HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-08-1971 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING CO~MISSION
MINUTES
TIME: Monday, 8 November 1971 - 7:30 P.M.
PLACE: City Council Chambers - 13777'Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070
TYPE: Regular Meeting
I. EOUTINE ORGANIZATION
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The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lively at 7:30 P.M.
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Belanger, Fagan·, Lively, Martin, Marshall, and
Metcalf.
Absent: COmmissioner Smith~
B. ~INUTES
.... C6mmissioner Metcalf moved, ~econded by Commissioner Marshall, that the
reading of the minutes of 26.October 1971 meeting be waived and that
they be approved as distributed with the follo}~ing changes:
page 1. . .in the heading. .:.change "Saratoga Youth Center" to
read "City Council Chambers";
page 5. .under V.. . paragraph 4. . .line 1. .insert the
words "and the former" between the words "revised" and "map";
page 6. .under VI. B. . .p~ragraph 1. . .change No. 4 to read
as follows:
"4) it would be best if cul-de-sac streets and private
driveway lengths were not in excess of 500-feet away
from a hydrant (friction losses and truck hose
carrying capacity limits)."; motion carried unanimously.
II. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. V-368 - John Constantin, Oak .Street - Request for Variance to Allow
an Increase in l~elling Units Per Site Area - Continued from
26 October 1971
Chairman Lively reopened the hearing relative to V-368 at 7:35 P.M.
The Secretary read the Staff Report dated 8 November 1971 recommending
that the subject request for Variance be denied.
The Secretary, in answer to an inquiry from Commissioner Metcalf,
stated that Mr.·Albini ow~s the property to the south of the applicant
and Mr. Glen·Saules owns the property to the north and both properties
have older homes on them. He further stated the Constantin property
would best be developed in conjunction with the Albini and Saules
properties.
Chairman Lively recommended that the Staff Report be amended by making
Reason No. 3 a statement of the report rather than a reason for denial.
Mr. Constantin was present and stated that if he builds individually
and Mr. Saules builds individually one entire unit will be lost.
N0 one else present wished to comment.
Commissioner Martin moved, seconded by Commissigner Metcalf, to close
the hearing relative to V-368. at 7:44 P.M.; motion carried unanimously.
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Planning Commission Minutes - 8 November 1971'- ContinUed
II. A. V-368 - COntinued
Commissioner Martin moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that
the Staff RepOrt dated 8 November 1971 be adopted, as amended, and
that the subject Variance to allow an increase in dwelling units
per site'area be denied since the findings required under Section 17.6
of Zoning Ordinance NS-3 cannot be made for the reasons stated in said
report; motion carried unanimously.
B. V-369 - Louis S. Frankel, Montawood Drive - Request for Variance to
Allow an Increase in Accessory Structure Height - Continued
from 26 October 1971
Chairman Lively reopened the hearing relative to V-369 at 7:45 P.M.
The'Secretary read the Staff Report dated 8 November 1971. recommending
that the subject request for Variance be denied.
'Commissioner Martin explained that the Variance Committee did visit
the site and viewed the property from the'Monte Sereno side, the
Saratoga side, and the residence of the applicant.
Commissioner Marshall stated there is a barn on'the applicant's
"~operty across the creek that could be used to store the hay.and
this fact influenced the recommendation for denial more than the
objections of the neighboring property owners.
Chairman Lively recommended that Reason No. 3 of the Staff Report be
deleted.
Mr. Frankel was present and stated that 1)" the property across the
creek is located in Monte Sereno and is a legal non-conforming use
and that City has passed an ordinance r~quiring all non-conforming
uses to be razed in a designated time; therefore, the garage must
be razed by 1972 2) the reason the Variance was requested was to
eliminate the cost of construction of a new building and before
Monte' Sereno will issue a Building Permit the garage will have to
be eliminated 3) it would be bulky to'transfer the hay from the
building across the creek to the horse stalls and 4) he did not
believe the added height requested by the V~riance would spoil "
anyone's view.
