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HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-25-1972 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMaMISSION MINUTES TIME: Monday, September 25, 1972 - 7:30 P.M. 'PLACE:' Saratoga City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting ******************** I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lively at 7:30 P.M. A. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Bacon, Belanger, Lively, Marshall, Metcalf, and Smith. Absent: Commissioner Martin. B. MINUTES Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Bacon, that the reading of the minutes of the September 11, 1972 meeting be waived and.they be approved .as distributed with the following changes: page 6. .paragraph'3. line 2. .change the word "his" to "their"; page 8. .paragraph 2. change the spelling of the name "Mr. Leek" to :;Mr. Lue'ck"; motion carried with Chairman Lively and Commissioner MetCalf abstaining. Chairman Lively expressed his gratitude to Commissioner Marshall for filling in as Chairman at the last Planning Commission meeting and further stated that he was happy to see Commissioner Smith feeling better after being ill for some time. - II. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. UP-218 - Congregation Beth David Synagogue, Prospect and Scully Avenue-- Request for Use Permit to Allow a Jewish Synagogue - Continued from September 117 1972 Chairman Lively reopened the hearing relative to UPs218 at 7:32 P.M. The Secretary read a communication filed in opposition to the proposed synagogue by Andy and Susan Andarn~ani of 19619 Ladera Court. The Secretary then recommended that UP-218 be continued to the next regular meeting to allow time for 1) the applicant to submit a revised sit~ plan and 2) the Prides Crossing Ho~eo~,~.ers Association to.meet with the Subdivision Committee. Mr. Raymond Muzzy, 19518 Eric Drive, Vice-President of the Prides Crossing Homeowners Association, stated that 1) the representatives of the Home- owners Group has met with the representatives of the synagogue and the Church of Ascension 2) the Homeowners group will review the information available and report back to the Planning Commission prior to the next meeting and 3) it is the opinion of the Momeo~mers Group that the Church of Ascension should submit a new or revised Use Permit application since there have been drastic changes made in the church master-plan. Commissioner Marshall pointed out that at the last meeting the Church of Ascension representative was informed that their Use Permit would have to be amended to comply with the changes on the church property on Prospect. Mr. Muzzy stated that the Prides'Crossing Homeox.mers Association would like to see a new ~pplication for Use Permit for the Church of Ascension and the Association would have definite comments concerning the new Use Permit. -1- Planning Commission Minutes September 257 1972 - Continued II. A. UP-218 - Continued Chairman Lfvel~ requested the Secretary to contact the representatives of the Church-of Ascension and ask them to apply for modif'i.cation of ~ the existing Use Permit for the Church. Commissioner Smith explained that Fr. Worner of the Church of Ascension was informed of this at the last meeting. Chairman Lively closed the hearing for the evening at 7:42 P.M., directed UP-218 continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Sub- division Committee. B. UP-219 - AVCO Community Developers, Cox Avenue - Request for Use Permit to Allow a Model Home Sales Office - Continued from September 117 1972 Chairman Lively reopened the hearing at 7:43 P.M. The ASsistant Planner read the Staff Report relative .to UP-219 dated September 25, 1972 recommending that the request for Use Permit to allow a model-home sales-office be approved. Mr. Muzzy, Vice-President of the Prides Crossing Homeowners Association, stated that the ASsociation requests that action relative to UP-219 be de- layed until the grading problems existing in this subdivision can be resolved. The Secretary explained that the subject grading problem is being reviewed by the developer, the Department of Public Works, and the neighbors that are affected; however, the said grading discrepancy does not affect the subject sales-office. Mr. Ron" Harrison, present to represent the applicant, stated he has met with some of the people whose lots are affected by the grading probl'em in this subdivision; however, one property owner in the neighborhood, Mr. Rafaeiovich, is adament ~bout not meeting unless someone from the City is present. Correcting the grading problem involves reducing some building pads by 6-inches. CommiSsioner Belanger stated that at a