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HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-18-1989 Planning Commission Minutes City of Saratoga Planning Commission Report Date: Tuesday, July 18, 1989 - 7:30pm Place: Community Center Arts & Crafts Room, 19665 Allendale Avenue Type: Committee-of-the-Whole I. ITEMS OF DISCUSSION A. COL. E.T. BARCO - SIGN INVENTORY UPDATE Col. E.T. Barco presented additional sign ordinance and banner violations in addition to new photographs to be included in the sign inventory previously presented to the Planning Commission. The additional photographs included: , Illegal sandwich boards at the Cafe Salsa , Flags and banners in the village , Balloons throughout the residential areas used for parties and real estate purposes , Contractor's signs at job sites that remain after construction is over. * Lighting examples of churches, schools commercial and civic sites as well as examples of lighting in other cities. The Lutheran Church and St. Andrews are good examples; and Sacred Heart and West Valley College are bad examples. The commercial center on Prospect, and the library are good examples., but the City Hall parking lot is a bad example of an shielded light source. The regulation of residential lighting depends on wattage, height and location. B. SD-88-006-SAVIANO, PIERCE ROAD, REVIEW OF IMPROVEMENT PLANS FOR GRADING, BRIDGE REPAIR, AND TREE PRESERVATION. The City Engineer, Bob Shook reviewed the developer's proposed improvement plan and re-iterated the Planning Commission's concerns to improve the sight distance at the Pierce/Surrey Road intersection and to preserve trees where possible. He also indicated that proposed widening will come very close to existing trees which the City Horticulturalist will need to review. Lastly, he indicated that the developer proposes to raise the grade of the lots rather than install drainage improvements under Pierce Road. Committee-of-the-Whole minutes 7/18/89 After extensive discussion the Planning Commission concluded the following: , The embankment at Surrey Road was to be reduced without removing significant number of trees. * Regarding paving near large trees, the Planning Commission requested the City Horticulturalist's recommendation. If trees are healthy and will be damaged by the proposed pavement then the widening should occur on the opposite side of Pierce Road to better conform to the topography and to preserve trees. , Regarding raising the grade, The Planning Commission felt this was acceptable provided the City Engineer had no topographic or technical concerns. C. SD-88-008 ROGERS & BROOKS, SAN MARCOS HEIGHTS, REVIEW OF REVISED CIRCULATION ALTERNATIVES AND DESIGN GUIDELINES. 'The Planning Director presented the project history and explained the graphics and maps on display. He also presented a staff prepared alternative which includes 7 lots off of Crisp, and 10 lots off of Gypsy Hill Road and the remaining lots from the Odd Fellows site. The audience then expressed concerns and questions regarding safety for seniors living at the Oddfellows site, reduction of density and reaction to the staff alternatives. The developers representative indicated that this was the first time they had seen staff's proposal and were unable to react. However they were concerned about the sharp corner and grading which may result from staff's access alternative. The Committee-of-the-Whole discussed the various access alternatives including 2 vs. 3 cul-de-sacs and staff's proposal to serve more lots from the Oddfellows site. While a majority of the committee favored a 3 cul-de-sac design, there was question regarding staff's proposal. Some Committee members favored staff proposal; while others felt it would impact the site. It was suggested that a compromise of staff plan be explored. D. DR-89-040, V-89-012 - VAN DEN BERG 14291 PAUL AVENUE. REVIEW OF REVISED PLANS FOR AN ADDITION TO A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE. Committee-of-the-Whole Minutes 2 7/18/89 The applicants presented designs substantially similar to the plans present at the Planning Commission 7-12-89 meeting. The neighbor facing this proposal expressed concerns that overbuilding in the Mary Springer Tract will degrade the community and make it intolerable for the future. The Committee-of-the-Whole discussed their concerns which related to the parking and front yard variances. The Committee- of-the-Whole felt that the streets in the Springer Tract were narrow and over loaded and that additional parking should be provided by this application. Concern was expressed about the absence of findings to grant to front yard variance. The Committee-of-the-Whole noted that providing increased parking will reduce the second story square footage which will downscale its appearance somewhat. E. DR-89-013 - VELINSKY, 15839 HIDDEN HILL ROAD REVIEW OF REVISED PLANS FOR A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE. The applicant presented revised plans which showed a one story elevation except for the garage area. The plans showed a revised building foot print which extended into the creek and was longer than the initial submittal. Neighboring residents were present to discuss their concerns. While neighbors indicated that the lot was substandard if the current slope density ordinance were taken into account, the Commission responded saying that this is a legally created, buildable lot. Discussion then turned to the revised plans. Neighbors stated their concern that the creek slopes were not accurately indicated on the site plan. Also concern was raised about the length of the revised elevation which increased the perception of mass and bulk. The Committee-of-the-Whole felt that the site was very unique and sensitive, and therefore a site visit should be arranged. Saturday, July 22 at 8:30am was selected as the time and date for the site visit. ADJOURNMENT Respectfully Submitted,