HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-09-1985 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
DATE: Wednesday, January 9, 1985 - 7:30 pomo
PLACE: City Council Chambers, 13~77 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA
TYPE: Regular Meeting
ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
Roll Call
Present: Commissioners Burger, i Harris, Peterson, Schaefer and
Siegfried
Absent: Commissioners McGoldrick and Crowther
Minutes
On page 10 of the minutes of December 12, 1985, the word "if" should
be added to the second sentence in ~he second paragraph under A-1042o
Commissioner Schaefer moved to waive the reading of the minutes of
December 12, 1984 and approve as~ amended° Commissioner Peterson
seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously°
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None
PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR
Item #2, A-1041, Jim and Ann Hill, and Item #4, V-676 and A-1039,
Sidney Smith, were removed for discussion° The public hearing on the
balance was opened at 7:37 pomo Commissioner Burger moved to close
the public hearing° Commissioner Harris seconded the motion, which
was carried unanimously°
Commissioner Peterson moved to approve the balance of the items listed
below° Commissioner Schaefer seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimously 5-0
A-981 - Robert Dewey and william otterlei, Request for Design
Modo Review Modification!Approval to reorient and add 200
sq. ft. to a recently approved 3,608 sqo fto single-
story residence 500.fto south of Aspesi Drive and 250
ft. west of Quito R6ad
3ao SUP-2 - Joseph and Ann Cefalu, Request for Use Permit and
3bo A-1043 - Design Review Approvals for a new, two-story, second
unit constructed over the garage to be attached to a
single-story residence at 13533 Saratoga Avenue
Discussion followed on Item #2,i A-1041, Jim and Ann Hillo
Commissioner Harris gave a Land Use !Committee Report, describing the
site. She commented that she feels !that the developer can answer the
concerns of the Staff Report° S~e added that there are two-story
homes on both sides° ,
The public hearing was opened at 7:412 pomo
Don Coffey, representing the applfcant, ·addressed the conditions of
the Staff Report, specifically the height of the structure, the opaque
windows on the right elevation and the gross floor area of the
dwelling° Mro Coffey asked the Commission to consider a reduction of
2 fto instead of 3 ft., making the structure 27 fto He explained that
he can. change the roof line without ~difficultyo Regarding the opaque
windows~ he proposed that it be left open so they can decide later if
the windows will be clear or obscur~o He explained that they will
provide landscaping for screening° ~Discussion followed on the gross
floor area and the calculation of s~cho
Planning Commission Page 2
Minutes - Meeting 1/9/85
A-1041 (cont.)
Commissioner Harris moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner
Peterson seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously°
The zoning and the size of the homes]in the area were discussed. Com-
missioner Har'ris commented that the houses on Pierce tend to be
smaller and she would like to see the Commission stay within the stan-
dard on this application.
Commissioner Schaefer stated that she had seen this developer do an
infill on another project where the house that was built was larger
than the two on either side, and she~thought the design was very
attractive and she thinks that the final proposal looked very good°
She added that she would recommend going along with the compromises
that have been suggested. She moved:to approve A-1041, per the Staff
Report dated December 18, 1985'a~d Exhibits B, C, F and G~ with
condition #1 stating that the home will be 27. ft. in height, condition
#5 stating that the house will be 6200 sq. ft. with the cabana being
240 sqo ft.~ for a total of 6440 sq. ft., and adding to condition #8
"or landscaping provided for privacy subject to Staff approval°" Com-
missioner Burger seconded the motion which was carried 4-1, with Com-
missioner Harris dissenting, stating that she was unable to make the
finding regarding bulko
Discussion followed on Item #4, V-676 and A-1039, Sidney Smith° The
public hearing was opened at 7:51 p.mo
Judy Bruning, 19315 Titus Court, stated that they have no problem with
the variance; however, she expressed2concern with the design review°
She commented that the south exposure looks directly into their back
yard. She explained that the existing vegetation is not permanent,
since there is disease of trees and PG&E has an easement at the fence
line and they cut down severely any branches that are reaching the
prime lines. She asked the CommissiOn to recommend to Mr. Smith that
either a permanent screen be placed there at the fence line or that
the French doors and the balcony be changed to the front of the house°
Commissioner Harris gave a Land Use Committee report, stating that the
balcony is clearly visible frbm Mrs° Bruning's back yard.
