Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-28-1984 Planning Commission Minutes ~- ~ ~ CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING CO~ISSION MINUTES DATE: Wednesday, March 28, 1984 7:30 p.m. PLACE: City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting ROUTINE ORGANIZATION Roll Call Present: Commissioners Harris, Hlava, McGoldrick, Schaefer and Siegfried (Commissioner Harris arrived at 7:35 p.m.) Absent: Commissioners Crowther and Peterson Minutes Commissioner McGoldrick moved to waive the reading of the minutes of March 14, 1984 and approve as distributed. Commissioner Hlava seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. CONSENT CALENDAR 1. SDR-1561 - Mr. and Mrs. Levy, 19800 Glen Una Drive, Approval of Conditions. of Building Site Approval Staff clarified that the condition in the Memorandum relative to the required interim improvements would be that the property be widened to 22 feet on the City portion and there would be a Deferred Improvement Agreement on the County portion. Commissioner Schaefer requested that it be left at 18 feet on both sides, with a 1" cap to go on the City portion as well as the County portion. She explained that, in talking to the neighbors, it was their feeling that it should not be widened to 22 feet, in order to preserve the rural aesthetics and because of the safety factor. Discussion followed on the improvements. CommiSsioner Hlava noted that the memo states that there will be no sudden bulge and the widening will taper and be virtually unnoticed. She commented that she did not feel that 22 ft. was a very wide road and most of the improve- ments have been put under a Deferred Improvement Agreement. Commissioner McGoldrick moved to.change Condition 1 to read "Widen pavement to provide.two 9 ft. lanes" and Condition shall read "1 inch overlay of entire street fronting property (minimum 18' width). Commissioner Siegfried seconded the motion, which was carried 4-1, with Commissioner Hlava dissenting, stating that she would prefer the Staff recommendation of two ll ft. lanes. 2. GPA-83-1-A Consideration of Draft Housing Element and Environmental Impact Report; continued from March 14, 1984 Chairman Schaefer suggested that this matter be continued to the meeting on April 11, 1984, and it will be forwarded to the City Council with the Second Unit Ordinance. The public hearing was opened at 7:45 p.m. No one appeared to address the Commission. It was directed that this be continued to April 11, 1984. 3. A-928 - Dwayne Richards, Request for Design Review Approval to construct a split level single family residence at 14012 Palomino Way in the NHR Zoning District; continued from March 14, 1984 It was directed that this item be continued to April 11, 1984. 4a. SDR-1545 - Warren Sturla, Request for Tentative Building Site Approval and 4b. V-615 Design Review Approval for four office condominiums and Variance 4c. A-900 Approval for a reduced side setback at the southwest corner of Cox Avenue and Saratoga Creek Drive in a P-A Zoning District; continued from March 1'4, 19'84 Chairman Schaefer commented that this matter has been at study sessions and she understands that there has been a request for changes. The applicant stated that he would like the Commission to vote tonight on the project presented. The public hearing wa's opened at 7:46 p.m. - 1 - Ptan~ing Commission Page 2 M.~e~ing Minutes 3/28/84 SDR-1545, V-615 and A-900 (cont.) Dr. Sturla, the applicant, described the proposal, stating that he was no longer requesting a variance for compact parking. He addressed the trash disposal location. The height of the fence around the enclosure was dis- cussed. Commissioner Harris commented that Jim Russell had called her, expressing concern .that there were not enough parking spaces. The parking was addressed, · and it was noted that it does meet the ordinance. Commissioner Siegfried moved to approve A-900, per Exhibits B, C and D and the Staff Report dated March 20, 1984, with the condition that the fence around the trash enclosure be no less than 5 feet in height and at least 1 foot higher than the trash container; deleting in Condition 2 that the enclosure shall be kept out of the landscape strip, and adding a condition that at least a space in front shall be marked "no parking" He moved to approve V-615, per Exhibit B and t]~e Staff Report dated March 20, 1984, making the findings, and SDR-1545 per Exhibit B-2 and the Staff Report dated March 20, 1984., as previously amended. Commissioner Hlava seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 5-0. 