Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-24-1972 Planning Commission Minutes CITY' OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TIE: Monday, 24 July 1972 - 7:30 P.M. PLACE: Saratoga City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, Ca. TYPE: REGULAR ~ETING I. ROUTINE ORG~NIZATION The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lively at 7:30 P.M. A. ROLL CALL Present:' Commissioners Marshall, Bacon, Lively, Metcalf, Belanger. Absent: Commissioners Smith and Martin. B. P~NLFi~8 '-' Commissioner Belanger referred to Par. ~, Item D, Page 6, saying it should read: "apartment houses built under Retirement Housing Zoning, and apartment houses." Commissioner Metcalf moved that the reading of the Minutes be waived, and that they be approved as corrected~ The motion was seconded by Commissioner Marshall; carried unanimously. II. PUBLIC F~EARINC~ A. General Plan Review - 1972 Yes_~ly Review - Continued from l0 July 1972. Chairman Lively reopened the hearing relative to the General Plan Review at 7:39 P.M. and Commissioner Metcalf reported ready with the Subcommittee's draft dated 13 July, and also that he had an .Alternate text for Par. I,A-3 of same. Since the Chairman felt the audience might not be familiar with it, he re- quested that it be read in its entirety, which Commissioner Metcalf did. Following the reading of Commercial, Item I A, Par. 2, he then read his suE- gested alternate, to which Commissioner Marshall objected. The reading continued, and following the reading of Par. 6c, same Ttem, Commissioner Belanger questioned, "No convincing need has been shown for additional nursing home or convalescent facilities . ." Commissioner Metdalf said this conclusion was reached after study which did not reveal a real need for additional ones. Commissioner Belanger felt there might'be such a need in the future. Chairman Lively said that it appeared they were confusing Convalescent Homes with Retirement Housing. Conmissioner Marshall said we have as ~ny as we need now, and this doesn't consider Retirement Housing as an institution. M~. Noorudin Billawala, from the audience, had questions concerning ambula- tory and non-ambulatory patients in a convelescent hospital and the Chairman suggested that he discuss these matters with the Subcommittee -- that he would have approximately two weeks in which to talk to them -- and suggested that if he had data to convince the Commission, it be brought to the Sub- committee first. -1- Planning Commission Minutes - 2~ July 1972 - Continued Following the reading of Item C-l, there was discussion as to the limiting of the size of the stores to 12,000 square feet. Commissioner Metcalf said that if a store required more than 12,000 square feet, it didn't belong in this category. Chairman Lively pointed out that the area across the street should be studied in 1973 as to limitations of store size. Commissioner Belanger felt there shouldn't be .too many limitations or we wouldn't "attract developers. Secretary Walker said the limitations for this period of time covers the permitted uses in the C-V zoning and suggested that the zoning might be changed, rather than issuing Use permits. Commissioner Belanger suggested they let the 12,000 square feet go until '73. Commissioner Metcalf said he preferred not to, and felt that this is the only way to prevent repeated applications for major shopping centers in areas shown as V-C. The reading continued with Item C-3, MWM Property. On Item C-~, Commissioner N~rshall said it seemed advisable to consider it for housing. He said there were 20 different sites reviewed for retirement housing, which they narrowed to a total of 5. He said the Subdivision Com- mittee considered the Teresi-Smith property meets the requirements for retire- ment housing -- about the right size, close to doctors' offices, close to shopping, on level ground, and near transportation, such as it is. Chairman Lively felt this property should remain as it is, with retirement housing as a second option. Following the reading of Item C-5, Chairman Lively said there would no doubt be pressure to change the designation to include apartments, and that since this is on Saratoga's ~ain Street,.it should remain C-V or C'C, since com- mercial-type land is so limited on our main street. Commissioner Metcalf agreed. Mr. Jerry Lohr felt that since there are three blocks between downtown com- mercial and this property, it doesn't seem to encourage good development in downtown Saratoga. The Chairman felt it should remain "C-V" or "C-C" pending review in 1973. Commissioner Metcalf commented that if we want to fill Saratoga with high cost apartment projects, and if we want to increase density by having $35,000 and $40,000 apartments, this is the way to start. As far as Saratoga Village is concerned, he pointed out that there is no commercial development on the other side of the Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road traffic light, and on Sara- · toga-Los Gatos Road. He felt that the portion of Big Basin Way from the bend to the traffic light should, from the standpoint of good planning, be developed as commercial. The Chairman directed that this matter be referred back to the General Plan Subcommittee, along with the Planning Director's report dated July 18, for further study. Mr. Bernie Turgeon said he would like to attend the meeting on this matter, and asked that he be'notified when it would be; that he was against continu- ing hodge-podge planning, and felt there were many ~things to be considered. There were no comments on Itemc C-6, C-7, C-8, and C-9. On Item C-lO, Chairman Lively asked for the Citizens Committee's Recommen- dations, and learned there was no such recommendation. He directed that the matter be set for consideration by the Council at a later date. ~lanni~5 Commission Minutes - 2~ July 1972 - Continued On Item C-11, Chairman Lively referred this to the Citizens Committee for suggestions. There were no comments concerning II C-12. The reading continued, and regarding Item III A-l, West Valley Freeway, Mr. McVay of Souza Lane asked about future plans for the Freeway. Chairman Lively said that the plans are indefinite due to problems of funding, · and inability to buy certain properties -- said they were talking "another lO years," but that until it is resolved, this has to be kept in the General Plan, since the State .has right-of-way on both ends. He felt that eventually, it will go through. There were no questions or comments following reading of items IV and VI, and this concluded the reading of the 1972 General Plan Review Report as recommended by the General Plan Committee. Mrs.'Watley, of MWM, asked what the decision was on the property across from the Post Office for Commercial use~ Chairman Lively told her that the Sub- committee'had recommended no change for land use. She asked "Why?" Commissioner Metcalf said that basically, this property isn't included in the plan for Commercial -- that Commercial extends down Big Basin Way to the traffic light, which is the dividing line, and doesn't extend up Saratoga Avenue. She was asked if'she had met with the Subcommittee, and Secretary Walker said that she met with the Subdivision Committee, but not with the General Plan Committee. The Chairman instructed SecretaryWalker to arrange for her to meet with them within the next couple of weeks. The Public Hearing on the General Plan Review was closed for Ithe evening at 8:~5 P.M., and continued until the! next regular meeting. B. V-381 - Malachy J. Moran, Saratoga' Avenue - Request for Variance to Allow Lot Size and Width Reduction - Continued from l0 Juicy1972. Due to illness of Applicant, this matter was continued to the next' regular.meeting. ~ C. V-382 - Richard A. Staffiery, View Oak Drive - Request for Variance to. Allow Decrease in Side Yard Setback I~or Second Story Addition - Continued from lO July 1972- Chairman Lively reopened the Publit Hearing at 8:55 P.M. The Assistant Planning Director read the Staff Report. The Chairman announced that a 3-root variance would be granted ~- indentation of the second s~ory by 3 fee~. Mrs. S~afriery saiG ~ha~ pushing in ~he second s%ory 5 fee~ would wreck ~heir design; wouldn't make it attractive; in fact, she thought it would be very unattractive. Mr. Nick Debbas said it would be impossible to put a bearing wall underneath it. Chairman Lively closed the Hearing for tonight at 9:04 P.M., and directed that the matter be continued to the next regular meeting, and that the problem be referred back to the Variance Committee to iron out the difficulties. Plannin~ Commission Minutes - 24 July 1972 . Continued D. V-383 - Konrad Fischer, DeHaviland. Drive- Request for Variance to Allow Decrease in Side Yard Setback for Accessory Structure. ChairmanLively opened the Hearing at 9:04 P.M. He said this concerns a cabana built at 19168 De Haviland, ~ithout a permit. Secretary Walker said it is well landscaped and that there are other locations where this building might be put. :He read a letter from Joseph Stillman and .wife, of 19166 De Haviland, just to the north of the property in question. It was built by a contractor, Mr. Call. ~. Fischer said someone from the Building Deps~'tment looked at the plot plan and the pool and told him it re-' quired a setback of 6 feet. They relied on that and put in the pool and the landscaping, and later decided to go ahead with the cabana. The permit for the pool is in the