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HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-29-1973 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION SUMMARY OF MINUTES ******************** TIME: ..Tuesday, May 29, 1973 - 7:30 P.M. ~ PLACE: Saratoga City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070 TYPE: Regular Meeting ********************~ I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL Present:Cormnissioners Belanger, Lively, Marshall, Martin, Matteoni, and Woodward. Absent: Commissioner Smith. B. MINUTES Commissioner Marshall moved, seconded by Commissioner Martin, that the reading of the minutes of the May 14, 1973 meeting be waived and that they be approved as distributed to the Commission with the following changes: page 1. . .last paragraph. .delete the last word; page 11. .under IV. C. paragraph 1. .item 6) changed to read as follows: 6) the model presented at this time depicts an architectural styling of buildings and structures in Jerusalem; motion carried unanimopsly. C. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Commissioner Martin listed the following items discussed at the City Council meeting of May 16, 1973 as being of significant interest to the Planning Con~nission: 1) Appointment of Jean Woodward to the Planning Commission. 2)West Valley Junior College Assess- ment District for Parking. 3) Parking District on Fifth Street - .?. Petition for Acquisition of Property. D. NEW COMMISSIONER Chairman Lively introduced the new Planning Commissioner, Jean Woodward, and/ ..stated that Commissioner Woodward resides at 19761 Lanark Lane,_ SaratOga and., ..q .~attended the Universit~ of 'Alabama where she studied Journalism. Commissioner .~Woodward is married and her husband is ~mploye~.by. IBM and they.have three'f3) "~ ~' =children¥ Commissioner Woodward served on the Parks and Recreation Commission ~'Ch'~iM~h~'~f'C~issi~n from October, 1972 to~:'present), the General Plan Citizens Comm~tt~e,'~arks and'Recreation ~nd Election, and is'on the Board of Saint Andrews Vestry. Chairman Livelyl. welcomed Commissioner Woodward and expressed the hope that she would enjoy her duties as a Planning Commissioner. Commissioner Belanger stated that ap~op'~s to the welcome extended Commissioner Woodward she would like to read a letter she prepared for mailing to the Mayor and City Council. Commissioner Belanger read said letter complimenting the City Council on their decision to appoint Commissioner Woodward to the Planning Cpmmission and thanked them for the enc6uragement that this action will afford to other women who contemplate pursuing. leadership roles in government. Chairman Lively/thanked Commissioner Be!anger for readiRg ~er letter. _lr~ Plannin8 Commission Minutes - May 29~ 1973 - Continued i'j. D. COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Chairman Lively made the following Committee ASsignments: SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE 'DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE Commissioner Smith, Chairman Commissioner Belanger, Chairman Commissioner Belange~ Commissioner Matteoni Commissioner Marshall Commissioner Woodward Alternate: Commissioner Woodward Alternate: Commissioner Martin VARIANCE COMMITTEE GENERAL PLAN COMMITTEE Commissioner Martin, Chairman Commissioner Marshall, Chairman Commissioner Matteoni Commissioner Martin Commissioner Woodward Commissioner Smith Alternate: Commissioner Marshall Alternate: Commissioner Belanger PLANNING POLICY COMMITTEE Chairman (Commissioner) Lively II. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. V-393 - Roald Rindal, Paramount Drive - Request for Variance to Allow Reduction in Side Yard Setback Requlrements - Continued from May 14~ 1973 Chairman Lively reopened the hearing at 7:44 P.M. The Secretary stated tha'tznQ new communications had been filed and then read the Staff Report dated May 29, 1973 relative to V-393 recommending that the Variance for the swimming pool be denied, but that the Variance for the,-.swimming pool equipment be granted. Commissioner Marshall recommended that the Staff Report be amended by adding the words "for the pool equipment" to paragraph 1. .sentence'~l. and change the condition at the end of the report to read as'follows: "Provide additional specified plantings in order to completely screen pool equipment from the neighbors." The Secretary stated that the. proposed amendments are acceptable to the Staff. The applicant was present and stated that the subject pool location has been redesigned; therefore, a Variance is no longer necessary for the pool itself. However, he!does ask that an affirmative recommendation for Variance for the pool equipment be given by the Planning Commission. Commissioner Marshall explained that in this instance if the pool and pool equipment were both placed in the.required setbacks it would con- stitute an eye-sore; therefore, the Variance Committee felt that a Variance for the pool equipment would be reasonable. Commissioner Martin moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, to close the hearing relative to V-393 at 7:49 P.M.; motion carried unanimously. Commissioner Martin moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the Staff Report dated May 29, 1973 relative to V-393 be adopted,~as amended, and that the Variance for.