5a. Negative Declaration SDR- 1549 Horvath 5b. SDR-1549 Frank and Dagmar Horvath, Request for Tentative Building Site Approval to create two (2) lots at 22122 Mr. Eden Road in the NHR Zoning District; continued from March 14, 1984 Staff described the project, disCussing.the changes to the Staff Report. The proposed grading was discussed. 'It was noted that the City Geologist's report should read "Final Building Site Approval", instead of "Tentative Building. Site Approval". Commissioner .Hlava gave a Land Use Committee report. She commented that the proposed pad on the original plans was probably a little bit too far up the hill, and the new Staff Report shows it a little further down. She added that she felt having a pad that was stepped up the hill would require less grading and would. more closely follow the contour of the land; however, the Staff Report refers to grading for a flat pad. 'The public hearing was opened at 8:05 p.m. Mr. Horvath agreed to a stepped foundation. Commissioner Siegfried moved to close the public hearing. Com- missione~ Hlava seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. It was' determined that Condition VIII-A would be changed, to add: "Submission of .plan shall include a stepped foundation on the residence so as to cause less grading on the site." Commissioner McGoldrick moved to approve the Negative Declaration for SDR-1549. Commissioner Hlava seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 5-0. Commissioner McGoldrick moved to approve SDR-1549, per the amended Staff Report reflecting the change to VIII-A, and Exhibit B-3. Commissioner Hlava seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 5-0. 6a. A-942 Charles Aring, Request for Design Review .Approval to construct 6b. V-630 a second story addition, Variance Approval for a 11'6" side 6c. 'SDR-1562 yard setback and Building Site Approval for a greater than 50% expansion at 20080 Mendelsohn Lane in the R~l-20,000 zoning district The proposal was described by Staff. St'aff indicated that they have noted options regarding the variance and, therefore, cannot make the findings and are recommending denial of it, and approval of the design review. Commjssioner Hlava gave a Land Use Committee report, describing the site and the proposal. The public hearing ~as opened at 8:10 p.m. Dr. Aring, the applicant, submitted letters of support from three neighbors. He gave a presentation on the project. He d~iscussed the conditions for the street improvements and the expense involved. Dennis Burrow, architect, discussed the project. He indicated that if the garage is expanded the total expansion would be about 62%; if the garage is not permitted it would be very close to 50%. The improvements and the garage were addressed. - 2 - Planning Commission e Page 3 M, eeti~g Minutes 3/28/84 A-942, V-630 and SDR-1562 (cont.) Bill Henderson, representing Mrs. Oxendine, spoke in opposition to the garage and the location of the driveway. He indicated that the second story windows look down into the kitchen area of the Oxendine home. He noted that widening the corner would give better visibility access to the traffic pattern. Margaret Dennis, 20201 Hill Avenue, referenced her letter and spoke in opposi- tion to the proposal. She stated that the logical place to put the driveway would have been on Mendelsohn Lane, and there is a lot of open space on the other side of the property-to expand. Gloria Henderson addressed the two accessory structures on the site that are not in compliance with the ordinance. She expressed the hope that they will be removed, as mentioned in the Staff Report. Mr. Bell, Mendelsohn Lane, spoke in support of the applications. He stated that he felt the driveway change was a good move because of the safety hazard. He indicated that he did not feel that the road needs to be widened in that area. The resident of 20161 Hill spoke regarding the dangerous corner. Dr. Call, Hill and Montalvo,-indicated that he felt the new location of the driveway is better. He stated that he did not feel the options regarding the garage were very viable. He added that he did not feel that Hill needs widen- ing. Dr. Call also commented that he feels the second story is better than expanding in the back. 'C~'mni~'s'~'~'~h~'~"'~'~ '~6'~m~i~'~ ~'t~'a ~' i f' '~'~ ~' ~.r~h ~ ~e'a-11 ~' '~ ~ ~"'~'h'~"' a~un t '-'~ "'e x.~ b~;~o~'lie='~6'~.t~v~.ay"t'~"'~e-~"~' "i:~'l"w'~H! d'~"~ ~' ,~'o'z'~Z'~dk~..