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HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-13-1980 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: ~'qednesday, February 1.3, 1980 - 7:30 p.m. · PLACE:' City Council Chambers, 1.3777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular ~·Ieeting ROUTINE ORGANIZATION Roll Call' Present:Commissioners King, Laden, Marshall, Schaefer, Siegfried, ¥*~illiams and Zambetti Ab'sent: None Minutes lqith the correction that, ·on page 4 under UP-434, the fi·rst sentence in the third paragraph should read: "Commissioner Marshall stated ..... " Commis- sioner Marshall moved, seconded by Commissioner Siegf'ried, to waive the reading of the minutes of January 23, 1980 and approve as distributed. The motion was carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR Commissioner Marshall moved for adoption of the items listed below on the Consent Calendar, making the findings in the matter of GF-317(a). Commis- sioner Siegfried seconded the' motion,. which was carried unanimously. .~. 1. SDR-1359 - Howard Ashmore,' Bohlman Road, 1 Lot, Fina] Building Site Approval 2. SDR-1442 - Spencer Profi.t, Norton-Kittredge Roa'd, I Lot, Final Building' Site Approval ':3. Negative Declaration - SDR-1447, Marcus Bitter 4. SDR-1447 - Marcus Bitter, 19000 Cox Avenue, Medical Villages of Saratoga, 1 Lot, Tentative Building Site Approval '5. .GF-317(a) The Use of ~.,Iodel Homes for Real Estate Sales as a Conditiona. 1 Use in the "C-V" and. "C-C" Districts .PUBLIC HEARINGS 6.' SD-135'6 - Anthony Cocciardi,. Mt..Eden Road, .23 lots, Tentative ~ap Approval; Continued from Janua'ry. 23, 1980 Staff reported that this project had. been approved in concept at the last meeting. Discussion followed on the project, and it was determined that Condition VII-1 should read: "Dedicate 15' trail easement and improve as approved by Parks and Recreation Commission";, Condition VII-3 should read: "Prior to issuance of buildihg permits, comply with criteria for the keeping of horses (to be established by the Planning Commission prior to Final Approval.)~'2~.?7~ and Condition VIII-5'should read: "No pools to be permitted on lot 15·. except and. unless des-ign is approved by Plannih.~"=.~ Commiss ion." Staff stated that, because of a recent addition to th.e State Map Act, the motion'to approve this project should state that the housing needs of the City· have been considered with respect to this subdivi.sion. Discussion followed on this matter, and it Commissioner Marshall moved to approve SD-1356, subject to the Staff Report and Appendi.x D as amended, making the findings of the California - 1 - "~,Pl~nning Commission ~_ Page 2 ~inutes - 2/13/80 SD-1356 (cont.) Environmental Quality Act. Commissioner Siegfried seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Commissioner Zambetti stated that he was voting for the project only because it has been before the Commis- sion for two years and the Commission is dictated by our ordinances to approve it; however, he felt it would be a much better project if it 'was a Planned Community. 7. SD-1368 - Allen Chadwick and Anthony Cocciardi, Old Oak & Chiquita Way, 11 Lots, Tentative Map Approval; Continued from Janu- ary 23, 1980 The conditions of the Staff Report were discussed. It was determined that Condition 1-2 should read: "Street improvements on 50 foot right- of-way to be 26 feet. '(Improvements may be altered per approval of the Planning Commission prior to final map approval.) Chiquita Way is to be built to full standards in conjunction with Phase I. These improve- ments include the portion of Old Oak Way within Tract 3932.",.-Cohdition ~I_~=~'~iH~uld read: "Pools on lots to be placed on slopes of thirty (30) percent or less and are subject to Staff Design Review to insure reasonable placement in relation to the site's physical characteristics and City planning criteria. Decisions of Staff may be appealed to the Planning Commission through the design review process.", and Con- dition VII-3 should read: "Prior to'~issuance of building permits, comply with criteria for the' keeping of horses (to be established by the Planning Commission prior to Final Approval)." The trails were discussed. It was determined that Condition VII-1 should read: "DediCate 15' trail easement and improve as approved by Parks and Recreation Commission (in conjunction with public right-of-way where possible). Easement required as approved by Parks and Recreation Commission 1/80." The public hearing was continued at 8:04 p.m. Dora Grens, 13451 Old Oak Way, requested information about the change of design at the end of Old Oak Way. Marius Nelsen, civil engineer for the project, explained that there will be a trade of land between the applicant and Mr. Don, who needed more land to give him a more buildable site. He stated that this will reduce the amount of grading and retaining walls that are required at the end of Old Oak Way. Hr. Nelsen indicated that the road will be shifted 30 It. to the east to make this