Commissioner Burger stated that she felt that permanent landscaping
might be the better alternative, .rather than removing the French
doors° She added that she feels that moving the balcony and French
doors to the east elevation would do nothing to enhance the
architecture of the home at all. Commissioner Schaefer indicated that
she thinks that the landscaping is aS high-as it could be, facing the
Brunings' home, and that the balcony~and French doors need to be
removed to protect privacy. She added that possibly a window could go
in that would be higher to allow ventilation~ and perhaps a skylight
could go in. Commissioner Harris added that there are large Monterey
pines there and you can see through ~he lower branches°
Mro Smith, the applicant, discussed the design and'indicated that he
would discuss this further with Mrsoe Bruningo He commented that he
had not heard Mrs. Bruning's concern~ before°
It was clarified to Mr. Kato, 12589 Titus, that the second-story
window will be opaque. He suggested that the window be opaque
with the top of the ceiling open for ventilation° Mro Smith
stated that he was agreeable°
Commissioner Peterson moved to close! the public hearing. Commis-
sioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously.
It was directed that this matter be continued, to allow the applicant,
his architect, and Mrs° Bruning to discuss mitigating the privacy
impact° Mro Smith indicated that he could not attend the next meet-
Planning Commission Page 3
Minutes - Meeting 1/9/85
V-676 and A-1039 (cont.)
.ing and he was asked to coordinate his schedule with Staff. It
was noted that the neighbors will be notified when the item is
reagendized.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
5ao Negative Declaration - SDR-12581 - Wilbur & Gayle Fisher.
5bo SDR-1581 - Wilbur & Gayle Fisher, Request for Design Review and
A-1014 - Building Site Apprgval to allow an existing single-
story dwelling, %o be converted to a two-story
dwelling in excess of 4800 sqo fto in the R-1-20,000
district at 15069 Park Drive; continued from December
12, 1984
Staff reported that this matter had been continued from a previous
meeting and discussed the modifications made.
The public hearing was opened at 8:06 p.mo
Mro Fisher, the applicant, agreed with the Staff Report°
Commissioner Schaefer moved to close the public hearing° Commissioner
Harris seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously°
Commissioner Burger moved to approve the Negative Declaration on
SDR-1581o Commissioner Harris seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimously 5-0. Commissioner Burger moved to approve SDR-1581 and
A-1014, per the Staff Report dated December 21~ 1984~ the Staff Report
dated October 18, 1984, with Conditions la, lb, lc and 2 deleted, and
Exhibits B and C-lo Commissioner Schaefer seconded the motion, which
was carried unanimously 5-0°
6a. Negative Declaration - SDR-1583 - Peter Buck
6bo SDR-1583 - Peter Buck, Request for Building Site Approval for
6c. A-1030 - a greater than 50%~expansion~ Design Review Approval
6d. V-667 - for a second-story addition~ Variance Approval to
6e. SUP-9 maintain a 26 fto front yard setback where 30 ft. is
required, 12 fto 81ino sideyard setback where 20 ft.
is required, for an existing accessory.structure that
maintains a 5 ftoi 5 in. setback where 50 fto is
required and to prgvide substandard parking, and a
Second Unit Use Permit for an existing second unit,
at 15214 Belle court in the R-1-40,000 zoning dis-
trict; continued from December 12, 1984
Staff described the project, statin~ that they are unable to make the
findings for the variances and recommend denial. They stated that
they recommend approval of the Building Site, Design Review and Second
Unit Use Permit.
