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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-28-1985 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: Wednesday, August 28, 1985 - 7:30 p.m. PLACE: City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting ROUTINE ORGANIZATION Roll Call Present: Commissioners Burger, B.'Harris, J. Harris, Peterson, Pines and Siegfried Absent: Commissioner Schaefer Minutes The following change was made to the minutes of August 14, 1985: On page 7, in the fifth paragraph, the word "realistic" should read "unrealistic". Commissioner J. Harris moved to waive the reading of the minutes of August 14, 1985 and approve as amended. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried, with Commissioner Siegfried abstaining since he was not present. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS - None CONSENT CALENDAR 1. LL #8 - Blackwell Homes, Diamond Oak Court and Star Ridge Court, / Request for Lot Line Adjustment J 2. Mr. and Mrs. Bregman, 20330 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Construction of a 6 ft. high stucco wall within 100 ft. of Saratoga-Los Gatos Road 3. Edna and Farley Young, 20375 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, Construction of a 6 ft. high wrought iron fence within 100 ft. of Saratoga- Los Gatos Road Commissioner Burger moved to approve the items listed above on the Consent Calendar. Comissioner J. Harris.seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR 4. A-1123 - John Symonds, Request for Design Review Approval to permit a new, two-story, single family residence on a hillside lot which exceeds 26 ft. in height and 6200 sq. ft. in gross floor area at 21415 Continental Circle in the NHR zoning district 5a. Negative Declaration - SM-20 - Jim and Pat Ryley 5b. A-1124 - Jim and Pat Ryley, Request for Design Review Approval 5c. SM-20 - to permit a second-story addition to an existing two- story, single family residence and Site Modification Approval to permit construction on a slope which exceeds 10% at 15401 Madrone Hill, in the R-1-40,000 zoning dis- trict Item #4, A-1123, John Symonds, was removed for discussion. The public hearing was opened on the balance, #5 listed above. No one appeared, and Commissioner Siegfried moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Commissioner Burger moved to approve #5 listed above. Commissioner Siegfried seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0. Planning Commission Page 2 Minutes - Meeting 8/28/85 A-1123 Commissioner B. Harris abstained on the discussion and voting on Item #4, A-1123, John Symonds. Commissioner J. Harris commented that she was concerned about the visibility of this lot from below and would like to add a condition about screening on the southern and eastern sides of the structure. Commissioner Burger gave a Land Use Committee report, noting that the applicant indicated some concern regarding Condition #19, which reads that the fill areas to the rear of the structure shall be eliminated. The public hearing was opened at 7:35 p.m. Wendell Roscoe, the architect, stated that they want to pack in a relatively level area for the potential pool site. Staff commented that there is also a fill area right behind the house which will be visible. They also noted that there is a condition on the subdivision which states that there can be no pool on a site with a greater than 20% slope. John Symonds, the applicant, stated that this lot was preapproved for a swimming pool in the CC&Rs and he would like to retain that one area for a pool site. Staff stated that with the Subdivision approval some sites were designated for no pool, and this site was not one of those. However, the slope of the site does need to be taken into consideration. Mr. Symonds commented that the pool site is in a very flat section of the lot. He stated that if it is Staff's feeling that there be no retaining wall elsewhere in the rear of the house he does not object to that condition. Bill Heiss, civil engineer, discussed the contours of the land, stating that the nose of the contour is basically 15%. Discussion followed on the grading and the retaining wall. The landscaping was discussed with Mr. Symonds relative to the scenic easement. It was determined that the landscaping should be for a minimum of 100 ft. along the westerly property line. It was also clarified that the landscaping along the easterly and southerly property lines would be just around the perimeter of the home. Commissioner J. Harris moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. After further discussion on the fill and retaining walls it was determined to amend Condition #19 to reflect that the retaining structure shall be eliminated altogether, but that might define a limit off fill in that area, and that the area designated for the future pool site could have the amount of fill that is shown on the cross sections submitted. It was added that this would be subject to Staff review and approval. It was also determined that Condition #10 shall be amended to state that the landscaping should be for a minimum of 100 ft. along the westerly.property line, and there shall be screening along the easterly and southerly sides of the house, to be reviewed and approved by Staff. Commissioner J. Harris moved to approve A-1123, per the Staff Report dated August 16, 1985 and Exhibits B and C-l, with changesto the conditions as so stated. Commissioner Pines seconded the motion, which was carried 5-0, with Commissioner B. Harris abstaining. PUBLIC HEARINGS (THE PLANNING COMMISSION POLICY RELATIVE TO PUBLIC HEARINGS IS THAT THE APPLICANT'S PRESENTATION SHALL BE LIMITED TO 10 MINUTES, AND OTHER SPEAKERS WILL BE LIMITED TO 3 MINUTES.) - 2 - Planning Commission Page 3 Minutes - Meeting 8/28/85 6a. UP-584 - Bryce Reynolds, Request for Use Permit Approval to 6b. A-1110 - allow an accessory structure to be located in the required rear yard 31 feet from the rear property line and Design Review Approval to exceed the 6200 sq. ft. standard at 12182 Parker Ranch Road, in the NHR zoning district; continued from July 10, 1985 (to be continued to September 25, 1985) It was directed that this matter be continued to September 25, 1985. 