propert~ line adjustment. Mr. Nelsen stated that he would-send Mrs. Grens a I~~"~'~]~.o~H"~H~ retaining wall on the downhill slope. It was'~'d"~H'aF ~'H~""°'~'~ series of two retaining walls on the uphill side and one on the downhill side, with safety barriers along the outer curb of the road. It was also clarified that there will be a walkway for pedestrian traffic. William Kohler, Via Regina, discussed the comments made by the City Geologist at the meeting held., on February.12th, regarding the geology in this area. Mr. Kohler stated that he felt, in light of the new information given by the City Geologist, the public hearings should be postponed until all of the input is in on the .subject. Inspection Services Staff stated that the maps referred to by the City Geologist show the same geological features that had been identified and agreed to by him in reviewing this subdivision. Staff explained that the requirements that are in those maps for study exploration and proper engineering have been ful.filled through the process of this tentative map consideration. Staff further commented' that the City Geologist has approved the geological reviews of this subdivision and the engineering to be done, and all of the details of the engineering will be subject to further review by both the City Geologist and the Soils Engineer, as well as the'Department of Inspection Services. Staff explained that the - 2 - ~l~.Pianning Commission Page 3 Minutes 2/13/80 SD-1368 (cont.) newness referred to by Mr. Kohler was that in some areas there was some new information from Mr. Cotton's study, but not in this subdivi- sion; the geology for this subdivision is consistent with the maps. Commissioner Siegfried pointed out that, under the Department of Inspec- .tion Services in the Staff Report, there are very clear conditions indicating that this process is not ended with the approval of the tentative map, and the geotechnical problems will be reviewed and addressed as the project cont~.nues. Staff indicated that the geological hazards along the right-of-way to 'the ~athot property have been reviewed, and the feasibility has been demonstrated, along with th'e road. which is the westerly extension of Old Oak Way. Commissioner Marshall moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Siegfried seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Commissioner Marshall m~ved, seconded by Commissioner Siegfried, to approve SD-1368 per the amended Staff Report dated October 19, making the finding that it is consistent with the 1974 General Plan Land Use Element, and also the findings as required by the California Environmental Quality Act. The motion was carried unanimously. 8. UP-424 - Saratoga Foothills Development Corp., Request for Use Permit SDR-1439 and Tentative Building Site Approval to allow the construc- tion of a 36-unit multi-family condominium project, on Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road; Continued from January 23, 1980 Staff reported that .a letter had been received from the applicant regarding the reduction in density. The public hearing was continued at 8:36 p.m. Since no one appeared, it was directed that this item should be con- tinued to the Committee-of-the-Whole meeting on February 19, 1980 and the regular meeting of February 27, 1980. 9. GF-325 Amendment of the General Plan Circulation Element of the City of Saratoga Staff commented that the Planning Commission has been studying the proposed amendment to the 1974 General Plan Circulation Element for the last several months at the direction of the City Council. Two letters dated February llth and February 12th, from Mr. Charles Guichard, stating concern about the Staff Report and the number of lots allowed on a private road, were noted into the record. A letter from Mrs. Venator was also read i. nto the record by Staff, which stated that the Wardell extension would be within her property line and they are not interested in sellin~ the req~ired footage. Chairman Laden commented that, when the City Council asked the'Commission to reconsider the circulation in 'the western hillsides, it was after they had considered the idea of having a road between Mt. Eden and P'~ospect in order' to alleviate some of the traffic p-roblems in a north- south-direction. She added that, from the study sessions which have been held, it seemed that it was most appropriate that a series of connecting roads between the new road and Pierce be considered as part of the circulation plan in order to disperse the traffic over several routes~ and to allow those people living along the northwesterly road between Prospect and Mt. Eden to have some access into the City facilities. She stated that the Commissionshas proceeded on that approach in their planning, with input from the citizens. Commissioner Marshall noted that he recalled it was the first option of 3 ~P,lanning Commission Page 4 Minutes - 2/13/80 GF-325 (cont.) the City Council in the previous discussions to have Hillmoor be a through street, but the owner had said he would not allow that. As a consequence of that, he explained, Kreisler Court has been identified as an alternative ·until Hillmoor becomes available. The public.hearing was opened at 8:45· p.m. Charles Guichard, 21130 Wardell Road, stated that the letter read into th·e record as being from Mrs. Venator had been in fact signed by Mr. 