Building Department, he said. He seeks some way to resolve this problem for there would be considerable cost if it has to be torn out. : The neighbor, Me. Stillman, residing at 19166 De Havils.nd, had comments to make about their agreement on the variance, and stated they are opposed to the variance. The Hearing was closed for the evening at 9:17 P.M. and continued to the next regular meeting, and referred to the Variance Committee for study and report. E. V-38____~4- Nicholas Debbas, Paseo Flores - Request for Variance to Allow Reduction in Rear and Side. Yard Setbs. cks for an Accessor~ Structure. Chairman Lively opened the Hearing at 9:19 P.M. Secretary Walker reported that Notice was mailed and published and that Applicant is present, and there are no communications in this regard. Applicant said.that it is the general trend in this area for houses to have a garage in the corner, and when he bought this house, it had a bedroom there, but they bought it with the'intention of putting a garage there; that he didn't realize one had to go through Variance -- that everybody in the area has a garage like that. The Chairman said that there had been applicants for variances of different- kinds in this area, but variances of this nature have been disapproved be- cause of precedent setting. He said the garages were built prior to the Ordinance and the neighbors didn't raise a ruckus over it. However, he suggested that the Variance Committee meet with Applicant at his .home to go over the matter. Chairman Lively closed the Hearing:for the evening at 9:26 P.M., and referred .the matter to the Variance Committee. Continued to the next regular meeting. G.. C-158.- Dr. Julian P. Henry, Cuito Road - Request for Change of Zoning from "R-l-lO, O00" (Single Family Residential) to "C-N" (Neighborhood Commercial). Chairman Lively opened the Hearing' at 9:28 P.M. Secretary Walker said that notice was mailed and published and Applicant is present requesting change of zoning on this property from "R-l-10,O00" to "C-N". It is located on quito Rd., west side of quito, just south of the Family Food M~rket. The purpose is to eventually use this property for a Veterinary CliniC. Applicant said it'would be housed in the present residence, with addition of 500 sq. ft. to the back of the building, and it would be landscaped. It would be strictly a Veterinary Hospital -- no boarding and no grooming. Flanni~ Commission Minutes - 24 July 1972 - Continued. Commissioner Metcalf said this would be on the proposed right-of-way of the West Valley Freeway. Commissioner Marshall said Dr. Henry is aware of this. Secretary Walker said the area of the property is 0.68 acres. Commissioner Belanger asked if applicant had spoken to the people at the Food F~rket. Applicant said that he had, and they were in favor of it since there would. be no boarding of dogs inside or outside; that the 'Hospital would be strictly for treatment. Chairman Lively closed the Hearing'for the evening.at 9:32 P.M. and referred it to the Subdivision Committee. Continued untilt~S 'next regular meeting. G. INFORMAL HEARING - Request of M.W.M., Inc., to add Veterinary Hospital to List of Uses in "P-A" (Professional-Administrative) Zonin5 District. Chairman Lively opened the Public Hearing at 9:33 P.M. Secretary.Walker advised that Notice of Hearing was mailed and published, and that Applicant is asking that the property across from the' Post Office On Saratoga Avenue, formerly medical offices, be used as a Veterinary Hospital. '- Secretary Walker read a letter from Dr, Acornero and one from M.W.M., Inc., requesting this change. ~s. McWhinnie, of M.W.M., said the building is now vacant and they would like to have it occupied. Commissioner Marshall said he wasn't sure how many veterinarians can be supported in this city -- that there have been at least six applications for this use within the past six months. .. Commissioner Belauger wondered if.putting a Veterinarian use in P-A Zoning would allow the possibility of a Use Permit in any P-A Zoning District. CoMmissioner Metcalf said it would, and'felt this doesn't seem the right place for this use. Mr. John D. Johnson, 1~353 Saratoga Avenue, gave his reasons why this should be denied, feeling that even though there would be no boarding or outside runs, there would still be sounds because of the many vents, and would Jeopardize the quiet of the neighborhood. Mrs. Appleby, of Park Place, told of how businesses ~- the Post Office, the Telephone Building, Professional Offices, etc. -- had encroached upon the residential areas, and that her property is no longer really suitable for ~residential use, and she objected to adding further uses. Mrs. McWhinnie said she didn't think people realize what