The public hearing was opened at 8:14 pomo
Mro Buck discussed the project and the various applications. He
addressed the condition regarding the sewer, indicating that he was
willing to engage in an agreement .tb hook up to the sewer at such time
as it is extended and pay a proport]ionate share°
Joe Pruss, Saratoga-Los Gatos Road,! expressed concern with the front
yard setback and the Second Unit Us~ Permit because of additional
parking° He stated that he would like to see a requirement for addi-
tional parking space or restriction~s on the use permit°
Dan Heindel, 15235 Belle Court, dis~cussed the fencing and expressed
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Planning Commission i Page 4
Minutes - Meeting 1/9/85
SDR-1583, A-1030, V-667 and SUP-9 (Cont.)
concern about the front yard setbacH, the side yard setback and
parking°
Commissioner Peterson moved to los'
. c e the public hearing. Commissioner
Harris seconded the motion, which w~s carried unanimously.
Commissioner Schaefer stated that at the study session the Commission
e!t c
had indicated that the front yard s= ba k should be 30 fto and had
asked the applicant to discuss with ,the architect the possibility of
changing that° She added that s~e feels the neighbors' comments
regarding that setback are very appropriate° She commented that she
felt she could work around the side ~yard setback if it were for the
applicant's residence, but since it :is for a second unit she feels
differently° She added that, regarding the parking, the required
width must be there in order for the spaces to be actively used°
Staff noted that, under the Second iUnit Ordinance, the sewer
requirement cannot be deferred.
Chairman Siegfried commented that:he had not picked up on the
fact that the house is being expanded from 1200 sqo fto to 5400
sqo fto He explained that he knewthe expansion was significant
but did not realize how sig ' ic~nt,
nlf and that makes it very
difficult for him to make the variance findings for the front and
side setbacks.
Commissioner Harris moved to deny VAriance V-667, per the Staff
Report dated November 19, 1984. Con~missioner Schaefer seconded
the motion, which was carried unanimously 5-0° It was determined
that the other issues are rendered ~oot since the variance is
denied. The appeal. period was noted, and the City Attorney
stated that if the matter.is. appealed and the City Council
reverses the decision, the.matter~can then be referred back to
the Commission for action .with ~espect to the rest of the
application°
7° V-674 - Aaron Berman, Request ~for Variance.Approval for
impervious coverage which would exceed 35% at 19140
Via Tesoro Court, iin the R-1-40,000 zoning
district; continued f~om December 12, 1984
It. was directed=that this item be c~ntinued to January 23, 1985o
8a. V-670 - Bill and Barbara Sudl~w~ Request for Design Review
A-1035 - Approval to construct~a new two-story residence and
Variance Approval for ~a 25 fto front yard setback
where 75 fto is requi~ed at 21502 Saratoga Heights
Drive (Tract 6665, Lot 11), in the NHR zoning
district; continued f~om December 12, 1984
It was directed that this item be c6ntinued to January 23, 1985.
9o C-213 - City of Saratoga, ConSider amending the text of the
Zoning Ordinance (Ordinance NS-3), to allow compact
parking stalls in the iVillage District of the City
and establish standards for compact parking stalls;
continued from November 28, 1984
Staff explained the text amendment, 'recommending approval to the
City Council°
The public hearing was opened at 8:37 pomo
Commissioner Peterson moved to close the public hearing° Commis-
sioner Burger seconded the motion, Which was carried unanimously.
Planning Commission Page 5
Minutes - Meeting 1/9/85
C-213 (cont.)
