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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-12-1971 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF S~3IAII~GA PLANNING COI.~EISSION MINUTES TI~: Monday, 12 July 1971, 7:30 PoMo PLACE: City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070 TYPE: Regular. Meet ing I. ROUTIRE ORGANIZATION The meeting was called to'order by Chairman Lively at 7:30 P.Mo A. ROLL CALl, Present: Commissioners Kraus, Lively, Marshall, ~rtin, Metcalf, and Smith. Absent: C0nLmissioner Fagan. B. }fIlqUTES Corm~issioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Kraus, that the reading of the minutes of the 28 June 1971 meeting be waived and they . be approved as distributed with the following change: page 5. o .paragraph 8.. oline 3o . .correct the spelling of the word "stud "' y , motion carried unanimously. II. PUBLIC HE~RINGS A. C-139 - Malachy J o }~ran, Saratoga Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning from '~l-1-20,000" (Single-Family Residential) to '~-1-15,000". (Single-Family Resident ial) - Continued from 28 June 1971 Chairman Lively reopened the hearing at 7:39 P.M. The Secretary read a letter filed by Mr. Zerboni on behalf of several property owners on Lannoy Court in opposition to the proposed change of zoning. (The said letter contained signatures of seven (7) residents of Lannoy Court and was published in the Saratoga News.) Marcia Lunde, 13805 Saratoga Avenue, read a letter (containing fifteen (15) signatures of residents~..' of Saratoga Avenue and Howen Drive) pro- testing the rezoning in connection with C-139. Judith tlertsens, 13805 Saratoga Avenue, stated that 1) she has lived in Saratoga all her life 2) her visitors and acquaintances are always telling her what a unique place the City of Saratoga is 3) if the subject change of zoning is passed Saratoga will no longer be unique and 4) it is a beautiful City and it is everyone's responsibility to keep it that way. Mr. Moran, applicant, was present and stated that discussion relative to C-139 should be continued until the next regular meeting to allow discussion of Item "A" under Old Business on the agenda prior to any de~ision relativ~ to C-139. He further stated that C-139 could be opened for discussion at the same time as Item "A" under Old Business. Commissioner Smith recommended that C-139 be cQntinued to the next regular meeting in order to allow' some action relative to the General Plan revision as requested by the applicant. Chairman Lively closed the hearing for the evening at 7:47 PoM., directed C-139 continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Sub- division Committee. -1- PlanninB Con~nission Minutes - 12 July 1971 - Continued IIo B. C-145 - B. To Galeb, Ted Avenue .- Request for Change of Zoning from "R-l-10,000" (Single-Family Residential) to "R-M-5,000" IMulti-Family Residential) - Continued from 28 June 1971 Conmissioner Smith reconmended that C-145'be continued since the applicant and developer are working on revised plans° Chairman Lively did not open the' hearing relative to C-145, directed the subject request for change of zoning continued to the 9 August 1971 meeting and referred the matter to the Subdivision Committee. C. C-147 - Clifford C. Beck, Saratoga Avenue and Cox Avenue -.Request for Change of Zoning from "R~-i-10,000'' (Single-Family Residential) to "P-~" (P~__of~ssiqr~l-Administrat~ye) - Continued from 24 May 1971 Chairman Lively reopened the hearing relative to C-147 at 7:50 P.Mo The Secretary stated that the applicant has requested that C-147 be continued because he has made a request to the City Council under the General Plan Review to change the land use of the subject property. Commissioner Metcalf stated that, he f~lt, the Planning Commission should deny the request for change of zoning in connection with C-147 since, in effect, the applicant proposes t~ by-pass the General Plan Connnittee and Planning Cormmission by going directly to the City Council with the request for change in land use. The applicant is asking that the Planning Connnission continue C-147 until his appeal for a General Plan revision is considered by the City Council. The Secretary explained that 1) the City Council. has not acted on the General Plan for 1971; therefore, the request of the applicant to the · City Council is appropriate 2) the City Council referred the said · . request to the Planning Committee of the Council 3) he feels sure that the Planning Co~nittee will meet with the General'Plan Committee of the Planning Commission to discuss this matter and 4) he is of the opinion the City Council feels ra'ther negative about the applicant's current request relative to the land-use change. Chairman Lively closed the hearip~ for the evening at 7:55 P.M., directed C-147 continued to the meeting of 9 August 1971, referred same to the Sub- division Committee and requested the General Plan Committee to meet with the Planning Comfaittee of the Council to discuss the applicant's request to the Council for change in land use under the General Plan Review. D. C-148 - George Wo Day, Fruitvale Avenue and Douglas Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning from '~" (Agricultural) to "R-i-40,000" (SinRle-Family Residential) - Continued from 28 June 1971 The hearing relative to C-148 was reopened at 7:56 P.M. Mr. Lou Leto, General Manager for George Day and Company, stated that at request of the Subdivision Cor~ittee and Planning Department Staff the applicant has submitted a map showing a '~-1-40,000" "P-C" (Planned- Community) Development for the seventeen (17) acres.along.Fr'uitvale A~enue owned by the applicant and, also, including the adjacent eighty (80) acres of land. Mr. Victor Ao Chargin, attorney representing the Ljepava family, stated that 1) he voiced objections to the proposed "R-I-40,000" (Single-Family Residential) Zoning at the meeting of 28 June 1971 2) he has not seen the proposed plan for a "P-C" development submitted by the applicant; therefore, he is not able to comnent on same and 3) his client is opposed to the "R-i-40,000" (Single-Family Residential) zoning since it might set a precedent contrary to his clients plans for his property. -2- Planning Commission Minutes - 12 July 1971 - Continued IIo D. C-148 - Continued Dolly Gay, 234 Marshall Street, Redwood City, a realtor representing · the Ljepava and Novakavich famiries, stated that 1) at the 28 June 1971 meeting she voiced her clients' objections to the proposed '~l-1-40,000" (Single-Family Residential) zoning request and those objections still stand as stated and 2) her clients feel that neither a straight "R-i-40,000" nor a "P-C" development would be econcomically feasible for the subject area, Chairman Lively explained that the ·official request for change of zoning to "R-I-40,000" (Single-Family Residential) remains the same; however, the applicant has submitted, merely for consideration, a plan for "R-I-40,000" "P-C" (Planned-Cormmunity). Commissioner Smith read the Subdivision Committee Report dated 12 July 1971 relative to C-148 recon~nending that the present George Day rezoning application (C-148) be continued until an overall development-plan is adopted by the Planning Commission or the application is amended to conform with the "P-C" (Planned-Community) concept. Commissioner Marshall stated 1) Mr. B~ck, Park Consultant for the City, has recomn~ended this area be .used as a Central Park site 2) it is his (Commissioner Marshall) opinion that the entire area should be developed as one parcel and 3) he l.~ould like to get the City Council's attitude relative to a park proposal as opposed to a '~-C" development for this property before making a decision. Chairman Lively advised that the 1971 General Plan Report recommends that the subject property be dropped as a Central Park site. Con~nissioner Marshall stated 1) he would like to see the Staff arrange for some compromise between the Beck recom~nendation and the Subdivision Committee Report of 12 July 1971 and 2) he does not feel that a firm recommendation for "R-1-40,000" "P-C" should be made for the subject property at this time. . . . . Commissioner Martin stated that 1) he agrees the Staff should participate in a study with the developer in reaching a decision relative to this property and' 2) the City has paid Mr. Beck a considerable amount for his recommend- ation and it .should be given careful. consideration in making a decision for the development of the subject property and the adjoining area. 'Commissioner Metcalf stated that 1) he too would like to see the Day, Ljepava, and Novakavich properties treated as a whole rather than as separate parcels and 2) he feels that the entire matter should be given further study by the Planning Conmission and Planning Department Staff together with the applicant. Chairman Lively stated 1) he is opposed to the "P-C" concept' for develop- ment of the subject property since the developer has· not arrived at a satisfactory solution for policing and maintaining the common-green area and because he (Chairman Lively) dislikes the visual aspect of a "P-C" development 2) while the "P-C" concept is well intended it 'may play havoc with the character originally planned for Saratoga 3) he would like to see an imaginative plan showing the property as a straight '~{-1-40,000" (Single'Family Residential) development and 4) he would like to see a plan showing all the homes located toward the center of the property with a cormnon green area all around the edge of the property. Commissioner Kraus stated that there ~.~ere a number of different lay-outs submitted to the Subdivision Committee by the developer and the "P-C" lay-out presented by the applicant this evening is the best of all the plans. Plannin. F~ Cormn~ission Minutes - 12 July 1971 - Continued II. D. C~148 - Continued Co~ranissioner Smith stated that with a "P-C" development you gain open-space that you would not gain with a '.'R-i-40,000" (Single- Family Residential) zoned development. Commissioner Kraus stated that h~ preferred not to have homes all along Fruitvale Avenue and this could be prevented if the property were developed .under the "P-C" concept. Comanissioner Marshall stated that 1) he does not like the idea of houses aiong Fruitvale Avenue 2) Mr. Beck has a plan for the property which is quite' slanted toward parks and the applicant has another plan and now a study should be conducted to reach a compromise. Commissioner Martin suggested that, perhaps, instead of 20,000 square-foot lots as proposed under the present "P-C" concept larger lots per dwelling could be used with a smaller common green or.'