HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-28-1983 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
DATE: Wednesday, September 28, 1983 - 7:30 p.m.
PLACE: City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA
TYPE: Regular Meeting
ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Crowther, Hlava, McGoldrick, Nellis, Schaefer and
Siegfried
Absent: None
Minutes
The following addition was made to the minutes of September 14, 1983: On page
4, under A-904, "Commissioner Siegfried commented that this was the second home
that Mr. Franklin had proposed with a S-car garage for his own use." Commis-
sioner Siegfried moved to waive the reading of the minutes of September 14,
1983 and approve as amended. Commissioner McGoldrick seconded the motion, which
was carried unanimously.
CONSENT CALENDAR
1. A-904 - Carl Franklin, Request for Design Review'Approval to' construct a
two-story, single family residence on Farr Ranch Road, Lot #3
of Tract No. 63'28; continued from. September 14, 1983
Commissioner Siegfried moved to approve the item on the Consent Calendar listed
above. Commissioner Nellis seconded the motion, which was carried S-0, with
Commissioner Crowther abstaining because'of pending litigation.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
2a. SDR-1S4S Warren Sturla, Request for Tentative Building Site Approval and
2b. V-61S - Design Review Approval for four (4) office condominiums and
2c. A-900 - Variance Approval for compact parking and a reduced side setback
at the southwest corner of Cox Avenue and Saratoga Creek Drive
in a P-A' zoning district; continued from August 24, 1983
It was directed that this matter be continued to October 12, 1983, at the
applicant's request.
3. UP-S39 - Sachi and Tatsuko'Adachi (Dr. David Wetterholt), Request for
Use Permit Approval for a walk-in clinic to treat minor emer-
gencies and medical illnesses at 12222 and 12224 Saratoga-
Sunnyvale Road, in a C-V zoning district; continued from August
24, 1983
The previous concerns connected with this application were summarized. Chair-
man Schaefer noted that these have been miti. gated, with the exception of the
hours of operation. Staff described :~]i~i.c~""'7iH'~'~h'~.~'~'~ties, stating that
there had been no problem"7'C~eated by those facilities regarding ambulances and
hours of operation. It was noted that the use permit could be reviewed at any
specific time.
Kathryn Wilkinson, President of the Park Saratoga Homeowners Association,
suggested that the hours of operation be 8:30-9:00 p.m. ~o it would be closed
by 10:00 p.m. to reduce traffic.
Commissioner Siegfried moved to close' the' public hearing. Commissioner Hlava
seconded the' motion, which was carried unanimously.
There was a consensus that the hours of operation should be 9:00 a.m. to 9:00
p.m., so the clinic would be closed by 10:00 p.m. Commissioner Siegfried moved
to approve UP-539, changing the hours of .operation to 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
and adding a condition that the matter be brought up at a study session in
twelve months to see if there are any problems. Commissioner McGoldrick seconded
the motion, which was .carried unanimously 6-0.
Planning Commission Page 2
Meeting Minutes 9/2.8/
4. GF-344 City of Saratoga, Amendment of the Zoning Ordinance to allow
second units to occupy certain single family lots by obtain-
ing a use permit
It was noted that there have been study sessions on this matter by the
Commission. Staff explained that the State has adopted a law which would
allow second units on single family or multi-family residential lots con-
sistent with certain provisions. They discussed the three available options
and the proposed ordinance. They added that the City Attorney has indi-
cated that the definition should be modified and that the following should
be added to it in Section 2: "unless. occupied by the record owner of the
lot." Staff stated that they have investigated the impact of the second
unit ordinance and estimate that about 200 lots would meet the criteria.
They commented that it was their opinion that the ordinance could be made
more effective with the minor modification of allowing second units on
minimum lot sizes of 40,000 sq. ft. with slopes less than 10%, rather than
45,000 sq. ft. They estimated that ~his would bring the total number of
lots available for second units to 500-600.
Commissioner Siegfried asked if there had been any new developments regard-
ing the law concerning restriction to senior citizens and the handicapped.
