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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-14-1989 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION REPORT 'DATE: Tuesday, March 14, 1989 - 7:30 p.m. PLACE: Community Center Arts & Crafts Room, 19655 Allendale Ave. TYPE: Committee-of-the-Whole I. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION A. Norm Hulberg - Retail Center Saratoga Sunnyvale Road - Review of revised lighting proposal. The Committee-of-the-Whole met at the Saratoga Oaks Retail Center to view the list of parking lot lighting installed by the applicant. Several residents were also in attendance who reviewed the alternative lighting proposal. The revised lighting reduced the number of fixtures and the intensity of remaining lights which resulted in less off-site glare and reflection. Special attention was given to lighting levels behind the center adjacent to the creek. The Committee noted that light levels could be reduced even further than proposed because of proximity to townhomes and the existing lighting emanating from the offices. The Committee then turned its attention to the freestanding sign. While the Committee noted that the light levels were reduced, the sign design resulted in too much light visible from the site. The Committee discussed the option of reducing light levels by changing the existing white background to an opaque materials, which would allow only the lettering to be illuminated. The Committee then returned to the Community Center at 19655 Allendale AVenue to continue with the remaining agenda items. The applicant was advised to submit revised plans with regard to reduced lighting and a revised sign for consideration at the Planning Commission's March 22, 1989, public hearing. B. Casabonne, 14435 Big Basin Way, request for design review approval for an 816 sq. 'ft. addition to an existing retail store. The architect representing the applicant presented revised plans for the treatment of the proposed and existing facade. While the revised plans indicated use of the stucco stone veneer, the number of planters along the base of the building was increased. The Committee found that with extensive landscaping creating a dense hedge, the concerns about the stucco stone are greatly reduced. Therefore, the applicant's architect will submit revised plans to the Planning Commission at the March 22, 1989 public hearing. Committee-of-the-Whole Report March 14, 1989 C. Implementation of Village Plan and Revised Commercial Zoning Districts Planner Young gave a brief staff report, noting that this was the first of two study sessions on this issue, and that this meeting focused on the C-H regulations for the Village. She outlined the proposed revisions and the areas of the Village to which they would apply. In response to a question from Commissioner Siegfried, City Attorney Toppel noted that the use permit provision would apply to new restaurant/market/alcoholic beverage uses, and that existing uses would be grandfathered. There being no further questions from the Commission, Chair Guch invited the public in attendance to speak on this item. Diana Parham, 14613 Oak Street, expressed concern about enforcement of the regulations once they were adopted, particularly in relation to noise problems relating to restaurants. John DiManto, property owner, asked for clarification on how the regulations would affect the development potential and parking at the Security Pacific Bank Building. He said it was his intent to put a nice restaurant in the building and was concerned about the use permit requirement. City Attorney Toppel replied that the parking district regulations apply to the property and there is no change to those standards. Commissioner Siegfried suggested Mr. DiManto meet with Planning staff if he needed additional details. Mr. Sullivan, property owner, expressed concern about speeding cars in Parking District 3. Mr. Toppel noted that the speed limit there was 15 mph. Randy Anderson, representative of property owner, asked if the minimum lot sizes in the ordinance actually matched what exists in the Village. Staff will research this. He also asked for clarification on the definition of pedestrian open space and the parking district ratios. Holly Davies, 14478 Oak Place, was concerned about offices becoming a conditional use in the CH-2 area; she felt that offices should be encouraged in that area because of its residential ambiance. Commissioners Siegfried and Guch replied that the emphasis is to allow retail along the frontage with offices behind, thus the requirement for a use permit when they are proposed for the front. 2 Committee-of-the-Whole Report March 14, 1989 Mr. Wallace, property owner, asked for clarification of the chart on page 1; Mr. Toppel stated that the chart showed differences between districts, not similarities. Randy Anderson asked how the parking ratios were applied for residential uses in parking districts; Mr. Toppel replied that the ratio applies regardless of the use. Mr. Anderson also asked about incentives for preserving historic structures; Planner Young replied that the Heritage Commission would be reviewing the ordinance and making recommendations on that matter to the Planning Commission. Chair Guch thanked members of the public for attending the meeting. There was Commission consensus to conduct another study session for non-Village commercial properties, then have the City Attorney incorporate any changes into the ordinance, then hold one last study session for both Village and non-Village owners before going to public hearing. B. DR-88-057, Lin, 12532 Parker Ranch The Committee reviewed revised plans for the proposed home. The applicant had been directed by the Planning Commission to address the bulk issue of the rear elevation. The revised elevation was designed with significant horizontal articulation and was reduced in length by elimination of the deck area at the right side. In addition, the materials were changed to wood and brick which help blend the home with the natural environment. The Commissioners were satisfied with the proposed changes and felt that the bulk issue was addressed. II. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 9:00 p.m. Respectfully submitted Planning Director 3