=open- space· area. Chairman Lively closed the hearing for the evening at 8:25 P.Mo, directed C-148 continued to the meeting of 9 August 1971, and referred the matter to the Subdivision Committee and requested the Staff to conduct a study in conjunction with the development of the entire·area considering '.'R-i-40,000" zoning in contrast to the "R'l-40,O00" '~-C" concept. III. BUILDING SITES AI~ SUBDIVISIONS A. SD-904 - George W. Day,' Fruitvale Avenue and Douglas Avenue - Subdivision A_p_proval - 15 Lots - Continued from 28 June 197]. Commissioner Smith recommended that this application be continued to the meeting of 9 August 1971 in order to allow time for some decision to be made relative to C-148. Chairman Lively so directed. B, -SDR-907 - Donald Comer, Pierce Road - BUild.ing Site Approval - 4 Lots - Continued from 28 June 1971 Commissioner Smith stated that the applicant has requested that SDR-907 be continued to the next regular meeting. Chairman Lively so directed. C. SDR-910 - Terry J. Bowman·, Pierce Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 28 June 1971 The applicant was present and stated he had reviewed the proposed conditions of approval and expressed satisfaction with same. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Kraus, that the Building Site Committee Report dated 12 July 1971 relative to SDR-910 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 9 June 1971) be approved subject to' the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. D. SDR-912 - Russell Reed, Saratoga-~unnyvale Road - Building Site Approval - 1 'Lot - Continued from 28 June 1971 The applicant was present and stated he did review the proposed conditions of approval and expressed satisfaction with same. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Kraus, that the Building Site Conmaittee Report dated 12 July 1971 relative to SDR-912 be adopted and that the tentative map (E}~hibit "A" filed 17 June 1971) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. Planning Con~ission Minutes - 12 July 1971 - Continued III. E. SDR-913 - Clayton F. Thomas, Allendale Avenue - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot The Secretary explained that the applicant did review the proposed conditions of approval and expressed satisfaction with same. Chairman Lively'reconmended that the Building Site Conmittee Report dated 12 July be amended by adding the following condition: "Do Approval of the tentative map does not constitute approval of setbacks shown for pool or other accessory structures." Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Kraus, that the Building Site Committee Report dated 12 July 1971 relative to SDR-913 be adopted, as amended, and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 22 June 1971) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. F. SDR-914.- Gill Schape~ Hilltop Way - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot The Secretary stated that 1) the applicant was present 2) this application is for a proposed ultimate remodeling of over .50% of an existing residence 3) the subject application was originally intended for this agenda of 12 July 1971 but due to a Public Works Department requirement was left off of the agenda and 4) the matter should be continued to the next regular meeting. .Chairman Lively continued SDR-914 to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Subdivision Committee. IV. DESIGN REVIEW : Ao A-156 - United Presbyterian Church, Herriman Avenue and Highway 85 - Final Design Review - Revised Parking Lot Layout - Continued from 28 June 1971 Commissioner Metcalf explained that 1) the seating capacity of the church is 340; therefore, 136 parking.spac&s are required and 2) an extra rows at n r existing parking lot and a third space can be obtained by usip~ one (1) parallel-parking space at the parking- lot entrance. Commissioner Metcalf then introduced the Staff Report dated 12 July 1971 recormnending that the newly submitted and revised parking-lot layout as shown on Exhibit "A" filed in A-156 be granted Final Design Approval. Commissioner Kraus inquired if the Design Review Committee would consider adding a condition to the subject Staff Report relative to prohibiting parking on the street in front of the church. Chairman Lively recommended that the parking problem referred to by Commissioner Kraus be postponed to the New Business section of the agenda. Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner Martin, that the Staff Report dated 12 July 1971 be adopted and that Final Design Approval be granted for the revised parking lot layout as shown on Exhibit "X" and subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried -unanimously. -5- Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 12 July 1971 - Continued IV. B. A-377 - Reed's Carpets, Saratoga'Sunnyvale Road - Preliminary Design' Review - Con~nercial Buildin~ The Staff Report dated 12 Jt~ly ].971 relative to A-377 recommends that Pre- liminary Design Approval be granted for the c~mmercial building in connection with A-377. Commissioner Metcalf recom~nended that the subject report be amended by adding the following condinions to the report: "(e) Any outside waste-areas to be !properly screened from any public view and adjacent propert~o~ers." "(f) Roofing material to be approved by Fire 1,~rshal." Co~issioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Co~issioner }~rshall, that the Staff Report dated 12 July 1971 be adopted, as amended, and that Prelimi~ry Design Approval be granted for the commercial building as shown on Exhibit "A" in file A-377 and subject to the conditions stated in said report; motion carried unanimously. C. A-378 - Monk's Retreat, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Final Design Review - Identification Signs Co~issioner Metcalf read the Staff Report dated 12 July 1971 reco~ending that the. identification sign for A-378 (Monk's Retreat) be granted Final Design Approval. Commissioner Metcalf moved, .seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the Staff Report dated 12 July 1971 be adopted and that Final Design. Approval be granted for the identification signs as shown on Exhibit "A" in file A-378 and subject to the condition stated in said report; motion carried unanimously. D. A-37~ - Landscape Design and Associates, Inc., Quito Road - Final Design Review - Identification Sign Co~issioner Metcalf stated that the applicant proposes an identification sign at the Quito Food Center to advertise three (3) businesses. Co~issioner Kraus noted that the proposed sign will be thirteen (13) feet in height. ~e Assistant Planner stated that in a co~ercial zone the maximum sign-height of twenty (20) feet is allowed and the proposed sign will replace all existing signs in the center. He then read a letter received from the applicant 'stating that he (the applicant) agreed not to place any building signs on his property or buildi~s other than those for which a petit has been obtained. Co~issioner Metcalf stated that the Design Revie~ Co~ittee could require that the overall height"of the sign be reduced to ten (~0) feet. Chai~n Lively stated that the flood lights located at the subject shopping center are quite bright and should be elimixmted. ~e Secretary stated that the use of the property for a nursery is a petitted use in this area and it was thought, originally, that a buildling-site approval could be required; however, the applicant did submit a certified appraisal stating that all improvements did not amount to one-third of the overall worth of the entire property. The Secretary further stated that the City is still working with the owner of the property (Mr. Costa) to obtain right-of-way dedication from him. Chai~an Lively directed that A-379 be continued to the next regular meeti~ and referred same to the Design Review Co~ittee for further s t udy. -6- Planning Commission Minutes - 12 July ].971 - Continued RECESS A~D 1LECONVE~ Vo CITY ·COUNCIL REPORT Commissioner Kraus gave a summary of items reviewed and action taken at the City Council meeting of 7 July 1971, With emphasis on items of particular interest to the Commission. VIo OLD BUSI,_NESS A. ~lachy J.' Moran, Saratoga Avenue - Request for General Plan Adjustment - Continued from 28 June 1971 Commissioner Metcalf stated that 1) the Planning Department was asked by the City Council to conduct a study of the transition areas in the City" and 2) the study of all the areas has not been completed but the }bran study has been completed; therefore, the General Plan Committee had the benefit of this study in ~,~iting the report relative to the subject request° Commissioner Metcalf then read the General Plan Report dated 12 July 1971 reiterating the Colmnittee's previous recommendation that no change be made to the General ~lan land-use designation in this area and that the boundary between quarter-acre and half-acre zoning remain as presently located in this area.' ~° ~bran, the applicant, stated that 1) in order to make a proper decision relative to this request it is necessary to walk the.property 2) it would not be economically feasible to develop ·the subject property with the three (3) lots presently allol~dsince i~ wou].d bring the cost of each improved lot up to about $50,000. and with a house on the lot it would be approximately $75,000. 