-the'swimming pool be denied, but that a Variance 'for the swimming pool equipment be granted; motion carried unanimously. -2- Plannin~ Commission Minutes - May 29~ 1973 - Continued II.' B. V-394 - Jeanne Dodd, Ten Oak Way - Request for Variance to Allow Reduction in Rear Yard Setback Requirements Chairman Lively opened the hearing relative to V-394 at 7:51 P.M. The Secretary stated that the Notice of Hearing was mailed. He then read a communication filed. in favor of the proposed Variance by the following: 1) Mr. and Mrs. Louis B~nfiglio ef1'.13224 Via Grande Drive. 2) Mr. and Mrs. Irving W. Grander 13192 Via Grande Drive. 3) Mr. Peter J. Haase o~ 13174 Ten Oak Way. 4) Mr. and Mrs. R. J. MCCarthy of 13153 Ten Oak Way. 5) Mr. Carl Anderson of'13165 Ten Oak Court. The following filed communication in opposition of the proposed .Variance: 1) Mr. John M. Brabant of 13196 Ten Oak Drive. The applicant was present and stated that 1) her immediate neighbors had no objections to the proposed Variance 2) the neighbors had indicated that if it had been done without good taste that they would be apprehensive, but this is not the case and 3)' looking at the existing house and the. way it is laid out she cannot find another way that would be suitable for an addition. Commissioner Marshall requested. the Secretary to determine the present amount of coverage on this lot.: Chairman Lively closed the hearing for the evening at 7:59 P.M., referred the matter to the Variance Committee, and directed the matter continued to the next regular meeting. Commissioner Martin, on behalf of the Variance Committee, arranged for an appointment with the applicant for an on-site inspection of the property on Saturday, June 2, 1973.at 9:00 A.M. C~ .V-395 - Ray Wood, Short Hill CoUrt - Request for Variance to Allow Reduction in Side Yard Setback Requirements Chairman Lively opened the hearing relative to V-395 at 8:00 P.M. The Secretary stated that the Notice of Hearing had been mailed and then briefly reviewed the subject application. The applicant was present and submitted a communication written by an adjacent neighbor, Walter Muir of 14156 Short Hill Court, in favor of the proposed Variance. He thenZstated that 1) this is a hillside lot with gradual slopes 2) he purchased the property because of its aesthetic value 3) a Variance is necessary to locate a pool on this property 4) an engineer and an architect have both assured him that it will not be possible to locate the pool anywhere else without constructing a large retaining wall. Chairman Lively closed the hearing for the evening at 8:06 P.M., directed the matter continued to the next regular meeting, and referred V-395 to the Variance Committee for stud~ and a report. Commissioner Martin, on behalf 0f the Variance .Committee, arranged for an appointment with the applicant for an on-site inspection of the property on Saturday, June 2, 1973 at 9:30 -3- Plannin8 Commission Minutes - May 29~ 1973 - Continued II. D. C-169 - Osterlund Enterprises, Fruitvale Avenue and Allendale Avenue - Request for Change of Zoning from "R-1-40,O00" (Single-Family Residential) to "R-1-20~000" (Single-Family Residential) - Continued from May 14~ 1973 Chairman Lively reopened the hearing at 8:08 P.M. The Secretary explained that the applicant ha~ submitted exhibits showing the tree and house locations for this property. The history of the General Plan designation for th{s property has not been researched, but a report relative to same will be prepared by the next regular meeting. Mr. Dick Checci, applicantts engineer, explained that these exhibits are based on standard models that Osterlund builds. There will be a variety of models. Chairman Lively stated that a r~cent developer, after plot plans were established, has requested major changes. Will this happen in this development? Mr. Checci explained that building envelopes could be set up for the four (4) difficult lots in the subdivision; thereby, eliminating any major changes and still allow some flexibility. Commissioner Marshall stated that conditional zoning