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HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-14-1984 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING CO~,~,~ISSION MINUTES DATE: Wednesday, November 14, 1984 7:30 p.m. PLACE: City Council Chambers, 13777 FrUitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting ROUTINE ORGANI ZATI ON Roll Call Present: Commissioners Burger, Harri's, McGoldrick, Peterson, Schaefer and Siegfried · Absent: Commissioner Crowther Minutes The following correction was made to the October 24, 1984 mi. nutes: On page 2,. the eighth sentence in the fourth paragraph under SDR-1581 should read: "He submitted letters from the neighbors in support and submitted pictures illus- trating the existing landscaping and the view of and from the proposed deck." Commissioner McGoldrick moved to waive the reading of the minutes of October 24, 1984 and approve as amended. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Commissioner Peterson moved to waive the reading of the minutes of November 6, 1984 and approve as distributed. Commissioner ~l'!~G.o ldric~econd'ed' th"e_ motio'n','~ whi. ch' wa.~ carried', .wi:th '.commi s~i'6ner "'Sch'a'efe~ abs~..~ai'n'ing s'i'~i~c'e she was not pres'ent. ORAL CO~IMUN I CAT IONS Mrs. Marino, 20553 Montalvo Lane, expressed concern relative to the tree removal by the contractor for Mr. Benson, Lot 4,' Tract 6632, which had occurred on November 4, 1984 without a permit. Staff indicated that they are aware of this and the owner has applied for a permit to complete the 'removal of these trees. They explained that both are eucalyptus 'trees .and were indicated on the Design Review Approval to be retained. They stated that one has not been so dramati- cally trimmed as to do permanent damage to it; however, the second tree has been cut down. Discussion followed on the size of a replacement tree. The City Attorney indicated that since this is a part of the project development and the trees were to be preserved,. no certificate of occupancy will be issued for the residence until the tree has been replaced. Commissioner McGoldrick recommended a hefty fine. The City Attorney explained that he has prepared a proposed draft of the Tree Removal Ordinance wh'ich provides for a fine, based upon the value of the tree. It was the consensus of the Commission to have the contractor replace the one tree with the most substanti.al tree possible. Dr. r,~arino, speaking for the Montalvo Homeowners Association, noted that they were frus- trated with the fact that the owner could come 'in and trim these trees without a permit. Chairman Siegfried stated that the City is going to get an ordinance ~n place which will allow a substantial fine in the future, and in the meantime a very substantial tree at considerable expense will be required to replace this tree. CONSENT CALENDAR Item #2, SM~ll, Anthony Thomas, was removed for clarification of a condition. Commissioner Schaefer moved to approve t:he balance of the items listed below. Commissioner McGoldrick seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0. 1. SDR-1537 - Mr. and Mrs. Missakian, Bonnie Brae and Winn Rd., Request for One-Year Extension / 3. A-1033 - Round Table Pizza (John Segall), 18480 Prospect Road, Request for Design Review 'for Si'gn Discussion followed on SM-11, Anth'o'ny Thomas. Commissioner McGoldrick reported that there is landscaping along the western and eastern property lines in the pool area; however, more screening is needed. She requested that Condition No. 1 be changed to read "additional landscaping, subject to Staff approval." Com- missioner McGoldrick moved to approve SM-11, per the Staff Report with that modification. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unani- mous ly 6 - 0. - 1 Plann~ing Commission Page 2. ~eetihg Minutes 11/14 PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALEND·AR Items #4, A-1027, W. Leslie Pelio, #5, A-1028,' Peter and Midori Yokayama, and #6, A-1031, Mendelsohn L·ane Development, were removed for discussion. The public hearing was opened at 7:49 p.m. on Item #7, V-668, Wilson Develop.- ment. No one appeared to address the Commission. Commissioner Harris moved .to close the public hearing. Commissioner McGoldrick seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Commissioner Peterson moved to approve V-668, Wilson Development. