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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-09-1987 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: December 9, 1987 - 7:30 P.M. PLACE: Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting Roll Call: Present: Chairwoman Harris, Commissioners Guch, Burger, Tucker, Clay, Kolstad. Commissioner Siegfried absent. Approval of Minutes: Meeting of November 17, 1987 Commissioner Kolstad asked on Page 4, seventh paragraph read, "..the rear of the garage" TUCKER/BURGER MOVED APPROVAL OF MINUTES OF NOVEMBER 17, 1987, AS AMENDED. Passed 5-0-1, Chairwoman Harris abstaining. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS: - Col. Barco presented a copy of a statement made to the City Council, December 2, 1987; he reviewed his objection to the procedures followed on the new Design Review Ordinance and stated that a member of the Council had misunderstood his comments. - Mr. Jerry Bevins, 14231 Springer Ave., Saratoga, presented a copy of a statement read at the Commission Meeting, November 17, 1987, along with a letter describing subsequent events regarding development of the lot at 14320 Paul Ave; he noted that this item would be heard by the Commission on January 13, 1988. REPQRT OF CLERK QN POSTING QF'AGENDA; Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this Meeting was properly posted on December 4, 1987. PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR; 1. DR-87-128 Raney, 147660 Farwell Ave., request for design review approval of plans to construct a 1,158 sq. ft. second story addition to an existing one-story single family home in the R-I-40,000 zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. Continued to January 13, 1988. 2.. DR-87-082 Mangalick, 12846 Star Ridge Ct., request for design review approval of plans to construct a 7,412 sq. ft. two-story home where 6,200 sq. ft. is the standard in the NHR zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. " 3. DR-87-103 Gallo, 20161 Rancho Bella Vista, request for design review approval of plans to construct a new 5,024 sq. ft. one-story home where 4,800 sq. ft. is the floor area standard in the R-I-20,000 zoning district. 4. DR-87-137 Dura Style Homes, 18235 Montpere Way, request for design review approval of plans to construct a new 3,494 sq. ft. one-story residence in the R- 1 - 10,000 zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. 5. SD-87-007 Fox & Carskadon, 12029 Prospect Rd., request for tentative building site DR-87-053 and design review approval of plans to construct a new 10,000 sq. ft. one-story commercial building in the C-N zoning district per Chapters 14 and 15 of the City Code. 6. DR-87-138 Malloy, 18766 Montewood Dr., request for design approval of plans to construct a new 1,375 sq. ft. second story addition to an existing two-story residence in the R-I-40,000 zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Page DECEMBER 9, 1987 PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR Continued 7. DR-87-121 Parnas Corp., 14760 Masson Ct., request for design review approval of plans to construct a new 6,204 sq. ft. two-story single family home in the NHR zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. 8. SDR-1470-3 Kocher Corp., 15139 Park .Dr., request for a one-year extension of time in which to complete requirements of a tentative building site approval for two lots in the R-1-20,000 zoning district. 9. DR-87-125 Kusalo, 12663 Sun Valley Ct., request for design review approval for a new 4,988 sq. ft. one-story single family home in the R-l-10,000 zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. Public Hearings Consent Calendar Item 1 to be Continued to January 9, 1988. Commissioner Burger requested removal of Public Hearings Consent Calendar Item 3. Commissioner Kolstad requested removal of Public Hearings Consent Calendar Item 5. A member of the public requested removal of Public Hearings Consent Calendar Item 9. Planner Catdwell noted the revised Exhibit "A" in Public Hearings Consent Calendar Item 4. GUCH/CLAY MOVED APPROVAL OF PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 2, 4, 6, 7, AND 8. Passed 6-0. : 3. DR-87-103 Gallo, 20161 Rancho Bella' Vista, request for design review approval of plans to consu'uct a new 5,024 sq. ft. one-story home where 4,800 sq. ft. is the floor area standard in the R-I-20,000 zoning district. Commissioner