After discussion'~.- of the changes, Commissioner Peterson moved to
adopt Resolution C-213-1, recommendi2ng the text amendment to the
City Council° Commissioner Harris s~conded the motion, which was
carried unanimously 5-0° It was clarified that this amendment
includes the change of the regulariparking spaces to 9-1/2 x 18
but they require double striping° Commissioner Schaefer
commented that she disagrees with.the size of the new regular
spacing but she voted for the amendment°
10ao E-1-84 - Fremont Union High School District, Consider a
10bo SD-1567 - Draft EIR and Tentative Subdivision Approval for
a 55-1ot subdivision on a 47°5 acre site in the
NHR District locate~ just south of the inter-
section of Prospect~ Road and the SPRR tracks
Chairman Siegfried reported that there had been a study session
on this matter, and this evening jus~ the EIR will be considered°
He explained that comments will be t~ken on the adequacy of it
and then the subdivision will be considered at the next meeting°
Staff described the proposal iand the contents of the
Environmental Impact Report° He inoted that there are three
alternatives discussed in the EIR, i'oeo, no project~ clustered
planned community design without increasing the number of units
and a reduced grading plan, still using single-family detached°
Staff recommended that the Commissio.n take public testimony on
the Draft EIR, and then close the public hearing so that the con-
sultant can respond tO the comments and bring back a final EIR
for Commission consideration°
The public hearing was opened at 8:4il pomo
Mro Santoriello, Norada Court, addressed a trail shown coming from
Norada Court up into the proposed ar,eao He submitted a petition
and letter objecting to this° He no~ted that there is already a
trail on Prospect Creek° He asked a~bout the zoning of that area,
stating that he thought it was a 2-acre minimum° The. City
Attorney commented that there was litigation by this property
owner, who was actually claiming a higher density than set forth
in this particular map. When the litigation was settled the
density was established for this site°
Commissioner Schaefer asked if this trail would be an access
for children between the new and existing neighborhoods, and no
horses were allowed, if this would pose a problem° Mro
Santoriello commented that it is now an existing pedestrian walk-
way. Staff stated that it is designated on the map as a pedes-
trian walkway, and is not for horseS° They explained that there
is a proposal for a small neighborhood park, and this would be a
walkway to that area°
George Geblepski, Hillmoor Drive, e~plained that this trail
is really an access to a drain. He~also addressed the traffic
and inquired about a traffic light at Stelling and Prospect°
Charles Hunterr 20846 Meadow Oak, s~ated that he would like an
aesthetic development if this ar.ea is to be developed° He
expressed concern about the traffic~ particularly in conjunction
with the development of the proposed development of the Seven
Springs Ranch.
Dave Ball, Farr Ranch Road, asked ~hat secondary access routes
are required and why° Staff explained that it is typical under
our subdvision requirements to ha~e secondary access for more
than 15 units° Mr°' Ball commented ~hat there is secondary access
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Planning Commission Page 6
Minutes - Meetiong 1/9/85
E-1-84 and SD-1567 (cont.)
off of Burnett and there is emergency access planned'off of
Kreisler. He added that the only value he can see'in this
proposal is that as secondary egress from Farr Ranch Road; if
that would be the case he can see benefit to that. However, he
would propose that that road be blocked with a gate.
Mr. SUgi, Norada Court, indicated that the purpose of the
existing path was strictly for the!Water District people to use.
He suggested putting a more scenic wider path by the Prospect
Creek for access to. the proposea park. He objected to the
policing he has had to do with theiexisting trail and he asked
that it be closed
'
Commissioner Harris questioned ~he percentages of projected
traffic leaving the development and=also the percentages of tax
dollars being spent in Saratoga. She also pointed out that the
Saratoga Country Club is private and not open to the public. She
also questioned the traffic numbers on pages 11 and 12 and
stated that she would submit them.to the consultant after the
meeting.
Mro Russell Leavitt, Program Manager for the'EIR~ from Earth
Metrics, indicated that the propo:sed project does propose to
extend the pedestrian walkway into ~he project site to the first
street available to provide access to a potential park and to
provide pedestrian access between the neighborhoods. He
explained the benefit of having the proposed trail, rather than
one along Prospect Creek.
