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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-22-1968 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COI~MISSION ' MINYTES TIE: Monday, 22 April 1968, 7:30 P.M. PLACE: City Council Chambers, Fruitva'le Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Crisp, johnson, Lively, Metcalf, Norton and Smith. Absent: Commissioner Kasner. B. MINUTES Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Johnson, that the reading of the minutes of the 8 April 1968 meeting be waived and that they be approved as distributed to the:Commission; motion carried unani- mous.. C. NEW CO~ISSIONER Chairman Norton extended a welcome to newly appointed Commissioner Metcalf. He observed that Commissioner Metcalf has been very active in City affairs and the Planning.Commission is fortunate to have him as a member. .i'l. D.'-RESOLUTION NO. 115 Chairman Norton read Resolution No.'l15 relative to the General Plan Committee Report dated 26 February 1968 and approved by the Planning Commission. After discussion, Chairman Norton directed that action relative to Resolution No.'li5 be postponed until same-can.be amended to include Revision No. 1 (dated 8 April 1968) of the General Plan Con~ittee Report dated 26 February 1968. E. COI~ilTTEE ASSIGN~NTS Chairman Norton stated that in view of the proposed absence of Commissioner Smith due to a two month trip abroad the Co'~nmittee appointments and changes will be as recorded below: SUBDIVISION CO~,IITTEE GENERAL PLAN COb~ITTEE CoFmissioner Crisp, Chairman Commissioner Johnson, Chairman Co~-aissioner Lively ' Commissioner Crisp Commissioner Metcalf Commissioner Kasner V~dllANCE COMMITTEE DESIGN REVIEW COmmITTEE Con=nissioner Crisp, Chairman Commissioner Kasner, Chairman' Co~issioner Johnson Commissioner Lively Commissioner Lively Commissioner Metcalf -1- Plannin~ Commission Mingles - 22 April 1968'- Continued II. PUBLIC HEARINGS . A. C-11~ - Wayne F. Pendergraft, Calabazas Creek and Foothill Lane - Request for Change of Zoning from "R-i-40,000" (Single Family Residential) to "R-I-20,000" (Single ~amily Residential) - Continued from 8 April 1968 Commissioner Smith recommended that this matter be continued to 13 May 1968. He then stated that the Subdivision Committee met with the Planning Committee of the City Council to review' this matter and it was the unanimous ~opinion that this matter should be discussed with the City Attorney.. In view of the foregoing, Chairman Norton directed C-ill continued to the meeting of 13 May 1968 and the hearing relative to same was not opened. B. ELSIE PATRICK, Prospect Road - Informal Hearing - Request to Add "Auto Parts Store" to the List of Conditional Uses in the "C-N" (Neighbor- hood Commercial ZoninM District) - Continued from 8 April 1968 The Secretary stated that a Notice of Hearing was published. He then read a letter received from Mrs. Patrick asking that the subject request be postponed to the meeting of 27 May 1968 and stated that some plans will be presented to the Subdivision Committee prior to the 27 May 1968 meeting. Chairman Norton directed the matter continued to the next regular meeting and referred same back!~to.,the Subdivision Committee for further study. UP-148 - West Valley United Church of Christ - Congregational Church - Request for Use Permit for Church Facilities Chairman Norton opened the hearing relative to UP-148 at 7:47 P.M. The Secretary stated the Notice of Hearing had been mailed and then read communications-filed in opposition to the proposed application and received from the following:~" ............... ~ ...........i~_ ............ ~ 1. Dr. Donald H. and Shirley J. Hambey 2. Walter J. and Marion Metzger 3. Robert C. Jones Chairman Norton explained that this application does not involve a Change · of Zoning since churches can be located in residential areas under a Condi- tional Use Permit. Mr. Warren Held, applicant's architect, explained that 1) the church would be developed on a three acre parcel on Quito Road 2) the building and park- ing lot will be located on the level portion of the property 3) the appli- cant applied for a Conditional Use Permit in 1966 for a site on the corner of Martha and Quito Road and were granted approval by the Planning Commission, but after review by the Church Board in New York it was found that this site was not appropriate because of other churches located in the nearby areas; therefore, the