7. A-1053 - Robert and Gay Bohn, Request for Design Review Mod. Approval for a new, two-story, single family resi- dence over 6200 sq. ft. in the NHR district at 14124 Pike Road; continued from August 14, 1985 Staff explained the current proposal, giving the history of the project. They stated that they were recommending approval of the application. The public hearing was opened at 7:59 p.m. Robert Bohn, the applicant, addressed the landscape plan, requesting that the landscape plan be submitted after the basic framing of the house, in order to be aware of the placement of the windows and doors. Staff suggested that the landscaping plan be submitted prior to inspection after frame. Commissioner Burger moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Siegfried seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Commissioner J. Harris suggested screening around the home on the easterly and northerly property lines. She moved to approve A-1053 Mod., per the Staff Report dated August 23, 1985 and Exhibits B-1 through D-l, adding the wording "along the east and north" in Condition #3, and adding a condition that Staff approve the landscaping plans at the time of inspection after frame. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0. 8a. Negative Declaration - SDR-1602 - Tom and Ann Copenhagen 8b. SDR-1602 - Tom and Ann Copenhagen, Request for Tentative Build- 8c. A-1107 - ing Site Approval for a two (2) lot subdivision of a 14 acre site with an average slope of 31%, and Request for Design Review Approval for a new, two- story, single family residence on lot B in the NHR zoning district at 14440 Pike Road; continued from August 14, 1985 It was noted that this matter will be directed to September 11, 1985. The public hearing was opened at 8:04 p.m. Tom Copenhagen, the applicant, explained the process they have gone through to gather information relative to easements on a connector road between Pike Road and Saratoga Hills Road. He stated that they have discovered that the Water Company has their service lines directly underneath the connector road and have easements. He indicated that he is still searching for legal documents that indicate that. He added that he expects to have the review done and a package submitted to the City by the end of next week. Bill Heiss, civil engineer, submitted maps of the Water Company facilities, showing the water tanks. It was directed that this matter be continued to September 11, 1985. - 3 - Planning Commission Page 4 Minutes - Meeting 8/28/85 9. V-705 - Patrick and Barret Moore, Request for Variance Approval to allow an addition to maintain a 13 ft. side yard setback and a 45 ft. rear yard setback where 20 ft. and 50 ft. are required respectively, at 14133 Sobey Road in the R-1-40,000 zoning district; continued from August 14, 1985 The application was explained by Staff. They stated that they are able to make the findings and recommend approval. The public hearing was opened at 8:12 p.m. Robert Aviles, representing the applicant, gave a presentation on the project. Commissioner B. Harris gave a Land Use Committee report, stating that it was their feeling that, while the new garage does move into some of the setback areas, the topography is of an upslope and there was no impact to privacy of other homes. Commissioner Burger moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner Siegfried seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Commissioner Siegfried noted that this is a 1+ acre site and they are only trying to add 800 sq. ft. to a 2900 sq. ft. home. He moved to approve V-705, per the Staff Report dated August 22, 1985 , making the findings in the report. Commissioner J. Harris seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0. 10. A-1122 - John Page, Request for Design Review Approval to con- struct a two-story residence which exceeds the 6200 sq. ft. allowable floor area standard on Lot 8, Tract 6665, Saratoga Heights Drive, in the NHR zoning dis- trict (to be continued to September 11, 1985) It was directed that this matter be continued to September 11, 1985. 11. A-1126 - Carol and John Fara, Request for Design Review Approval for a new, one-story, single family resi- dence which exceeds 22 ft. in height at 12385 Parker Ranch Road, in the NHR zoning district The application was described by Staff. They indicated that they are unable to make the findings and recommend denial. Commissioner Burger gave a Land Use Committee report, describing the site. She stated that the applicant indicated, and it did appear, that some of the dirt on the site was deposited from other construction sites, and that had raised the pad. She noted that the home to the right appears to be on a pad that is 5-6 ft. lower than the existing pad on the proposed homesite. She added that they noted that there were no windows on the house to the right that were facing the lot in question. She stated that the applicant had indicated that the Santa Clara Valley Water District has no problem with the fill deposit on the water and sewer lines, and she had requested him to get this assurance in writing. The public hearing was opened at 8:21 p.m. John Fara, the applicant, gave a presentation on the project and addressed the Staff Report. He discussed the grading on the site which had been done to create a level pad. He stated that they had raised the pad by one foot for aesthetic purposes, which involved 740 cubic yards of fill. Discussion followed on the grading. Staff noted that if the house was elevated above the rear yard somewhat, there would not be the need for - 4 - Planning Commission Page 5 Minutes - Meeting 8/28/85 A-1126 as much fill in that area. Commissioner Peterson commented that the Commission is opposed to cutting out the hillsides and making level pads. He added that they want to encourage people to take the natural slopes and build their houses, and if necessary step down. Mr. Fara stated that he could go along with the Commission's desire but questions how a home could be constructed on this lot without moving an appreciable amount of dirt, because there is a lot of it next to the road. He described the topography of the site. At Commissioner B. Harris' inquiry, Mr. Fara clarified