HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-12-1968 Planning Commission Minutes (2) ... . CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
TIMe: Tuesday, 12 November 1968, 7:30 P,M,
PLACE: City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CalifOrnia
i TYPE: Regular bieeti. ng
I, ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
.~ A, ROLL CALL
"' ~ Present: Commissioners Crisp, Eraus, Lively, Metcalf, Norton, and Smith.
..... Absent: None, "
."' '.. B. MINUTES
.. ]'-. 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'
"'f':':' .,:] Chairman Norton stated that 1) it was an"un~'l~asant '~'xpe'ri~n¢'e"~'o return
~-.. .. from his trip and find the chair to the left Of him vacant due to the death of
.. Commission~r~ Johnson 2) his contributions to the Planning Commission will
.....= ..f= . .never be forgotten and 3) he wished to extend, to the family of Commissioner
-', Johnson, the sympathy:.of:.-the 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
wot~ld be forwarded to the Johnson family,
D, CHAIRMAN NORTON RE VOTING
" Chairman Norton stated that he would not vote on nmtters .that wore discussed
at meetings during his absence; howover, he would vote when necessary to
provide a quorum,
II. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A, C-120 - Clarence 14. 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
C"The"hearing]fr_e__l'.~'_t..i_V_e]if't'~"Cl'i'20'f.~s resumed at 7:36 P.H. The Secretary stated
.... nothihg new had been added 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.14. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Metcalf, to
close the hearing relative to C-120; motion carried.unanimously..
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.'. P~lanning Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued.· ']'
7'.',="i'.~ II. A." 'C-120 - Continued ,
"...'!""'= ""=' "' Report dated 12 November 1968 relative to C-120 |2~ ~.,,Jol,~ted (wi'th par'ticu'].ar
'.'.' attention .t~ the Note stated in said report) and that the subject application
· ' ':' f,)~' 1-e-.z,~ni~'~. to Visitor Cox~m~ercial (C-y) be recommended to the City Council
" '.~'~','.': ~Fl.~'-~.'¥aL~. ~'~ t-h~, basis that the findings required under Section 1.1 of
'. ~ratoga Zoning ~'dinance NS-3 can be mde and that it is in accordance with
the Saratoga General Plan; motion carried with Chairran 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-/.amily Residential) -Continued from 14 October 1968
The hearing relative to C-118 ~s not opened since the Secretary stated that
the applicant had submitted a letter requesting that this miter be continued
to 9 December 1968. He f~ther stated that an invitation had been received,
fr~ the Saratoga Chamber of Cometee, for an open forum to be held on
20 November 1968 at the First Valley Bank in Saratoga to discuss the subject
application.
Chairmn Norton, with concurrence of the Planning Comission, directed this
miter continued to 9 December 1968 and removed from the agenda until that
t ime.
C. ~-158 - Seminaries & Institutes of Religion - Church of Jesus Christ of'
... ~tter Day Saints, Allendale Avenue - Request for Use Permit to
Allow a College of Religious Instruction and Worship - Continued
fr~ 28 October 1968
· .. The hearing relative to ~-158. ~s not opened. The Secretary read a
comunication received fr~ ~. Richard W. Lindfo~d'.'requesttng 1) that
this miter be continued to 25 November 1968 and 2) an appointment be
arranged with the Subdivision Comittee for 18 November 1968.
Chairmn Norton, ~th concurrence of the Planning Comission, directed
this miter continued to the meeting of 25 November 1968.
D.' ~-159 - Saratoga Heights Mutual Water Company, Quickerr Road - Request for
Use Permit to Allow Construction of Two (2) New ~ter Tanks and a
Pump - Continued from 28 October 1968
E. UP-160 - Saratoga Heights Mutual Water Company, Canyon View ~ive - Request
for Use Permit to Allow Construction of a New Water Storage Tank -
Continued 'from 28 October 1968
In view of the fact that both of these requests concern the same applicant
the Planning C~ission decided to consider them at the same time.