Tucker reported on the land use visit. Planning Director Hsia presented the Report to the Planning Commission, December 9, 1987. The Public Hearing was opened at 7:37 P.M. : Commissioner Burger asked the Applicant to address the Report of B. Coate, August 28, 1987 Mr. Nino Gallo, Applicant, did not wish to relocate the house further back on the property since such would impact a scenic easement along Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd; however, the drive- way apron could be reduced in size, thus removing pavement from the drip line of tree no. 2. Planner Caldwell citing Barrie Coate's Report which suggested that pavement surrounding tree no. 1. be reduced through a realignment of the entry way. Mr. Gallo objected to moving the house back the suggested 10 ft. since the house' would then encroach the rear yard setback; however, he was willing to install paving on only one side of tree 1. in the entry way. GUCt-I/CLAY MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:49 P.M. Passed 6-0. BURGER/GUCH MOVED APPROVAL OF DR-87-103 PER THE MODEL RESOLUTION, ADDING CONDITION 14 TO INDICATE A REDUCTION IN THE DRIVEWAY APRON ADJACENT TO TREE NO. 2., PER THE' REPORT OF THE HORTICULTURAL CONSULTANT AND THE ENTRY WAY TO HAVE PAVING ON ONLY ONE SIDE OF TREE NO. 1. Passed 6-0. 5. SD-87-007 Fox & Carskadon, 12029 Prospect Rd., request for tentative building site DR-87-053 and design review approval of plans to construct a new 10,000 sq. ft. one-story commercial building in the C-N zoning district per Chapters 14 and 15 of the City Code. Commissioner Burger reported on the land use visit. Planning Director Hsia presented the Report to the Planning Commission, December 9, 1987. Commissioner Kolstad disqualified himself from this Item due to a conflict of interest. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Page DECEMBER 9, 1987 PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR Continued Planner Caldwell noted a revised Condition 11 in Exhibit "B" to read, "No signs are approved with this application. Planning Commission approval of a master sign program for the entire site is required prior to final occupancy of this building. In addition, as a part of the above sign program, the Applicant shall bring the existing Blue Hill Shopping Center's identification sign up to Code." Planner Caldwell reviewed the observations of the City Manager regarding the Site Plan: Proximity of the new driveway to be installed on Prospect Rd. with an existing driveway: possible relocation of the new driveway to the west side of the property (behind building) Parking area west of the property (south of proposed building) lacked a turn around area; such would require cars to back out of the area if parking were unavailable. Applicants should be required to sign a landscape maintenance agreement for the area marked "future development" Chairwoman Harris objected to a parking area adjacent to residential which would result if the proposed building were moved east with parkingto the rear. The Public Heating was opened at 8:00 P.M. Mr. Denzio Vincent, Architect, responded as follows: Building placement and driveway: a sketch Showing the suggested layout was presented. Architects felt that such would not be workable since: - Rear of the building would face Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd. - Cutoff of an existing two-way driveway adjacent to the service station N Limited back-up space in on-site parking areas, creating a loss of parldng - Parking was marginal for an office/commercial use - Additional identification sign would be required if building faced away from Saratoga- Sunnyvale Rd. Applicants had intended to improve existing signs, not add new signage - Parking area west of the property (south of the proposed building) was only 10 stalls deep; a car would not travel the entire distance before seeing that no parking was available. Such arrangements were common in other centers and other cities. Commissioner Burger noted concern regarding the proximity of the driveways on Prospect Rd; Chairwoman Harris cited traffic hazards at this location. Mr. Vincent responded that proximity of driveways was not unique in the area and added that a widening of the street would occur. Consensus reached that the Study Session was necessary to further investigate these concerns; concerns summarized as safety hazards and traffic congestion on Prospect Rd. The Public Hearing remained open. GUCH/BURGER MOVED TO CONTINUE SD-87-007 AND DR-87-053 TO JANUARY 27, 1988, WITH A STUDY SESSION BEING HELD JANUARY 5, 1988. Passed 6-0. 