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unani- mously 6-0. The pub~lic hearing was opened at 7:50 p.m. on Item #4, A-1027, W. Leslie Pelio. Commissioner McGoldrick gave a Land Use Committee report, indicating that the ground level height of the cabana is considerably taller than she had visualized from the drawings, and she would like it lowered 2-3 ft. Gordon Case, 15300 E1 Camino Grande, indicated that he had not had a chance to review the plans and expressed concern about an impact to his frontal view. The setbacks were discussed, and it was clarified to Mr. Case that the cabana iS in a different area than the pool equipment. The plan was described to Mr. Case and he was given a copy of the drawings to revieW. Michael Dillon, landscape architect, addressed the height of the cabana relative to the existing structure. He noted that the height of the structure is actual- ly reduced by 3 ft. with the retaining wall. Further discussion was held on the height of the cabana. Mr. Dillon commented that the cabana is sunk into the side of the hill 3 ft.; it is not sitting on top of a ridge. He added that from the road you actually see a struct'ure 15 ft. tall. The elevations were discussed. Commissioner Peterson commented that he did not see what was to be gained by lowering the cabana·2-3 ft. Commissioner' McGoldrick commented that this is a huge home with a huge cabana, noting the bulk. Commissioner Schaefer stated that on a lot that is 2.3 acres, she thinks a cabana, attractively designed, is as pleasant to look at.as any other structure. She agreed that she does not see what is to be gained by lowering it a couple of feet. Commis- sioner Burger commented that Staff has put in a. condition relative to landscap- ing on the western side along E1 Camino Grande, and she.feels that would miti- gate a lot of the concern that Commissioner McGoldri·ck may have. Mr. Case, after reviewing the plans, stated that he ]has a better idea of where the structure will be. However, he asked for the opportunity to study some architectural drawings a little bit more clearly because of the size. of the cabana. Staff noted that the legal noticing put~. the neighbors on notice and the plans have been at City Hall for review since that noticing. 'Commissioner Harris requested that the wording "landscaping shall be installed prior to final occupancy" be added to Condition #1. Commissioner McGoldrick moved to close the ·public hearing. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Commissioner Harris moved to approve·A-l'027, W. Leslie ··Pelio, per the Staff Report dated November 7·, 1984 and Exh'~bits B and C, ~i'th the modification to Condition #1.· Commissioner Peterson sed·onded'the motion, which was carried 5-1, with Commissioner McGoldrick dissenting. The 10-day appeal period was noted. DiScussion foilowed on Item #5, ·A-1028, Peter··and Hidori Yokayama. Commissioner McGoldrick stated that the applicant was concerned particularly about the Staff condition to remove the balcony on the se·c·ond floor. She gave a Land Use Committee report, describing the· site and the ·balcony. She added that she could see making the deck a little bit shorter' but thinks that a deck is appropriate there. The public hea·rino was opened at 8:09 p.·m. Min Otani, representing the applicant, stated that they could cut back the deck but would like to keep it. Commissioner Burger' des·cr~bed the deck, stating that she did not feel that it is necessary to cut .iZ.~' Commissioner McGoldrick moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was ·carried Unanimously. Commissioner McGoldrick' moved to approve"~-1028, Pet'er and Midori Yokayama, per the Staff Report dated· October· 22,· 1984 and Exhibits B, C, D and F, and - 2 - Planning Commission °' ~ Page 3 M~etiHg Minutes 11/14/84 A-1028 (cont.) removing Condition #6, thereby approving a second-story deck. Commissioner Harris seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0. Discussion followed on A-1031, Mendelsohn Lane Development. Commissioner McGoldrick gave a Land Use Committee report. Commissioner Harris stated that she feels strongly that on infill sites such as this, the Commission should provide for landscaping to be installed prior to final occupancy. Commissioner Schaefer asked if the dormer windows create an illusion of a second story. Staff stated that no floor plan was presented for an attic space; it would just be void space and there is a condition to prevent conversion. Commissioner Schaefer comment&d that the two houses that previously went in with dormers without stairways have living space bedrooms on the second floor. Therefore, she feels that the Commission needs to be aware that these plans without stair- ways do convert. The public hearing was opened at 8:13 