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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-25-1968 Planning Commission Minutes (2) CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINLFI'ES TIbZ: Monday, 25 November 1968, 7:30 P.M. PLACE: City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners. Bacon, Crisp, Kraus, Lively Metcalf, Norton, and Smith. .~'i :i Absent: None. B. MINUTES Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the reading of the minutes of the 12 November 1968 meeting be waived and they be approved as distributed'to the C0mm~Ssion".subject. to~the"foilowing"'Ch~nges: page 2. .add to paragraph 1. .under II. E. UP-160. "The Secretary stated there were no further communications and no one in the audience wished to comment "' page 4. .paragraph 2.. .under III. A. SD-759. . .delete in line 3.. . "and a revised tentative p; ma" .._,dem0.1it.igning" to "demOlishing" page '6.. .paragraph 6. .change to read.'.'.' .............. Chairman Norton suggested the Secretary review the literature and work out a method by which the Subdivision Committee can be informed relative to applications that may include a significant structure that may possibly be demolished."; motion carried unanimously. C. PRESENTATION OF AN AWarD BY THE CO~jN1Y PLANNING POLICY COF~MITTEE. Chairman Norton introduced Dr. Thomas N. Fast who was present to bestow to the Planning Commission the Urban Development Intergovernemental award for meritorious contributions to Intergovernement relations. Dr. Fast stated that this award was presented chiefly because of the efforts of Commissioner Kraus and former Commissioner Kasner while"they served on the Planning Policy Committee of Santa Clara County. He further stated that this award was presented to the Planning Policy Committee on 24 October 1968 by a Regional Administrator of'the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.' ~ELCOME COmmISSIONER BACON Chairm~n Norton welcomed newly assigned Commissioner Bacon who ~s appointed at the City Council meeting of 20 November 1968. Chairman Norton stated that Commissioner Bacon has extensive experience in engineering and engineering management and the Planning Commission is very happy to have him as a member. .'. -1- Plannin~ CoFmission Minutes - 25 November i968 - Continued I. D. ELECTION OF VICE-C~IR~N Chairman Norton explained that the election of a new Vice-Chairman will fill the vacancy left by the untimely death of CoFmission Johnson. He further stated that the term will expire at the end of January, 1969 and then declared the nominations open. Co~mn~issioner Smith nominated Commissioner Lively as Vice-Chairman of the Commission to the end of January, 1969~ with Commissioner Crisp seconding the nomination. CoFmissioner Lively nominated Connnissioner Smith as Vice-Chairman of [he Comanission, with. Comanissioner Metcalf seconding the nomination.. ConEnissioner Smith stated he would have to decline the nomination because of his responsibilities as Chair~n of the Subdivision Committee. Co~p. issioner Smith moved, seconded by Co~.~nnissioner Kraus~ that nominations be closed; motion carried 'unanimously. It was moved by Commissioner.Crisp and Seconded by Commissioner Smith, that the Secretary be directed to record a unanimous ballot for CommisSioner Lively as Vice-Chairman of the Commission until the end'of January,.1969; motion carried unanimously with Commissioner .Lively abstaining. Chairm~n Norton, on behalf of the Planning Commission, congratulated Corm~issioner Lively. : 'CO~ITTEE APPOINTMENTS Chairman No½~on made the following committee apointments: · .' SD~DIVIS!ON CO~iTTEE GENERAL PLaN COMMITTEE Connnissioner Smith, Chairman Commissioner Lively, Chairman Co~vnnissioner Bacon Commissioner Metcalf Commissioner Crisp Commissioner Smith V~RIANCE COMMITTEE DESIGN REVIEW COI.~ITTEE Co~m~issioner Crisp,' Chairman Commissioner Metcalf, Chairman 'Comanissioner Lively Commissioner Kraus Comnissioner Kraus Commissioner Bacon ii. PUBLIC HEAR~!GS A. ~P-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 12 November 1968 The hearing relative to UP-158 ~zas re-Opened at 7:45 P~M. The Secretary stated the following residents filed letters in opposition'~o the said " application: 1) Mrs. D. L. Shrum 2) ~s. Bradner L. Nisey 3) ~. & Mrs. Jack Vance 4) 'Mr. &Mrs. Leland R. Fry 5) Arthur W. Pryde 6) M~. & M~s. Irwin Federman 7) ~k. & ~s. john E. Basanese., 8) ~/~. & ~ks. W. Currey 9) W. R. Scheible 10) LaVell A. Des Bouillons The Secretary read the letter ~iled by .Mr. & Mrs. W. Currey. The points made against said application in the Currey's letter reflected the opinion of the other letters filed fn opposition to UP-158. -2- Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 25 November 1968 - Continued I!. A. UP-i58 - Continued Dr. Richard W. Lindford, applicant's representative, ~ms present and stated he had no further comments. No one in the audience wished to comment. The Secretary read the Staff Report of 25 November 1968 reco~nending that UP-158 be denied. At 7:53 P.M. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp to close the hearing realrive to UP-158; motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Co~nissioner Metcalf, that the Staff Report dated 25 November 1968 relative to U~158 be adopted and that the request for a college of religion b denied~in accordance with said report; motion carried unanimously~ ~. Chairm~n Norton pointed out that the residents of Saratoga were not in favor of the West Valley Junior College locating in Saratoga, but have now accepted the idea; however, the community does not have to acdept proposed facilities related to college activities. B. V-320 - Dr. Michael Kowitz, Pike Road - Request for Variance in Connection with.Front and Side Yard Setback Requirements - Continued from 12 November 1968 Chairm~n Norton re-opened the hearing relative to V-320 at 7:56 PoM. The Secretary read two communications received from ~. B. Michael Anderson and F~. and ~s. MoCo Berg both filed in opposition to the proposed variance. He, also, read a cormnunication received from~. George P. Tobin (applicant's attorney) requesting that V-320 be continued to the meeting of 9 December 1968. Commissioner Crisp 1) stated that Mr. Tobin should meet with the Variance C. ommittee and 2) recor~aended that, as a nmtter of courtesy, the continuance requested by }~. Tobin should'be granted. Chairman Norton directed the Sec~r~ztar . y to contact Mr. Tobin and advise him to arrange an appointment wi~h the'Variance Committee. ~. Berg was present and indicated he would like to be notified of any further hearing relative to V-320,. Chairman Norton explained that the.next hearing would be on 9 December 1968 and if anyone had any further questions they could contact the Planning Department. At 8:02 PoM° Chairman Norton closed the hearing for the evening, directed V-320 continued to the meeting of 9 December 1968 and referred same to the Variance Committee. I!i. S'JBDiVISiONS AN~ BUILDING SITES A.. SD-759 - Pete Rajkovich, Prospect Road - Subdivision Approval - 112 Lots - Continued from 12 November 1968 Commissioner Smith stated that SD-759 has been continued several times and the Subdivision Committee met with Mr. Emery (applicant's representative) and he stated that the property is now in escrow and should be in new ownership very soon. -3- P!annin~ Co.remission Minutes - 25 November 1968 - Continued III. A. SD-759 - Continued ~{~. Lambourne, representing the applicant, stated that 1) the lengthy negotiations with the State Highway Department relative to this property is the reason for the delay 2) the new o~mer is now prepared to go ahead with this application 3) a new tentative map should be ready for review at the end of the thirty-day requested extension and 4) the property designated for use by.the State Highway Department has been excluded. from further consideration as part of the subdivision. Co~Lmissioner Smith 1) stated that ~. Emery, at the time he met with the Subdivision Committee, indicated that something definite could be presented [o the Planning Commission fQr consideration at the end of thirty-days and 2) reconLmended that this matter be continued to the meeting of 23 December 1968. Chairmzn Norton so directed. B. SDR-767 - MoV.So Company, Saratoga Avenue - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 12 November 1968 Commissioner Smith stated that 1) the extension relative to SDR-767 will expire unless .the Planning Commission takes some action at this time 2) the revised maps (requested by the Subdivision Co.mmittee) have not been submitted and 3) the Subdivision Committee recommends denial of SDR-767. Dr. Warren Sturla, representing 'the applicant, stated that they just today received the requested map showing the alternate access roads. He then submitted a letter granting a thirty-day extension. Commissioner Crisp stated that 1) the Staff spends a lot of time on applications that remain on the agenda for a considerable length of time and 2) there should be a limit as to how much time can be utilized for a small filing fee. Dr. Stur!a stated that 1) they were very anxious to see this application concluded 2) it required considerable time and effort to come up with a complete plan on a project of this scope and size and 3) they have traveled all over