Commissioner Peterson asked what advantage there is in having the
trail if it is decided that there will be no park° Mro Leavitt
stated that it would be to the advantage of both neighborhoods.
and is taking advantage of an existing trail°
Mr. Leavitt addressed the traffi~c and a possible signal at
Stelling and Prospect. He explain'ed that that intersection is
controlled by the City of Cupertin~. He indicated that a signal
warrant study probably will be needed in the future if the Seven
Springs Ranch is developed. He~ commented that~ regarding
secondary access to Farr Ranch R6ad, this was specifically
mentioned because it is a connection that is recommended as a
goal or policy of the Northwest Hillsides Specific Plan and not
so much as an emergency access ro~d for this project, but as a
connector to further development2 along Farr Ranch R6ad and
beyond. Regarding the traffic numbers, Mro Leavitt indicated
that the assumptions they used were based on the existing traffic
pattern at those intersections. He discussed the figures used in
establishing the percentages°
Discussion followed on the figures iused, and it was noted by the
Commission that the figures over~ay a great deal of commute
traffic. They questioned whether or not the people who live in
that project are going to follow that same pattern°
Mro Leavitt noted that the trafficsfigures on pages 311 and 312
include trips from other future projects in the area° Discussion
followed on the location of the proposed park.
Commissioner Peterson moved~"~.3clos!e the public hearing on the.
EIR. Commissioner Schaefer seconded the motion, which was
carried unanimously°
It was directed that this matter~be continued to January 23~
1985. It was noted that the Subdivision Approval will be
discussed ~t--th. at meeting.
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Planning Commission Page 7
Minutes - Meeting 1/9/85
lla. Negative Declaration - SDR-1586- Los Gatos Jt.Un.H.S.
llb. SDR-1586 - Los Gatos Jt. Union High School District,
Request for Tentative Building Site Approval
for a 3-lot subdivision in the R-1-12,500
District on a sur~plus portion of the 35 acre
Saratoga High S~hool site located at the
southeast corner iof Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road
and Herriman Avenue
It was noted that this item will be continued to January 23,
1985.
The public hearing was opened at 9:20 p.m.
C. W. Neale, owner of the adjacent property, expressed concern
about the road that will feed into this cul-de-sac. He discussed
the traffic circulation.. ChairmaniSiegfried indicated to Mr.
Neale that this concern will be ~addressed when the map is
considered.
It was directed that this matter 5e continued to January 23,
1985.
Break - 9:25 p.m. - 9:40 p.m.
i2a. SUP-3 - Christopher and Ull~a Beach, Request for Second
V-675 - Permit for an existing second unit and Variance
Approval for a 4 ft., 4 in. rear yard setback
and 2 ft., 7 in. s~de yard setback where 25 ft.
and 8 ft. are required respectively, and to
provide no covered parking space where one
space is required ~t 18645 Paseo Tierra, in the
R-1-10,000 zoning district
Staff explained the proposal, stating that they were able to make
the findings relative to the rear yard variance and recommend
approval, but were unable to make the findings for the side yard
variance or lack of parking, and recommend denial of the
application. They indicated that thely were recommending approval
of the Second Unit Use Permit.
The public hearing was opened at 9:45 pom.
Mrs. Beach addressed the conditions regarding the side yard
setback. She commented that this ~is an existing unit and is
built on concrete and would be dif:ficult to move. Regarding
the covered parking space, she i·n~icated that there is very
limited space in the front for an. extra parking space. She
pointed out that there has been a pre~ious variance to allow for
only one covered parking space for t~e main dwelling on the
property. She stated that they have been looking into possibly
moving a little bit over so they would have two covered parking
· spaces, but she does not know if it Will comply with the codes.
She stated that they would like to investigate that further°
Commissioner Schaefer moved ·to Close the public hearing.
Commissioner Peterson seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimously.
It was noted that there are a number~of garages in the area which
have been converted to living space, and in some instances
garages have been constructed in the rear of the homes°
Commissioner Siegfried commented that he h'as a problem making
· findings for the side yard setbac~ and additionally, if they
can't find a covered parking space, he wonders what kind of
precedent will be set· if the variance·is granted.