p.m. Nino Gallo, the applicant, stated that h~ has always left the landscaping up to the buyer. He explained that he does not like skylights, so the dormer window was the best way to provide light into the 'entry. Discussion followed on the requirement for landscaping. Staff commented that they did not recall any instance where the requirement for general landscaping has been put on a lot prior to final. The possibility of bonding for general landscaping was discussed., and there was a consensus to move 'forward on this application and discuss the subject of general landscaping at a study session. Commissioner McGoldrick moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which wa's carried unanimously. Commissioner Peterson moved to approve A-1031, Mendelsohn Lane Development, per the Staff Report dated October 25, 1984 'aHd E~ibits B-l, C an& D. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0. Chairman Sieg- fried commented that the matter of landscaping and finishing of structures in some reasonable time should be brought up in the near future. PUBLIC.FIEARINGS 8. A-964 - McBain & Gibbs, Inc., Rhquest for Design ReView Approval to con- struct a two-story residence that exceeds the 6,200 sq. ft. standard at 21441 Tollgate Road, Tract 6628, Lot 14, in the NHR zoning district; continued' from October '10,~ 1984 It was directed that this item be continued to December 12, 1984. 9. A-1016 - McBain & Gibbs, Inc., Request for Design Review Approval to con- struct a twO-story, single-family residence on a hillside lot in the NHR District at 21409 Tollgate Road, Tract 6628, Lot 5; continued 'from October 2'4, '198'4 ....... It was directed that this item be continued to December 12, 1984. 10. A-1022 - Parnas Corporation, Request for Design Review Approval to con- struct a 27 ft., one-story single family residence' on a hillside lot in the NHR zoning district at 14S7S Saratoga Heights Court, Tract 666'5, Lot '4; continued from Oct'obe'r"2'4', 1984' It was directed that this item be continued to December 12, 1984. lla. Ne_gative Dec'laration-"SDR-15'81 Wilbur"& Gayle Fisher lib. SDR-1581 - Wilbur & Gayle 'Fisher', RequeSt for Design Review and Tentative A-1014 - Building Site Approval to allow an existing single-story dwelling to be converted to a two-story dwelling in excess of 4800 sq. ft. in the R-I-20,000 district at 15069 Park Drive; continued from October 24, 19'84' It was directed that this matter be continued to a Committee-of-the-Whole on November 20, 1984 and the regular meeting of November 28, 1984. - 3 - Planning Commission -- Page 4 Meeting Minutes 11/14/84t PUBLIC HEARINGS (cont.) 12. V-664 - Anthony Thomas, Request for Variance Approval to allow a 5 ft. iron and cha. in link fence that encloses more than 4,000 sq. ft. and is on a property that i's higher than the street elevation at 21401 Tollgate Road, in the NHR zoning district; continued from October 24, 1984 It was directed that this item be continued to November 28, 1984. 13. V-666 - Amanna/Schiro, Request for Variance Approval to allow a 12 ft. corrective retaining wall along the property lines at 13898 Upper Hill Drive and 13902 Upper Hill Court, in the R-I-40,000 zoning district; continued from November 6, 1984 It was directed that this item be continued to November 28, 1984. 14. A-1029 - Blackwell Homes, Request for Design Review Approval to construct a'two-story structure on a hillside lot in the NHR zoning dis- trict at 12206 Vista Arroyo Court, Tract #6528, Lot #iS It was directed that this item' be continued to November 28, 1984. 15a. Negative Declaration - SD-1582 - Joseph Teresi (A-M Company) 15b. SD-1582 Joseph Teresi (A-M Company), Request for Tentative Subdivision A-1024 - and Design Review Approvals for a 22-unit (detached) zero lot line development in the R-M-B,000 PC District near the south- eastern c'orner o'f Saratoga Avenue and Bucknail Road Staff explained the project, noting modifications which they are proposing. Commissioner McGoldrick requested that before the Commission votes on this, there be a site visit and that strings be put around the units so the Commission can get the feel for what this project will be like. Chairman Siegfried agreed, stating that he would like to also see a more detailed plan reflecting the kind of modifications that the Staff is proposing. The public hearing was opened at 8:28 p.m. Ken Riding, of the A-M Company, gave a presentation on the project. Chairman .Siegfri.ed.sta~ed that he did not understand why the same proposal that'was Sub- · n~.i~f~'a.at fhe previous study session is back. He commented that at that time there had been comments from the Commission and neighbors, which are echoed to a large extent in the Staff Report, and none of them seem to have been addressed. Mr. Riding stated that he had not received concrete direction from the study se's'sion. He indicated that he felt one of the conditions that would be very difficult for them to achieve is.....