The City Attorney indicated that he did not know of any new development and
reiterated what he had previously informed the Commission, that there are
some cities who have in fact adopted second unit ordinances which restrict
the units to senior citizens. However, the issue has not been before the
courts and there is an opinion among many City attorneys that definitions
by age could be viewed as discriminatory with respect to the rest of the
population and could be subject to a legal challenge. He added that when
the legislation was under review there was a draft to specifically limit
its application to senior citizen housing and that language was deleted by
the legislature.
The public hearing was opened at 7:50 p.m.
Peggy Corr, Saratoga Area Senior Coordinating Council, read their letter
into the record, stating that they feel the ordinance is unnecessarily
restrictive and will be of little help in meeting the needs of the seniors
in this community. She stated that 'they feel the restrictiveness will lead
to the continued creation and use of illegal second units. She suggested
that the only restriction be that it have a single common wall with the
original family structure as long as.it complies with all other zoning and
lot size limitations.
Richard Drake addressed the ordinance and regulation of second units. He
suggested that the ordinance permit second units in any residential zone
with the provision that they conform to all zoning regulations for single
family dwelling units and have one or more common wall with existing units.
He stated that he does not feel the City should try to limit the use inside
the house. Discussion followed on traffic impacts of second units. Mr.
Drake commented that he feels there would be few lots that would have the
ability to handle the second unit, provided that it meets all the zoning
requirements.
Bill Murphy, Los Gatos-Saratoga Board of Realtors, spoke to the restrictive-
'ness of the ordinance. He stated that he feels the traffic problems can
be'controlled with the permit process. Criteria for a second unit was
discussed. Mr. Murphy commented that he feels the owner should live on the
property.
Bill Notz, 18276 Purdue Drive, expressed concern about traffic, noise,
privacy and appearance. He commented that it should be limited to R-1-
40,000 sq. ft. lots and should require an additional enclosed parking space.
He added that the owner must live in one of the units so there is some
control.
Louise Cooper, Saratoga Senior Council, commented that 640 sq. ft. is too
small to be effective. She urged the Commission to work on a good practical
Second Unit Ordinance.
Peggy Corr commented that she did not see an impact of traffic from second
units, since most homes already have teenagers with cars.~ A resident of
Paseo'.Cerro stated that there is a need in their neighborhood for second
units, more so than for people who have large size lots.
Planning Commission Page 3
~Meeting Minutes 9/28/83
'GF-344 (cont.)
Kay Long, Hume Drive, stated that she has renters living next door in a
granny situation which has been undesir'able. She noted concerns and commented
that she feels it is inconsistent with 'some of the goals of the Planning Com-
mission regarding the integrity of Saratoga to have renters indiscriminately
throughout the City.
Discussion followed on whether to close the public hearing or continue the
matter to a study session. Commissioner McGoldrick stated that she was ready
to make a motion on the ordinance. Commissioner Crowther stated that he
felt if there is any major modification: of the ordinance being considered
similar to that requested by the public~ tonight, this should be Continued.and
the public should be renoticed as to what is b~-ing considered. He added that
if it is.'going to be much broader an EIR would be required to evaluate the
impacts of this on the City.
Commissioner Nellis stated that he shares a lot of the thoughts the public has
regarding impacts. He commented that the Commission needs to consider the
input and discuss it at a study session.
Commissioner Hlava commented that she feels one of the important things that
was brought out is that second units do exist all over the City. She stated
that, recognizing that State law. is forcing some action on this, there are
really only two compelling reasons to look at a Second Unit Ordinance: (1) to
control the existing second units. She' commented that she would vote against
the proposed draft ordinance tonight, almost entirely for the reason that it
does not deal sufficiently with controlling the second units that exist today,
and (2) to deal with the fact that there are senior housing needs that are
unmet. She indicated that she does not feel the ordinance sufficiently
addresses that.
Commissioner Siegfried stated that he could vote tonight but has no problem
if the Commission wants to continue it .to a study session. He indicated that
his concern is that he does not see at this stage any way that an ordinance
can be drafted that opens all of Saratoga or large portions of it to second
units. He added that he is prepared to look at it over and over again and
make it available in other zoning districts once the impacts are known.