Commissioner ~rshall stated that 1) the Variance Committee did
notice that the corral and horse are both located on the Saratoga
side of the applicant's property 2) it was po~.nted out at the last
meeting that both Saratoga and Monte Sereno issued permits for the
keeping of horses and 3) he feels some attempt should be made by
the applicant to tie the two (2) pieces of property together since
at this point it appears Saratoga is bearing the brunt of the whole
thing and Monte Sereno only supplies the use of some land.
Commissioner Martin pointed out that 1) the actual area where the
horses are kept is only about one-third acre in size 2) the storage
of the hay can be provided without granting of the .subject Variance
and 3) the increased building height that would be allowed if the
Variance were granted would be visible from future homes built in
'~he area adjoining this property.
Mr. Frankel explained that'it was his original intent to tear do~.~ .
the garage on the Monte Sereno property and corral the horses there;
however, the Santa Clara 'County Health Department advised that for
the winter months-the ho~ses would be better located on the Saratoga
property because of drainage.
II. B. V-369 - Continued
Chairman Lively recommended thaC Reason #3 of the subject Staff
Report be deleted since it is really not a valid reason for denial.
.Conm~issioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner '~rtin, to close
the hearing relative to V-369 at' 8:01 P.M.; motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Martin moved, seconded by Commissioner ~rshall, to adopt
the Staff Report dated 8 November 1971 relative to V-369 and deny the
Variance to allow an increase in accessory structure height since the
finding required under Section 1~7.6 of City of Saratoga Zoning Ordinance'
NS-3 cannot be made for the reasons stated in said report; motion carried
unanimously.
Ill. BUILDING SITES A~ND SUBDIVISIONS
A. SD-904 - George W. Day, Fruitvale Avenue and Douglass Subdivision
Approval - 15 Lots - Continued from 26 October 1971
The Secretary recommended that SD-904 be continued to the next regular
meeting.
Chairman. Lively so directed.
B. SDR-918 - Monty R. Boyd~ Arroyo de Arguello - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot
The Secretary recommended that SDR-918 be continued to allow time to
work out requirements of Flood COntrol and other 'discrepancies in connection
with this property.
Chairman Lively directed SDR-918'continued to the next regular meeting.
C. SDR-922 - Dr. Richard Wallace, Pierce Road - Building Site Approval -
3 Lots - Continued from 26 October 1971
Mr. Wes Kosich was present to represent the applicant and stated he had
reviewed ttie proposed conditions'of approval and expressed satisfaction
with same.
Chairman Lively amended condition II-s of the B~ilding Site Committee
Report.to read as follows:
"S. Master Trails plan shows zn unimproved pathway along Calabazas
Creek. Planning Commission requires a 10-foot wide pedestrian
easement through this three (3) lot sdbdivision as approved by
the Planning Director."
Commissioner Fagan moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the
Building Site Committee Report dated 8 November 1971 relative to SDR-9222
be adopted, as amended, and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A-l",.filed
1 November 1971) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said
report; motion carried unanimously.
D. SDR-924 - Ned Richmond, Sunset D~ive - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot ~
Continued from 26 October 1971
The applicant was present and exp.ressed satisfaction with the proposed
conditions of approval. He. further stated that most of the trees on the
property are Monterey Pines that were very densely planted and some
thinning is going to be necessary. to save the better trees.
Commissioner Metcalf recommended 'that condition II-0 of the Building
Site Comnittee Report be amended Zto read as follows:
"O. Type and location of structure subject to Design Review."
Commissioner moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the Building
site. committee Report dated 8 November 1971 relative to SDR-924 be adopted,
as amended, and that the tentativ~ map (Exhibit "A-3", filed 5 November 1971)
be approved subject to the condit{ons set forth in said report; motion carried
unanimously.
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III. E. SD-927 - Ditz-Crane Builders, Inc., Sea Gull Way - Subdivision Approval
- 9 Lots
%~e Secretary recommended that SD~927 be continued to the next regular·
meeting since the City is negotiating with·the ·applicant for the purchase
of this property for use as a park.
Chairman Lively directed SD-927 continued to the meeting of 22 November 1971o
F. SDR-928 - John H. Hall~ Monte Vista Drive Building Site Approval - 1 Lot
The Secretary stated that this application involves an exisEing home
that is being r~mod~led and there are few conditions left to meet other
than payment of the'various fees. He further stated that the applicant
has reviewed the proposed conditions of approval and·expressed satisfaction ~,~th
same. The·Secretary then suggested that condition II-F be deleted from
the Building Site ·Comnittee Report.