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Planning Commission Page 8
Minutes - Meeting 1/9/85
SUP-3 and V-675
Commissioner Harris commented that she looked back to all the
deliberations on the Second Unit Ordinance, and that was'
definitely a concern throughout the City; therefore, she would
not be able to make the findings. She moved for approval of V-
675 for the variance for the rear~yard setback, per the Staff
Report dated January 3, 1985, but denial of the variance for the
side yard setback and parking,- based on the fact that the
findings cannot be made° Commissioner Burger seconded the
motion. After discussion of the findings for the rear yard
setback made in the Staff Report, the vote was taken on the
motion~ The motion was carried u!nanimously 5-0. The 10-day
appeal period was noted° CommisSioner Harris then moved to
approve SUP-3, per the Staff Report dated January 3, 198.5 and
Exhibits B and Co It was noted tha!t the approval of the Second
Unit Use Per'mit is conditioned upon~ relocating the structure and
providing a covered parking space. ~Commissioner Burger seconded
the motion, which was carried 4-1~ with Commissioner Schaefer
dissenting.
13a. SDR-1585 - Albert and Ann Lorincz, Request for Lot Line
13bo A-1040 - Adjustment, Build.ing Site and Design Review
13co V-680 - Approvals to construct a one-story single family
13do LL-6 - residence on lot b~hind 19605 Glen Una Drive and
Variance Approval for 24~ 15' and 35' rear yard
setbacks for an ~xisting garage, cabana and
respectively where,60' is required and a 17~ and
10' side yard setback for the existing cabana
and garage where 20~ is required at 19605 Glen
Una Drive, in the R-1-40,000 zoning district
Chairman Siegfried explained thatithese are two existing lots.
Staff described the lots and existing structures. They explained
the applications, stating.that ~hey are unable to make the
findings for the setbacks for the cabana and arbor and recommend
denial. They added that they were Zable to make the findings for
the garage and recommend.- approvalswith conditions° They stated
that they also-recommend approval o~ the SDR and Design Review°
Discussion followed on the flower arbor. Commissioner Harris
gave a Land Use Committee report, d~scribing the existing cabanao
The public hearing was opened at 10!:02 pomo
Terry Shovchek, representing Nowack & Associates, addressed the
findings regarding the cabanao'i He discussed the setbacks,
indicating that the variance' for the rear and side yard setbacks
only affec~ parcels 1 and 2, and does not affect any of the
adjacent neighbors°
Dave Morrison, 19590 Juna Lane,'referenced his letter which
indicated that he and six of th~ adjoining neighbors are in
opposition to the project° He des~cribed the area, stating that-
it is a very low density area° ~He described the parcels in
question'and stated that the variances would make two
nonconforming lots even more nonc~nforming and would have other
adverse effects to the neighborhood° Mro Morrison discussed the
variances and stated that he feel;s that not all nonconforming
lots are buildable. He commented~that granting major variances
of this type would set an undesirable precedent in the City° He
added that Parcels #1 and #2 are located within a special zone
designated Ds, and the applicant h~s not identified this factor°
Mr. Morrison stated that he disagreed with the findings in the
Staff Report° He also noted that~tbere was no provision for a
new leach field. Staff clarified that there is a condition in
the Staff Report requiring a septi6 tank permit°
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Planning Commission Page 9
Minutes - Meeting 1/9/85 ..
SDR-1585, A-1040, V-680 and LL-6 (c0nto)
Mr. Shovchek noted that there are two other lots of similar size
directly adjacent to Mr. Morrison?s loto He discussed ways of
reducing the impervious coverage on the Lot #2. He stated that
the leach fields will conform with the requirements of the Health
Department o
Mrs. Lorincz explained that the arbor is open and stated that it
shades the largest silk tree in Saratoga. She discussed
reduction of impervious .coverage, stating that she would not like
to remove any of their driveway since it does provide parking for
guests.
Commissioner Schaefer stated that she was not 'concerned about the
arbor because she feels that can be: an attractive asset, and the
Commission is in the process of looking at the ordinances on that
kind of situation. She commented that she could make the
findings on the impervious coverage. However, she stated she is
concerned about the cabana and the garage. She added that she
did not agree with the Staff .Repor~ that precedence had been set
regarding this type ~o'f situation. Commissioner Peterson
commented that on'the Hall ~p~lication he believed a lot line
adjustment had been granted and'. a variance allowed for an
existing garage.