could be used to enforce the conditions set downz for this property. He then recommended that the Planning Commission ask the developer to talk with the Parks and Recreation commission about the 'landscaping on the City property and establish same as a buffer area at the corner of Allend~le Avneue and Fruitvale Avenue. Mr. Checci explained that the architect for the project is preparing some plans for the rear of these lots backing up to Allendale and Fruitvale. The developer is 1) trying to avoid the removal of any sizeable tre~located on the property and that dictates the eventual building pads and 2) attempts are being made to keep the lots. at the front of the property larger, but then there is a problem because of the intersection. Commissioner Martin noted that on Lot 8 the property line goes to the middle of the street and inquired if any two-story homes are proposed for this development? Mr. Checci explained that approximately 50% of the homes in the subdivision will be two-story. Commissioner Marshall recommended that a stipulation of the conditional zoning could be that there-be no twosstory homes near Fruitvale Avenue. Chairman Lively stated that the question is does the Planning Commission want to disregard the General Plan designation for this property which is located at a corner that does now and has had problems in the past? No one else present wished to comment. Chairman Lively closed the hearing for the evening at 8:20 P.M., directed C-169 continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Sub- division Committee and Staff for study and a report.a'~ III. BUILDING SITES AND SUBDIVISIONS A. SDR-1037 - R. J. Hunter Developments, Ltd., Comer Drive - BuildiDg Site Approval - 4 Lots - Continued from May 14~ 1973 __ The Secretary stated there are ~rading problems connected with this property especially as it relates to establishment of the road pad and grade. Plannin8 Commission Minutes - May 29~ 19~3 - Continued III. A. SDR-1037 - Continued Mr. Trinidad, Assistant DirectOr of Public Works, stated that 1) the i'jgrade is in excess of that allowed and the Public Works Department feels they cannot allow this 2) the tentative map Shows approximately 400-feet of 18%..'grading and then another 100-feet of 16% grading - 15% is the greatest '~u~'Of grading allowed by'the'SUbdivision Ordinance and 3) this proposal requires further study before any conditions can be prepared. Commissioner Marshall pointed Out that the tentative map shows the property that is at the top Of'the driveway and grading that is shown was approved several years agog. The engineer has prepared two (2) alternate plans - one would require a lot of fill and the other would require less cut and fill, but.would require a 10-foot cut at the top of the driveway. Commissioner Woodward explained that the Parks and Recreation Commission did go to look at the site and:a retaining wall has been constructed. Commissioner Marshall explained that the applicant did submit additional drawings for review at the time he met with the Subdivision Committee; however, Mr. Trinidad was not a~ailable at the time of that meeting. Mr. Trinidad explained that the Fire Department has seen this map and really do not obj.ect to the 18% grade, but did ask that the driveway have a 15% grade. Chairman Lively requested the members of the Planning Commission to make an effort to go out and take a. look at the subject property prior to the next regular meeting. The Secretary stated that it will be necessary to obtain an extension from the applicant; otherwise, the time on the tentative map will expire. Mr. Checci gave a verbal committment for a thirty (30) day extension and stated he would follow same up with a letter. Commissioner Marshall moved, seconded by Commissioner Belanger, th'at SDR-1037 be denied unless a letter of extension is received from the applicant before. the expiratio~ date for the tentative map; motion carried unanimously. B. SDR-1044 - George Ao Lundquist., Peach Hill Road - Building Site Approval 1 Lot - Continued from May 14~ 1973 The applicant was present and Stated he had reviewed the proposed conditions of approval as Stated in the Staff Report'~dated May 29, 1973 and expressed satisfaction with same. Commissioner Marshall moved, s~conded by Commissioner Martin, that the Staff Report dated May 29, 1979 relative'to SDR-1044 be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A"Z, filed May 2,.1973) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in: said report.; motion carried withn'Commi~sioner Belanger abstaining. C. SDR-1045 - Orville L. Lykins~ Mt. Eden Road - Buildin8 Site Approval - 1 Lot The Secretary explained that this is an est~li~h'~'d site