Board suggested that another site be obtained 4) the exhibit submitted shows the main sanctuary with a capacity for two-hundred-and-fifty people; a Sunday School wing which will accommOdate"a study, library, .and fellowship hall 5) the plan, also, shows the wings located around a central court 6) the parking lot will not be visible from Quito Road and will include two exits - one at the creek and the other further up 7) the map shows one-hundred-and-fourteen parking spaces which allows for two-hundred-and ....... seventy-five seats in the sanctuary 8) Sunday School will be held only on Sunday with no day school classes on week days; h~wever there will be fellow- ship classes during the week 9) the structure will be low and the idea is to establish a country-type church 10) a City such as SaratOga, with the excellent residential areas, should have churches of all'.denominations and sizes and 11) he has yet to see a church down-grade a neighborhood; usually the presence of a church up-grades an area. Commissioner Crisp indicated that a topography map' would be helpful in making a thorough examination of this request· Planning Commission Minutes ~ 22 April 1968 - Continued II.· C. UP-148 - Continued Reverend Donald F. Blanchette, Minister of the West Valley United Church _ ·~.· of Christ, asked for a show of hands of people present who were opposed and those in favor of the subject request. He then stated that 1) he has called on people in the area and found that a desire exists here for a special kind of religious need which can be filled by the United Church of Christ 2) they are not planning to build a mammoth cathedral, but simply a quiet, rustic, rural-community church that will serve the religious need of some two-hundred families 3) the church does not want to cause'a big fight since there is enough fighting in the world already 4) for the next three weeks he will be in the area making calls in the homes and he hoped -· the people will open their doors to talk with him 5) some brochures have been placed in the lobby telling about the church and 6) he would be avail- able for questions in the lobby. · "'· Commissioner Lively suggested a clearer picture of the proposed grading · · relative to the subject application be presented. F~. LeRoy Broun, 18584"'VeS'~'fng"Road, stated_ he was on the Board of the Congregational Church in Fremont before moving here; therefore, has no .. prejudice against the church. He further stated he was not in favor of the site however since he felt it was unsuitable for a church of any kind and then presented a petition with forty signatures opposing said request. Mr. William B. Krause, 18564 Vessing Court, stated that 1) his living room ..· is not more than one-hundred-and twenty-five feet from the proposed church 2) when he bought his home he did not expect this type of encroachment on .... -' his privacy for which he paid-a glot.' .of money 3) he is a retired naval officerand does not make a great deal of money working at Lockheed 4) the taxes on his $62,000 home will not be reduced even though the proposed church · ., would cause his property to decrease in value 5) the church will not be pay- i." .".' {ng taxes on the three acres it is proposing to develop 6) he felt the property available to the church is not adequate and 7) the church will eventually ..... out-grow this property and thereby create crowding or require the purchase of additional property in the area. " .'~ · The Secretary, in answer to an inquiry from Chairman Norton, stated that .:'.. Quito Road, south of Pollard, will not be widened within the next ten years. " ~.- Captain Donald E. McKenzie, 18680 Vessing Road, stated that 1) Quito Road would not be widened for quite some time and the church would create traffic· · problems along this narrow road and 2) many people in this area live above ....... the property owned by the church and with sound traveling upward the' chUrCh_ji'j would cause quite a disturbance to these people. Mr. Robert C. Jones, 14651Quito Road, stated that he was opposed to the subject request because of the traffic that will be generated by same. Reverend Vern Henderson, 1289 29th Avenue, San Mateo, California, stated that 1) he was a member of the State Board that decided the site at Martha and Quito was unsuitable 2) he was a member of the National Advisory Committee 3) the proposed church is just beginning to make an appearance in this area 4) geographically this is a good location for a church 5) he'..felt the arguments presented by the nearby residents seemed to be rather selfish 6) he hoped the New York Board and State Board were not wrong in acquiring this property and 7) he' trusted the Planning Commission would vote favorably for UP-148. Planning Commission Minutes - 22 April 1968 - Continued II. C. UP-148 - Continued Mrs. Reis,. 