previous meeting the neighbors stated there were several'feet involved in the grading dispute and not oniy 6-inches. Mr. Harrison stated that the building pads in the new subdivision are higher than the street grading and this was necessary because of the drainage. The Department of Public Works approved the grading plans for this subdivision and this difference in grading often comes up when a new subdivision goes up next to an existing one. Some of the difference in gradeis, also, due to stock-piling of dirt. Mr. Tom Hullett, 12523 Scully Avenue, stated that Lot 22 of the new sub- division backs up to his lot and he is quite concerned because Lot 22 is .from 41-inches to 48-inches higher than his lot and this is not caused by 'stock~piling of dirt. The main concern is due to the run-off from the higher lot. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, to close the hearing relative to UP-219 at 7:55 P.M.; motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Bacon, that the Staff Repor.t dated September 25,. 1972 be adopted and the subject Use Permit to allow a model-home sales-office on Larchmont Avenue and Solara Drive for a period of one (1) year be granted subject to the conditions stated in said report; motion carried unanimously. -2- Planning Cornmission Minutes - September 25~ 1972 - Continued II. C~ C-159 - Cal-West Communities, 'INC., Saratog~ Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning from "A" (Agricultur'al) to "R-M-3,000" (Multi-Family Residen'tial) - Continued. from September 11~ 1972 The, Secretary recommended that C-159 be continued since the. applicant is waiting to find out from Flood Control what their'requirements as to right-of- way will be since that will affect the density for this property. After the applicant receives this information he will revise his application ~ccordingly. No one else present wished to comment and the applicant was not present.' The public hearing was not opened and Chairman Lively directed C-159 continued to the next regular meeting and referred same t? the Sub- division Committee for study andza report. D. V-386 - James L. Rutledge, Bach Court - Request for Variance to Allow Reduction in Rear Yard Setback Requirements Chairman Lively opened the hearing relative to V-386 at 7:58 P.M. The Secretary stated the Notice of Hearing was mailed. Mr. Rutledge was present and stated .that he has a small house on this lot and is desirous of adding a family room, but due to the fact that this lot is awkward in shape a variance is necessary for construction of the family room. Chairman Lively closed the hearing for the evening at 8:03 P.M., directed V-386 continued to the next regular meeting,~and referred same to the Variance Committee. Commissioner Marshall, on behalf. of the'Variance Committee, arranged for an appointment to meet with the applicant for an on-site inspection of the property on Saturday, September 29, 1972.at 9:00 A.M. E. V-387 - James A. Hendry, Canyon View Drive - Request for Variance to Allow Reduction in Front Yard Setback Requirements Chairman Lively opened the hearing relative to V-387 at 8:04 P.M. The Secretary stated the Notice of Hearing was mailed., He explained that this property is steep and falls'away from the road. Mr. Hendry was present and stated that he has discussed this variance with the neighbors in the area ahd they have no objections to the pro- posed variance. The slope of this lot is unusual. Chairman Lively stated that exhibits showing the elevations and roof line of this proposed structure should be submitted for review. He then closed the hea~ing for the evening at 8;09 P.M., directed the matter continued to the next regurar meeting and referred same to the Variance Committee. Commissioner Marshall, on behalf of the Variance Committee, arranged for an appointment to meet with the applicant for an on-site inspection of the property on Saturday, September 29,' 1972 at 9:30 A.M. III. BUILDING SITES A}]D SUBDIVISIONS A. SDR-982 - Charles Guichard, Wardell Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from September 11~ 1972 The Secretary. recommended that SDR-982 be continued since the applicant is still in the process of revising his map to comply with slope density. He further recommended that SDR-982,be denied if a letter of extension is not received from the applicant. -3- Planning Commission Minutes - September 25~ 1972 - Continued III. A. SDR-982 - Continued Commissioner ~mith moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the request for building site approval in connection .with SDR-982 be denied unless a.letter of extension is received from the applicant-prior to October 6, 1972; motion carried unanimously. B. SDR-983 - James A~ Hendry, Canyon View Driv~ - Building Si~e Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from September 11~ 1972 Chairman Lively directed SDR-983 continued to the next regular meeting to allow time for review and action relative to V-387. C. SDR-984 - Ed Elmgren~ Saratoga Avenue - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the Building Site Committee Report dated September 25, 1972 relative to SDR-984 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed September 15, 1972) he'-~pproved subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion ~'~r{e'd unanimously. D. SDR-985 - Orville Lykins, Mt. Eden Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from September 11~ 1972 The Secretary ~xplained that the applicant has made a request to LAFCO to have the subject property annexed to the City of. Saratoga. Chairman Lively advised that the applicant can obtain tentative site ;;approval at this time but must wait for final approval until such time as the annexation proceedings are completed. Commissioner Smith moved, se'conded by Commission Bacon, that the Building Sit~ Committee Report dated September 25, 1972 relative to SDR-985 be adopted_and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", fil'ed September 1, 1972)' be~'~ved~-'~bject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion' car~f~animous ly. E. SDR-986 - Saratoga Foothills Dev. Corp., Saratoga Avenue - Subdivision Approval - 11 Lots - Continued from September 11~ 1972 The Secretary stated that the applicant is still'working on a revised tentative map to meet the minimum lot size requirements; therefore, , SDR-986 should be continued to the next regular meeting. Chairman Lively so directed. F. SDR-989 - Charles A. Beasley~ Loma Rio - Buildin8 Site Approval - 1 Lot Commissioner. Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Bacon, that the Building Site Committee Report dated September 25, 1972 relative to SDR-989 be adop. ted be ap~v~d and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed September 15, 1972) ~""ou~usl' na Subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried u n~ y. G. zSD~990 - Saratoga Foothills~ Fruitvale Avenue - Subdivision Approval - 27 Lots The Secretary explained that SD-990 is a refile on a subdivision that is under construction on Fruitvale Avenue and Unit ~1 of the subdivision has been finaled out; therefore, the applicant is ready to proceed with Unit ~'2. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the Subdivi- sion Committee Report dated September 25, 1972 relative to SD-990 be ado. p-ted "~nd that the tentative map (Exhibit "A'.', filed September 1, 1972) be '~'~'prove~ subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unman± mous ly. -4- Plan~in8 Commission Minutes September 25~ 1972 - Continued III. H. SDR-991 - Richard W. Rutowski~ Sobey Road - Building Site Approval - 2 Lots The Secretary stated that SDR-991 should be continued to the next regular meeting because the Public Works Depar'tment would like additional time to study' the requirements for Sobey Road and Sperry Lane as they relate to this building site. Chairman Lively sO directed. IV. DESIGN REVIB~ A. A-271 - Stoneson Construction Company, Springer Avenue - Final Design Review - Townhouse Exterior Elevations Commissioner Metcalf stated that the Staff Report relative to A-271 dated September 25, 1972 recommends Final Design Approval be granted for the exterior elevations for the seventh townhouse complex in the Stoneson development on Big Basin Way. COmmissioner Metcalf moved, sec'onded by Commissioner Belanger, that the Staff Report dated September 25', 1972 be adopted and that Final Design Approval be/~ant~d/for A-271 for the seventh to~ahouse complex for the Stones~d~vvelopment as shoS~n on Exhibit "O" subject to.the conditions stated in said. report; motion carried unanimously. B. A-381 - St. Andre~'s Church, Saratoga Avenue - Final Design Review - Multi-U~e Parish Hall for Parish School · Commissioner Metcalf stated that the applicant has submitted a complete set of detailed plans and elevations. The Staff Report relative to A-381 dated September 25, 1972 recommends Final Design Approval for the multi-use parish hall. Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner Belanger, that the Staff Report~dat-e.d September 25, 1972 be adopted and that Final Design Approval be/granted~for A-381 for the multi-use parish hall for the. parish s hoot as-'Sho~ on Exhibit "B" subject to the conditions stated in said report; motion carried .unanimously.' C. A-391 - George W. Day, Douglass Lane - Modification of Final Design Review Single Family Residence Commissioner Metcalf amended the Staff Report relative to A-391 recommending Final Design Approval be regranted for Lot 11 of Tract 5150 by adding the following condition: a) 'Medium shakes or heavier. to be used as roofing material. Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner Belanger, that the Staff Report dated Septembe~ 25.,. 1972 be adopted, as amended, and that Final Design Approval be~egranted for Lot 11 of Tract 5150 as sho~n on Exhibit "M" subject to the condition set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. D. A-395 Charla Ann Brown, Canyon View Drive - Final Design Review - Single-Family Residence and Landscape Plan T~e Secretary explained that the applicant was present and is ready to present the landscape plans 'and if they are acceptable Final Design Approval can'be granted at this time. After a review of the plans, Commissioner Metcalf recomended that the Staff Report relative to A-395 .be amended by deleting the condition as stated in the report. Planning ·Connnission Minutes September 257 1972 - Continued IV. D. A-395 - Contin'ued Commissioner M~tcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner Belanger, that the Staff Repor~ dated September 25, 1972 be adopted and that ~inal Design· Approval be g~anted for A-395 for the single family residence and landscape plans as shown on Exhibits "B" and "C"; motion carried unanimously. ~ E. A-399 - Standard Oil of California, Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Final Design Review - New Identification Sign to Replace Old Free-Standing Sign Mr. Je~ E. Gliebe, present to represent the applicant, stated that 1) when he met with the Design Review Committee it was recommended that no more than three (3) colors be used on the proposed sign and that the black lettering be changed to blue lettering 2) he contacted the home office about the recommended changes for the sign and was informed that any changes in the sign would violate the registered trade mark for Standard Oil and would involve legal complications. Commissioner Metcalf recommended that condition i"c'~ (No more than three (3) colors· to be allowed on new signs.) be deleted from the Staff Report dated September 25, 1972 relative to A-399. Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner BacOn, that the Staff Report da~ed_.September 25, 1972 be adopted, as amended, and that Final DeSign Approval b~ '~g~ant~ for A-399-for the new identification signs (replacement of free-standing ~-s-~g~) for Standard Oil of California as shown on Exhibit "A" subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. F. A-400 - Standard Oil of California, Saratoga-Los Gatos Road - New Identifica- tion Sign to Replace Old Free-Standing Sign Commissioner Metcalf recommended that condition "c" (Nor more than three (3) colors to be allowed on new signs.) be deleted from the Staff Report dated Sept·ember 25, 1972 relative to A-400. Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner Bacon, that the Staff Report dated september---25-, 1972 be adopted, as amended, and that Final Design Approval be.~_~.~d for A-400 for the new identification signs (replaCement of free-standing·signs)·for Standard Oil of California as shown on "Exhibit "A" subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT The Secretary gave a brief summary of items reviewed and action taken at the · City Council meeting of September 20, 1972. ! ·· PLANNING POLICY. COmmITTEE Chafrman· Lively gave a brief summary of matters discussed and action·taken at the Pl·anning Policy COmmittee meeting·of August 24, 1972 with special emphasis on a report presented by the Housing Staff relative to "Production Objectives for Federally Assisted Housing". The report-was an initial effort to measure the. relative ability of the fifteen (15) Santa Clara County cities to absorb and pr·ovide services to housing developed under the Federal Section 235 and 2·36 subsidy programs. The Secretary advised that there will be a workshop on hillside development on Thursday, November 2, 1972 at 9:30 A.M. in the County Planning Department conference room and the County Planning Commission is anxious to have cities that were involved in the first phase present at this workshop. -6- Planning Commission Minutes - September 25~ 1972 - Continued VI. OLD BUSINESS A. Retirement ~ous~n8 Standards - Continued from September 11~' 1R72 The Secretary explained that some modifications have been made relative to the coverage allowed under the Retirement Housing Standards currently proposed. There were some comments that the minimum square footage per unit was rather low for the type of.development that would occur in Saratoga, but the matter was left unchanged since there may be a development orientated toward total