that extends from the County into the City of Saratoga and it is a l~ga! lot. Chairman Lively stated that ~hez~..t'appearS to be a lot of cutting required for this lot and the matter should be continued for further study. The applicant explained that the cut material will be left on the property. Planning Commission Minutes - May 29~ 1973 - Continued III. C. SDR-1045 - Continued Commissioner Marshall recommended that the matter be continued and that a soils investigation be done for this property. The applicant explained that he intends to keep the cut down to under 8-feet. Chairman Lively recommended that the applicant meet with the Building Site Committee to further discuss the matter. Commissioner Belanger advised that if the applicant has a map that more accurately reflects what he is goin~ to do it would be helpful for him to bring it to the Building Site Commitee meeting. The applicant stated that the existing map can be revised to show more clearly what he intends to do. Chairman Lively directed SDR-1045 continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Build{ng Site Committee and Staff. Do SDR-1047 - John McLaughlin~ Pierce Road - Building Site Approval - 2 Lots The Secretary stated that the Fire Department has expressed concern relative to the driveway that comes off.of Via Regina and Pierce Road. The..'~lanning Department and Public Works Staff both recommend .that this matter be continued to the next regular meeting to allow time for further study. Chairman Lively so directed. E. SDR-1048 - Robert Jackson~ Canyon View Drive - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot The Secretary explained that the Fire Department is concerned about the driveway grade on this lot since there has been a history of slippage;. therefore, the Fire Department'recommends that the driveway grade be 15% or less. Mr. Jackson was present and stated that there are three (3) different grades for the driveway shown on the map and the~e~.~g~ades-.coutd!easily be .evenedT~to.'.comp~y"..~ith the requirements of the Fire Department. The Secretary stated that the Buildi~g-'Site Committee has not had an opportunity to review this driveway and building site; therefore, the matter could be continued to the next regular meeting to allow time for further stddy and review. Chairman~. Lively so directed. F. SDR-1049 - Gordon E. Jensen~ Quito Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot The Secretary stated that there is a proposal for rather extensive road improvements near the bridge on Quito Road in connection with this build- 'ing site. Mrs. Jensen was present and stated that at one time two (2) building sites were proposed for this property, but'due to the requirements of a deceleration lane it was. too ,expensive; therefore, '~-;'L~ :' plan ha~'been submitted to use the entire site as one lot. Chairman Lively explained that the matter will require further study and directed SDR-1049 continued to'the next regular meeting and referred same to the Building Site Committee 'and Staff. -6- Planning Commission Minutes - May 29~ 1973 - Continued IV. DESIGN REVIEW A. A-406 - Cal-West Communities, Saratoga Avenue - Final Design Review - Final Landscape Plans -.Vineyards of SararoSa The Secretary read the Staff Report dated May 29, 1973 relative to A-406 recommending that Final Design Approval be granted for the final landscape plans for Cal-West Communities, Inc. Commissioner Belanger stated that this developer has done a nice job in working in .the landsCaping.for the second phase of Saratoga Vineyards. with what was already there. Commissioner Belanger moved, seconded by Commissioner Matteoni, that .n' ,: Staff Report relative to A-406 dated May 29, 1973 be adopted and that the Final Design Approval be granted for the final-l~ndscape plans for the second phase of Saratoga Vineyards; motion carried unanimously. B.i'. A-391 - George W. Day Construction Co., Fruitvale Avenue - Final Design Review - Lots ~1 and ~12 of Tract 5150 Commissioner Belanger explained'that the plan for Lot #1 has been reverted back to the original basic site.development plan with a slight modification. The Secretary read the Staff Report dated May 29, 1973 relative to A-391 (Lot #1) recommending that Final Design Approval be granted for ~h~'dwelling for Lot #1. Commissioner'Belanger recommended that the subject report be amended by adding the words "2~-feet wide" to line 1. .of condition b). Commissioner Belanger moved, seconded by Commissioner Matteoni, that the Staff Report relative to A-391 (Lot #1) be.adopted,.as amended, and that Final Design Approval be granted for the house on Lot #1 as shown on Exhibit "S" subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. Lot.