Commissioner Crowther stated that he would like to see some changes; specifi-
cally, to expand the statement of findings to cover some of the issues that
have been brought out, i.e., noise, fire hazards, and he would also like to
see the 640 sq. ft. limit deleted. He ~added that he would be strongly in
favor of trying to institute something to help seniors share housing in Sara-
toga and reduce their housing costs. Flowever, he does not believe that it is
essential that when they are sharing housing they must have separate kitchens.
There was a consensus to continue the matter to a study session on October 4,
1983 and the regular meeting on October 12, 1983.
5. C-204 - The Professional Village of 'Saratoga/Owen Companies, Saratoga and
Cox Avenues, Amendment of the text of the Zoning Ordinance by
adding Office/Electronics to the list of conditional uses allowed
in the P-A (Professional and Administrative) District
Staff summarized the proposed amendment.of the text of the Zoning Ordinance
and noted that they.had reviewed it in terms of its impact on all P-A district
locations, rather than any particular site. They reported that the concerns
that have been expressed are hazardous and.toxic materials should not be used
with any of the uses permitted in the P-A district, manufacturing, prototype
development and the testing of devices.' St~ff indicated that required con-
ditions would be attached to any sort of use in the P-A district that would
be associated with Research and Development Offices. They noted that the
· wording of the ordinance allows only general administrative offices, which
would allow 'only minor prototype assembly and testing, and any manufacturing
would be specifically prohibited, as well as the use of any hazardous or toxic
materials.
Staff commented that they had not place~ any condition regarding traffic because
it was felt that t'raffic impacts of a specific use would be dealt with during
the use permit stage. Discussion followed on traffic impacts, and Staff noted
that traffic would also be addressed in'the EIR. Commissioner Crowther asked
if it would be practical to a'dd a condition "In facilities with more than 25
employees, staggered work hours and other appropriate means shall be imple-
mented to mitigate and prevent excessive traffic peaks caused by transportation
3 -
Pla~nning CornmisS ion Page 4
· Meeting Minutes 9/28/83 ·
C-204 (cont.)
to and from the facility." The City Attorney stated that he might have some
concern regarding regulating work hours by ordinance. He stated that the
Commission couid put in some language to the extent that it is determined that
the proposed use does not overburden the system. He commented that there
doesn't ·seem to be anything that wOuld·distinguish a R&D facility from general
office use in terms of traffic, depending on the number of people who were
there. He added that he does· not have a problem with addressing traffic as
part of the performance standards, as long as it is phrased in a manner that
can be considered as part of the use permit without necessarily regulating
the manner in which they conduct their business. The City Attorney also
recommended minor·changes in th·e definition and conditions of the ordinance.
The public hearing was opened at 8:49 p.m.
Steve Douglas, Owen Companies, addressed the proposed percentage limitation on
the prototype assembly and testing. He discussed the companies visited on
the field trip and proposed a limitation of 15-20%. The traffic impact and
parking were discussed.
Terry Griswold, President of Quito Homeowners Association, stated that the
field trip had been very educational and she could in all honesty say that
she is no longer afraid of the type of use. She commented that, regarding the
intensity of the use and the traffic situation, they would like to propose
the following: (1) reduction of the twO-story buildings to single story, which
would decrease the number of employees and traffic; (2) speed bumps along
Cox, Paseo Presado and Paseo Lado; (3) signs on Bucknail, Paseo Presada, Paseo
Lado and Devon, prohibiting the use of these streets to trucks; (4) proposed
driveway on McFarland eliminated, and (5) knowledge in advance regarding the
monitoring. She added that they would .like the ordinance amended re the
intensity and have a concern regarding the ordinance being amended in the
future so there is more risk if the ownership changes.
Jim Russell, Saratoga Park Woods Homeowners ·Association, spoke'.against the
proposed amendment. He stated that he was in disagreement with the words that
this is an all inclusive spec, stating that it is very general and loose.
He· suggested eliminating the authorization for Research and Development, any
reference to a percentage, manufacturing and prototype.