care. Commissioner Belanger stated shezis opposed to any proposal that allows for a high cost retirement facility. Commissioner Smith stated that the rule used to determine rental cost per unit is generally figured at 1% per month of the purchase price of the property. The Secretary pointed out that another significant change was the reduction -to.50 years of age as the minimum age for one spouse. Commissioner Smith stated that the Subdivision Committee did meet with a tentative developer relative to the retirement housing and he had some suggestions which have been incorporated into the retirement housing report. The Secretary explained that 20-units per acre are presently allowed under the current retirement housing standards but that could be further limited by limiting the number of person~ per acre. ~hairman Lively directed this matter continued to the next regular meeting and referred the retirement housing standards to the Subdivision Committee and Design Review Committee for ~tudy and a report. Commissioner Belanger suggested that more could be gained by discussing, this matter at a meeting of the "Committee of the ~ole" (comprised of the Planning Commission) rather than fragmenting it out to different committees. Chairman Lively explained that since 'the Subdivision Committee and Design Review Committee together involve five (5) members of the Commission; therefore, it might be easier for them to hold several meetings and gather all the necessary information after which a special meeting of the Planning Commission could be held to review all the material. Commission Martin who is not on either the Subdivision Committee or Design Review Committee could replace any member that must be absent. ~ Commissioner Smith advised that these standards should be put into ordi- nance form as soon as possible in order that prospective developers can get some idea of what the requirements are for submitting an'application for a retirement housing development~ B. Resolution No. 115-1 - Revision of Slope Density Resolution .The.Secretary recommended that this matter be'continued to allow additional time to meet with the City Attorney and Subdivision Committee. Chairman Lively so directed. 71. VII. NEW BUSINESS None -7- Planning Commission Minutes - September 25~ 1972 - Continued VIII. COMMUNICATIONS A. WRITTEN None' B. ORAL Congregation Beth David Synagogue Commissioner Metcalf stated that in a communication read earlier in the meeting relative to the proposed synagogue it was pointed out that very few of the members of this congregation. live within Saratoga. He then recommended that the matter be investigated prior to the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission. ., Commissioner Smith explained that the congregation is limited to approximatel. y 100-people and the primary complaint from residents · in the area seems to be connected with traffic and parking on the ~he street and both of these are matters to be considered by the Department of Public Works And City Council. Chairman Lively requested the Secretary to contact the applicant and obtain a list indicat~.ng which areas will be' served by the proposed synagogue. C. AVCO - Grading Problem in Summerplace Subdivision , =' Commissioner Metcalf stated that, it was his opinion, that the matter' Of the irregular grading in this subdivision has .been mishandled from start to finish. Six weeks ago this was brought to the attention of the Planning Commission as an emergency situation. There has been a lack of attention from the Public Works Department or Building Depart- ment or both. Chairman Lively requested the Secretary to obtain a progress report relative to this matter in time for the next regular meeting of the Planning Commission. D. Argonaut Place Shopping Center sign - saratoga-sunnyvale Road and Biauer Drive The Assistant Planner, in ansver to an inquiry from Commissioner Belanger, ~. explained that the Public Works Department is working to eliminate the site distance problem connected with this shopping center sign and the matter has been referred to the State Highway Department for consideration. E. Guests Chairman Lively acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence of Councilman Kraus, Mrs. Wilberding and Mr. Frampton of the Good Government Group, and Mrs. Casey of the League of Women Voters. He, also, thanked Mrs. Wilberding for the coffee served at recess. IX. ADJOURi~ENT Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by CommisSioner Marshall, to adjourn the Planning Commission meeting of September 25, 1972 at 9':46 P.M.; motion 'carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, Stanley M. ~alker, Secretary Saratoga Planning Commission j