18545 Vessing Road, stated that 1) she lived above this site and goes to sleep every night listening to tires screeching on the road below 2) the additional traffic that would be caused by the proposed church would be extremely dangerous 3) she has witnessed several bad traffic accidents in this area 4) she agreed a church is needed in the community as it is in every community and 5) her family tak~ a drive into the village of Saratoga, which is only a few minutes away., to attend church services. Dr. Hoffman, 18579 Vessing Road, stated that 1) he concurred with all the statements mentioned by his neighbors 2) a short drive will take him and his family to the existing churches in Saratoga 3) he did not understand why the site at Martha and Quito, which was approved by the Planning Commission, was not used.4) if it is going to be in the neighborhood then it should be lef.t up to the people living in the area whether a Use 'Permit is granted and.5) the church will generate additional traffic and along with the proposed Stepovich subdivision a thoroughfare type of street will be the result. Chairman NortOn explained that the City cannot delegate the authority to determine the approval of a Use Permit to small private groups. Mrs. Christensen, 18510 Sobey Road, stated that 1) she was a member of the Congregational Church, but.not this particular one 2) another site for this church was turned down by the Planning Commission due to traffic problems and 3) she felt this site would cause worse problems and suggested the request be denied. Mrs. Anna Mae Krause, 18564 Vessing Court, stated that 1) she would like to talk with the minister who indicated they were a selfish community 2) she ~alked to her minister and he had told h~"churches are big business and you ~de and 3) her doors will be open to the representa- hav'e to protect your res' nce" rive of the church to discuss the matter. Mrs. Millie Bernstein, resident of the area, stated that 1) it is her feeling that the Planning Commission has a responsibility to the community to utilize the little vacant land left to the best interest of the entire community 2) she felt putting a church on this site would not be utilizing it to the best interest of all especially since there are some sites which would be more appropriate and 3) the Planning Commission should visit the site for an inspection. Mr. Scott Smith, 14751Quito Road, stated that 1) the people present to support the church did not live in the immediate neighborhood and 2) he did not think the people who liveZin the neighborhood would change their faith. Miss Cheryl Hambey, 18600 Vessing Road, stated she would like to know why the church site at Martha and Quito Road was turned down by the Church Board. Reverend Henderson stated 1) he was a member of the Board of Churches which represented different faiths and reviewed all proposed construction of new churches 2) the Martha-Quito location was an.area that already had two churches within a one-half mile radius and 3) the lady who secured the subject property for the church is present and has indicated that this is about the last site available in the area that would be suitable for a church. Chairman Norton, in answer to an inquiry from Mr. Reis, explained that the church has provided for more parking on their map than would be required by the Zoning Ordinance. .4. Planning Commission Minutes - 22 April 1968 - Continued iI~ C. UP-148 - Continued Miss Alita Young, member of the Youth Group from the Congregational Church, wondered why nothing has been done about the traffic situation in this area. Mrs. Elkington, realtor that located the site for the church, stated that shelis interested in knowing the location of all the available property mentioned by several people. ~. Metzger, 18540 Vessing'Road, stated that Vessing Road narrows down to a one-car width and if the church goes in the residents will not even be able to get out while services are being held. Mr. Warren Heid advised that 1) this is intended to be a two-year