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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-06-1988 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT DATE: Tuesday, December 6, 1988 - 7:30 p.m. PLACE: Community Center Arts & Crafts Room, 19655 Allendale Ave. TYPE: Committee-of-the-Whole Roll Call - Present: Commissioners Guch, Harris, Burger, Tucker, Kolstad, Siegfried, and Tappan Absent: None Staff: Emslie, Adar City Attorney: Toppel I. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION SD-87-023, Duncan, 19560 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road The Planning Director explained that the condition on the approved subdivision was to underground the power lines along Glen Una. In order to comply with the condition the applicant would have to underground the line which was currently across the intersection of Fruitvale Avenue and Saratoga-Los Gatos Road which was very costly. The Planning Commission concurred that to postpone the requirement through a defered improvement agreement was appropriate. II. DR-88-069, J. Lohr~ 14617 Chester Avenue The application was initially discussed at a public hearing at the 11/9/88 Planning Commission meeting. J. Lohr presented the revised plans. He explained that the layout was changed by projecting the garage out beyond the front elevation line. The length of the elevation was shortned and the height of the garage was raised. Mr. Lohr also presented proposed layouts for the future adjacent homes. Awnings were also added to the front elevation. All the Commissioners were satisfied with the proposed revisions and felt that all the concerns regarding bulk and compatibility were addressed. III. AZ0-88-008, Odd Fellows Master Plan Steve Emslie, Planning Director, presented and explained the nature of the use at the Odd Fellows Care Facility. He presented the possible alternatives to legalize the long term use which was established years before the residential neighborhoods. The alternatives are explained in detail in the. report from the Planning Director, dated 12/1/88. After the report, the neighbors attending the meeting, expressed their concerns. The main concerns were as follows: 1 C.O.W. Minutes - 12/6/88 - the picnic area on the Odd Fellows property, which impacts the surrounding neighborhoods. - The use of the grounds by public groups constituted a stadium use which is not allowed per the City Code. - The number of events is excessive, taking place every weekend and on holidays. - Groups from outside the City as well as local groups are using the facility for all types ( dog shows, car shows etc.) There is no control over these events. There is a high level of noise, dust, and litter generated by these activities. - Donations are required by the Odd Fellows to allow the use of the property. The Odd Fellows actually are conducting a business. - The neighbors will accept a reasonable number of events which will be controlled, and are requesting the City determine what is allowed and what is restricted. Representatives of the senior citizens in Saratoga and residents of the Odd Fellows Care Facility expressed their wish to allow the continuance of the activities and mentioned the importance of the use to their groups. Commissioner Guch suggested additional input was needed and additional study sessions and.public hearings would be held in January 1989. Steve Emslie stated that all neighbors within 500 ft. from the property will be notified. He suggested that any other interested persons should leave their names and address at the end of the study session. Commissioner Guch inquired about the status of the use. Hal Toppel stated that it is an illegal use, not allowed by the City. Use by outside groups, whether money is involved or not is prohibited and requires a use permit. The number of events, the hours and the type of uses should be defined. The purpose of the City's Institutional land use category is to provide health care to the community. Commissioner Burger stated that she did not remember review of any use permit for activities on the Odd Fellows property. Hal Toppel stated that the activities require a use permit but rental of the property is not allowed' at all under the current zoning ordinance. and an amendment to the ordinance is required in order to allow it to continue. Robert Barten, Odd Fellows Board of Directors, asked for 2 C.O.W. Minutes - 12/6/88 guidelines from the Planning Commission of how to approach the issues in the preparation of the Master Plan. He explained that the Odd Fellows are interested in upgrading and enlarging the facility. The picnic area and use should also be addressed. Mr. Barten feels that the zoning is not clear and a new use definition may be necessary, such as Public Service Zone instead of institutional facility. Commissioner Siegfried supports the alternative not to change the zone. He also supports the concept of the master plan and the overlay zone. He requires absolute control. Commercial uses should not be allowed and the basic residential zone must be retained. All the Commissioners agreed that a Master Plan is important and all support an overlay zone and full control of the permitted uses. Commissioner Guch supports an overlay zone also for the reason that if the Care Facility were discontinued in the future, the zone will be reverted to residential. She also requested another study session to discuss the subject when more information would be available. A representative of the Care Facility raised the question of what is allowed on the property until the Master Plan is completed and approved. A comprehensive master plan should also be flexible, otherwise any revision will involve further expenses and additional funding. The director of Odd Fellows expressed the importance of upgrading the facility and the undersized units. Commissioner Guch stated that the zone must be as specific as that for the Paul Masson site. Commissioner Siegfried stated that the use of the facility should be brought back to the original intent. A neighbor asked about the picnic area and if the use is allowed. Hal Toppel stated that the use by outside groups was not allowed by City Code. The residents are allowed to use the picnic area subject to City Noise Regulations. The meeting was adjourned at 9:30 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Tsvia Adar Assistant Planner 3