HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-06-1982 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING CO~ISSION
MINUTES
DATE: Tuesday, April 6, 1982 - 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: Community Center Meeting Room, Allendale Avenue, Saratoga
TYPE: Adjourned Regular Meeting
ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
Present: Commissioners Bolger, King, Laden, Monia, Schaefer and Zambetti
Absent: Commissioner Crowther
PUBL I C HEAR ING
C-199 - E. Zambetti, Request for Rezoning (from R-M-3,000 to C-C), Design
A-812 - Review Approval and Site App~roval to construct an office building
SDR-1517' - adjacent to 'Parking Assessmen't' DistriCt No. 4
Commissioner Zambetti abstained from the voting on this matter.
The applicant gave 'a presentation on the' project.. He noted a petition and
other correspondence 'received in support. of the project. He requested that
the Commission make a decision at this time.
Robert Aviles, the architect, submitted photos of the site and discuss.ed the
project, pointing out existing landscapi.ng and the interface between the
subject property and the Brown proper'ty. He showed a plan of the entire block
and discussed the 'adjoining sites. The lexisting home, proposed home and the
setbacks were discussed.
The applicant further discussed the size' of the lots in the adjoining area and
the uses. The formation of the parking district was also discussed. It was
pointed out that there had been an overlay at one time that carried out t|ie
concept of having some commercial use on both sides of the parking lot; however,
the concept was never adopted.
'.'~i~.~'irnian'.~S~h~efdr 'asked' i'f"tii'~r.e= Wei~'~ ~y comments from th~ public regarding
this application.· ' - ......
Steven Richard spoke in favor of the project and addressed the tax aspects of
the project, specifically regarding renovation of old historical buildings and
properties. ~
Diana .Parham, representing the Twin Oaks Homeowners Association, addressed
the project and indicated that 'they opposed rezoning of any part of Oak Street.
She specifically spoke to the 'issue of setting a precedent. The history of
the application was discussed.
Commissioner Laden moved to close 'the public hearing. Commissioner King
seconded the motion, which 'was carried unanimously.
Commissioner' Laden stated that she' felt 'that the thought process had been, when
Oak Street was rezoned· to R-M-3,000 when all of the lots were nonconforming,
that eventually it would be a good place for higher density housing. However,
the rest of the plan never' was implemented.' She 'added that she felt that the
Commission should decide if th'ey feel that the old plan would still be viable
and suggested overlaying the WhOle area: The Village Task Force Report was
discussed, and it was pointed out that it had been discussed at public hearings
but never formally adopted.
The City Attorney's memo regarding the rezoning was discussed, specifically
the practical difficulties that occur with split zoning. Commissioner Monia
pointed out that Oak Street School may eventually be the only grade school in
'the district, and he found a potential safety hazard in the fact that this
school could possibly be bo.rdered on a Commercial zone. Concern regarding
setting a precedent in that general area was also discussed.
Discussion followed on the location of the proposed structure and the delinea-
tion of where the commercial should stop, not just on this property but in the
entire area. Commissioner Laden commented that 'she felt that the City Council's
thinking proces's' befor'e wa's that in the 'C-C district a permit can be set up
through 'a zone, not 'neCess'arily being on the boundaries of the lot, but as an
1
~jl'~n'ing Commission Page 2
Meeting Minutes 4/6/82,
overlay zone, using a use permit process throughout that zone. Discussion
followed on this process.
Commissioner King discussed the history of the application and stated that he
felt that., since the applicant had requested it, a decision should be made at
this time. The overlay study requested previously by the 'City Council was
discussed. It was pointed out that an overlay had previously been done of the
Village; however, it was not pursued.
Commissioner King moved to recommend to the City Council the rezoning applica-
tion C-199; that the proposed rezoning would adjust that no structures would
encroach beyond the lot line of the Brown property extended across the back of
this property, and that would be considered the zone line. CommissiO.ner .K_in.g
made the findings and .~ohai'~iB'n~d..'~the='iT'~'~'~'F0'v'al ~hat: .'(i)' 'onl~ ~ne ~.e wil]."b~
approved, that use being' 'the d'es'ign review to follow, maximum s'ize as describ~H TM
in the application 1700 square feet', and '(2) the building permit shall be applied
for within eighteen (18) months of the Ci.;ty Council's approval of the rezoning.
Commissioner Laden seconded the motion.
The motion was- discussed.. Commissioner KZing stated that his intent was simply
to deal with. the Village Task Horce recommendation by realigning the lot line.
He added that he felt the concept of rezoning this lot and doing an overlay is
a good concept and he would like 'to see that further accomplished. Discussion
followed on the possibility of approving lthe rezoning in concept, with the
addendum that an overlay study be taken up and accomplished in concert with
the General Plan. The cost of the overlay was discussed.
Commissioner Schaefer commented that she .felt the historical aspect is very
understandable and that the economic viability can be helpful. However, she
feels the question of special privilege Cannot 'be overlooked. She added that
she feels that when the line is drawn the only access for some of the lots' will
be off of Oak Street'.
PosSible amendment of the motion to include the overlay was discussed. Commis-
sioner · King commented that he felt that t'.h_e.. applicant had' .the' right to a vote
at this time,-a~d be ..&'~'ione~d.~q!ether' th6 ."6V.'~l~.?"..would be accomplished. The
vote was taken on the motion as stated. It failed, with Commissioners Bolger,
Monia and Schaefer dissenting.
Commissioner Monia then moved to recommen~t the rezoning application C-199, in
concept, to the City Council, making the appropriate findings discussed in the
previous motion, with the following conditions: (1) an overlay."'sH~l' be' included
in :the General Plan Review for Area' J whith would establish a use permit pro-
cess, and (2) an opinion from the' City. Attorney must be received regarding the
overlay plan before adoption. Commissioner' Laden seconded the motion, which
carried, with Commissioner Schaefer' dissenting.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Bolger moved to adjourn the meeting. CommiSsioner Monia seconded
the motion, whliCh was 'C~rried. The meeting was adjourned at 10:30 p.m.
,.
Resp,ectfully submitted,
Robert S. Shook
SeCretary
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