'cZ~hif~J. Venator, and Mr. Guichard commented that he felt Mr. Venator does not own property there. He indicated· that the road has been set accord- i~g to an agreement with the City in 1955, a copy of which Mr. Guichard will present to the Commission. Mr. Guichard added that Wardell Road is listed as the No. 2 choice for the road in the DeLeuw-Cather report as far as costs are concerned. Mr. Guichard also questioned the fact that page 29 of that report seems to have been typed at a different time than the rest of the report., and Staff was asked to clarify that point. Commissioner Marshall stated that the copy of the deed of record which Mr. Guichard had shown him previously did not show a City street right- of-way, only 20 ft. of right-of-way. He commented that the record should show clearly that there is not a right-of-way adequate for a City street oh Wardell, and in order for that to become a street people would either have to sell land or the City would have to condemn it. Chairman Laden commented that at the last study session Wardell was considered, but there is some clouding as to title which would have to be clarified. She added that the City Council is the body who can condemn property or approve realignment of easements. H'r. Guichard stated that he owns ~he land to the south, and, if necessary, he would. glady grant the City an easement through his land. He added that he would glady give the City a 50 ft. right-of-way, and he was asked by the Commission to state his offer in writing. Jack Har'ris, 21083 Comer, stated that the proposed plan shows all of the roads dumping back onto Pierce and there will be no relief. He added that the Wardell connection would give a feasi. ble alternate. Mr. Harris noted that the roads seem to be laid out in a very straight pattern, which does not lend to a rural type of atmosphere. He commented that he felt the individuals who own property have the right to develop it; how- ever, they should develop it commensurate with the style of living associated with Saratoga. Mr. Harris stated that he felt all of the roads should go through so there would be a multitude of ways for the traffic to funnel out. Mr. MZa'ridon, 210085 Wardell Road, stated that he owns prbperty from the Guichard property to the Parker property, and .he would give 50 ft. for the necessary right-of-way. Mr. Mar~idon was also asked to put his offer in writing. Russ Crowther, ~jNorada Ct',"';~.stated that in the recent EIR certified for the water proj e~{',"~'a'~ram of the road is different than shown ~'~'j.Z~ It was pointed out to Mr. Crowther that the EIR deals with the water Mr. Crowther stated that the EIR discusses the impacts of the water project on traffic on'all of the roads in the-area. He explained that the reason he had been concerned about the EIR.is that it discussed traffic on Arroyo de Arguello,' which isn't part of the water project, but t'he project will impact that traffic. Mr. Crowther stated that he thought there had been previous hearings 'where it was decided not to push the roads through. 'Chairman Laden 'explained that there was a time when ]t was said that the - 4 - ~lanning Commission Page 5 ~4inutes 2/13/80 GF-325 (cont.) connections would not go through. However, the Council reversed their think~i~·g and asked the Commission 'to study these connections as part of the Circulation Element. Mr. Crowther stated that, regarding Kreisler Court and Hillmoor, there are petitions in the records from the c~itizens discuss'ing many o·f the t·raffic issues, safety problems', etc., and minutes from the previous hearings. FIr. Crowther added that he felt these records should be brought forth and made a part of this hearing. He explained that he felt those ·petitions and previous minutes go into considerable ·depth regarding the key problems and issues related to the circulation plan. ~,~r. Crowther added that a lot of people feel. the only reason the City needs so many streets is b·ecause they are· trying to develo~ the area at too high a density, and the only solution is to cut the density of development back. Commissioner Siegfried Commented that he did not feel the City was developing the hillsides at too high a density. He noted that the average site in this area. is approximately 3 acres. Commissioner ~4. arshall indicated that he woul.d like to see the petitions from all of the residents on th·e involved streets brought forward so they could be balanced. Loralei Herres, Maureen Way stated that she supports the long road all , . the way back to ,~.lt. Eden. She commented that she would like to see the traffic dispersed fairly, and hoped· that the solution that will be resolved will be a' pe·rmanent ~ne. Bill Heiss, engineer for. the· Parker Ranch development, was asked by the Commission -if he saw any technical problem's with a connection to that road. He commented that he felt it was physically possible to make a connection from ~.4r. M.8ridon'S property up and through the Parker Ranch. FIe ·discussed the narrowness On Wardell in the lower segment, where there is a 20 ft. right-of-way. Mr. Heiss stated that the area i:n Parker Ranch that would be involved already has lots planned, but they could probabl·y be repositioned.