HomeMy WebLinkAbout06-22-1970 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNIZNG COI'R~IISSION
MINUTES
TIME: Monday, 22 June 1970, 7:30 PoM.
PLACE: City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070
TYPE: Regular Meeting
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I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
The meeting was called to order by Chairman Norton.
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Crisp, Kraus,: Lively,-~rtin, Metcalf, Norton, and Smith.
Absent: None
B. MINUTES
Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the reading
of the minutes of the 8 June 1970 meeting be waived and they be approved as
distributed to the Commission subject to the following change:
page 4. . .last paragraph. · .insert the word "approximately" between
"by" and "300-yards"; motion carried unanimously.
II.' PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. C-130 - Saratoga Foothills Development Corporation, Fruitvale Avenue -
' Request for Change of Zoning from "R-i-40,000" (Single-Fa.mily
Residential) to "R-1-40,000"'P-C (Single-Family Residential Planned
C_om..muni. ty) - Continued from 8 june 1970
Commissioner Smith stated that the applicant is still s". ".'~ng the feasibility
of coordinating the subject development with the Centr~'i Study Report as
proposed by ~Lr. Beck, Planning Consultant; therefore, C-130 should be continued.
Chairman Norton stated that if anyone present wished.to connment relative to .
this matter they were welcome to do so; otherwise, the public hearing would not'
be opened 'at this meeting.
No one present wished to comment relative to C-130.
Chairman Norton did not open the public hearing, directed that C-130 be
continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Subdivision
Con~aittee.
B. UP-188 - Stoneson Construction Corporation, Big Basin Way - Request for Use Permit to Allow a Model Home Sales Office
ChairSnan Norton opened the hearing at 7:35 P.M. The Secretary stated the
Notices of Hearing were mailed and briefly reviewed the subject application.
Mr. Douglas Graville, present to represent the applicant, stated he did not
.have any further comments, .but would answer. any questions the Conmlission may
have relative to the subject application.
Commissioner Smith stated that he did visit this development and was very
impressed, but he was a little concerned'with the area to be occupied by
the construction equipment until he'realized' that the area is situated. in
such a way-that it will not be visible to the public view.
No one in the audience wished to comment relative to this m~tter.
Com~missioner Smith stated that a standard report had been prepzred relative
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to the subject request recomm~'~in that a Use Permit to allow a model home
sales office for Stoneson Construction Corporation be granted~
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Planning Commission Minutes - 22 June 1970 - Continued
II. B. UP- 188 - Continued
The Secretary stated that the exhibits listed on the subject report
should include Exhibit "C".
Con~nissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Lively, to close the
hearing at 7:37 P.M.; motion carried unanimously.
· Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Co~-nnissioner Crisp, to adopt, as
amended, the report dated 22 June 1970 and grant a Use Permit for one (i)
year to allow a model home sales office for the Stoneson Construction
Company as sho~.m on Exhibits "A", "B", and "C" and subject to the conditions
stated in said report; motion carried unanimously.
III. BUII:DING SITES AND SUBDIVISIONS
A. SDR-849 - Thomas L. Dashiell, Bohlman Road - Building'Site Approval -
3 Lots - Continued from 8 June 1970
The Secretary read a communication submitted by the applicant requesting
that SDR-849 be withdrawn.
Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the request
to withdraw the building site approval application for SDR-849 be· granted;
motion carried unanimously.
B. SDR-856 - Charles Gui_chard, Wardell Road - Buildin~ Site Approval·- 1 Lot
The applicant was present and stated he had reviewed the proposed· conditions
of approval and that the 18-foot road width as required under Condition II-A
of the Building Site Com~n,~ittee Repo{t dated 22 June 1970 has already been met
in some areas of the subject road.
Chairman Norton explained that the applicant will be r~,quired to widen the
road ~o 18-feet in the area where it is not presently l~=feet wide.