Mr. Morrison commented that the Hall lots are far above the
minimum zoning requirement, .and the. ir application had no adverse
effect on the neighbors.
Commissioner Peterson moved to! close the public hearing.
Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimous ly.
At Commissioner Schaefer's inquiry, Staff stated that the cabana
would not meet the standards for a Second unit° Commissioner
Burger described the cabana.
Commissioner Peterson commented ~hat he does not like to 'give
variances of this type, but he is hard pressed to figure out how
it impacts the neighbors. He added that it is 125 ft. from the
neighbors' property line. Commissioner Siegfried commented that
it only impacts in the sense that there are structures relatively
close to the proposed property line', and now there is going to be
a home and other structures built on the other property. Whether
or not it is visible, there may be some potential for added bulk.
However, other than that it does no't impact. He added that he is
not'particularly concerned about 'the variance for the garage,
because in fact you could stru6ture the adjustment of the
property line to probably avoid tha"t variance, and~e thin~s there
are precedents, other than the Hall situation, where variances
have been granted to maintain exist~ing garages. He added that he
does not know that there is any particular reason, although the
cabana is there, why it needs to stay~ other than the fact that
it is a substantial structure° The fact that they are getting
the variance does allow them to go! forward and build the second
lot without moving the cabana.
Commissioner Harris indicated that she agreed with the Staff
Report and would be able to make the findings for the variance
for the garage,' but not for the cabana or flower arbor.
She stated that she might recohsider the flower arbor if
Commissioner Schaefer could inform the Commission about the
status of consideration of flower arbors in the ordinance.
Commisssioner Schaefer indicated that there would be something in
the next few. weeks that the Commission could review. She stated
Planning Commission , Page 10
Minutes - Meeting 12/9/85
SDR-1585, A-1-40, V-680 and LL-6 (c6nt.)
that the intent was the flower arbors would not be treated as a building
as they are open lattice work; it would be treated as a landscape
situation. Commissioner Burger stated ·that her impression of the flower
arbor was that it actually adds~to a sense of privacy between the
parcels.
Commissioner Siegfried stated that he_does not have any particular
problem with the garage or flower arbor. He commented that he
understands the cabana has been there; however, it does have more impact
than the other structure's. He added that he would like to see. the
applicants get the impervious coverage reduced° He added that they could
maintain parking with turf block.
Commissioner Burger made· the findings for the flower arbor: The removal
of·the flower arbor would be an unnecessary hardship because of the large
silk tree and the Commission is cQnsidering changing the ordinance°
Commissioner Siegfried added that~ regarding the Hall variance, he had
indicated that the line could be drawn in such a way that he c~uld get
the setback but you ended up with a property line that did not make any
sense. He stated that that is what~happens with this situation; the rear
yard setback could be maintained bug it would result in a jagged property
line. He added that that could not~ be done with the cabanao Commissioner
Burger added that another point wa,s that the flower arbor does provide
privacy between the two lots. She moved to approve V-680 for the
variance for the garage and arbor, per the conditions in the Staff
· Report, and deny the variance for ~he cabana, based on the.fact·that the
findings cannot be made. Commiss'ioner Peterson seconded the motion,
which was carried unanimously 5-0°
CommisSioner Burger moved to approve LLA-6, per the Staff Report
dated January 4, 1985. Commission~er Harris seconded the motlon, which
was carried unanimously 5-0.
Commissioner Burger moved to appro~e SDR-1585, per·the Staff Re·port dated
January 4, 1985 and Exhibit B-1. iCommissioner Peterson seconded the
motion, which was carried unanimously 5-0.