-the reduction of the size of the houses. He explained that they had done a market study that indicates' what kind of buyer they will have, and they have 'tried' to design houses that will meet the needs of that particular buyer'. Chairman Siegfried stated' that he felt they had given direction three months ago and the applicant has not responded at all to those concerns, i.e., size of units, density and setbacks. Ite commented that he does not think there is anyone that is objecting to the concept,'but the applicant will have to react to these concerns. Commissioner Peterson indicated that he cannot support the concept and will not, and he had told Mr. Riding that three months ago. He explained that he cannot support putting a 2500'sq. ft. home on 5,000 sq. ft. of land. He added that this land was rezoned multi-family, and in his mind this is not what the zoning asked for. He commented' that the zoning was looking for some kind of multi- family condominium apartment ~yp~ use, which would be smaller units. Commissioner McGoldrick commented that at the study session the Commission had addressed the traffic issue 'and the' exiting onto Bucknail. She pointed out that without more guest parking it will be inevitable that guests will have to park on Bucknail, and that neighborhood does not need any more problems for traffic flow. Mr. Riding commented that he feels they can achieve some of the requirements in the Staff Report but will need' to know what is acceptable. Chairman Siegfried suggested another study session. He indicated that he feels single family homes may be appropriate, substantially reduced in size, most of them single-story, with the setbacks that Staff has indicated. He stated that he - 4 - Planning Commission Page 5 ~eet~ng Minutes 11/14/8 SD-1582 and A-1024 (cont.) feels that there has to be some considerable appearance of reduction in density, whether that be by number of units or size of units. After further discussion there was a consensus that the Commission would not consider anything more dense than what the Staff has suggested, and it may be something less. There was also a consensus that the Commission would like a minimum of eight single-story units and would favor paired or duplexed units..- It was determined that the. Commission needs to see what the sizes are going to be in relation to the' flow of traffic and relationship to setbacks. The applicant was requested to bring some conceptual ideas as to how the concerns can be addressed. There was a consensus that this matter. be continued to a study session at 7:00 p.m. on November 20, 1984. Mr. Riding indicated that he felt he could put all of the information'desired by the Commission together for that meeting, and would then like a vote on the application on December 12, 1984. Mrs. Sabella expressed concern .regarding. the traffic. flow. .Bob Black, 12750 Paseo Presada, expressed concern about two-story buildings, stating that he feels the Commission should be consistent and make this project one-story, as with the Owen project. .He also expressed concern about setbacks, density and traffic. Jim Russell, of the Saratoga Park Woods Homeowners Association, discussed den- sity, setbacks'.and size,.expreSsing concern relative to these issues. Joseph Stillman, Saratoga Parkside, noted that their project has a setback of 25 ft., and he does not believe that a 15 ft. setback is ample for a two-story building i'n this situation. He also expressed concer'n about the location of the solar panels. It was directed that this matter be contfnued to a study session on November 20, 1984 and the regular meeting of December 12, 1984. 