program 2) it is a permitted'use with a Use Permit and 3) the church may. triple its present membership of fifty people. Mrs. Elkington stated that 1) they have looked very hard and have not been able to locate another site and 2) maybe one bit of good will come of this and that will be that Quito Road will be widened now instead Of ten years from now. The residents of the area unanimously stated they were not interested in getting Quito Road widened at this time. Mrs. Blanchette, wife of Reverend Blanchette, stated 1) the church has been trying for a year-and-a-half to find a suitable location and 2) she felt it is heartbreaking to see people put the value of property above ideals. Jeff Smith, member of the Church Youth Group,'stated 1) his group was look- ing for new members and 2) at present their main goal'is to establish a.' ~ permanent location. After discussion, Chairman Norton (8:50 P~M.)'closed the hearing for the evening, referred lIP- 148 to the Subdivision Committee and continued same to the next regular meeting. i Commissioner Crisp, on behalf of the Subdivision Committee, arranged for a meeting on Saturday, 4 May 1968 at 9:00 A.M. with the representatives of the church. III. BUILDING SITES AND SUBDIVISIONS ~._ A. SDR-732 -.Franklin Homes Company, Fourth Street and Saratoga Creek'- .. Building Site Approval - 1 Lot'-'Continued from 8 April 1968 Commissioner Smith stated that the applicant submitted a letter of exte~,sion and recommended that SDR-732 be continued to the next regular meeting. Chairman Norton so directed. B. SDR-740 - S. L. Tyler and G. S. Kocher, Fourth Street,'- ' Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 8 April 1968 Commissioner Smith stated that a letter of extension was received' from the applicant.and then recommended that SDR-740 be continued to allow further time ~o.work out problems with Flood .Control.. Chairman Norton so directed. -5- Planning Commission Minutes - 22 April 1968 - Continued III. C. SDR-744 -Neil Kirkham~ Sobey Road - BuildinS'Site Approval - 1 Lot The Secretary read a petition received from residents of the Ve~sing'~ Road area (21 signatures) stating they object to the use of Vessing Road for ingress and egress for this building site and the proposed Stepovich subdivision. Chairman Norton explained that 1)' in most instances the subdivider is required to improve the road and 2) the subdivider is required by the Subdivision Ordinance to provide,.two'~mean~ of~access. Mrs. Reis stated she preferred to see. Vessing Road remain a dead-end street. The Secretary explained that the Stepovich subdivision does not have access to Vessing Road but will be able to get access across the Kirkham property. Chairman Norton advised that anyone wishing to discuss this matter with ...... "' the Subdivision Committee could call Mr. Walker, Planning Commission Secretary, to set up!an appointment. Commissioner Crisp advised that the Subdivision Committee planned to meet to review SDR-744 and SD-746 on Saturday, 4 May 1968 at 10:00 A.M. Chairman Norton directed that all matters discussed relative to SDR-744 be applied to SD-746 as well. Captain McKenzie, 18680 Vessing Road, stated that his job at Boeing Air- craft dealt entirely with traffic safety and if additional traffic is routed over Vessing - numerous deaths will occur. Commissioner Crisp stated that the Subdivision Committee will visit the site of an on-site inspection along with the Public Works Director. After discussion, Chairman Norton directed this matter continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Subdivision Committee for study. D. SDR~745 -Jens Hunseid, E1Camino Grande - Buildin~ Site Approval - 1 Lot Commissioner Smith explained that a portion of this property has already been approved by the Planning Commission. The Secretary stated that all the proposed conditions of approval stated in the Building Site Committee Report of 22 April 1968 have already been met. Com~nissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the Building Site Commit'tee Report of 22 April 1968 relative to SDR-745 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A'.7, filed 10 April 1968) be approved subject to the conditions set forth i~'said report; mQtion carried unanimously. E. SD-746 - Dr. Michael L. Stepovich, Sobey Road - Subdivision Approval.