Commissioner Burger moved to approye A-1040, per the Staff Report dated
January 4, 1985 and Exhibits B,: B-1 and Co Commissioner Peterson
seconded. the motion, which was Carried unanimously 5-0. Chairman
Siegfried noted that there is a condition requiring that either a
variance be obtained for the impervious coverage, or that it be reduced
to meet that allowed. The appeal p~riod was noted°
14. C-217 - City of Saratoga, Consider amending the text of the Zoning
Ordinance to ·~ii~w"'a~bulletin board not more than 20 sqo
ft. in size on ~he si~e of a school to advertise school
activities only ,
Staff described··the proposed.text amendment° The height limitation was
discussed, and·it was n0ted.that~this issue is not mentioned in the
amendment. Commissioner Peterson suggested a maximum of 10 ft.
The public hearing was opened at 10~42 pomo
Commissioner Burger moved to clos!e the public hearing° Commissioner
Harris seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously..
Commissioner Peterson moved to adQpt Resolution C-217-1, recommending
approval to the City Council, iwith the amendment of the height
limitation. Commissioner Schaefer seconded the motion, which was carried
unanimously 5-0.
Planning Commission Page 11
Minutes - Meeting 1/9/85
MISCELLANEOUS
15. A-1011 -.Cox Avenue Professional' Center, Inc. (Sanfilipo), Request
for Reconsideration of Design Review Approval to construct
a two-story, 13,2;00 sq. ft. office building on Cox Ave°
across from Quito~ Shopping Center (Building "B") in the
C-N zoning distriict
Staff reported that at the list meeting this matter was heard and
resulted in a split vote. The~ explained that the applicant has asked
that the matter be reconsidered~this evening.
Mro Sanfilipo, the applicant, discussed the floor area, stating that the
extra 700 sq. ft. does not add a!ny impact to the parking° He asked that
the Commission approve a building of 12s600 sq. ft.
Commissioner Schaefer stated that the Commission is concerned about
parking and the amount of coverage on the lot as far as a precedent for
surrounding areas, which ar.e major considerations on her part.
Commissioner Harris agreed.
Commissioner Peterson moved .to approve A-1011, per the Staff Report dated
OCtober 16, 1984, with condition #7 amended to read "A 6 ft. fences
similar to that on the adjaceht property, shall be located along the
northern property line, and a 6.fto solid wall or fence shall be located
along the western property line~ subjec~ to Staff review and approval."
Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried 3-2s with
Commissioners Harris and Schaefer dissenting.
16o Tract 6781, Teerlink (Lamb.ert)s Mto Eden Roads Clarification of Con-
ditions
It was noted that this item had~been discussed at a study session. Staff
explained that the applicant would like the Commission to formalize the
consensus of the Commission at this study sessions relative to the
conditions. They noted tha~ an exhibit has been provided by the
applicants showing the difference in the grading.
Jeff Leas representing the applicant, discussed the conditions of the
Tentative Map Approval. He addressed the grading plano Staff clarified
that a 2-1/2:1 slope would be adequate. Commissioner Peterson asked
about the undergrounding of utilities and improvement of Pierce°
Staff explained the undergroundlng and improvements°
Commissioner Schaefer moved t'o approve the conditions, per the Staff
Report dated January 4, 1985o i Commissioner Harris seconded the motions
which was carried unanimously 5!-0.
COMMUNICATIONS
Written
· 1. Letter from SaratOga National Bank regarding A-976, askint
for reconsideration of original proposal on lighting° There was
consensus to direct Staff to~notify them to submit more details
appropriate exhibits on their ~roposalo
Oral
1o It was reported t:hat Barbara Harris has been appointed
the new Planning Commissioner..
2. Chairman Siegfried thanked the Good Government Group fo,
attending and serving coffee, ~nd the Saratoga News for attending°
Planning Commission Page 12
Minutes - Meeting 1/9/85
ADJOURNMENT ~
CommiSsioner Burger moved to adjourn the meeting° Commissioner Peterson
seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously° The meeting was
adjourned at 11:01 p.mo
Respectfully submitted,
Secretary
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