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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-1968 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TI~E: 'Tuesday, 12 November 1968, 7:30 P.M. PLACE: City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, Califo. rnia TYPE: Regular Meeti. ng ROUTINE ORGANIZATION A. ROLL GALL ~.' Present: Commissioners Crisp, Kraus, Lively, Metcalf, Norton, and Smith. Absent: None. " B. bIINUTES Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Lively, that the reading of the minutes of the 28 October 1968 meeting be waived and they be approved as distributed to the Commission; motion carried unanimously. C. TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER JOHNSON Chairman Norton stated that 1) it was ~n..unp'~asant."~'xp.e'rie'n~e'.'t.'~ return from his trip and find the chair to the left Of him vacant due to the death of Commissioner.~ Johnson 2) his contributions to the Planning Commission will .. .never be forgotten and 3) he wished to extend, to the family of Commissioner · Johnson, the sympathy.'of.'~he entire Planning Commission. Commissioner Metcalf stated that Commissioner Johnson will certainly be missed by everyone and recommended that some formal communication be for- warded to Commissioner Johnsonts family expressing the feeling.- of the · . Planning Commission. Chairman Norton, with concurrence.. of the Planning Commission, stated that a .. letter would be drafted by him'and the Planning Commission Secretary and wo,~ld be forwarded to the JOhnson family. D. CHAIRMAN NORTON RE VOTING Chairman Norton state~ that he would not vote on matters .that were discussed at meetings during his absence; however, he would vote when necessary to provide a quorum. II. PUBLIC HEARINGS ..A.- C-120 - Clarence W. Neale, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Request for Change of Zoning from "Conditional Community Commercial" (C-C) to "Visitor Commercial" (C-V) - Continued from 28 October 1968 · :.~"The'hear~ng relS'tfve"t0' C-'~26'.]~s resumed at 7:36 P.M. The Secretary stated .... nothing new'h'~"'~'e'e'~"add'ed to the file. No one in the audience wished to comment. The Secretary read the Staff Report dated 12 November 1968 recommending that this request for re-zoning be approved. At 7:44 P.M. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Metcalf, to close the hearing relative to C-120; motion carried unanimously.. -1- '.~.,.~ . .~, .i.; =' ............. ~_ ........ : ...........................~ ................................................................ Planning Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued II. A. C-120 - Continued 0 Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the Staff Report dated 12 November 1968 relative to C-120 be adopted (with particular attention to the Note stated in said report) and that the subject application for re-zoning to Visitor Comanercial (CT~) be recommended to the City Council for approval on the basis that the findings required under Section 1.1 of Saratoga Zoning Ordinance NS-3 can be made and that it is in accordance with the Saratoga General Plan; motion carried with Chairman Norton abstaining. B. C-118 - B. T. Galeb and Milan Popovich, Zorka Avenue and Ted Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning from "R-l-10,000" (Single-Family Residential) to "R-M-3,000" (Multi-.F.,.ami.ly Residential) -Continued from 14 October 1968 The hearing relative to C-118 was not opened since the Secretary stated that the applicant ·had submitted a letter requesting that this matter be continued to 9 December 1968. He further stated that an invitation had been received, from the Saratoga Chamber of Commerce, for an open forum to be held on 20 November 1968 at the First Valley Bank in Saratoga to discuss the subject application. Chairman Norton, with concurrence of the Planning Commission, directed this matter continued to 9 December 1968 and removed from the agenda until that time. C. UP-158 - Seminaries & Institutes of Religion - Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints, Allendale Avenue - Request for Use Permit to Allow a College of Religious Instruction and Worship - Continued from 28 October 1968 The hearing relative to UP-158 was not opened. The Secretary read a communication received from Dr. Richard W. Lindford.requesting 1) that this matter be continued to 25 November 1968 and 2) an appointment be arranged with the Subdivision Committee for 18 November 1968. Chairman Norton, with concurrence of the Planning Commission, directed this matter continued to the meeting of 25 November 1968. D. UP-159 - Saratoga Heights Mutual Water Company, Quickert Road - Request for Use Permit to Allow Construction of Two (2) New Water Tanks and a P.u.mp - Continued from 28 