~nb='~ffe'r' :g'~: 'B'h:~ ~-~b:ack ' ' ..... s ti i s e~S~k'i'o'~"s~'CB, 'dei~'i'Hg'~FHS"~B~6Be'~"~a~e.' ..... ~giie j~'ed th~t"a 'se:~dnd'" alternative would be deleting the proposed garage and looking at the addition to see if enough space can be deleted to put it under 50% expansion. Commissioner McGoldrick. indicated that she would not be able to vote in favor of the variance. She ~tated that she has no problem with the second story and does not think Hill needs widening. Commissioner Harris stated that she cannot support the variance for the garage and would encourage the applicant to come under the S0% expansion. She indicated that she does not feel that widening Mendelsohn is going to help traffic; it would create more of a hazard. commis s i one r S .'w&'~!ja"~l~k~l%'tB'jL,i~6'~-?F~' "P'8'~ ~"ib.{1 i'f i es ~"."a~6;k~')he.'..n'eed for a variance. Commissioner Schaefer agreed. She added that she could not anticipate a garage entrance going into Mendelsohn, since it is so dangerous now. She also commented that she would like to review the windows in the second story and perhaps do something so they do not look down into the kitchen area of the neighbors. There was a consensus to take this matter to a study session. The applicant agreed, and it was directed th. at it be continued to a study session on April 17, 1984 and the regular meeting on April 25, 1984. 7. A-943 - Mr. and Mrs. Benson, Request for Design Review Approval to con- struct a two-story, single family residence at 20433 Montalvo Road in the R-i-40,000 zoning district Staff described the proposal. They noted'a letter submitted by the applicant from the neighbor in support. The landscaping was discussed, and it was determined that "per Staff review and approval" would be added to Condition No. 2. Commissioner Hlava gave a Land Use Committee Report, describing the site. The public hearing was opened at 8:58 p.m. The applicant agreed with the Staff Report. Dr. Call, Mendelsohn and Hill, stated that they appreciate the fact that the size has been reduced; however, they still feel it is too large. He added that he likes Staff's suggestion of one opening on the driveway. The applicant gave a presentation on the project, stating that he had reviewed the' plans with the neighb'ors. The circular driveway which has been proposed 3 PlanDing Commission Page 4 Me~ti~g Minutes 3/28/84 A-943 (cont.) by the applicant was addressed. Mrs. Marino, Montalvo Road, described the street and curve. Commissioner Hlava moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Siegfried seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The driveway was further di. scussed. Commissioner Harris commented that she felt.both ends of the driveway are dangerous. Commissioner McGoldrick indi- cated that she could not approve two entrances on that street. Commissioner Hlava stated that she disagrees, indicating that she feels this plan is far superior to the previous plan on this lot. Commissioner Siegfried stated that he thinks this is a good plan, and while there is some concern about the entrances, he thinks that when the Bensons 'entertain, given where the property is sited, having substantial usable area to get in and out is a plus. He moved to approve A-943, modifying Condition No. 2 to read that the landscaping plans shall be submitted for staff review and approval, and modifying Condition No.'5' to allow for the circular driveway as proposed, per Exhibi'ts B and C and the Staff Report dated March 20, 1984 as ~amended. Commissioner Hlava seconded the motion. Commissioner Schaefer commented that she feels that Montalvo is dangerous and when there are parties it is very important to keep any parking off of Montal- vo, and the proposed driveway will make it easier for cars to get out. The vote was taken. The motion was carried 4-1, with Commissioner McGoldrick dissenting. Break - 9:15 9:33 p.m. 8a. A-944 - Mr. and Mrs. Sun, Request'for Design Review Approval to construct 8b. UP-553 - a two-story, single family residence and Use Permit Approval to construct a cabana in the rear yard setback area at 19951 Durham Court in the R-i-20,000 zoning district Staff described the applications. They indicated that they can make the find- ings and recommend approval of the variance and the design review. The cor- respondence received in opposition was noted. Commissioner Hlava gave a Land Use Committee report, stating that there is heavy screening on the neighbor's property. She added that there will be no big impact. The public hearing was opened at 9:35 p.m. Mrs. Jean Johnston, 14210 Douglas, spoke in opposition to the project. She commented that the house was going to fill up the whole lot and the design does not go with the rest of the neighborhood. She objected to both the size of the house and the smallness of the' lot. She noted that her property is lower than 6 ft. than the Suns' property. Annette '~V~Ol~,.. 