· He commented that he could not speak for Blackwell Homes, but noted that they have historically cooper'ated with the communi. ty. He indicated that he felt the City mi. nimum, which is a 50 ft. right-of-way, represents a minimum situation for a through street. -Cliairman Laden stated that it would b'e appropriate for the publ:ic hearing to be continued, so that the input from this·.meeting can be incorporated ~nto a. written report and reviewed at the next meeting. ¥~illiam Kohler commented. that he felt that all of t'he people on those roads ·being considered should be·notified. Chairman Laden explained that the City has set some policies on the amount of notification and mailing costs that they can sustain, and it would be difficult to deter- mine who will be impacted. She pointed out·that the City will ~ut forth their best efforts to notify as many people as possible. Break - 9:50 p.m.-10:05 p.m. The following issues were discussed by the Commission for clarification: the number of lots on a cul-de-sac without a secondary access the maximum length of a cUl-de-sac the n:amber of units allowed .on a private road the definition of s'econdary and emergency access ~_.-.~-=.~ ............~ ..............................-~ It was the consensus of the Commission that':.._.. ............ -_ ................. ....2._..~ .........~ - 5 - '.~Planning Commission Page 6 Minutes 2/13/80 GF- 325 (cont.) · No more than' 15 lots be a~lowed on a cul-de-sac without either an emergency access or a secondary access. This· should be a requirement in the ordi·nance. That a maximum of 4 'lots 'be allowed on a private road or minimum access road; where an existing approved.lot exists,. and only in that case, can the number'be exceeded, but it cannot be subdivided. This should be clarified in the ordinance. Discussion followed on ·the lengtll of a cui-de-sac. llt was determine'd. that 500 ft. is a desira·ble length for a cul-de-sac, but there is the problem that it is a very short distance. in the hills where there may be only a couple of lots. It was suggested that 500 ft. could be used as a guideline for the length of a cul-de-Sac, with the additional criteria of review and observation of surrounding land. Chai.rman' Laden Stated t.hat she would like to have more specifi. cs as 'to "'t'h~"'~emergency n~eds that may have to be served on long cul-de-sacs and how they can be addressed. She stated she would like' t'o see some 'criteria or discussion by the Fire Chief regarding this. Commissioner Marshall stated that he would. like .to s'ee emergency access defined a.s a roadway which is not specific for public use, but rather used for police powers. It was directed that the public hearing on the Circulation Element be continued to February 27, 1980. (Commissioner Schaefer left the meeting at this time due to illness.) 10. UP-438 - Saratoga Foothills Development. Corp., Reque, st for a Use Permit to allow a model home to be used for real estate sales in the "C-V" (Visitor-Commercial) Zoning di. strict, at 12156 Atrium " Drive (Lot 13, Tract 650'8) Staff reported that the proposed si. te is near the center of the project and the're should be no adverse impacts on the adjacen~ properties. They also noted'that there is sufficien~ ~arking to accommodate the conditional use. Limitations of the sales office were discussed. The public hearing was opened at ].0.:40 p.m. Jerry Lohr, the applicant, stated that th.e use would be' for a tra{~itional model home, and there wot~ld on]_y-be .2. or 3 sales personnel there at one time. He noted that it would. be used .only for sales of the units in this Subdivision. Beverly Fitzpatrick, 20410 l(irkmont Drive, stated she had received a notice on this hearing. She commented that two-thirds of the units have already been sold, and the're are no problems with the use of the home as a sales office. Commissioner Siegfried moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Zambetti seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was determined that 'the Staff Report should reflect that the real estate Office (1) would be for sale of units in Park Saratoga only, (2) will be open 12 months or until such time tha't all units are sold, and (3) have a maximum of 3 sales people at 'one time. Commissioner Zambetti moved to approve UP-438 per the Staff Report dated FebrUary 5, 1980 as amended,. making the findings. Commissioner Siegfried seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. - ..... . -= ._ _ ....... .. _ ..... i. Pl~nning Commission Page 7 ~inuteS - 2/13/80 .11. UP-439 Park Saratoga Associates, Kirkmont Drive and Saratoga-Sunnyvale · Road, Request for a Use Permit to allow a financial institu- tion to occupy Building "·C" of the Park Saratoga commercial development at northeastern corner of Kirkmont and·Saratoga- Sunnyvale Road Staff reported that the applicant is proposing a change to the us'e of Building "C", which was-originally a 4600 sq. ft. restaurant. They explained that he is now proposing a 6180 sq. ft. building; 3260 sq. ft. would be used for the bank and the remaining portion would be split into retail uses. Staff added that they did not anticipate any adverse impact. The parking was discussed. Chairman Laden commented that'she had concerns with the change. She explained that the buildin~.on the parcel. bordered b·y Prospect and Saratoga-Sunnyv·ale Road were set aside to be commercial and sales tax generating for the City. She added that by giving up the restaurant on this corner the City is losing a potential source of sales tax. _Commissioner Marshall commented that he is bothered by the fact that the Commission has tried to balance out the mass of the two sites, and now that mass will be increased. The public hearing was opened at 10·:50 p.m. Jerry Lohr, the applicant, passed· out a plan showing the interior division .of the building. FIe also submitted a letter showing final approval for the savings and loan institution for that area. that there would still be 'three very choice bo~ti~ue size commercial s hop s the re, gfi'd~H~'5~S'8'~'[~Ta~t'~Te~F~e ~'FT~'?~'~'F~f'Z "ZH6 "~gf ~'='~l~t' 'lY~"i-g about to 'submi~""~ a '~~"'~'~'feT'~8'r"'~' ~'fYt'~ho~"g~"'~h~ no~'~ CS'~ner site. Mr. Loh·r commented that they have not had much encouragement from restaurants, and had not been able to get any interested in the location. Commissioner Siegfried·stated·.t·hat he had 'no g~eat pro'blem with the ~hang-e, but had some concern regarding the size'of the building. Commissioner'Marshall indicated that the real danger is that· the uses are liable-t'o change over a period of time. He added tha·t he felt the size of the building should be that which was originally approved. Stuart Fitzpatrick, 20410 Kirkmont' Drive, stated that they felt a finan- cial institution personally would. be very welcome as opposed to the · restaurant, even though he agreed'with the comments on the·size. Commissioner Siegfried moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Marshall seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Mr. Lohr noted that they had·' sold the entire commercial pa·rt in front, · ' but have built the shells for Buildings B and D and the pads for Building A and C. CommisSioner Marshall pointed out that, since the ownership has changed and the use permit runs with the owner,' a new use permit will be needed. Discussion followed on taking the buildin~ piecemeal or taking them in total for consideration. It was the consensus of the Commission that · the use permit for this building should be considered at this time, and when the applicant submits plans for the next building he can apply for a'use permit for the overall development. Commiss·ioner Marshall.mOved to approve UP-439 per Staff Report dated February 4., 1980, with the stipulation that the size be limited to that previously approved, i.e.,·4600 sq. ft., to be used for a financial · institution and one or more retail shops, and making the findrings. Commissioner Wflliams seconded the motion, which was carried, with Com-- missioner King voting no, stating that he did not have any problem with the proposed application for 6180 sq. ft., and felt that the extra shop could be used. - 7 - ~anning Commission Page 8 Meeting Minutes - 2/13/80 DESIGN REVIEW 12. A-701 Park Saratoga Associates, Kirkmont and Sarat0ga-Sunnyvale Road, Commercial BUilding #C, 'Fin'a'l' DeSign Review Approval The Commission stated th. at the plans will have to be redesigned to reflect the 4600 sq. footage approved. I-t was directed that this item be continued to the next meeting Of February 27, 1980. COMMUNICATIONS Written. 1. Letter from Michele Hamilton, President of the Midpeninsula Citizens for Fair Housing, regarding a tour of.the Webster Wood .family development in Palo Alto on Saturday, B~arch 8, 1980. 2. An Executive Summary from the County Planning Staff of a 'report, entitled, "Living Within Our Limits". Oral l.. City Council Report Commissioner Zambetti gave a brief report of the City Council meeting held on February 6, 1980. A copy of the minutes o.f this meeting is on file in the City Administra- tion Office. 2.. Chairman Laden thanked Councilwoman Corr :for attending the meeting and Eunice Stark of the Good Government Group for at.tending and serving coffee. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Zambetti moved, seconded by Commissioner Marsh. all, to adjourn the meeting. The motion was carried unanimously, and the meeting was adjourned at 11:31 p.m. ''~Jr'~ ~. S. ~obinson, Jr. Secretary RSR:cd