3)· the lots will be difficult to sell at this price because of the variety of zoning adjacent to 'this property 4) the report states that the change would benefit only himself, but an adjacent property owner would also, gain an additional lot and something could be done with the cottages now located on adjacent property 5) if he lost his job at Lockheed it would most certainly affect more people Zthan just himself and this request would also, benefit other people 6) the report states that if the request were granted ic would set an undesirable precedent 7) the first amendment to the Oonstitution of the United States set a precedent and it has not led· to any destruction and 8) he has studied the General Plan Committee Report and does not feel it is fair° Chairmzn LiVely advised Mro Moran to make further comments relative to the subject property at the meeting of 26 July 1971 since it might be more appropriate at the time when the public hearing relative to C-139 is reopened and since the General Plan covers land use only and does not involve change of zoning applications. Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the General Plan Committee Report dated 12 July ·1971 be adopted and the request for General Plan adjustment be recommended'to the City Council for denial for the reasons stated in said report; motion carried uani~ mouslyo B. Aesthetic Gradin~ Standards - Continued from 28 June 1971 The Secretary explained that this matter should be continued to the next regular meeting since the Subdivision Committee and Staff are in ,theprocess of preparing a report relative to Aesthetic Grading Standards. · Chairman Lively so directed. -7- Planning Cormmis.~ion Minutes - 12 Jul~ 1971 - Continued VI. Co Review of West. Va.lley Junior Coll. e~ Building re Humanities and Fine Arts Col.~nissioner Metcalf stated that 1) the bids for the Fine Arts and Humanities Buildings for West Valley Junior College were opened but not awarded and it now appears they will not be awarded at all 2) the Planning. Com~aission reluctantly approved a variance for the height of these buildings because of the urgency expressed by the college officials of going out to bid and of letting a construction contract.~ 3) it seems tile situation has now changed since the West Valley Junior College does not now plan to conclude a contract for construction of these buildings because the bid spread was more than $400,000. above the authorized level for state support. Commissioner Metcalf intro- ' duced a memo recommending to the .City Council that a revision of plans for the auditorium building~ to comply with the City of Saratoga Zoning Ordinance be negotiated with the college officials. Con~nissioner Martin reco~rnnended that paragraph 4. . :'of the subject memo be deleted from the report.. Commissioner Lively explained that there is no way to rescind a variance unless the recipient agrees to same. The Secretary explained that if the recipient of the variance does not build within a year the variance lapses. Mr. Chester Root, architect for the West Valley Junior College, stated that 1) bids were opened on 29 June 1971 and 2) the college officials have not yet acted on the bids; so, this discussion is a bit premature. Commissioner Smith advised that gome decision in connection with the bids must be reached in sixty (60) days. Commissioner Marshall stated that one of the reasons for the bids being high was the number of options that were requested. Mro Root, in answer to an inquiry from Chairman Lively, stated that any redesign of the buildings would be difficult. Chairman Lively directed the matter continued to the first meeting in September (since the final decision on the bids will be sometime at the ~nd of August) and stated that the City of Saratoga Planning Con~nission will watch with interest the action of the West Valley Junior College' Board relative to this matter and if the bids are not accepted the Commission will ask the City Council to review and revise the height of the subject building. VII. NEW BUSI~rESS G_aleb Property. The Secretary stated that the Code Enforcement Officer did submit a memo relative to an inspection he made of the Galeb property. Chairman Lively referred the matter to the Subdivision Committee for consider- ation 'and directed that the subject memo be filed for consideration in connec- tion With C-145. VIII. CO~-'~q/NICATIONS A. . WRITTEN None -8- Pl~_a_n_n_ij~ Cormnission Minutes - 12 Ju].y ].971 - Continued VIIIo Bo United Presbyterian Church - Parking.. Chairman Lively stated that he had postponed to this part of the agenda a matter brought UP by Cormnissioner Kraus under A-156 relative to church members parking their cars in front of the church instead of the parking lot. Conm~issioner Kraus recomn~ended that the Secretary be asked to write t 'n~" a letter to the City Council requesting that they post a "No Part,~ o at the street curb in front of the church to discourage parking in this area~ Chaiman Lively requested the Secretary to fom.~ard said letter to the City Council. Guests Chairman Lively noted, with regret, the absence of a Councilman at this meeting and then acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence of Mrs. Belanger of the Good Gover~ent .Group. He, also, thanked Mrs. Belan.ger for the coffee she served at recess. IX ~ ~JO~iENT Chairman LiVely adjourned the meeting at 10:00 P.M~ Respectfully submitted, ~'tanley Saratoga Planning CoFmission j -9-