9. DR-87-125 Kusalo, 12663 Sun Valley Ct., request for design review approval for a new 4,988 sq. ft. one-story single family home in the R-l-10,000 zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. Planning Director Hsia presented the Report to the Planning Commission, December 9, 1987. Planner Caldwell clarified the Staff Report, stating that the house would be 19 ft. high; furthermore, the house has been reduced in size from the original proposal approved in 1985, although the numbers are different. The Public Hearing was opened at 8:20 P.M. Mr. Daryl Fazekas, Architect, deferred to other speakers. Mr. Tony Seidl, 18941 Mellon Dr., Saratoga, commented as follows: - Asked about the drainage ditch adjacent to the site - Confumed that the height of the house would be 19 ft. - Questioned the amount of rear and side yard setback PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING : Page 4 DECEMBER 9, 1987 PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR Continued Mr. Fazekas responded, providing information on the on-site drainage. Planner Catdwell called attention to Condition 9 of Exhibit "A" which addressed the issue. BURGER/GUCH MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:25 P.M. Passed 6-0. BURGER/CLAY MOVED APPROVAL OF DR-87-125 PER THE MODEL RESOLUTION. Passed 6-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 10. V-87-020 Chevron U.S.A., 20472 Saratoga-Los Gatos Rd., request for a variance to allow conslnaction of a free-standing identification and price sign on the site and an additional free-standing price sign to replace an existing one. The proposed total area of signage is 54 sq. ft. and maximum of 14 ft. in height in lieu of 50 sq. ft.. area and 10 ft. height allowed by the City Code. Continued from NoVember 17, 1987. Planning Director Hsia presented the Report to the Planning Commission, December 9, 1987. The Public Hearing was opened at 8:34 P.M. Mr. Spencer Nelson, Representing Chevron U. SA., commented as follows: Provided information on the 31.5 sq. ft. sign requested and removal of older signs Chevron was interested in site improvements at this location, including new signage Requested signage represented a reduction in the total sign area Variance requested due to the unusual site configuration and obstruction of visibility Noted that the Mobil Station had a second price identification sign, required by State law Ms. Suzanne Armbruster, 21169 Canyon View Dr., Saratoga, made the following comments: First impression of the Saratoga Village/business area would be this intersection; she noted the importance of aesthetics Customers were already familiar with the location of this service station Setting of precedence for size of sign approved and variances granted Questioned whether this section of Hwy. 9 was within the scenic corridor The City Attorney responded that even if this site were within the scenic corridor, such would not impact signage due to its' designation as commercial zoning; however, a variance would still be required for the type of sign requested. Col. E. T. Barco stated that he was approached by representatives of two homeowners association regarding signs in the Village and the Quito Rd. area, for the following reasons: Rash of sign variances granted in the last six months, including this request Number of signs which they felt were illegal Overall appearance of signs and the impact on the Village, Quito Rd. area and the City BURGER/TUCKER MOVED TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:45 P.M. Passed 6-0. Chairwoman Harris noted her objection to granting sign variances and requested information on applicable City ordinances; Commissioner TuCker questioned State law requirements. The City Attorney provided information requested. Commissioner Guch questioned the impacts on motorist's visibility of the larger sign. Commissioner Clay felt that the increased size of the free-standing price sign would further impact the existing visibility congestion; he was not favorable to this request. Chairwoman Harris concurred regarding the clutter of signs at this intersection and felt that the a variance would be the granting of special privilege; she did not feel that the safety issue cited was sufficient grounds for granting a variance. Commissioners Tucker and Burger felt that any view obstruction at this site was insignificant. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Page 5 DECEMBER 9, 1987 PUBLIC HEARINGS Continued Commissioner Kolstad was favorable to this request. He cited the need for visibility in making left hand turns; in addition, the installation of new signs was a positive trade off in terms of aesthetics and appearance. Businesses had a right to advertise; however, he was not favorable to the proposed design. Commissioner Burger concurred and felt that this proposal reduced clutter and consolidated information contained on signs. She questioned the height necessary to be effective and was unfavorable to the design proposed. Commissioner Tucker stated that she would not vote favorably on this variance since she felt that prices could be incorporated in one sign. Chairwoman Harris noted the high activity level at this intersection and felt that one sign would not further impact this intersection. : BURGER/KOLSTAD MOVED APPROVAL OF V-87-020, PER MODEL RESOLUTION. Failed 2-4, Chairwoman Harris, Commissioners Guch, Tucker, Clay opposed. TUCKER/CLAY MOVED TO DENY V-87-020, WITHOUT PREJUDICE, BEING UNABLE TO MAKE FINDING 4. Passed 4-2, Commissioners Burger, Kolstad opposed. Break: 9:01 - 9:20 P.M. 11. DR-87-117 Pan Cal, 12411 Crayside Ln. (Lot 16) request for design review approval of plans to construct a new 6,533 sq. ft. one-story single family home in the R-I-20,000 zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. Commissioner Burger reported on the land use visit. Planning Director Hsia presented the Report to the Planning Commission, December 9, 1987. The Public Hearing was opened at 9:26 P.M. ;' Mr. Pierre Prodis, Architect, requested approval of both Pan Cat Applications being presented; he asked that there be no further changes to these custom designs and noted the numerous changes already made per request of the design review board of the subdivision. The remaining issues were: Roof height and pitch (related to perceived bulk). Architectural character required a roof pitch greater than the 7:12 shown; thus, the 7: 12 was already compromise Excessive square footage which resulted from the additional attic space; the lots in question were some of the largest parcels in the project and as such, could visually absorb larger homes than those designed. A scale drawing was presented. He offered to reduce roof pitch to 6: 12, if absolutely necessary to reduce square footage. Mr. David Chewie, Pan Cat Development, stated' that the advertised living area would be less than 4,000 sq. ft; he added the following comments with respect to Exhibit "A" Proposed that a landscaping plan be incorporated into Condition 13., Staff approval only Questioned Conditions 18., 19. and 20. He felt that the intent of the Early Warning Fire System was to protect houses in which the living area was in excess of 5,000 sq. ft. The City Attorney responded with information on'the applicable Zoning Ordinance provisions. Mr. Prodis noted a conflict between conformity with design requirements of the subdivision, (the architectural style required allowed for additional living space in the attic area) and the limitation to a single-story required by the City; thus, the attic area was wasted living space. BURGER/TUCKER MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:51 P.M. Passed 6-0. Commissioner Burger reviewed land use observations and felt that the greatest impact of the proposed house would be felt on Prospect Rd., Arroyo de Arguello and Farr Ranch Rd. due to elevation differences. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Page DECEMBER 9, 1987 PUBLIC HEARINGS Continued Commissioner Guch noted concern that a one-story home was 21.5 ft. in height; she suggested that architectural variety in the roof line would result if attic space were reduced in part. Mr. Jim Eckland, Prodis Associates, provided additional information on the floor plan. Mr. Prodis offered a compromise, reducing roof pitch to a 6:12 and again requested approval. Chairwoman Harris was favorable to the Application as presented. Her concern was view impact from neighbors above the house; a 1 ft. reduction in height would satisfy this concern. Commissioner Tucker concurred and added that she was pleased with a