to create a level pad they would have to import 340 cubic yards. Commissioner Siegfried asked what if it were a home with a stepped foundation, and commented that that question needed to be answered° He stated that he would like to see if there are some other options other than the proposal. There was a consensus that this matter should go to a study session, to further discuss the grading and other possible options. Marty Oakley, the designer, indicated that he could submit some cross- sections to illustrate options. Commissioner Peterson stated that the Commission's concern is the 3,000 cubic yards of cut and fill, and he encouraged the applicant to come in with a modified, stepped down plan. Staff added that they also had difficulty with the pitch of the roof creating the impression of excessive bulk. Mr. Fara explained that the home is designed as a Country French home and will be in a neighborhood of elegant homes, many of which have pitched roofs. He commented that he feels the roof is fitting with the design of the home and its location. Commissioner B. Harris asked how is the impact of the height mitigated as the house is moved back on the site. Mr. Oakley stated that he felt this would not help the appearance of the bulk. He commented that the design requires a steep pitched roof. Staff noted that the applicant is limited as to how much they can move the home back because of an easement. It was directed that this matter be continued to a study session on September 17, 1985 and the regular meeting of September 25, 1985. 12a. LL #9 - Richard Ward, Request for Lot Line Adjustment and 12b. V-708 - Variance Approval to permit a 6.5 ft. right side yard setback where 10 ft. is required at 20472 Glasgow Drive in the R-1-12,500 zoning district This application was withdrawn by the applicant. 13. C-226 - City of Saratoga, Consider an Amendment to the City of Saratoga's Ordinance NS-3 to include regulations for satellite dish antennas The City Attorney explained the proposed amendment. He pointed out that the Planning Commission would have authority to modify the regulations by use permit; otherwise it would simply be a building permit process. Discussion followed on the height. The public hearing was opened at 8:50 p.m. At Peggy Corr's inquiry, the City attorney clarified that the amendment does provide a fairly short period of time of six months, during which the existing satellite dish antennas would have to be brought into conformity. Commissioner Pines inquired about attics, and it was determined that Subparagraph D.2 should read that the satellite dish antenna shall not - 5 - Planning Commission Page 6 Minutes - Meeting 8/28/85 C-226 be attached to the roof or exterior wall. Commissioner Burger moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner J. Harris seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Commissioner Burger moved to approve Resolution C-226, recommending the text amendment, as modified, to the City Council. Commissioner Siegfried seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously 6-0. 14. C-227 - City of Saratoga, Consider Amending Certain Zoning Regulations of the City of Saratoga to change the floor area definition to include all floor area under roof, and to revise the impervious coverage definition The City Attorney explained the proposed text amendments. Staff noted that wooden decks was not listed, and they commented that they would like to see the issue resolved as to whether a wooden deck is impervious or not. Discussion followed on this issue, specifically when dealing with the hillsides. The City Attorney commented that, relative to the amendment recommended by the Commission on accessory structures, which also included a recommendation to increase the impervious coverage in the R-1-20,000 and R-1-40,000 districts from 35% to 50% and 45% to 50%, the Council modified that to eliminate the 50% and allow 5% additional impervious coverage solely dedicated for the purposes of walks, patios and decks. He added that there has been no change, either recommended by the Commission or adopted by the Council in the NHR or HC-RD hillside districts. Discussion followed on Section 1, relative to excluding interior courts without a roof when calculating floor area. The public hearing was opened at 9:01 p.m. No one appeared, and Commissioner Siegfried moved to close the public hearing. Commissioner J. Harris seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. Discussion followed on the definition of impervious coverage, and there '~s'consensus that wooden decks should not be considered impervious coverage. Discussion followed on whether exterior balconies should be included in floor area calculations. The City Attorney suggested that this matter be continued for at least 30 days, to give Staff a chance to review the issues discussed. It was directed that this matter be continued to October 9, 1985. MISCELLANEOUS 15. Options for Zoning Amendment to Add Multi-Family Use to C-N Zon- ing District, Requested by Joyce Lyang Staff was directed to include this matter with the discussions of the Zoning Ordinance revisions. COMMUNICATIONS Written 1. Letter from Isaac N. Abrams, dated August 12, 1985, enclos- ing application for Christmas tree operation. Staff was directed to analyze the traffic situation created at that location. 2. Letter from Andrarch Associates dated August 22, 1985, regard- ing Parcel 20, Parker Ranch. After input from Mr. Anderson and review and discussion by the Commission regarding the height, it was the consensus that Design Review Modification would be required. - 6 - Planning Commission Page 7 Minutes - Meeting 8/28/85 Oral by Commission and Staff 1. Commissioner Burger gave a brief report on the City Council meeting held on August 21, 1985. A copy of those minutes is available from the City Administration office. 2. Chairman Peterson thanked the Saratoga News for attending the meeting and the Good Government Group for attending and serving coffee. ADJOURNMENT Commissioner Siegfried moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Burger seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. The meeting was adjourned at 9:31 p.m. Respectfully su~~ Secretary RSS:cd - 7 -