The Secretary stated that 1) a communication had been i r~ceived from the
Saratoga Fire District indicating that a fire hydrant ~.' !i b;_· necessary to
provide adequate water capacity for ·this building site and 2) the hydrant
may present a significant expense to the ·applicant.
CommissiOner Smith advised that there is an existing building on the property
~hich will be remodeled over 50%; therefore, a building site approval is required.
Commissioner Crisp explained that the building is in reality a barn that is
being converted into a house.
Commissioner Metcalf stated that the proposed exterior of the building should
be outlined on the tentative map.
Chairman Norton stated that building· site plans (tentative maps) refer to
pad locations rather than structural appearance; therefore, the actual lay-out
of the structure is not required by .the Zoning Ordinance.
Commissioner Smith moved, ~econded bX Commissioner Crisp, that the Building
Site Committee Report dated 22 June 1970 relative to SDR-856 b'e adopted and
~hat the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 12 June 1970) be approved subject
~o the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously.
Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 22 June 1970 - Continued
III. C. SDR-857 - Cal-West Communities, Inc., Saratoga Avenue - Building
Site Approval - 1 Lot
The applicant's representative, Dick Pasetta (engineer from MacKay
and Somps), ~:as present and stated he had reviewed the proposed condi-
. tions of approval and expressed satisfaction with same.
The Secretary stated that a letter submitted by the Fire District
stated that the Fire District is opposed to the subject development
due to the lack of access to the interior buildings and because the
access road does not meet the minimum requirements of a-42-foot inside
tun radius and a minimum of 18-feet in width.
Commissioner Metcalf inquired about the proposal made at one time to
include a lake in the subject development.
'Mr. Pasetta explained that it is his understanding that the lake is
still a consideration if the access roads required by the Fire District
~an be arranged in a manner which is compatible with the subject lake.
The Assistant Planner explained that the Subdivision Co~nittee, ~nd ·'
Staff met with the applicant and the Fire District representative to
' discuss the following Fire District requirements:
1) A minimum 14-foot vertical clearance over all road-ways.
2) Access road with 42-foot inside turn radius and a
minimum of 18-feet in width. ';
3)All road constructed to be capable of supporting
30,000 pounds of vehicular traffic.
4) Installation of fire hydrants.
The Assistant Planner further stated that the f,.i~plicant has since
submitted a revised planwhidl meets the Fire Di'--~rict requirements
and the Fire District has acknowledged, via mer~orandum, that the
revised plans meet with their ·approval.
~ormnissioner Smith moved, seconded by Com_missioner Crisp, that the
Building Site Committee Report dated 22 June 1970 relative to SDR-857
~)e adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A-i"~ filed 22 June
1970) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said report;
motion carried unanimously.
IV. DESIGN REVIEW
A. A-271 - John Rodrigues, Big Basin Way - Final Design Approval -
Exterior Elevation for Five Tollhouse Units
~ommissioner Metcalf stated that the elevations presently under
~onsideration are similar to the three to~mhouse models previously
approved for this development.
The Assistant Planner read the Staff Report dated 22 June 1970 recommend-
ing that Final Design Approval be granted for the five exterior elevations
for the second tollhouse complex for A-271.
~ommissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by COmm~-ssioner Martin, to adopt
~he Staff Report dated 22 June 1970 and grant Final Design Approval for
~he five exterior elevations for the second tovnhouse complex for A-271
as shown on Exhibit "G" and subject to the condition stated in said report;
motion ·carried unanimously.
Planning Conmission M~:nutes - 22 June 1970 - Continued
IV. B. A-348 - Saratoga Fire Department, Saratoga Avenue - Final Design
_Approval - Remodeling Exterior Existing Fire Station
Mr. Warren Heid·, architect, ~:as present to represent the applicant and
stated that by remodeling the existing exterior of the subject building
his client is trying to break up the long, 'plain appearance 0P the front
of the building.