- 21 Lots \, See SDR-744 for discussion relative to this matter. Chairman Norton directed this matter continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Subdivision Committee for study. Planning Con~nission Minutes 22 April 1968 - Continued IV. A. A-275 -.Atlantic Richfield 'Company', Cox Avenue and Paseo Presada - Final DesignL Review--~.-Ide.n.~ification Sign - Continued from 8 April 1968 ...... Con~nissioner Smith stated that the Design Review Committee met with the applicant and discussed this application. The Assistant Planner read the Sta'ff Report dated 22 April 1968 reconmending that Final Design Review be granted for A-275. Chairman Norton directed that the subject report. be amended as follows: paragraph 1. .line 6. .add. ."all letters of which are to be twelve inches high;" .between the words sign and and. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Conunissioner L~vely, to adopt,leo amended, the Staff Report of 22 April 1968 recommending that Final Design Review be granted A-275 as shown on Exhibits "B", "C", and "D" and subject to the conditions:: stated in said report; motion carried unanimously. B. A-280 - Cable Car Restaurant, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Final Design Review - Identification Sign - Continued from 8 April 1968 Commissioner Smith stated that the Design Review Committee met to review this application and agreed that all temporary sign should be removed.= The Assistant Planner read the Staff Report dated 22 April 1968 recommending that Final Design Review be granted for the Cable Car Restaurant. Identification Sign. Chairman Norton directed that the subject report be amended as follows: Condition b). .under paragraph 2. .be changed to read. . "b) All temporary signs, flags~ sandwich boards, and including the small sign painted on front (facade) of cable car, be completely eliminated." After discussion, Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Lively, to .adopt, as amended, the Staff Report of 22 April 1968 recommending that' Final Design be granted A-280 as shown on Exhibits "A" and "B" and subject to the conditions stated in said report;.'.motiOn carried unanimously. V~. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Commissi~oner Crisp gave a brief summary of items reviewed at the City Council meeting of 17 April 1968. He then stated that one item of special interest was the appointment of Adm. Ralph M. Metcalf to the Planning Commission. Chairman Norton stated that Commissioner LivelX volunteered to go to the City Council meeting originally scheduled for attendance by. Commissioner McFall who has retired. VI. OLD BUSINESS C-86 - Neil K. Chase, Saratoga Avenue.- Request for ExtenSion The Secretary stated that the applicant submitted at the 8 April. 1968 meeting a letter requesting.an extension of ten days in order to allow time to'submit the necessary information requested by the Planning Commission. '\ -7- 'Planning Commission Minutes - 22 April 1968 - Continued VI. A. C-86 - Continued The Secretary further stated that 1) the applicant has now submitted a · revised letter requesting a one-year extension from the original date of expiration (10 April 1968) subject to submittal of new plans within sixty days from 10 April 1968 and 2) the Subdivision Committee met with the new prospective buyer of this property to discuss development plans. Conumissioner Smith, in answer to an inquiry from Chairman Norton, stated that there is really no good use other than' the one proposed that can be made of this property. Mr. Shannon Ligh'tfoot, realtor, in answer to an inquiry from Chairman Norton, stated that the new buyer has sound financial backing and should be able to produce some workable plans in the near future. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Lively, that the 22 January 1968 report relative to C-86 be amended to show an' expiration date of 10 June 1968 and a Condition (3) be added as follows: "3) Subject to submittal of acceptable plan by 10 June 1968 by the applicant or his representative an extension of ten additional months will be granted; thereby, making the expiration date 10 April 1969 " and that such recommendation be forwarded to the City Council as the action of the Planning Commission; motion carried unanimously. B. GENERAL PLAN COMMITTEE REPORT-- P~E: CO~,NENTS REQUESTED IN REGARD TO PARK PROPOSALS AN~D HERRIMAN AVENUE EXTENSION Commissioner Johnson (after reading communications received from Mr. J. R. Huff, City Administrator and Mr. Larry LiVingston, Jr., Planning