Dave .Royce, engineer in ·the computer business, stated that he commutes more
than 30 miles a day to work and as a resident he has concerns. He stated
that it is very difficult to tell the difference between development and manu-
facturing. He commented that, consider.ing the risks regarding prototypes,
there needs to be some kind of language in the ordinance to describe how to
police it. He added that 147,000 sq. ft. represents big business and he does
not want this'.i~=..~.~'~at~'~'~'-'~'!j7
Ray Simpson, Saratoga Park Woods Homeowners Association, concurred wi·th Mr.
Royce regarding telling the difference between manufacturing and prototypes.
He commented that they would need solvents to clean parts for assembly and
they are not controllable. He added that this area should remain P-A office
facilities, and he does not want assembly and Research and Development in
Saratoga.
Commissioner Nellis described the field trip and the companies visited and
asked where the line is drawn between a prototype type of work and manufactur-
ing. Mr. Simps·on indicated that it was impossible to tell. He added that
he would not be opposed to calling the place R&D if it were software R&D.
Commissioner Crowther discussed the private sewage disposal systems in the
· ordinance, and stated that he does not think ·they should be permitted.
Howard Jameson, manufacturing electronics, stated that prototypes or manu-
facturing can't be done without solvents. He commented that the project status
pushes it into manufacturing quickly. He noted that most manufacturing areas
in Cupertino are isolated from the homeowners and this area is not. He com-
mented that the traffic will be bad at that location.
Ray Larsen, Saratoga Park Woods Homeowners Association, concurred with Mr.
Royce and Mr. Simpson. He commented that the real issue is that the reason
people live in Saratoga is for quality of life. ~le added that he does not
want to live in an industrial community and is against the amendment completely.
Dora Grens, 13451 Old Oak Way, stated that she work's -for a testing facility.
4
Plahning Commission Page
.=Meeting Minutes 9/2.8/83
C-204 (cont.)
She pointed out that there would be a number of deliveries, and traffic from
public relations and tours, and she feels this has not be'en addressed re the
traffic. She agreed with the fact that it is difficult to determine what is
prototype and manufacturing.
Steve Douglas, Owen Companies, discussed the proposed use, stating that from
the outside of the building it 'is not detectable as anything other than an
office building. He commented that they would be happy to have any semi-
conductor company precluded from occupying space in. the building if there is
a concern about the solvents.' He noted that a lot of companies in the area
use chemicals.and solven~ts. He suggest'ed precluding uses where the Commis-
sion has a concern regarding manufacturing or production activities for any
continuous product assembly.
Commissioner Nellis questioned having both Condition 1 and 2, s'ince-th~y are
mutually exclusive of each other. Mr. Douglas stated that the burden would
be on them and the tenant, to show that there are no hazardous or toxic
materials.
Commissioner Siegfried stated that he would be inclined to vote on this matter
now. He indicated that he feels that the Commission is dealing with a single
site in the City that has no such kind of development or the 'size of build-
ings that are being discussed, and he feels the Commission ought to concen-
trate on that. He commented that there will be significant traffic impacts
and he would be inclined to vote on it and vote no. He added that if the
applicant proposes buildings that are large within the P-A type zoning, then
they can be dealt with at that time, but he sees no reason to extend the uses.
He commented that he does not doubt that the Owen Companies is very well mean-
ing, but once the buildings are built and the ordinance is passed the way it
is, 'if there is difficulty in the future in renting 150,000 sq. ft. of buildings
the use will change to facilitiate that.
Commissioner McGoldrick stated that she cannot make the findings, specifically
No. 1 which states that the proposed changes in the text of the ordinance are
required to achieve the objectives. of the General Plan and Zoning Ordinance.
She ~dd~d that the Homeowners Association gave a list of many uses for that
property and R&D was far down on the list.
Commissioner Siegfried moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Hlava
seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Commissioner Crowther commented that he feels the ordinance as currently
proposed is full of holes and he could not vote for it.
Commissioner Hlava stated that this is one 'time 'when she truly thinks this
is not in the character of Saratoga, and is 'essentially an industrial use.
She added that she cannot see extending this zoning distri'ct throughout the
entire City.