19952 Durham, commented that she enjoys the open_ feeling of the neighborhood as it i.s. She stated' that the house is theirs, and she objects to the privacy factor and also the color of the' ~ile. She referenced .the letter from the Pasteurs in opposition. She added that she does like th.e way the house is sited to one side. .Discussion followed on the height of the ]home and the size of the lot. .Mr. Sun, the applicant, commented that there are two-stories on Durham and they had assumed it would be consistent with the neighborhood. Commissio'ner Siegfried moved to close the public hearing. CommisSioner Hlava Seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Discussion followed on the landscaping,'the design and the roof material. It was noted that there is a house across the street. with a tile roof. Commis- sioner Siegfried commented that by having this two-story house there is a rather significant side yard setback on the one side of 38 feet; with a one- story there would be a 1S ft. setback on both sides. He moved to approve UP-533, making the findings, per Exhibits B and E and the Staff Report dated March 19, 1984, and A-944, subject to Exhibits B, C and D and the Staff Report dated March'19, 1984, including the condition in the Staff Report that the Plan~.ing Commission ~' Page S ~eting Minutes 3/28/84 A-944 and UP-553 (cont.) second story deck be removed, adding that fast growing landscaping, 15 gallon size, be planted subject to staff review, and that the landscaping be com- pleted prior to occupancy. Commissioner Hlava seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 5-0. The 10-day appeal period was noted. 9a. A-945 - Bank of America, RequeSt for Variance Approval for compact' parking 9b. V-632 - and Design Review Approval for exterior changes and a small addition at 1'4476 Big Basin Wa'y in the C-C zoning district It was directed that this matter be continued to April 11, 1984. 10a.A-946 - Mr. and Mrs. Berris, Request for Design Review Approval to con- 10b.V-634 - struct a two-story, single family residence which exceeds 6200 sq. ft. and Variance Approval to exceed 30 ft. in building height at 14486 Leland Circle in the R-i-40,000 zoning district Staff described the applications. They described the site and indicated that they were able to make the findings and recommend approval of both applications. Commissioner Hlava gave a Land Use Committee Report, noting that there was a foundation. sitting on the site from the previous design. She commented that the excessive height is basically toward the rear of the property and has no impact on anyone. The public hearing was opened at 10:06 p.m. No one appeared to address the Commission. It was moved and seconded to close the public hearing. Commissioner McGoldrick moved to approve A-946 and V-634, making the findings, per the Staff Report dated March 16, 1984, and Exhibits B, C, D and E for A-946 and Exhibits B, C and E for V-634. Commissioner Hlava seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 5-0. DESIGN REVIEW 11. A-660(a) Joseph Masek, 14435 Big Basin, Modification of Design Review Approval.; continued from March 14, 1984 It was noted that this matter has been at a study session. Staff discussed the modification. They noted that there should be a condition added, requir- ing revised elevations., since they do not show the cantilevered bay windows. Commissoner Hlava commented that she has some real concerns with having under- ground parking for retail. Commissioner Schaefer agreed, stating that she feels that the only reason the underground par.king would be approved at tl~is time is that it was approved by the City before; if it were a new application she would not go along with it. Mr. Masek, the applicant, addressed the entrance to the parking garage, stat- ing.that it was 18 feet. Commissioner' Schaefer suggested that a condition could be added that it be widened. by 4 feet, provided that it would be struc- turally sound. Mr. Masek commented that widening it would loseZj'~the space for the garbage dumpster or one parking space. The handicapped ramp and plantings were discussed. The