Commissioner Metcalf stated that the Staff Report dated 22 June 1970
recommends that Final Design Approval be granted for the remodeling
of the exterior of the fire station on Saratoga Avenue,
Chairman Norton stated that the new identification sign will have to
be approved later.under a seperate application.
Con~missioner Martin stated that a flashing light is not really a
caution light as indicated the Condition (a) of the Staff Report dated
22 June 1970 but is in fact a stop sign. '.
Chairman Norton recommended that the word "caution" be removed front
sentence 1. . .of Condition (a). . .and from sentence 2. . .of
Condition (e).
The Assistant Planner stated that the flashing light will have to be
approved by the State Highway Department.
ConLmissioner Metcalf recommended that sentence 2.. .of Condition (a). ,
be deleted. He further stated that the bell presently located in front
of Firemanes Hall on Oak Street will be mounted on the Saratoga Fire
Station as part of the remodeling.
Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner Lively, to adopt,
as .amended, the Staff Report dated 22 June 1970 and grant Final Design
Approval for the exterior remodeling of the Sara. toga Fire Station as
shown on Exhibits ."A'! and "B" in file A-348 and subject to the conditions
stated in said report; motion carried unanimously,
C, A-349 - Cal-West Con~munities, Inc., SaratOga Avcz~!l:c, - Preliminary Design
·.Approval - Condominium-Apartment Comp.le.:~]
Commissioner Metcalf stated t~iat the Design Revi..~w Con=nittee was very
favorably· impressed with the exhibits submitted by the applicant. He
further stated that the Staff 'Report dated 22 June 1970 recommends that
Preliminary Design Approval be granted for A-349,
Chairman Norton stated that the tentative maps approved under SDR-857
designates a different location for the pools than do the exhibits
submitted for Design Approval.
Mr, Dick Pasetta, applicant's representative, stated that the exhibits
submitted for Design ReView were prepared several weeks ago; whereas, the
'the maps for SDR-857 were more recently drawn and· submitted today 22 June
1970. "
Chairman Norton recommended that paragraph 2. . .line 4·.. ', _.'Of' the Staff
Report dated 22 June' 19·70. , ,be amended to read as f~llows:
"Exhibits "A" through "H" and tentative map Exhibit "A-I"
.of Building Site Approval SDR-857 and subject to the
following conditions :"
Commissioner Crisp inquired (in reference to Condition (c) as stated
in the subject Staff Report) what the distance between the buildings
should be if structurally connected in some way.
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planning Commission Minutes - 22 June 1970 - Continued
IV. C. A-3A9 - Continued
The Secretary e}zplained that the Zoning Ordinance does not stipulate
an actual distance between buildings that are structurally connected;
'however, there may be some provisions relative to this matter in the
Building Code and Fire Department requirements.
Cormn~issioner Metcalf explained that some buildings in this proposed
development are less than 20-feet apart (as indicated on the exhibits)
anc Condition (c) of the Staff Report dated 22 June 1970 requires that
any such building must be connected by some architectural feature if
they are to be less than 20-feet apart~ as required by the ordinance.
The Assistant Planner explained that the applicant proposes .to create
an open-space in the center of the subject development and that is the
reason for the location of the buildings.
Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Coma~issioner Lively, that the
Staff Report dated 22 June 1970 be adopted, as ~,-:nended,' and that Pre-
liminary Design Approval be granted for A-349 a~; shown on Exhibits.
"A" through "H" and tentative map Exhibit "A-l" in file SDI~-857 and
subject to the conditions stated in said report; motion carried unani-
· mou sly. "
V. CITY COUi'~CIL REPORT
Con~nissioner Kraus gave a sum_mary of items reviewed and action taken at
the City Council meeting on 17 June 1970 With emphasis on the appointment
of four individuals to serve as members of the Architectural Advisory
Committee. Mayor Robbins appointed the following Cc.:r.,.'L'r.~'l.'~7..., to four (4)
year terms beginning 22 January 1970: Barbara Caldwe3}. i~'~terior decorator
and consultant; Warren tteid, local architect; Clay ~7c'.~ullock, contractor
and resident of the City; and Taro Yamagami, landscc:.pe architect and
nurseryman active in com~unity affairs.