#12 Commissioner Belanger explained'that Lot #12 of Tract 5150 is one of three (3) lots that were"deS!gnat~d'.,'for a two-story home. ~l~e Secretary read the Staff Re~ort dated May 29, 1973 relative to Lot #12 of Tract 5150 recommending that'Final Design Approval be granted for this lot. :- Commissioner Belanger moved, seconded by Commissioner Matteoni, that the Staff Report relative to A-391 (Lot #12) be adopted and that Final Design Approval be granted for the house on Lot #12 as shown on Exhibit "R" subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. C. ~ract 5135 - Saratoga Foothills Dev. Corp., Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road - Final DesiSn Review - Decorative Feucin8 and Landscapin8 The Secretary explained that the City does not have a Maintenance Agreement with this developer to maintain the proposed decorative landscaping. Mr. Bernie Turgeon, present to represent the applicant, stated that a portion of this landscaping will be on private property (Lots 19 and 20) due to existing highway improvements and two (2) large oak trees at this corner resulting in a sight distance problem. The applicant would be agree- able to entering into a Maintenanc~ Agreement.'~with the City for this landscaping for Lots 19 and 20. One of the owners of the lots has been contacted and he would be happy to accept the responsibilities of maintaining the landscaping once it is n~ompI'~ted. -7- Planning Commission Minutes.- May 29~ 1973.- Continued IV. C. Tract 5135 - Continued ~ The Secretary read the Staff Report dated May 29, 1973 relative to Tract 5135 recommending that Final Design Approval be granted for the decorative fencing and landscaping for the subdivision entrance. The Staff Report was amended by adding the following to condition c) of the report: "c) Provide standard joint Maintenance Agreement for Lots 19 and 20." Commissioner Belanger moved, seconded by Commissioner Matteoni, that the Staff Report relative to Tract 5135 dated May 29, 1973 be adopted, as amended, and that Final Design Approval be granted for the decorative fencing and landscaping for the subdivision entrance for Tract 5135 as shown on Exhibit "X" subject to the conditions set forth in the report; motion carried unanimously. V. ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT The Secretary stated that provided in each Commissioners folder is an EIR status report on applications appearing on the agenda recently. This report i~ for information purposes. only. ~The Secretary explained, in answer to an inquiry fr~Commissioner Marshall, /that if a determination were ch'~'fle"~d'~he matter ~6~l~'b~referred't'o the i City ~ouncil and they would review ~h~""'d'~'~in~i~'~d~nake a decision~as to ~ ~h'~'~'fan EIR was needed. VI. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS A. SDR-1034 - John M. Kirkpatrick, Pierce Road - Request for Reconsideration of Conditions The Secretary explained that this is a request that was made at the last meeting for reconsideration of conditions II-G, II-H, and II-K of the Staff Report relative to SDR-1034.dated May 14, 1973. Since the applicant requests the reconsideration on the basis of cost and financial burden it must be referred to the City Coundil. Commissioner Marshall moved, seconded by Commissioner Belanger, that the subject request for reconsideration of conditions be denied and said recommendation be forwarded to the City Council as the recommendation of the Planning Commission; motion carried. unanimously. Bo Bohlman Road The Secretary explained that the Planning Department is in the process of developing plans and a model for the Bohlman Road area and upon its completion it will be presented to the Planning Commission. C. Saratoga Washette The Secretary explained that an analysis of the parking situation for this washette indicates that there is a parking deficiency. There is an agree- ment made with the City that the old parking spaces on the Third Street right-of-way can be used by public establishments abutting that street. The owner of the washette is working out a program to meet the deficiency in the number of parking spaces required via a parking district or by · .acquiring property (old Arco Service Station) across the street and using that for parking. The applicant 'will~. submit a plan prior to the next regular meeting. -8- Planning Commission Minutes - May 29~ 1973 - Continued VI. D. Two-Story Homes The Secretary explained that a staff Report has been prepared relative to the possible limitations of two-story residents within new subdivi- sions. This will probably be in ordinance form for the next regular meeting; therefore, a public hearing should be scheduled at