Consultant) read ·'the General Plan Committee Report of 22 April 1968 stating their recommend~- ations relative to parks and the Herriman Avenue Extension. After ·discussion, Commissioner Johnson moved, seconded by Commissioner Smith, that the General Plan Committee Report dated 22 April 1968 be adopted and forwarded to the City Council as the recommendation of the Planning Commission; motion carried with Commissioner Metcalf abstaining. C. POLLARD ROAD AND QUITO ROAD - Removal of Trees by Flood Control The·Secretary, in answer to an inquiry from Commissioner Lively, explained that the City Officials met with. the Flood Control Officials to discuss a system by which the City of Saratoga will be informed, in advance, of any tree removal anticipated by the Flood Control Department. · VII. NEW BUSINESS '- '-'~ NONE VIII. COMMUNICATIONS A. WRITTEN 1. CITY OF C~MPBELL GENERAL PLAN REPORT The Secretary stated that a letter with a copy of the Campbell General Plan was recieved from the City of Campbell. He further stated that the letter requested that any comments or suggestions the Saratoga Planning Commission may have be for~mrded to them. -8- Planning Commission Minutes - 22 April 1968 - Continued VIii. A. 1. CAMPBELL GENEI~L PL,~N - CONTINUED Chairman Norton referred the matter to the General Plan Committee and directed that copies of the letter and the attached General Plan be made available to the Committee. 2. FENCE AT THE CORNER OF MELLON AND SARATOGA AVENUE The Secretary read a letter received from Me. & Mrs. Pavlovic, Jr. expressing their concern over five-to-six-foot front yard wall fences and then read a copy of a letter to Mr. & b~s. Pavlovic from the Mayor informing them that they could contact the Planning Department relative to any problems resulting from subject fences. The Secretary, in"answer t6 an inquiry from Chairman Norton, advised that 1) the Zoning Ordinance permits six-foot front yard fences except close to intersections and 2) most deed restriction do not allow front yard fences. ~. Norman Martin, Vice President of the Prides Crossing Homeowner's Associatio~ stated that 1) it is quite costly for one homeowner to enforce deed restrictions on another homeowner. After discussion, Chairman Norton referred the matter to the Subdivision Committee for study. 3. KING DODO PLAYERS - Request'F'0r Extension The Secretary read a letter submitted by Joleen Holm, on behalf of the King Dodo Players, requesting a one year extension for their indoor theater. After discussion,.Chairman Norton directed the matter continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the SubdiViSion Committee for study and a report. B. ORAL A-282 - Rocke Garcia, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Final Design Reivew - Identification Sign ~. Rocke Garcia stated that 1) he will be opening a liquor store on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road between the Cable Car Restaurant and the Speedee...:. M~rt 2) he ordered the sign for the liquor store prior to filing for the sign permit 3) he has-no~.Sub~tted, for review, exhibits showing the proposed sign and 4) he would appreciate the Planning Commission approving the subject sign at this meeting. Chairman Norton then read the Staff Report dated 22 April 1968 recommending that Final Design Review be granted'for the proposed identification sign. ":ii,"' After discussion, Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Lively, that the Staff Report dated 22 April 1968 relative to A-282 be adopted and and Final Design Review be granted for the sign as shown on Exhibits "A", "B'~ and "C" and subject to the conditions stated in said report; motion' carried unanimously. GUESTS :: Chairman Norton acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence of Councilman Smith, Mrs. Ottenberg of the League of Women Voters, Mrs. Arlene Wilberding and M~. Ted Lyons of the Good Government Group, and Mr. Norman Martin, Vice President of the Prides Crossing Homeowners Association. He, also, thanked Mrs. Wilberding for the coffee served at recess. -9- PlanninS Commission Minutes - 22 April 1968 - Continued VIII. B. ORAL - CONTINUED Chairman Norton, on behalf of the entire Commission, bid Commissioner Smith Bon Voyage since he is leaving for a two month tour of Europe. IX. ADJOUP, N~'-mNT The Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 10:25 P.M. Res~St'~an'~'~, Secretary Saratoga Planning Commission -10-