one-story home that was not excessive in height; she was favorable to a reduction in the roof pitch to 6:12. Commissioners Guch and Burger were also favorable to a reduction in the roof pitch. GUCH MOVED APPROVAL OF DR-87-117 PER THE MODEL RESOLUTION. Planner Caldwell noted that landscaping was critical along the front elevation (facing Crayside Ln.) due to the slope of the hill; in addition, this was a view lot. Staff felt that as such, there would be reluctance to landscaping the elevation; thus, they recommended that landscaping plans be reviewed by the Commission as stated in Exhibit "A", Condition 13. Item could be placed on Public Hearings Consent Calendar for approval of the roof pitch; such would allow Applicants time to prepare a landscaping plan for the Commission's review. Commissioner Kolstad noted the visibility of this house due to 127 ft. length and was favorable to the Commission's review of the landscaping plan. He concurred that adequate screening was needed and that the house needed to be reduced in height. GUCH/BURGER AMENDED THE MOTION TO ADD, "SUBJECT TO A CONDITION THAT REVISED DRAWINGS SHOWING A .6:12 ROOF PITCH AND LANDSCAPING PLANS PRESENTED FOR FINAL APPROVAL IN PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR AT THE MEETING OF JANUARY 13, 1988." Passed 6-0. 12. DR-87-118 Pan Cal, 12351 Crayside Ln. (Lot 15) request for design review approval of plans to construct a new 7,554 sq. ft. one-story single family home in the R-1-20,000 zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. Commissioner Burger reported on the land use visit. Planning Director Hsia reviewed the Report to the Planning Commission, December 9, 1987. The Public Hearing was opened at 10:24 P.M. Mr. Pierre Prodis, Architect, stated that comments on DR-87-117 were applicable to this Item. Mr. Jim Eckland, Prodis Associates, provided additional information on the floor plan. TUCKER/BURGER MOVED TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING AT 10:27 P.M. Passed 6-0. Commissioner noted that the there was a greater 'amount of roof line at 22 ft. in height on this Application than on the previous Item; he also noted the greater bulkiness of this house. Applicants responded that this house was compressed due to the "folding back" of the wings; overall perception of the house would not be bulkier than the house on Lot 16. Chairwoman Harris was favorable to the design; she felt that height was not impactful since there were no homes directly above and due to the lower elevation and the "folded back" effect; Commissioner Burger concurred. Commissioner Kolstad favored a height reduction due to the drop in elevation on Lot 14 and the siting of the house on the lot; he cited visibility impacts. Commissioner Guch concurred and asked that landscape screening be required. Commissioner Clay favored a roof pitch of 6: 12; :such would also reduce the square footage. Applicants were agreeable to presenting a landscape plan on this Application. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Page 7 DECEMBER 9, 1987 PUBLIC HEARINGS Continued Commissioner Tucker noted for the record that ..the Commission approved the house at 7,554 sq. ft., since the footprint of the house (livable space) was less than the 7,554 sq. ft. BURGER/GUCH MOVED APPROVAL OF DR-87-118 PER THE MODEL RESOLUTION SUBJECT TO THE CONDITION THAT REVISED DRAWINGS SHOW A 6:12 ROOF PITCH AND LANDSCAPING PLANS BE PRESENTED FOR FINAL APPROVAL ON PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR ON JANUARY 13, 1988. Passed 6-0. 13. DR-87-114 Westbrook, 20601 Lomita Ave., request for design review approval of plans to construct a 1,118 sq. ft. two-story addition to an existing one-story single family home in the R-l-10,000 zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. Commissioner Tucker reported on the land use visit. Planning Director Hisa presented the Report to the Planning Commission, December 9, 1987. Planner Caldwell noted that in Exhibit "A" Condition 5., should read, "3,580 sq. ft." The Public Hearing was opened at 10:46 P.M. Mr. Ernest Westbrook, Applicant, intended to add needed space when purchasing the house; he has worked with his architect so as to not impact neighbors. Lot limitations were cited. Ms. Marion B. Wallof, 14771 Aloha Ave., Saratoga, cited her letter of December 3, 1987, and noted the impacts to light and view from an existing