Connnissioner Fagan moved·, seconded by Connnissioner ~rshall, that the
Building Si·te Comnittee Report dated· 8 November 1971 relative to SDR-928
he'"adopted, as amended, and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed
29 October 1971) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said
re~Ort; motion carried unanimously.
G. SD-929 - Gerald Kendall~ Sobey Road - Subdivision Approval - 7 Lots
The Secretary stated that' SD-929 is a renewal of a previously approved
tentative map with slight modification of one property.
Commissioner Marshall stated that according to the tentative map the
guest house between lots four (4) and five (5) has septic tank facilities·
right now and it should be stipulated that before construction is started
it should be connected to'the sanitary sewer.
The Secretary read a communication dated 8 November 1971 and received
from the County Health Department stating that sanitary sewers are to be
provided by the subdivider.
Commissioner Marshall recommended that condition 5 of the Subdivision
Committee Report dated 8 November 1971 be amended to read as follows:
"5. Connect all existing and future houses to sanitary
sewer'as required by Health Department; as stated in ·their
report of 8 NOvember 19·71 and commencing with Phase I."
· · The Secretary stated that the applicant was not present; however, he
(the applicant) was aware of the conditions stated in the Subdivision
Committee Report.
Commissioner Fagan moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the
Subdivision Committee Report dated 8 November 1971 relative· to SD-929
be adopted, as·amended, and that the·tentative map (Exhibit "A-2",
filed 25 October 1971) be approved subject to the conditions set forth
in said report; motion carried unanimously.
IV. DESIGN REVIEW
Ao A-373 - Alfred F. Dumas, Ihc., Prospect Road - Final Design Review -
Final Landscape Plan and Decorative Fence Detail~
The Assistant Planner read the Staff Report dated 8 November 1971
recommending that Final Design Approval be granted for the applicant's
final-landscape plans for the planned community development on Prospect
Road.
Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner Martin, that the
Staff Report· dated 8 November 1971 be adopted and that Final Design Approval
be granted for the final landscape plans as sho~m on EXhibits "F" and "G"
for the applicant's planned con~nunity development; motion carried unanimously.
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IV. B. A-383 - Corinthian Studios, Big 'Basin Way - Preliminary Design Review -
Facade Remodeling
The Assistant Planner read the Staff Report dated 8 November 1971
recommending that Preliminary Design Approval for remodeling the
building front exterior of the existing connnercial building at
14416 Big Basin Way.
Commissioner Belanger inquired if there would be any consideration given
to a unifonnity of design for the do~,~to~n village area at the scheduled
Village Development meeting.
Chair~an Lively ~tat~d that about t~o (2) years ago some consideration
was given relative to the type of atmosphere that should be created in
the Village and noSody came to any conclusion; however,'in the meantime
the Architectural Advisory Co~.~nittee was.formed and is consultant to the
Design Review Conmittee whenever any propc, sals for the Village area are
reviewed.
Commissioner Metcalf explained that ~his remodeling will be quite
similar to the applicant's remodeling of the main building located
~ on Saratoga-Los Gatos Road and it would be appropriate to go ahead
w~.h.preliminary design approval~ at this time.
Con~nissioner Marshall stated that the Design Review Committee did meet
with the applicant and encouraged them to submit'the proposed design.
Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner ~rtin, that the
Staff Report dated 8 November 1971 be adopted and that Preliminary
Design Approval be granted for the remodeling Of the front exterior
of the commercial building at 14416 Big Basin Way; motion carried
unanimously.
RECESS AND RECONVENE
V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Commissioner ~rtin gave a summary of items reviewed and action taken at the
City Council meeting of 3 November 1.971, with emphasis on items of particular
interest to the Commission.
VI. OLD BUSIneSS
A. Possible Revision for Design Review of Single-Family Residences
The Assistant Planner briefly reviewed the proposed ordinance addition
relative to the possible revision for design review of single-family
residences.