a Veterinary Clinic is -- that it is for treatment purposes only, and is extremely quiet. She said ~urther that the building is already built. Chairman Lively said that though she is asking for Veterinary use for "P-A" Zoning, in this one location, it would apply to all property zoned "P-A". Mrs. McW~innie said that they had previously asked for it to be changed to "Commercial", and the General Plan retained it as "P-A". She maintained that it is already a medical building. Chairman Lively closed the Hearing for the evening at 9:50 P.M., and con- tinued it to the next regular meeting, referring it back to the Subdivision Committee for a report. -5- planning Commission Minutes - 24 July 1972 - Continued H. UP-21~ - C & I Development Co., Cox Ave. and Homes Drive - Request for Use Permit for Model Homes Sales Office (~rsct 4574) The Public Hearing was opened on this matter at 9:51, and closed at 9:54 for the evening, and the matter was referred to the Subdivision Committee for report at the next regular meeting. Chairman Lively called a short recess at lO:lO P.M. The meeting was recon- vened at 10:25 P.M. III. .BUiLDING SITES ~ SUBDIVISIONS A. SDR-976 - Mel de Selle, Vickery Avenue - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 10 July 1972. Chairman Lively directed this matter be continued to the next regular meeting.' B. SD.-959 - Stoneson Development Corp., Big Basin Way - Revision in Tentative ~p - Continued from 10 July 1972. Commissioner Bacon moved that the Subdivision Committee Report on SD-959 dated 2~.July 1972 be accepted and that the Tentative Map, Exhibit"A-2," be \~pro~e.~.? The motion was seconded by Commissioner Marshall; carried unanimoUSly. ' C. SD-978 - Nooruden Billawal~ Montalvo Road - Subdivision Approval - 5 Lots. Commissioner Bacon moved that the Subdivision Committee Report .on SD-978 dated F~__~ly 1972, be accepted and the Tentative Map, Exhibit "A", be q~proved~~ The motion was seconded.by Commissioner Marshall, and carried. C~S~ioner Metcalf abstained from voting since he is a DireCtor of Montalvo. -. D. SD-979 - ~obert L..DaleF Peach Hill'Rd. - Building Site Approval - i Lot. Chairman Lively directed that this be continued to the next regular meeting. V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Commissioner Metcalf reported on matters of interest'to the Planning Commission which were taken up at the last Council meeting, including Agreement wi.th State on widening of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road; introduction of Parks and Recreation Ordinance; introduction of Ordinance relating to noise; approval of walkways on Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Aloha and Fruitvale Avenue, designating routes; and setting of hearing for August 2 on Sanitation District 4 con- cerning Sobey Road.. VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Retirement Housing Standards The Chairman directed that this matter be continued for study by the SubdivisiOn Committee, and that it be set for the last meeting in August. -6- Plannin5 Conmission Minutes - 24 .J~ly 1972 - Continued VII. NEW BUSINESS AVCO - Final.Design Review - SubdivisiOn Approval Chairman Lively said that approval had been'granted on Tract 5233 provided there were no two-story homes at present on the northern boundary. However, it was believed at the time that no two-story homes existed in the adjacent tract, but it developed there are some in the Subdivision, and AVC0 requests that Lot 22 be made an exception. Commissioner Marshall asked how many two-story houses now exist and was told there is only one. Commissioner Bacon moved that Lot 22 be made an exception to the original Conditions and that a two-story house be allowed on this lot. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Marshall; carried unanimously. Secretary Walker brought up the matter of AVCO'S temporary subdivision sign, 6' x 4', 24 square feet, to go on the tract temporarily in the location indicated on the Plan. He recommended. approval. Commissioner Metcalf moved for a~prova!, s~ject to the standard conditions being imposed on the Subdivision sign proposed for Summer Place, Saratoga, as described on Exhibits "A" and "B". The motion was seconded by Commissioner Marshall;carried unanimously. VIII. COMMUNICATIONS A. WRITTEN - None. B. ORAL - None. Chairman Lively thanked the .visitors to the meeting for attending, and ~4rs. Dorothy Parker, of the Good Government Group, for coffee served at recess. He also noted the absence of Commissioner Smith due to illness. IX. ADJOURNT~ENT Commissioner Bacon moved to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting of 24 July 19'[2; seconded by Commissioner Marshall. The meeting was adjourned at 10:SO P.M. -7-