October 1968 E. UP-160 - Saratoga Heights Mutual Water Company, Canyon View Drive - Request for Use Permit to Allow Construction of a New Water Storage Tank - Conti~ued ·from 28 October 1968 In view of the fact that both of these requests concern the same applicant the Planning Commission decided to consider them at the same time. Commissioner Kraus and Commissioner Smith requested that they be excused from discussion and voting relative to these application since they were both members of the Saratoga Heights Mutual Water Company. The Assistant Planner 1) read the Staff Report relative to UP-159 recommend- ing that the subject request for two new water tanks be granted and 2) read the Staff Report relative to UP-160 recommending that the subject request for a new water storage tank be granted. At 7:56 P.M. Commissioner Crisp moved, sec6nded by Commissioner Metcalf, to close the hearings'~'re.lativeinto UP-159 and UP-160; motion carried with Commissioners, Eraus and Smith abstaining. Chairman.Norton voted .to provide a..quorum. ..... ..:. -2- ? PlanninM Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued II. D. UP-159 - Continued .E. UP-160 - Continued Commission&r Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Metcalf, that the Staff Report dated 12 November 1968 relative to UP-159 and UP-160 be adopted and the request for two new water tanks (UP-159) and one new water storage tank (LrP-160) be approved subject to the conditions stated in said report; motion carried with Chairman Norton voting in order to provide a quorum and Commissioner Smith and Commission Kraus absta.ining. F. V-320 - Dr. Michael Kowitz, Pike Road - Request for Variance in Connection with Front and Side Yard Setback Requirements The hearing relative tO V-320 was opened at 7:58 P.M. The Secretary stated the Notices of Nearing were mailed and then briefly reviewed this application.' Mrs. Kowitz was present and stated that 1) the map submitted shows a steep decline to the rear of the property 2)? this decline decreases the amount of property actually available for construction of a house and 3). the Variance is requested to avoid a structure that would have the appearance of a straight brick wall. , Mr. Olaf Skaar stated 1) he owned the property located below the Kowitz'~ property and 2) 'he would like to examine the plans submitted relative to the subject Variance. Chairman Norton informed Mr. Skaar that 1) he could review the plans at the end of the meeting or 2) the plans are available at City Hall at anytime. Chairman Norton closed the hearing for the evening at 8:03 P.M., directed V-203 continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Variance Committee for study. Commissioner Crisp, on behalf of the Variance Committee, arranged for an appointment with the applicant, Mrs. Kowitz, for an on-site.inspection for 9:30 A.M., Saturday, 16 November 1968. Commissioner Lively stated he would stand-in as a temporary member of the Variance Committee. III. SUBDIVISIONS AND BUILDING SITES A. SD-759 - Pete Rajkovich, Prospect Road - Subdivision Approval - 112 Lots - Continued from 28 October 1968 Commissioner Smith stated that 1). the Subdivision Committee met with the applicant sometime ago 2) the tentative map submitted by the applicant is not adequate and 3) the applicant has been informed that,a revised map i's necessary, but he has made no attempt to provide same. Commissioner Smith..moved, seconded by Commissio~r__~.~_f_,.=..~_~en~ 9pproy~ ........ _.o~ the .ten~.i~e ma.p.. in connection with SD-759;,. Commissioner Smith, in answer to an inquiry from Commissioner Lively, stated that the tentative map was inadequate since it did not show the following: 1) trees 2) topography and 3) two main access roads. -... The Secretary stated that 1) Mr. Grant Emery is!'under the impression that his existing extension will carry until 18 November 1968 and 2) if a letter of extension is received prior to 18 November 1968 the application would remain active. -3- PlanninS Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued III. A. SD-759 - Continued Chairman Norton recommended that 1) SD-759 not be denied if a letter of extension and a revised map is received before 18 November 1968 and 2) a letter be transmitted to the applicant's representative stating items required on the tentative map and that this application cannot remain on the agenda idefinitely without some action by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Metcalf, to amend his previous motion and that SD-759 be denied unless a letter of extension and a revised tentative map be submitted prior to 18 November 1968; motion carried with Chairman Norton abstaining. B. SDR-767 - M.V.S. Company, Saratoga Avenue - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 28 October 1968 Commissioner Smith stated that this applicant has an extension. which will keep his file active until 25 November 1968 and the Subdivision Committee is still awaiting submittal of a'revised tentative map; therefore, a continuance is recommended for SDR-767. Chairman Norton so directed. C. SDR-786 - John (Bud) Gardner, Winn Road - Bu~.lding Site Approval - 1 Lot Commissioner Smith stated that the 'conditions of approval relative to this- application were ready. The Secretary stated that the applicant has reviewed the proposed conditions " of approval and has expressed satisfaction of same. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the Building Site Committee Report of 12 November 1968 relative to SDR-786 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 1 November 1968) be approved · - subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried with'.-.. Chairman Norton abstaining. D. SDR-787 - Howard B. Bennion. Quito Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot The applicant was present and after reviewingl,; the proposed conditions of ~pproval questioned Condition II-D ('pertaining to underground utilities) of the Building. Site Committee Report dated 12 November 1968. He further stated that the entire.area is serviced by overhead electric service. Chairman Norton explained to the applicant that if he felt this was a matter of serious concern then action relative to SDR-787.could be postponed and the applicant can meet with the Subdivision Committee to discuss the matter further or~the Building Site Committee Report of 12 November 1968 can be adopted, as is, and reconsideration of Condition II-D can'be requested within thirty days. The applicant indicated that.he preferred that the Building Site Committee Report.be approved at this time with the understanding that reconsideration can be requested at a later date. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp,.that the Building Site Committee Report of 12 November 196~ relative to SDR-787 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 1 November 1968) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried with Chairman Norton abstaining. -4- Planning Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued IV, DESIGN REVIEW 0 Pole Si5ns Commissioner Lively stated that a memo stating the .follOwing proposed amendment to ~ection 10.2 of the Zoning Ordinance has been distrib~lt~d" to the members of the Commission: "No free-standing pole sign shall be permitted; except as a means of identifying a shopping center, or as the means of listing the enterprises located within a shopping center.'.~ An amortization period of 10 years from date of sign erection, or date of ratification of this ordinance; which ever is earlier, is hereby established for existing, non-conforming pole signs. Commissioner Metcalf stated that 1) 'there is nothing in the Zoning Ordinance that would prevent each shop. in a shopping center from having its own free-standing pole sign and 2) this fact was brought to the attention of the ·.Design Review Committee when the First National Bank · 'at the Quito Shopping Center made application for a sign of this type. V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Commissioner Metcalf gave a summary of items reviewed and action taken at the City Council meeting of 6 November 1968, with emphasis on the following items: ........... ~) A Resolution passed .in memory of' 'CommiSsioner.JohnsOn .... for presentation to' the Johnson. family. b) Three reports received from the Park and Recreation Commission relative to 1) Sanborn Park 2) Pathways Policy Statement and 3) Pathways along Saratoga Creek from Wildwood toward the hills. Commissioner Metcalf pointed out that the Mayor suggested that the Park and Recreation Connnission meet with the Planning Committee of the City Council and the Subdivision Committee of the Planning Commission to discuss these reports. Commissioner Crisp stated that 1) he has always been a strong supporter of pathways 2) one thing that should be considered seriously relative to the pathways program is the maintenance and 3) the location of the pathways should also be considered very carefully (along the creek bank or back and away from the creek). VI. OLD BUSINESS A} · SDR~778.' '-.. Robert .Lewis, Sqbey Road - Request for Reconsideration The Secretary stated that Fir. Lewis requested reconsideration of Condition II-B. The Secretary then recommended, with concurrence of the Subdivision Committee, that the revised reportf, dated 12 November 1968 (with amended Condition II-B) be adopted. :--.. '} Commissioner Crisp recommended that Condition II-A.. .line 1.. .be changed to read as follows: "A, Construct driveway approach 16-fee==.wide . at property line flared to 24-feet at existing street paving," Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued VI. A. SDR-778 - Continued The applicant was present and stated that in order to comply with Condition II-B, as stated in the. revised report, he would need the permission. of his neighbor (Ramke); therefore, it may be necessary to revert back to the original condition if the Ramke's do not grant their permission. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the amended Building Site Committee Report of 12 November 1968 relative to SDR-778 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 3 October 1968) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. B. SDR-784 - George B. Cla.rk, Houston Court - Request for Reconsideration The Secretary stated that the applicant Submitted a letter requesting reconsideration of condition relative to underground utilities. The Secretary then recommended that the subject request be referred to the Subdivision Committee for study. Chairman Norton so directed. C. Corridor Lots The Secretary stated that 1) a report has been prepared by the Assistant Planner recommending that corridor lots shall be 20,000-square feet in size 2) this recommendation is made to reduce crowding and over-develop- ment of open-space land and 3) the.report is submitted for review by the Planning Commission and will consequently be submitted to the City Attorney for preparation of a formal amendment. Chairman Norton directed the subject continued Until such time as said amendment is completed. VII. NEW BUSINESS HISTORICAL STRUCTURES The Secretary, in answer to an inquiry, stated that the City of Saratoga Building Department does require a demolition permit. Commissioner Metcalf stated that 1) the reason he brought up the question is that the Subdivision Committee recently reviewed a map that did not ,indicate an existing structure on the property 2) when visiting the site an occupied house in perfectly good condition was discovered on the property and 3) there may not be a single historical building in Saratoga but arLzclOse'!.watch should be observed. Chairman Norton pointed out' that Commissioner Metcalf is concerned about .. buildings that may possibly have some historical value. Chairma~ Norton stated he was wondering about the legality of preventing someone from demolitioning a building if they so desired. The Secretary explained that the map in question had shown the existing structures. He further stated that in some communities historical zones are established where ................. no .bu~ldipg ._w..ith_._h..i.~_t_~i_.c_a_1 value can be dest. royed .... Chairman Norton directed the Secretary to work out a method by which the .. Subdivision Committee can be informed relative to applications that may ",.. 'include a structure that may possibly be demolished. ,\ - Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued VIII. COMMUNICATIONS A. WRITTEN 1. PARKS AND OPEN SPACE TOUR The Secretary read an invitation issued to the Staff and Planning Commissioner, received from the .League of Women Voter, for a car tour of the parks and open-space in the are to be held Saturday, 23 November 1968. 2. GEORGIAN HOUSE The Secretary read a communication received from Stanley F. Forster requesting permission to install a small 20-foot line pole on his property in order that a line may be strung for seperate service for a small house on the rear of their property which they are planning to sell. Chairman Norton directed the matter continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Subdivision Committee for study. 3. FLOOD CONTROL The Secretary read a communication received from the Santa Clara County Flood Control and Water District requesting official approval of the easement abandonments shown on the exhibits attached to said communication. Chairman Norton directed the Secretary to consult with the Director of Public Works and prepare a.Staff Report informing the Planning Commission of their decision. 4. SDR-783 - Ross Smith, Oak Street ~ Request for Reconsideration of Conditions The Secretary stated that a letter was submitted by the applicant requesting reconsideration of road improvements relative to his Building Site Approval application SDR-783. Chairman Norton ~irected SDR-783 continued to the next regular meeting on 25 November 1968 and referred same to the Subdivision Committee for study. B. ORAL GUESTS Chairman Norton acknowledged, with pleasure the presence of City Councilman Jerry Smith, Mrs. Stark and Mr. Ted Lyons of the Good Government Group, RETURN OF CHAIRMAN NORTON Commissioner Smith, on behalf of the Planning Co~!ssion, extended a "welcome-back" to Chairman Norton IX. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Norton adjourned the meeting at 9:05 P.M. Res ectfully submi ted, Saratoga Planning Conm~ssion J -7-