VIo OLD BUSINESS
A. SD-791.. - Neal Kirkham, Sobey Road - Request for Extension
The Secretary stated that the applicant has sL, Smitted a letter requesting
a two (2) year extension for SDR-791.
Chairman 'Norton directed the Com_missioners attention to the Staff Report
dated 22 June 1970 reco~n~ending that a one (1} year extension be granted
for SDR-79 1.
The Secretary stated that it has come to the attention of the Planning
Department that the Map Act has been modified =o allow the Planning
Con~nission to grant a two (2) year extension for a subdivision approval;
however, the Planning Com~-n. ission has an established policy to allow only
a one (1) year extension.
Chairman Norton requested that the Planning Com~ission express their.
feelings relative to changing the policy of ome (1) year extensions.
Commissioner Smith stated that if the Map Act allows for a two (2) year
~xtension for a subdivision and the City Plann:ing Com_mission policy is
to grant one (1) year extensions then he feels the policy should not be
~hanged but the Planning Commission should be allowed to use their'
discretion to determine if a one (1) year or =vo (2) year extension
is appropriate.
Chairman Norton requested the Secretary to fim, d out precisely what
~he State Map Act does allow.
planninE Commission Minutes - 22 June 1970 - Continued
VI. A. SD-791 - Continued
Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Kraus, that the Staff
Report dated 22 June 1970 be adopted and that a one (1) year extension be
granted for SD-791; motion carried unanimously.
B. Golf DrivinF~_Range_ on the Miljevich PrOperty Between Calabazas Creek and
· . the Southern Pacific Railroad Tracks
Chairman Norton stated that the feeling indicated at the last Planning
Commission meeting was that a golf driving range was not undesirable, but
would not fit too well in the proposed location.
Commissioner Lively stated that he visited the subject site as reco~mmended
by the Chairman at the 8 June 1970 meeting and it is his feeling that the
proposed golf driving range would not be feasible in the area suggested.
Commissioner Crisp stated that the flood lights and higl~ fence required :
for this use would be objectionable to the residents in the area.
Commissioner Metcalf stated that if it. were not for the adjacent residential
area the idea of a golf driving range would be appropriate.
Mr. Walters, applicant's representative, pointed out that 1) the lights
involved would be directed toward the Empire Lumber away from the residential area
and 2) perhaps a chain link fence with a pulley to raise or lower the fence
could be constructed.
Co~issioner ~aus stated that he approved of the idea of a golf driving
range, but not on the subject property..
Chairman Norton stated that apparently the members of the Commission feel that
an Informal Hearing should not be scheduled relative to the request to add
golf driving range to the list of uses in the "C-V" (Visitor-Commercial)
Zoning District.
Comissioner Smith moved, seconded by Coxmmissioncr Lively, that the Planning
Comission not schedule an Informal Hdaring or take any further action rela-
tive to the subject request to adding 'golf driving range to the list of uses
in the "C-V" (Visitor-Commercial) Zoning District; motion carried unanimously.
C. Mobile Home on Mil]evich Property~
Commissioner Metcalf stated that there is a mobile home illegally located
on the Miljevich property-
The-Secretary explained that the mobile home is temporarily occupied by the
caretaker and the mobile home will be eliminated in the near future.
Co~iss'ioner Metcalf stated that ther'e seems to be considerable dumping to
the rear of the subject property.
The Secretary stated that there has been considerable fill brought in, but
there should not be any more from this point on. He further stated there is
~uite a bit of wood on the property which will be sold.
D- Blue Hills ShoDpinB Center Sign'j
Chairman Norton stated that in the BlUe Hills Shopping Center the illegal
identification signs are on display again in violation of the Zoning Ordinance.