CommissiOner Schaefer stated that changing the' use wi'th'some modification
to this ordinance would be something she could be in favor of, but when she
attaches it to a 150,000 sq. ft. place with the kind of parking found in
electronic plants, she finds it hard to'even compromise down from the
150,000 sq. ft. She commented that she finds it difficult to be in favor
of changing it unless someone came in with small buildings and said these
are for businesses of 20 to 30 people who will be doing some software develop-
ment.
COmmissioner Nellis stated that his concerns relatedto what could become of
this project were it built ~th a 10% floor area and it could expand at a later
date. He added that there is now the question of the storage of the materials
ands. the use of the materials that might take place on the premises. He
.~'~h~7~that he is not in favor of this, but feels that it should be recog-
nized that the zoning there now is P-A'and he thinks that what the applicant
has proposed here is essentially an office use. It should be kept in mind
that, even though this use does not go forward within the City, i't also has
to be recognized that the .applicant can come forward with a large office
project and the Commission is going to have to deal with the con'cerns that
have.been expressed relative to the site and the traffic at that time.
Commissioner Siegfried moved to deny C-204. Commissioner Crowther seconded
the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0.
Planning Commission Page 6
=Meeting Minutes 9/2.8/83
6. A-906 Phillip Shiota, 14270 Old Wood Road, Request for Design Review
Approval to construct a third floor addition to an existing
two-story residence in an R-I-40,000 zoning district
Staff described the proposal. Commissioner'Hlava gave a Land Use Committee
report, stating that the front of the house is situated so that this addition
will only be approximately 8 ft. higher than the current roof line of the
house, which puts it level wi'th the 'roaZd. She added that there are several
trees on the back of the lot which'will screen that section of the addition
from the neighb'Or behind it.
The public hearing was opened at 10:05 p.m.
Commissioner Nellis moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Siegfried
seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Commissioner moved to approve A-906, per the Staff Report dated September 20,
1983 and Exhibits "B", "C", "D" and "E" removing the + before the 30 ft on
,
the front page of the Staff Report. Commissioner Hlava seconded the motion,
which was carried unanimously 6-0.
7. A-907 - Mr. and Mrs. Winvick,' 19174 Panorama Drive, RequeSt for Design
Review"Approval to expand the' second story of an existing two-
s'tory' res'idence in 'an R-.1.-40,000 zoning 'dist'r.ict
Staff described' the proposal. The'y' commented that it has bee'n' determined that
the addition exceed's the 50% expansion and therefore would require Building
Site Approval. They' noted that thi's had be'e'n discussed during the break
with the archi'tect and applicant, and there may be some input as to whether
this has been mitigated so the application can be processed with~.J~a~.i~g~.~.~.o
go through the site approval. They explained that the issue is .the atti.C s.p'ace;
if it were converted to useable living space, then the addition w~ul~
excess of the 50% expansion. Discussion followed on the attic space.
Commissioner Hlava gave a Land Use Committee report, describing the site and
the addition.
The public hearing was opened at 10:10 p..m.
Oscar Sohns, architect, gave a presentation on the proposal. He stated that
they wished to stay under the 50% expansion, and it was their intention that
the attic space only be used for occasi. onal storage. He indicated that they
would accept'any kind of wording from the Commission to forego any future
use of that space as living space.
Commissioner Hlava stated that she would not be amenable to taking out the
dormer window because it would not be i.n keeping with the rest of the house,
but she suggested that a condition be placed that no permanent stairway be
in the second floor addition.
Staff suggested that if the Commission wishes to approve the attic space as
livable space, they could still do so and add a condition that would prohibit
the applicant from converting that space to living space within a five-year
time span after final building approval for the addition. After the five years
that space could be converted and the a. pplicant would not need to go through
Building Site Approval for the over 50% expansion.
Commissioner Crowther inquired about consistency in handling this type of
application. He stated that it seems the City should either change the ordi-
nances or live by them, and he can not see any basis for making an exception.
Staff noted that the Subdivision Ordinance does not count accessory structures
as square footage and the Design Review Ordinance does. The calculations were
discussed. After further discussion there was a consensus that 77 sq. ft.
could be eliminated from the addition, thus bringing it under 50% expansion.