that time. Commissioner Marshall recommendedi that some adjustments be made relative to the less stringent requirements on smaller lots with two-story homes as opposed to the larger (R-i-40,000) lots. As the regulation stands at present there would be smaller~houses allowed o~ the larger lots than on the smaller lots. Perhaps, two-story houses should not be a~lowed where a minimum depth requirement exists. Commissioner Belanger stated that she agreed with Commissioner Marshall because the impact of a larger house on the smaller lots would be greater than it would be on the larger lots. E. SDR-1020 - Donald Comer~ Pierce Road - Subdivision Approval - 7 Lots The Secretary stated that the applicant has submitted several different versions for development of this property - the property does meet with the slope density requirements. The northerly most road on this property lies within a steep ravine ~whic~.has many. significant..t.rees~'in it. The developer proposes to fill the ravine and save as many of the trees as possible. The question is does the City want to encourage development of a road in this area? It is the feeling of the Public Works Department and the Planning Director that another location for the road should be considered. Commissioner Marshall stated that this is prime virgin land that according to the plan available will have houses built all over it. The Assistant Director of Public Works stated that the more detailed plan that the applicant has ~ubmi'tted shows only one (1) or two (2) trees that will have to be removed if only two (2) narrow road strips are constructed. Chairman Lively recommended that [he applicant or his engineer be asked to submit additional plans showing ~lternate road locations. F. PATHWAYS The Secretary explained that two (2) communications had been received from the Parks and Recreation Commission relative to pathways on the lands of Barco and on the perimeter of the West Valley College property. Chairman Lively re£erred said communications to the Design Review Committee for study ~ VII. COMMUNICATIONS A~ WRITTEN Arts and Crafts Faire The Secretary read a letter written by Mr. S. W. Harbourt of 12102 Plumas Drive recommending that consideration be given to the development of an Arts and Crafts Faire with pre-designated rental spaces for the purpose of selling arts, crafts, antiques, and the like. Commissioner Martin inquired what.the applicant intended by his statement in the letter suggesting that the:facilities are to be made available for civic use during the week. Mr. Harbourt explained that ~he meant the facilities could be used for whatever civic uses desired by the City and its residents. -9- Plannin~ Commission Minutes - May 29, 1973 - Continued VII. A. Arts and Crafts Faire - Continued Mr. Harbourt, in 'answer to an inquiry from Commissioner Marshall, ~.explained that the rental space idea would be essentially the same as a flea market except for the level and type of conditions. For instance, no second had merchandise will be sold and the items for sale will be restricted to arts and crafts. Commissioner Marshall noted that' there seem to be a proliferation'of undesirable uses existing on this property. Commissioner Belanger stated that at the time the Subdivision Committee reviews this property a map showing the location where these different uses occur and the area where they occur should be made available. B. ORAL .... Commiss~ioner Belanger explained [hat it seems at the time a property begins to develop in'an area the: requirements for road widening are applied piece-meal without an overall plan for what the eventual · road plan will be. The Assistant Director of Public! Works explained that the Subdivision Ordinance spells out what is required for road improvements in the City. There are different standards used for different zoning areas of the City. The problem is that a lot of roads have not been master planned but the Deferred Improvement Agreement is one method that the City has been using frequently. Someone at the policy level should start making these determinations. Historically road.-improvement requirements have been done this way, but that does not mean there is not a better method. Guests Chairman Lively acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence Of Councilman Kraus and:x.~=-:. Mrs.. Aberle and Mr. Frampton of the Good Government 'Group. He, also, .thanked Mrs. Aberle for th'e coffee served at recess. VIII. ADJOURNMENT : Cormnissioner Marshall moved, seconded by Commissioner Martin, that the meeting of May 29, 1973 be. adjourned. at 10:30 P.M.; motion carried unanimously. Respectfully submitted, M . er, Secretary Saratoga Planning Commission j -10-