is sufficient to consti-
tute a structure and that this opinion has been confirmed by the City Attorney.
Discussion with Dr. Abrams indicated that he agreed with the Committee~s views
regarding the present designs and the Commission agreed that the proper pro-
cedure in this matter was for the applicant to request a modification of the
conditional zoning to allow three structures instead of one on a single lot.
With the applicant's consent, A-250 was continued off the agenda for an
indefinite time (until re-instated by the applicant) and the applicant ~s
advised that he can, if he wishes, initiate an application for modification
of the present zoning.
D. A-252 - West Valley Junior College, Allendale and Fruitvale Avenues - Final
Design Review - Construction of Junior ColleSe
Dick Hamiin, Architect for the applicant, described the design, parking lay-
out, and landscaping plans for the first increment of the junior college
development. ~. Hamlin stated that the current time-table places the
completion date for this first building in December, i968. Bids have been
advertised and it is anticipated tha~ ~onstruction will begin by 1 December.
The Commission discussed the plans, including.the parking lot lighting
proposed and the eventual plans for. two additional entrances. it was noted
that a plant nursery, as well as a nursery school, have been proposed and
that the parking would be adequate to accomodate the nursery school, staff,
and students for this first phase of the development.
Chairman Norton expressed some concern about the advisability of shake roofs
and Co~iss'ioner Kasner questioned possible use of reflective gravel which
might be objectionable to persons residing in the hills. After discussion,
both Co~missioners expressed general satisfaction with ~he.proposed construction
materials, textures, and colors.
It was moved by Commissioner Kasner, seconded by Con~issioner Smith, and
unanimously carried to grant final design approval for the West Valley
Junior College, File No. A-252, as shown on the accompanying exhibits.
E. A-253 - L. B. Nelson~ Prospect Road - Preliminary DesiSn Review - Car Wash
With Commission approval, File A-253 was continued to the next regular meeting.
F. A-254 - B. T. Galeb, Seagull Way and Highway 85 - Final Design Review -
Commercial BuildinS
The Secretary reported that the applicant has requested an additional use for
the C-N zone to permit construction of a small theatre, or play-house, primarily
for the use of the semi-prOfessional theatre group, King Dodo Players. This
would necessitate continuance of design approval until the additional use
request has been considered.
~. Menard, Architect for the applicant, discussed proposed plans for a
200 seat capacity theatre and explained that present parking plans would
need to be expanded if the additional theatre use is permitted for this
zone.
After brief discussion, during ~ich it was pointed out that action on
A-254 would be pren~ture at this time, the Chairman directed the Secretary
to assist the applicant to make formal application for the addition of a theatre-
play house use to the existing conditional C-N Zoning, and the matter can be
set for informal hearing at the next regular meeting.
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Planning Commission Minutes of 22 May 1967 - Continued
V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT
The Secretary stated that no Planning Commissioner was present at the last
Council meeting but that the only item of significanc~ to the Planning
Commission was theintroduction of an ordinance to rezone the George Day
property on Allendale Avenue. Chairman Norton asked what action was taken on
a resolution opposing Federal reimbursement for removal of certain.signs along
highways and was advised that the Council has removed the item from its agenda
with the consensus of opinion that a better effect would result in individual
letters being written to Congress and the Senate by the Councilmen on this
subject.
Vi. NEW BUSINESS
None "
VIIi. OLD BUSINES
1. PROPOSE~ COMMITTEE POLICY - Regarding Consideration of the Apartment Problem
and Rezonin5 ~pp!ications
The Connnission discussed the proposed committee policy relative to apartmen~
construction and rezoning applications and Con~nissioner Crisp stated that
the possibility of de-zoning some Of the larger parcels ~ich may not be
used for apartment use has been considered and is perhaps a question for
the General Plan Committee. It was also aMggested that the Planning Con-
sultant, Lawrence Livingston, be asked for a recommendation in this regard.
Chairm~n Norton read the report dated 8 F~y 1967 from the Subdivision
Co~,-anittee and the Commission discussed each item, indicating non-con~.-aitment
relative to Item 8 -a) and expressed the following views concerning other
items: General agreement with Items 8-b), 8-c), and 8-d); Item 8-e) was
questioned as to economic feasibility; and Item 8 - j) was discussed as
being generally feasible.
The Commission concurred that a go-slow policy relative to apartment zoning
would be desirable, and comments relative to multiple zoning were not offered
at this time.