Mr. Sohns indicated that this would be easy to do. "-" ....
It was clarified to the applicant that .the 10-day appeal period cannot be
waived. It was noted that there is also a 15-day appeal period during which
time the City Council can appeal. H6wever, the City Council has instructed
the City Attorney to prepare an amendment to the ordinance, eliminating that
provision. The City Attorney suggested that the applicant could ask that the
City Council indicate by consensus that they have no desire to appeal, in order
to receive a building permit at an earlier date.
- 6
Pt~nning Commission Page 7
.Meeting Minutes 9/2.8/83
A-907 (cont.)
Commissioner Hlava moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner McGoldrick
seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Commissioner Hlava moved to approve 'A-907, per Exhibi'ts "B" and "C" and the
Staff Report dated Sep'tember 15, 1983, amended to delete Condition No. 1 and
substituting for it the condition that all attic space will be considered
non-useable space and will be accessed by a folding stairway, and adding a
condition that the applicant will reduce the total size of the addition by
77 sq. ft., with approval of those plans' by Staff before. final building per-
mits are issued. Commissioner McGoldrick seconded the motion. Commissioner
Hlava then amended her motion to include Condition No. 1, since she had
erroneously deleted it, thinking it included removal of the dormer. Commis-
sioner McGoldrick accepted the amendment. The motion was carried unanimously
6-0.
8a. A-908 - Mr. and Mrs. Allen, 19822 Merribrook Drive, Request for
8b. SDR-1550 Building Site Approval for a greater than 50% expansion and
Design Review Approval to expand the second story of an
existing two-story residence
The proposal was described by Staff. Commissioner Hlava gave a Land Use
Committee report, stating that there were no problems with the application.
The public hearing was opened at 10:31 p.m. Commissioner Nellis moved to
close the public hearing. Commissioner McGoldrick seconded the motion, which
was carried unanimously.
Commissioner CrowthOr moved to approve SDR-1550 and A-908, per the Staff
report dated September 22, 1983 and Exhibits "B" and "C". Commissioner
McGoldrick seconded the motion, which was carried unanimouslye6-0.
9. A-909 - Mr. and Mrs. Jameson, 18628 Paseo Lado, Request for Design Review
Approval to construct a second story addition to an existing
single story residence
The application'was explained by Staff. Commissioner Hlava gave a Land Use
Committee report. She commented that Staff had recommended extending the
wall in order to ensure more privacy to' neighbors from the deck area; however,
they felt' that it would be better to plant some kind of big trees there rather
than extend the wall.
The public hearing was opened at 10:35 p.m. Commissioner McGoldrick moved to
close the p.ublic hearing.. Commissioner. Hlava seconded the motion, which was
carried unanimously.
Commissioner Crowther' moved to approve ~-909 per the Staff Report dated
September 19, 1983 and Exhibits "B", "C" and "D". Commissioner Nellis
commented that there is already some la'ndscaping along the property line by
the deck and perhaps the planting of one large tree there would finalize
the privacy of the adjacent neighbor, rather than extending the wall. Com-
miss'ioner Crowther amended his motion to revise Condition 1 to state that the
applicant shall plant appropriate landscaping adjacent to the second story
addition, so as to obscure the view of the adjoining property from the deck,
subject to approval by Staff. Commissioner Nellis seconded the motion, which
was carried unanimously 6-0.
10. A-911 - Fred Schumacher, 14561 Westcott Drive, Request for Design Review
Approval to expand the second story of an existing two-story
residence in an R-I-20,000 zoning district
The project. was explained by .Staff. Th'ey noted that the applicant had started
the addition' without approval or building permits to do so. They stated that
there is an existing carport on site which is in violation of the setbacks
and there is no record of permits for that structure either. Therefore, there
is a need to obtain a variance and building permits for that structure or
remove the carport from the site.
Commissioner Hlava gave a Land Use Committee Report, describing the site and
project. She stated that they had discussed the options with the applicant
and had suggested th'at perhaps since the neighbor has a driveway easement on
his property the're might be a lot line adjustment. The possibility of having
the applicant put 'up some kind of bond against the variance approval or
- 7 -
planning Commiss ion Page 8
Meeting Minutes 9/28/83
A-911 (cont.)
settlement of the carport situation.