Co~issioner ~aus and Co~issioner 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 ~-159 reco~end-
ing that the subject request for two new water tanks be granted and 2) =cad
the Staff Report relative to UP-160 reco~ending that the subject request for
a new ~ter storage tank be granted.
At 7:56 P.M. Co~lssioner Crisp moved, sec6nded by Co~issioner Metcalf, to
· . close· the hearings'~.'relative~:~o ~-159 and UP-160; motion carried ~ith
PlanninM Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued
II.' D. UP-159 - Continued
· g. UP-160 - Continued
Commissioner 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 (UP-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 abstaining,
F. V-320 - Dr, Michael Kowitz, Pike Road - Request for Variance in Connection
with Front and Side Yard Setback Requirements
The hearing relative t6 V-320 was opened at 7:58 P,M, The Secretary stated
... the Notices of Hearing 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. ,
.'r..' 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 wi.th 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 is
necessarys but he has made no attempt to provide same~
Commissioner Smith. ·moved, seconded by Commission_e_r' Met.~a_!__f..~.~..._t_.o__._d._en
.... 0_f t.h.e._~.en.._t.a.t__iy._e_ ma~..in connection with SD-759;.. ..... = ..................... ~ ..................
commissioner"s~i~h', 'in answer to an inquiry from Commissioner Lively, stated
that the tentative map ms 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,·'.
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· ' · Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued
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III. A. SD-759 - Continued
Chairm~n Norton recommended that 1) SD-759 not be denied if a letter
.t 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 ageride 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 w~th Chairman Norton abstaining.
B. SDR-767 - M.V.S. Company, Saratoga Avenue
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 Conun~ttee
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 - Buildin~ Site Approval - 1 Lot
Conmissioner Smith stated that the 'conditions of approval relative to this-
.application were ready.
The Secretary stated that the applicant has reviewed the proposed condition~
" 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'.-
Chair~n Norton abstaining.
D. SDR-787 - Howard B. Bennion,. quito Road - Buildin~ Site Approval - 1 Lot
The applicant was present and after reviewing~.: the proposed conditions
of ~pproval questioned Condition II-D ('pertaining to underground utilities)
of the Building Site Committee Report dated 12 November 1968. He fu=ther
stated that the entire area is serviced by overhead electric service.
Chairman Norton explained to the applicant that if he felt this ~ms a
matter of serious concern then action relative to SDR-787 could be postponed
and the applicant can mee~ 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
w~thin 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.
Corm~issioner 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; too=ion carried w~th Chairman
Norton abstaining.
Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued
IV. DESIGN REVIEW .
Pole Si5ns
Commissioner L. ively stated that a memo stating the'.foilowing proposed
amendment to Section 10.2 of the Zoning Ordinance has been distribUt~'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 lO 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 Co.~ittee 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) A Resolution passed .'in memory of 'CommiSSioner john'S~n~l.~
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 point.ed out that the Mayor suggested
that the Park and Recreation Commission meet with the
Planning Connnittee 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~77877-.- Robert..Lewis, Sobey Road - Request for Reconsideration
The Secretary stated that Mr. Lewis requested reconsideration of Condition
II-B. The Secretary then recommended, with concurrence of the Subdivision
Committee, that the revised reports-. 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-feet.:wide
· at property line flared to 24-feet at
existing street pa'ving."
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· Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 12 November 1968 - Continued
VI. A. SDR-778 - Continued ,
The applicant w~s 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 - GeorMe B. Clark, 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 w~s discovered on the property and 3) there
may not be a single historical building in Saratoga but aFrctOse'!.w~tch should
be observed.
Chairman' Norton pointed out that Commissioner Metcalf is concerned about
buildings that may possibly have some historical value.
Chairmaa Norton stated he ms 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
.- .............pO_..bu~ldipg w.i_~h__.~_~.9.r_.~a._l_. vj_l}~_e__c_an 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. COMM[rNICATIONS
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. G~ORGIAN 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 directed 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 Commission, extended a
"welcome-baCk" to Chairman Norton
IX. ADJOURNMENT !~ ""'-
Chairman Norton adjourned the meeting at 9:05 P.M.
Saratoga Planning Commission