the state looking at and comparing different projects of this type. Chairman Norton stated that i) the Planning Con~nission did realize the difficulties involved in a plan of this type and 2) SD-767 will be continued to 9 December 1968 since the applicant did submit a letter of extension. C. SDR-788 - La~ence E. Pohl, Glenmont Drive - Buildin5 Site Approval - 1 Lot The applicant xms present and stated he had reviewed the proposed conditions of approval and questioned Condition II-C (underground utilities) stating t.hat the surrounding area is serviced by overhead utilities. Chairman Norton explained that the City~s policy is to reqhire underground utilities and the policy is only waived '~nen it is the last lot in the area. Cormnissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the Building Site Comanittee Report of 25 November 1968 relative to SDR-788 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 14 November 1968) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. Plannin5 Co~=mission Minutes - 25 November 1968 - Continued Iii. D. SD-789 - David..Arata, jr.~ M.o. ntalvo Road - Subdivision Approval - 6 Lots The applicant and his representative, Mr. Harry Lalor of Ruth and Going En~i.~er=~n.~ Firm, were present and after reviewing the proposed conditions of approval stated that they concurred with same. Mr o ~.lor, in answer to an inquiry from Chairman Norton and Com~missioner Metcalf, stated that the Monta!vo Association had not been contacted relative to tbe subject building site. Chairman Norton directed the Secretary to mail a copy of the proposed conditions of approval stated in the ...cSubdivision Con~nittee Report of 25 November 1968 to the Montalvo Association. Conm~issioner Smith moved, seconded by Co.~missioner Crisp, that the Subdivision Committee Report of 25 November 1968, relative to SD-789 be adopted .and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A" filed 14 November 1968) be approved subject to the conditions set forth..iin said report; motion carried unanimously. E. SDR-790 - Mike Olavarri, Vicke. ry Lane - Buildin~ Site Approval - ! Lot CoF~.~.issioner Smith explained that 1) there ;~ere some problems with the access road in connection with this lot and 2) a revised map has been submitted but the Subdivision Committee did not receive it in time to review it prior to this meeting; therefore, a continuance to 9 DecemJDer 1968 is recommended. Chairman Norton so directed. IV. DESIGN REVIEW A. A-294 - Grand of California, ProSpect Road - Final Design Review - Automobile Supply Store Commissioner Lively briefly reviewed this file and stated that a report was ready. M~c. Nielsen, property manager for Grand. Auto, was present and stated he had no further com~aents. The Assistant Planner read the Staff Report dated 25 November 1968 recoF~ending that Final Design .Approval be granted for A-294. Comar:issioner Lively moved, seconded by Conmaissioner Metcalf, that the Staff Report of 25 November 1968 be adopted and Final Design Approval be granted for A-294 as shown on Exhibit "A-2" and subject to the condi- tions stated in said report; motion carried unanimously. B. A-299 - Grand of California, Prospect Road - Final Design Review'- identification Si~n Com~,~.issioner Lively briefly reviewed this file and then stated, in answer to an inquiry from Chairman Norton, that the Design Review Co-~r~,:ittee felt that a pole sign would best serve this building and would eliminate a lot of sign work on the building itself. Commissioner Kraus stated that the applicant has been very agreeable in meeting the requests made by the Design Review Com.mittee for re-design of their building. The Assistant Planner read the Staff Report .dated" 25 November 1968 reconnnending that Final Design Approval be' granted for A-299. -5- Plannip~z~ Con~nission Minutes - 25 Novembe~ 1968 - Continued IV. Bo A--299 - Continued Commissioner Lively moved, seconded by Commissioner Kraus, that the Staff Report dated 25 November 1968 be adopted and Final Design Approval be granted for A-299 as sho~ on Exhibits "A" and "B" and subject to the conditions stated in said report; motion carried unanimously. RECESS AND RECO~ENE V. CITY CO~'CIL REPORT Chairman Norton suggested that a new schedule for attendance at the City Council meetings, by the Commissioners, be prepared and distributed to the members of the Commission. Chairman Norton gave a sunL~ry of items reviewed and action taken at the City Council meeting of 20 November 1968 with emphasis on the following items: a) The appointment of Com~missioner Bacon to the Planning Commission. b) The City Attorney's concern that people may put in over-head utility