addition over the Applicant's garage. BURGER/GUCH MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 10:53 P.M. Passed 6-0 Commissioner Burger noted concern at building in the existing carport (turn around) area; such would require the Applicant to back in/out of a narrow, steep driveway and onto the street. Commissioner Tucker concurred and cited concern regarding the overbuilding of the lot. Commissioner Kolstad also felt that the turn around area needed to be preserved; he suggested design alternatives to preserve light and air and mitigate privacy impacts to an adjacent resident. Commissioner Clay concurred with Staff recommendations and favored a study session. The City Attorney advised the Commission rega'rding second unit use permits and the ramifi- cations of a design review on such; a second unit had bearing on both site use and parking. TUCKER/CLAY MOVED TO CONTINUE DR-87-114 TO JANUARY 27, 1988, WITH A STUDY SESSION ON JANUARY 5, 1988. Passed 6-0. MISCELLANEOUS; 14. Gilbeau-Hilberg, 12820 - 12860 Saratoga Sunnyvale Rd., request for approval of a sign program for a retail center in the C-N zoning district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. ................................................... 7 ..................................................... Planning Director Hsia presented the Report to th~ Planning Commission, December 9, 1987. Planner Caldwell called attention to a sample signdesign presented by the Applicant. Mr. Craig Maynard, Cal Neon Signs, explained. the design criteria proposed and asked that white to contrast with the cedar wood and an additional color (red or blue) to contrast with the white stucco of the building be permitted. Design alternatives were discussed by the Commission and the Speaker. BURGER/HARRIS MOVED APPROVAL OF A MASTER SIGN PROGRAM, CONDITION 6 OF EXHIBIT "A" TO READ~ ALL SIGN LETTERS SHALL BE WHITE ON THE CEDAR WOOD BACKGROUND AND RED ON THE STUCCO BACKGROUND. Failed 3-3, Commissioners Guch, Tucker and Clay opposed. .. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING Page 8 DECEMBER 9, 1987 MISCELLANEOUS Continued GUCH/TUCKER MOVED APPROVAL OF A MASTER SIGN PROGRAM, CONDITION 6 OF EXHIBIT "A" TO READ~ ALL SIGN LETTERS SHALL BE WHITE ON THE CEDAR WOOD BACKGROUND AND BLUE ON THE STUCCO BACKGROUND. Passed 5-1, Commissioner Clay opposed. Commissioner Clay felt that design and lighting alternatives should have been further explored. 15. Memorandum from Planning Director re: Design Review - Administrative Review Procedures Planning Director Hsia reviewed the December 9, 1987, Memorandum. Discussion as follows: 2) replacing the word "assist" to read, "...staff will direct Applicant in determining..." 3) Chairwoman Harris questioned why an appealed application would not be a public hearing. The City Attorney noted that such mirrored City Codes; he reviewed applicable procedures. GUCH/KOLSTAD MOVED APPROVAL OF RESOLUTION PC-87-001, EXHIBIT "A" 1., AMENDED TO READ, "STAFF WILL DIRECT THE APPLICANT..." Failed 2-4, Chairwoman Harris, Commissioners Burger, TuCker, Clay opposed. Chairwoman Harris noting her absence at the November 17, 1987, Meeting, stated that she would also have opposed this Resolution at that: time; she concurred with statements made in opposition to this Item at that meeting. Commissioner Clay, noting that the Council already established Staff procedures, stated that he had difficulty approving the item under consideration and questioned the basis for this review. He noted that he voted against this Resolution at the November 17, 1987, Meeting, despite the Minutes which showed that he had voted favorably. The City Attorney summarized the issues as: : The scope of design review by Staff Concern regarding the $50 appeal fee He advised the Commission that if such concerns remain, that they communicate such to the Council directly. COMMUNICATIONS; Written: 1. Letter from Ann K. Bond re: Noise Element - Noted and filed 2. Heritage Preservation Commission of November 4,1987, - Noted and filed 3. Committee of the Whole Minutes - November, 3, 1987, - Noted and filed Oral by Commission: Commissioner Clay noted that the Meeting of tl'ie City Council, November 18, 1987, had no Public Hearings. There was no report on the City Council Meeting:of December 2, 1987. ADJOURNMENT; The Meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 11:55 P.M. 'Carol X. i~obst-Caugh