Commission addressed the parking. Commissioner Siegfried pointed out that the building was approved with the parking the way it is, and there is nothing that the applicant is asking by way of modification that changes the number of parking places that he needs. Commissioner Schaefer stated that she could not vote for the modification without the entrance to the parking garage being widened, and she would be willing to accommodate the fact by a restriping to gain the parking place. Commissioner Hlava stated that, even though she brought up the subject, she feels there is a real fairness issue here. She added that she feels the Com- mission shouldn't necessarily be bound by previous decisions if they were not particularly good decisions; on the other hand Mr. ~4asek has been going through this process for so long. The parking ratio was discussed. Commissioner Siegfried stated that he could approve the modification by asking the appl. icant to come back to Staff with any possibility of restriping or doing anything that would improve the usabil- ity of the parking. - 5 - .Plan~ing Commission ~ ~ 'Page 6 A-660(a) (cont.) Mr. Masek noted that in order. to restripe he would lose space along the walkway. He commented that the project was previously approved by the City 'and he discussed the expense of taking the 'plan back to a civil engineer. The City Attorney gave the background of the project and clarified that the Commission could' request that the entry be widened because they are dealing with a new application at this time. FIe added that, on Mr. Masek's behalf, however, it should be remembered that there 'seems to be a general consensus ~b2~T~the merchants in the Village'that one of their problems is that their own employees tend to park in front of the stores. Therefore, if Mr. Masek has some internal rules that require employee parking under.the building, at least he can be assured that'the spaces are used to some extent. 'Discussion followed on the proper wordage of the motion. Commissioner Hlava then moved to approve A-660(a), per Exhibits B, C, D and E and the Staff Reports dated May 2, 1979 and March 22, 1984, with th~ added conditions that (1) the applicant shall widen the entry way by 4 feet and discuss with Staff the'possibility of doing some restriping to make it a more usable area. If same is not feasible by reason of structural limitations, the matter shall come back to the Commission; (2) the construction shall commence within 6 months from the date of approval, and (3) revised elevations shall be submitted show- ing the bay windows, for review 'and approval of Staff. Commissioner McGoldrick seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 5-0. 12. A-932 - City of Saratoga, Request for Design Review Approval for City entrance signs at various locations Staff described the approved signs, indicating that they now have further information on the le'tter type or material for the letters. After discussion Commissioner Hlava moved to approve A-932 with bronze colored aluminum cast lettering. Commissioner McGoldrick seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 5-0. COMMUNICATIONS Oral 1. Chairman Schaefer read a letter from Camargo Layne regarding the agenda for the on-site visit on Saturday, March 31, 1984. 2. Eugene Zambetti addressed the Commission regarding his Design Review. A-854. He requested a modification to make. the home smaller, with a 2-car garage attached to the house. He explained that he has discovered that they are now imposing upon an easement with an adjoining neighbor. He noted that the roof line would be lower and the home would be of less bulk. Discussion followed on, the modification, and Staff was directed to do a short after reviewing the new elevations and the matter can come back to the Commis- sion on the Consent Calendar. It was noted by the Commission that the modifi- cation would entail a reduction in size of the home. 3. Commissioner Hlava gave a brief report on the City Council meeting held on March 21, 1984. A copy of the minutes of thi.s meeting is on file in the City Administration office. 4. Chairman Schaefer thanked the Saratoga News for attending the meet- ing and the Good Government Group for attending and serving coffee. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner McGoldrick moved t.o--adj..o~rn--t~e.!.-mee~.~.ng-~.-=.._The motion was seconded by Commissioner Hlava. The mo~on--w~s'-.-~a~r~ed--unan-imoUsly and the meeting was 'adjourned at 11:03 p.m. SeCret'ary RSS: cd