poles prior to applying for Building Site Approval. C) A resolution adopted by the City Council encouraging the County Planning Comanission to delay installation of power poles through the Saratoga Hills. i~ The Secretary stated that 1) County Commissioner Heid tried (unsuccessfully) to discourage approval of the proposed line cutting through the Saratoga Hills 2) the matter comes before the Board of Supervisors.on 10 December 1968 and 3) PG&E feels these poles are necessary to pro- vide the Santa Cruz-Feiton area with badly needed electrical p owe r. Commissioner' Metcalf stated that PG&E claims their plans have been kno~,m for quite sometime and that they have already secured 65% of the right-of-~y. He further stated that 1) the City of Saratoga should do every- thing possible to keep these large poles from .marching across the hills-2) the Saratoga Planning Commission should request the City Council to bring this matter to the attention of the..CoUnty Board of Supervisors'and the" -- Executive Officers of P G & E and 3) if thes~ poles are installed it will be a desecration of landscaping. Commissioner Lively pointed out that roads will;have be cut through the hills to service these poles and this will eliminate a lot of natural vegetation. After further discussion, Chairman Norton authorized the Secretary to inform the City Council of 1) the deep con- cern of the Planning CommiSsion relative to this matter and 2) the Planning Commission recommendation for effec- 'rive control of the landscaping in connection with the proposed power poles. Vi. OlD BUSINESS A. SDR-783 - Ross Smith, Oak Street - Request for Reconsideration of Conditions - Continued from 12 November 1968 Cor~issioner Smith stated that Condition Ii-B of the Building Site Con~ittee Report dated 28 October 1968 has been re-~.~itten; therefore, the Committee has prepared an amended report dated 25 November 1968. -6- Plannin~ Com',nission Minutes - 25 November 1968 - Continued VIo Ao SDR-783 - Continued .~'k-. Ross Smith was present and stated that I) he artended the Planning Commission meeting of 28 October 1968 and requested reconsideration of Condition !i-B 2) the .amended report of 25 November 1968 reflects a change in Condition II-~ and the .'~same.' ....... '; ~ requirement fbr an irrevocable offer of dedication for a 30-foot half-street on Oak' Street and 3) in paragraph 2. .of a letter dated ii November 1968 he explained that such a requirement has not been imposed on other residents of the area and 4) he did not feel it was fair to impose Condition iI-C of the amended report of 25 November 1968 on this single lot. Chairman Norton explained that this matter could be appealed to the City Council, but no exceptions have been ~de in similar situations. The Secretary explained that Condition II-C is only a request for an offer of dedication and does not involve an actual dedication at this time. A~ter discussion, Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Co~issioner Crisp that the original Building Site Co~ittee report dated 28 October 1968 be revoked and that the amended report dated 25 November 1968 be adopted and the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 18 October 1968) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimous !y. B. SDR-784 - George B. Clark, Houston Court - Request for Reconsideration of Conditions - Continued from 12 November 1968 CoF~issioner Smith stated that the Conm~ittee discussed this m~tter and feel that the Planning Com~nission should not deviate from policy in this matter; therefore, they recommend denial of the subject request. Chairman Norton explained that if the request is denied it ~i!l be forwarded to the City Council and the applicant will have an opportunity to present his request to them at that time. Chairm-2n Norton~ in answer to an inquiry from the applicant, stated that the Comn~ittee did not have an Opportunity to inspect the property. !~. Clark explained that 1) there were overhead e!ectricai w~res on the lot 2) there is an existing pole on the property that would serve no purpose to him'if'Lhe .installed underground utilities and 3) it seems unreasonable to require underground utilities for his lot in view of the fact that the neighbors have overhead utilities. Commissioner Smith stated that if the applicant were permitted to use overhead utilities the additional wires would not improve the situation; however, the Committee will go and look at the site. In view of the foregoing, Chair~2n Norton directed that SDR-784 be continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Subdivision Co~ittee for further study. C. GEORG~N HOUSE Saratoga-Los Gatos Road - Request for Waiver of Underground R~quirements - Continued from 12 November 1968 Comanissioner Smith reco~m~ended that this matter be continued to allow time for the applicant to arrange a meeting with P~E and the Subdivision Co~ittee. Chairman Norton so directed. -7- Piannin~% Co~ission Minutes - 25 November 1968 - Continued Vio D. Santa Clara County Flood Control - Request for Approval of Abandonment of Easement - Continued from 12 November 1968 The Secretary briefly reviewed this request and then stated that the Public Works Director had indicated that the City had no objection to The abandom~ent of the subject easements° Chairman'Norton moved, on tb.e basis of the Secretary's report, .seconded by Commissioner Smith, that the Planning Co~,ission approve the abandom~ent of th'e easements and that a letter and the Planning Co~aission Minutes relative to the subject request be for~<~rded to the Santa Clara County Flood Control District; motion carried with Co~issioner Lively abstaining. E~ REPORT - Re Service Uses in Co~a~unity Co~ercial (C-C) District Con~aissioner Smith stated that this report, recommending that Plur~Ding Shop and P!~nbing Contractors, Sheet Metal Shop and Sheet Metal Contractor, and Electrical Repair Shops and Electrical Contractor be added as conditional uses to Section 7,3(b) of Zoning Ordinance NS-3, has been prepared because of the newly established C-V Zone. After discussion, Co~issioner Smith moved, seconded by Co~issioner Crisp, to give the subject report dated 25 NovenfDer 1968 t~ approval and for~.mrd same to the City council for their ~.,../....~.,~;~~otion carried unanimous ly. . ~ ~' ,. CONDITIONAL USES Com~nissioner Smith stated that 1) at the request of the City Council the Subdivision Con'~ittee has prepared subsection (g) for addition to Article 16, Section 16.3 of Zoning 0rdirmnce NS-3 relative to tightening up the regula- tions on application for Conditional Use Permits such as convalescent homes, nursery schools, and churches in residential zones 2) the new requirement would involve submitting an accurate scale drawing (after required alterations) of the building which would house the proposed use and 3) the SubdiviSion Committee submits the aforementioned reconmendation for review by the Planning Co~ission. Chairr~an Norton wondered if, by requiring the detailed drawings, the files would be overloaded with a lot of excess paper. Con~issioner Metcalf stated he was not in favor of the proposed regulation and would like more time to study the ~tter. Chairman Norton requested CoEissioner Smith to ~Eite a full report relative to this ~tter for consideration at the meeting of 9 December 1968. Vii. I~EW BUSINESS Ab~ZI'iD~<fTS TO ZONING ORDINANCE The SeCretary stated that two new amendments to Zoning ~dinance NS-3 have been proposed as follows: a) An amendment to ~d{nance NS-3 ~ticle 3 in relation to minimum site area of minimum access street lots, and amending ~tic!e 10 relating to free-standing signs. -8- Planning Eo.-~-m~ission Minutes - 25 November 1968 - Continued V!Io - A%~NDMEN~fS - Continued b) An amendment to the Subdivision Ordinance NS-5 by requiring i?.provement of corridors, extending time in x~4~.ich to act on tentative maps, and amend- ing definition of subdivision. Chairman Norton directed the Secretary to publish a Notice of Hearing for the meeting of 23 December 1968 for the amendment to Zoning Ordinance NS-3 relating to 1) minimum site area of minimum access street lots and 2) free-standing signs. He further directed that the amendment to the Subdivision Ordinance NS-5 relating to corridor lots be referred to the Subdivision Com~,~ittee for study and a report at the meeting of 9 Dece~er 1968. ViII o COM2~i~iCAT!ONS A. ~!TTEN None B. OI~L Slope Lots Commissioner Crisp stated that he would like to request, on behalf of the Subdivision Con~n~ittee, that an amendment be drafted that would re- quire applicants with lots' With' very deep slopes to provide additional property for their buildin~ sit'~'S~ Chairman Norton ~ stated that he appreciated the Subdivision Com~T~ittee giving this Fatter their attention and 2) referred the matter to the Subdivision Comnittee for a draft after ~ich it can be for~rded to the City Attorney for propert wording. Guests 'Chairmn Norton acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence of Councilman ~;er, Mi-s. Dorothy Parker of the Good. Government Groupd, and i~h-s. Ottenberg of the League of Women Voters. He, also, thanked Mi-s. PaCker for the coffee served at recess. !X. The Chairmn' declared the meeting adjourned at 10:10 P.M, Respectfully submitted, Stanley M. Walker, Secretary Saratoga Planning Co~ission -9-