16. C-211 City of Saratoga, Consider amending the text of the Zoning Ordi- nance (Ordinance NS-3) to revise and simplify setback requirements in the R-l, HC-RD, and NHR zoning districts (Articles 3, 3A and 3B) and allowing certain nonconforming structures to remain without a variance, 'per Ordinance 'NS-3',' Article'18' The text amendment was explained by Staff' and the City Attorney. The public hearing was opened at 9:08 p.m. No one appeared to address the Commission. Commissioner McGoldrick moved to close the publ'ic hearing. Commissioner Peterson seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Commissioner' Schaefer questioned the 10 ft. setback for clustered units in the NHR district. She asked if any clustered' units we.r'e 'scheduled and commented. that she felt the setback should be'20 ft. She ex'plained that she feels 10 ft. is a small amount of setback for the' size of homes that are coming in. It was clarified by Staff that the current ordinance has a 0 se'tback from the lot line but a 30 ft. setback in bet'ween structures. They explained' that the suggestion by the Commission at the study session had been that the setback from the lot line be 10 ft. but that there still be the 30 ft.' setback between structures. They added that there is no proposal for clustered units before the"Commission at the moment. It was noted that any proposal would be subject to design review. Discussion followed on the setbacks. The 'City Attorney clarified that if a project has gone through the Tentative Map Approval.which required a larger · setback, this would not serve to red'uce that setback. · CommisSioner Peterson moved to adopt Resolution C-211-1, recommending this text amendment to the City Council. Commissioner McGoldrick seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0. CommiSsioner Schaefer stated that she would like it in the record that she does disagree with the 10 ft. and feels it should be a 20 ft. setback.. 17. C~212 - City of Saratoga, Consider amending the text of the Zoning Ordi- nance (Ordinance NS-3) to: 1). require a parking ratio of'l:2S0 (space/gross. floor area) for office uses; 2) require a Public Hear- ing Design Review for Commercial, Industrial, P-A and Multi-Family Residential projects; and 3) Revising the method for measuring the height of a structure per Ord'inance NS-3, Arti'cle 18 Staff' explained the text amendment. It was noted'that the Compact Parking - 5 - Planning 'Commission " Page Meet.~.i~g Minutes 11/14/ C-212 (cont.) Ordinance will be addressed at the next me_e~ing. ..S~aff commented that they would have data from other cities .~.l~'ive to.,th.6ir Br'dinance. The public hearing was opened at 9:18 p.m. No one appeared to address the Commission. Commissioner McGoldrick moved to close the public hearing. Com- missioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The City Attorney recommended that there be some additional language to define what an institutional structure means, and it was determined that this modifica- tion will be made. Commissioner McGoldrick moved to adopt Resolution C-212-1, recommending the text amendment to the City Council. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried u.nanimously 6-0. DESIGN REVIEW 18. A-1011 Cox Avenue Professional Center, Inc., Request for Design Review Approval to construct a two-story, 15,000 sq. ft. office building on Cox Avenue across from Quito Shopping Center (Building "B"), in the C-N zoning district; continued from October 24, 1984 It was directed that this item be continued to a study session on December 4, 1984 and the regular meeting of Dec'ember 12, 1984. MISCELLANEOUS 19. Consideration of Addition of Neighborhood Public Storage as a conditional use in the C-C (Communit.y-Commerc'ial) Zoning 'District in the Village The request was explained by Staff, who noted' that the applicant has submitted the information requested at the last meeting by the Commission. The procedure and noticing were discussed. There was a consensus that the Commission feels that the concept of this use as a conditional use would be feasible in the Village. flowever, they agreed that the applicant should apply for a General Plan Amendment and. Change o~ ~oning,.~o that a public hearing can be held to gain more input.".Staff.'wa'Sy.directed to. contact the applicant regarding these applications. COMMUNICATIONS Oral by Commission 1. Commissioner McGoldrick gave a brief report on the City Council meeting held on November 7, 1984. A copy of these minutes is. on .file in the City Admin- istration Office. 2. It was determined that the conditions for the Owen Company project will be reviewed by the Commission at 'the Committee-of-the-Whole meet'ing on November 20, 1984 and the regular meeting of November 28, 1984. 3. Chairman Siegfried thanked the 'Saratoga News for attending and the Good Government Group for attending and serving coffee. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Burger moved to adjourn the'meeting. Commissioner McGoldrick seconded the moti6n,j which was carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 p.m. Z~i~OOT~d' Secretary RSS:cd