The publ'.ic hearing was opened at 10:.44 p.m.
The appli'cant.eXpla.ined that he 'thought'he had a large sized lot and did not
understand the requiremen~F;'ther~fore, he went ahead with 'the project. He
stated that he Wanted t'O correct whatever problems that exist, and his first
preference is to straighten out the 'lot line. He 'agreed to a condition
regarding the bond, to enable him to build before 'the rains.
The City Attorney suggested the condition "~lle"a~icant shall submit .~"'~a'~h
bond or a letter of credit in an amount equal to the estimated cost to remove
the carport.in the event a variance is not obtained or is not required by
reason of lot line adjustments, and the carport is not removed within a
reasonable period of time."
Commissioner McGoldrick moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner
Hlava seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
Commissioner' Siegfried moved to approve'A-911 per 'the Staff Report dated
September 21, 19.83 and Exhibits "B", "C" and "D", with Condition 2 amended
to indicate 'that the applicant post a bond judged appropriate to take care
of the costs of demolition of the carport and associated administrative
City costs should he not be able to obtain a variance or property line adjust-
men. t within' six months, or the carport shall be removed. Commissioner Hlava
seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0.
11. UP-543.- Ms. Chambre (Crocker Bank), 14417 Big Basin Way, Request for
Use Permit Approval for a banking facility in a C-C zoning
district
Commissioner Hlava abstained from the discussion and voting on this matter
because of possible conflict of interest. Staff described the proposal,
recommending denial. Discussion followed on consistency with the Zoning
Ordinance. The City Attorney stated that Staff is also relying on the
'General Plan policy and the action program for the Village regarding their
inability to make the findings. He indicated that these state that uses
should be encouraged which would generate sales tax to produce revenue for
the City. The conditions regarding landscaping and joining the Parking
Assessment District were noted as pluses for the City.
The public hea'ring was opened at 11:00 p.m.
William Dunn, Michael Smith, and Mike Little, of Crocker Bank, gave a pre-
sentation on the proposed use, discussing the analysis of customer base and
the location.
Doug Adams, attorney for the property owner, discussed the conditions of the
Staff Report, noting that there is no evidence that his client would support
Condition 3 regarding joining the Parking District.
Chairman Schaefer noted that,.if approved, she would like the bank to con-
tribute something to the City. Mr. Dunn commented that their business is run
by the branches and perhaps the manager has the right to commit to do that.
Commissioner Nellis moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Hlava
seconded the motion, which was carried.unanimously.
Commissioner McGoldrick commented that the General Plan Committee wanted this
to be retail and she feels the City should be consistent. Commissioner
Nellis sta~ed that he agrees with the Staff Report. He added that t]~e'City~ does
not see many opportunities to have retail coming..jn downtown, and he would
like to see a retail use which would ~'e~'eraf~ revenue-.""""
The findings of the Staff Report were discussed. Commissioner 'Siegfried
moved to apprave UP-543, per the conditions in the Staff Report, making the
7fi'~'~'~'~'~'tl~ "t~:~6',~"~' cdH.~'~'~'~'~C~;"~h:~"~'-"'~l~"historical use of the site has
"B'~'fi'~'iifi~ff~ia"["'*i'h'~t~tU~'i'Sn~";"'aH~ '-i't--~,.-s,a'&'m~' -.to be the most reasonable use of
the site.' It will generate some revenue to the City and generate traffic
coming into the Village. Commissioner Crowther seconded the motion, which
was carried 3-2, with 'Commissi'oners Nellis and McGoldrick dissenting and
Commissi'oner Hlava abstaining.
- 8 -
Pi~nning Commission Page 9
M~eting Minutes 9/28/83
UP-543 (cont.)
Chairman Schaefer questioned having an automatic teller on site, and Commis.-
sioner 'Siegfried agreed. Mr. Dunn stated that a teller' would in-crease foot
traffic. It was note'd that there will be design review on this matter.