Commissioner Metcalf stated that' he would like to see a procedure.
where if a slope density is greater than 10% the proposed conditions
for design review approval are automatically invoked rather than
making a choice for each individual lot. He then recommended that
the matter be continued to the next regular meeting to allow time
for further study of this subject.
B. AESthETIC GRADING ST~\D~RDS - Continued from 26 October 1971
The Assistant Planner stated that the Resolution has been prepared
and is ready for adoption.
Chairman Lively recommended that the Aesthetic Grading Standards
under G. 2. should be amended .to read as follows:
"2. Paving specifications and n~terials are required to meet
city street standards or minimum access road standards."
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Fianning Commission Minutes 8 November 1971 - Continued
VI. .B. AESTHETIC GRADING STANDARDS - Continued
Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner ~v~rtin, for
adoption by the Planning Commission of Resolution No. 115-1 together
with Exhibit "A" both relating to aesthetic grading standards establish-
ing the development standards for site development of hillside subdivi-
.... sions; motion carried unanimously.
C. UP-176 - Ditz-Crane, Yuba Court - Request for Extension Continued from
26 October 1971
. The .Secretary read the Staff Report dated 8 November 1971 recommending
· that a one (1) year extension be granted for UP-176.
CommissioneT Fagan moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the
Staff Report dated 8 November 1971 be adopted and a one (1) year
extension be granted for UP-176 to continue'operation of a temporary
tract sate.s office (new expiration date to be 8 November 1972); motion
carried unanimously.
D.' UP-169 - George W. Day, Fanveil Avenue - Request for Extension -
Continued.from 26 October 1971
The Secretary.read the Staff Report dated 8 NoVember 1971 .recon~nending
that a one (1) year extension be granted for UP-169.
Commissioner Marshall recor0anended that paragraph 2. .line 4. .
be changed to read. . ."be 1 October 1972 or completion of sales whichever
occurs first) subject to all previous conditions imposed under said Use
Permit."
Commissioner Fagan moved, seconded by.Commissioner ~rshall, that the
Staff Report dated 8 November 1971 be adopted, as amended, and an extension
be granted for UP-169 to allow continued operation of a temporary tract
sales office as stipulated in the Staff. Report dated 8 Noventer 1971;
motion carried unanimously.
E. C-140 Prince of Peace Lutheran Churdh, Saratoga and Cox Avenues -
Set.for Public Hearing
The Secretary stated that 1) a public hearing should be scheduled for
this change of zoning application from "A" (Agricultural) to "P-A"
(Professional-Administrative) and 2) this change of zoning request
was postponed until after completion of the General Plan and now that
has been completed; therefore, the applicant asks that C-140 be reinstated.
Chairman Lively directed that a public hearing be scheduled for C-140
for 13 December 1971.
F. Street Tree Planting in Subdivisions
The Assistant Planner stated that 1) work is being done to get subdividers
to plant the required trees and the matter has been revie~ed by the Design
Review Committee 2) a letter will be sent to all subdividers stating the
tree plan~ing requirements 3) a more formal procedure will be worked out
by the Building Department, Public Works Department, and Planning Department
and 4) Ditz-Crane Builders. have been very conscientious about tree planting
and have posted bonds to guarantee that they will supply the required street
trees.
VII. ~W BUSINESS
NONE
Planning. Conm~ission Minutes - 8 November 19.71 - Continued
VIII. CO~[UNICATIONS
A. ~rRITTEN
"7-11" Store
~he Secretary read a conm~unication received from Mrs. Annette
Young of 19431 San Marco Road requesting that the proposal for
a "7-11" store on Oak Street be denied.
The Secretary explained that this proposal has not been officially
re-submitted for consideration but that the subject property is zoned
for commercial and the only way that it can be changed would be to
rezone the property-.
ORAL
GUESTS
Chairman Lively noted, with regret, 'the absence of a Councilman
at this meeting and then acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence
of Mary Moss of the Good Government Group. He, also, thanked Miss
M6~S =for the coffee served at recess.
IX. ADJOURi\~NT
Chairman Lively adjourned the meeting at 10:00 P.M.
ReSpectfully submitted,
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Stanley M. Walker, Secretary
Saratoga Planning Commission
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