The Assistant Planner stated he would check into the matter and see to it that
~he signs are eliminated.
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,planning. LComn~ission Minutes - 22 June 1970 - Continued
VI, E, Sacred Heart ChUrch Screening and Lnndscaping
Com_missioner Metcalf stated that 1) he would like to see something done
about the failure of the Sacred lteart Church to do anything about screening
their air-conditioning units and the largest gas meter and 2) he feels the
church is beautifully done, but should be made.to meet the conditions of
Design Review Approval relative to screening of equipment and landscaping
of the property.
Chairman Nort'on requested the Assistant Planner to inquir'e into the matter
and determine what the church. plans to do to meet the subject requirements.
F. Rodoni Prope.,~.t,l '
Chairman Norton inquired about the R0doni property on Sarat0ga-SunnyVale
Road and what has been done to relieve the unsightly appearance of the
propert)T.
The Secretary explained that the o~.mers of the Rodoni property were supposed
to submit a plan for. review by the Planning Cormn~ission showing what they
planned to do improve .the property.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
A Avning Sig_p_
Con~missioner biercalf stated that the~e is an illegal ~';Lning sxgn mounted on
the liquor store window on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road.
The Assistant Planner stated that this is a new sign x,77.~."',.~ '-". :r~ ?.egal and the
owner will notified and required to remove said sign.
B. Remodeling% of Variety. Store
The Secretary explained that 1) ~r. Larry Tyler (ot,:ner of Variety Store)
is in the process of remodeling the Variety Store on Big Basin Way 2) the
original architectural plans showed a composition shix':Zle roof 3) the applicant
now would like to request that shakes be allo~,;ed in lieu of the composition
shingle and 4) the contractor is at a point where t~ey are ready to put the
front roof on and would like an opinion at this time.
After a brief discussion, Con~missioner 'Metcalf moved, seconded by Com~missioner
Lively, that the Design Review ApproVal for A-341 be modified to permit wood
shakes instead of composition shingles on the front canopies; motion carried.
unanimous ly.
VIII. CO~.'D~q3TNICATIONS
A.. WRITTEN
None -
B. ORAL
1. Fireworks Stand
Commissioner Kraus stated that t~e City Council at their last meeting
approved a fireworks stand and he felt the cause· (earn n~oney for the
Boy Scouts:) is worthwhile; however, he wondered if this request would
· not open the door for n~ny similar reque'sts next year.
The Secretary explained that 1); the Fire District Regulations are very
strict and the fireworks stands will be very well regulated because of
that and 2) there are only about one hundred and forty (140) fireworks
stands that have been approved in the entire Santa Clara County.
Planning Con-..mission Minutes - 22 June 1970 - Continued
VIII. B. 2. General Plan Report
ConLmissioner Lively advised that in the Commissioners folder there
is a copy of the tentative General Plan Recom_n~endations for 1970;
'which, will be formally introduced at the meeting of 13 July 1970.
He further stated that 1) he hoped the members of the Planning
Co~nission would read the subject report and recommendations and
2) two members of the General Plan Committee will not be able to
attend the 13 July 1970 meeting of the Planning Commission.
Com~issioner Metcalf (member of the General Plan Committee) stated
he would be present to make the presentation of the General Plan
Committee.
3. Guests
Chairman Norton .noted that the absence of a City COunCilman is due
to a 1.1anagement Con~ittee meeting scheduled for this evening and
of more priority than a P~anning ConLmission meeting.
Chair~n Norton acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence of ~s.
Metcalf, wife o~ Co~r~issioner Metcalf, ~s. Stark of the Good Government
Group, and ~s. Ottenbe~ of the League of I~omen Voters. tie, also, thanked-
~s. Stark for the coffee to be served after the meeting.
IX. ADJOURN~,ZNT
Chairman Norton adjourned the meeting at 9:00 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
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