Commissioner Crowther stated that he voted for the use 'permit because of
Condition No. 3, requiring parti'cipation .in the creation of the Parking
Assessment District. It was clarified. that approval of the use permit is
subject to that condition.
MISCELLANEOUS
12. Tracts 6526 and 6528, Blackwell Homes, Inc., Parker Ranch, Modification
to Si'te Development Pla'n to allow pools on six (6) additional lots
Commissioner Cr0wther abstained from the discussion and voting on this matter
because of pending litigation. Staff described the proposal. Commissioner
'Hlava gave a Land Use Committee report, agreeing that the rest of the lots
except No. 75 have substantial sites for pools.
Russell Crowther, Norada Court, stated that the Site Development Plan for
this project was tied to the 'tentative map. He commented that there was
a public'hearing, the EIR was based on'the site development plan that was
approved, and ~Her'ewa's a lot of concern about scenic impacts from things
like tennis courts and swimming pools, since it is a hillside site. He
indicated that-he strongly believes that this should'not come up under Mis-
cellaneous as it has, but should be put up for a rehearing if there is going
to be any modification to the Site' Development Plan.
Commissioner Hlava commente'd that they had looked at where.the possible swimm-
ing pool sites were so there would not'be any visual impact, and for the most
part there were no visibility problems'on any of the lots.
The City Attorney stated' that this is just a consent for amendment to the
CC&Rs at this time. Staff noted that any site development plan would go
-through design rev'iew,.which would be a public hearing. Mr. Crowther ques-
tioned whether the tentative map would be modified by changing the site
development plan. The City Attorney indicated that there would be a public
hearing in connection with a development proposal. He added that the fact
that the restriction is being removed doesn't necessarily mean.that the
City is bound at that point to approve the proposal when it comes in. He'
noted that the engineer has indicated that Lot 'No. 43 should be added to the
list of restrictions. :
Bill Heiss, engineer, stated that he understands that the pools are not
being approved and must go through the design review process.' He'discussed
the original delineation of pools and the 'criteria used. He noted that the
· City Geologist has looked at the lots on which approval iS being requested
but has stated that he..wants to review the specific site plans.
The City Attorney stated that the amendment to the C~_R_s_.wou~d not o~ly..be
for the 'removal of the restriction, but also the 'fmpositi~f"'~!'~e~t~'~"~on
with respect to Lot 43. He added the Condition '~pp'Y~'Can"t'~:~'~"p~'~ "the
proposed amendment to the CC&Rs and furnish a draft of the same to the City
'Attorney for approval as to form at leas't ten 'days prior to the City Council
meeting at which the consent to the amendment is being requested.
Mr. Crowther commented that he feels m6difying the CC&Rs before the'Site
Development Plan and the tentative map is putting the cart before the horse,
since the site development requires that by CC&Rs what is in the site develop-
ment plan be regulated. He added that he feels that the danger in doing that
is a'purchaser of a home site sees the CC&Rs, saying he can build a pool,
and the site development plan says he can't. Mr. Heiss stated that the
applicant indicates to all buyers that whatever is proposed has to go through
desi'gn review. It was determined that the words "may be approved" be added
to the Staff Report.
'Commissioner Hlava moved to recommend modification of the CC&Rs~for potential
placement of pools, per the Staff Report dated September 22, 1983, adding
the restriction on Lot 43 and the' condition as stated by the City Attorney
relative to the proposed amendment. Commissioner' McGoldrick seconded the
motion, which was carried 5-0, wi'th Commissioner Crowther abstaining.
- 9
Pl.anning Commission Page 10
~eeting Minutes 9/2.8/8.3
COMMUN I CAT IONS
Written
1. Letter from Alan Nonnenberg, dated September 15, 1983, regarding
poolside cabana permit. After discuss'ion it was the consensus of the Commis-
sion that Mr. Nonnenberg must go through the. 'use' 'permit process before the
issuance of a building permit.
Oral
1. Chairman Schaefer thanked the' Saratoga News for attending and the
Good Government Group for attending and. serving coffee.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Hlava moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Schaefer
seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned
at 11: 55 p .m.
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
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