Since there were no further comments on the report, Chairman Norton thanked
the Subdivision Committee for a very thorough analysis of the items the
Planning Commission should look for in considering apartment zoning.
2. C-80 - ClarenCe W. Neale, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Request to Add additional
Uses to the List of Uses Permitted Under the Conditional Community
Commercial Zonin~ - Continued from 8 May 1967
The Secretary read the Staff Report relative to this item in which the Staff
recommends that the request for the addition of an Office Supply shop and
Women's Apparel shop as conditional uses in the C-C zone at Neale's Hollow'
be granted. These uses. are currently operating at Neale's Hollow, the
Secretary reported.
The Secretary then read a letter from thc applicant indicating compliance
with previous Planning Commission requests relative to parking and landscaping..
it was moved by Commissioner McFal!, seconded by Commissioner johnson and.
unanimously carried to adopt the 22 May 1967 Staff report and permit the
addition of an office supply use and a women's apparel use to the existing
permitted conditional uses under the rezoning for Neale's Hollow (C-80);
motion carried unanimously. :
~r. Neaie was present and stated that he will have documentary evidence of
complete compliance with the CommiSsion's requirement for parking and paving
facilities filed with the Secretary by. tomorrow.
-10-
Plannin~ Commission Minutes of 99 ~L~\: 1967 Continued
VIII CO~,~ICATIONS
A. ~<ITTEN
(1) The Co:~ission briefly discussed a letter to. the Santa Clara County Board
of Supervisors from ~. BasEianel~ i relative to a comoiaint re~a~ding use
of proper~y ox.~ed by the DiviSion of Highways and which is reported to
be in use by patrons of Neale's Hollow, creating a hazard.to residents
of the Brookside Glen Apartments located adjacent to the property. !t
~s noted that, at this stage, the communication is informrive in nature
and was directed to file for future reference, if needed.
(2) A l'etter from ~. Menard, on behalf of B. T. ~leb had already been
considered under Item V. - F.
(3) A communication from Lester Druding requesting abandonment of a santa
Clara County Flood Control' easement along Saratoga Creek was referred
to the Subdivision Co~ittee for future report. It was noted that this
matter had been referred to the Planning Commission and Staff by the
Council with a request for recommendation.
(4) The Secretary reviewed the history of File No. A-208 and explained that
parking spaces required for the old Youth Center Property had been
waived for. a year, the extended time limit to expire next month, and
that now the applicant is requesting an extension beyond that time for
compliance with the parking facility requirements. With no objection,
the request ~s referred to the Design Review Cor~ittee.
(5) The Co~ission acknowledged an invitation from Don Bush, President of
the Chamber of Com~erce, to attend the }~y 25 presentation ceremonies
of the Congress for Co~unity Progress.
(6) No action was taken by the co~ission relative to a cos~uni~tion frora
the Los Gatos-Saratoga League of Women Voters relative to pre-zoning of
possible annexation areas and .hillside development. It was explained
by the Secretary nhat State law now permits pre-zoning by means of a
"holding ordinance" and that it has been suggested that Los ~tos,
Monte Sereno and Saratoga adopt similar ordinances. The overall
question of anne~tion and hillside development is under consideration
by the Citizen's Advisory Co~ittee~ the Subdivision Com~mittee and the
· County-wide Planning Policy Committee, the Secretary advised.
(7) A letter from ~s. William L. Appleby, o~mer of property located between
the Post Office and Foothill Club ~s reported to have been referred to.
the Citizens Advisory Co~ittee for study and general plan review.
B. O~L
1. ~. Abrams cohented briefly about apartment zoning and planning and
was advised that this questlob will be considered at the proper time
but that it will not be a mtter for discussion until after the General
Plan Review.
2. ~. Ted ~leb cohented that the objections raised by ~. Mensor to
Dr. Abrams retirement facility proposal are, in his opinion, representative
of a stall number of persons and do not represent ~he ~jori~y view.
3. Chair~n Norton acknowledged, .with pleasure, the presence of ~s. Wi!ber-
ding of the Good Government Group and expressed appreciation to her for
the coffee served at recess.
IX A.DJOUR!,~:NT
Chairm~n Norton declared the meeting adjourned at 11:29 P. M.
Respectfully submitted,
mdr -1i- Saratoga Planning Comm~ission