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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-11-1990 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: April 11, 1990 - 7:30 p.m. PLACE: City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting Roll Call: Chairperson Tucker, .Commissioners Burger, Kolstad, Moran and Tappan. Commissioner Siegfried was absent. Election of Officers Chairperson Tucker cal.led for nominations for the offices of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson. KOLSTAD/MORAN NOMINATED KAREN TUCKER TO SERVE AS CHAIRPERSON. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. BURGER/TAPPAN NOMINATED JOHN KOLSTAD TO SERVE AS VICE CHAIRPERSON. CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. Pledge of AllegianCe Approval of Minutes of March 28,'1990: Commissioner Burger requested that the last sentence of the third paragraph on page 11 be amended to read: "However, Commissioner Burger stated she would not make the motion to this effect and would want staff to contact the=subdivider immediately to begin work." Also, on page 17, in the next to the last sentence of the third paragraph "Cory" Road should be Quarry Road. Commissioner Moran noted on page 11 the second paragraph should end "without street improvements being completed first." Planning Director Emslie questioned the motion on page 11 regarding the Osbourne design review permit (DR-89-098). He said at the meeting there was discussion as to whether or not there would be a necessity to tie the Osbourne completion of the project to completion of the street improvements. He said staff's resolution reflects the wording in the Minutes and if the Commission intended to have the permits tied to completion of the road improvement staff would need direction. Lengthy discussion ensued regarding the intent of the Commission regarding the project. City Attorney Toppel stated that apparently there was an error between the motion the Planning Commission understood it was making and the resolution as prepared. He suggested that the corrected resolution be brought back for approval by the Planning. Commission at the next meeting. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 11, 1990 Page 2 Approval of Minutes Continued Doing so would give the applicant the right to appeal that condition. Approval of the Minutes of March 28 was continued until the April 25 meeting. Later in the meeting Mr. Young, the architect for Mr. OsboUrne, addressed the Commission. He indicated it was his feeling the way the motion was passed was that the issuing of the permit would be conditioned upon the progress on.the bridge. Further discussion ensued wherein Commissioner Moran recalled that the motion reflected in the Minutes accurately reflects the motion she made. ORAL COMMUMICATIONS: None. REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA: Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this Meeting was properly posted on April 5, 1990. Technical Corrections to Packet Material: None. puBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT C,~I.RNDAR: 1. DR-89-122 Amaral, 12483 Greenmeadow Ln., request for design review approval to construct a 1262 square-foot first and second Story addition to an existing one- story home for atotal of 3865 square feet in the R-1-12,500 zone district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The application will be readvertised for a public hearing on 4/25/90. 2. DR-89-078 Gallo, 20087 Mendelsohn Ln., request for design review approval to construct a new two-story 4772 square-foot residence per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The subject property is located within the R-1-20,000 zone district and is part of Tract 6531 (cont. to 4/25/90 to advertise for variance). c.3-.- DR-90-003- Sinsley Construct]ion, 15229 Quito Road, request for design review approval for a new 4359 square-foot one-story single family dwelling in the R-i-40,000 zone district per Chapter 15 of the City Code (public hearing closed 3/28/90). PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 11, 1990 Page 3 4. DR-87-159.1 Saffarian, 21657 Vintage Ln., request for one (!) year extension for design review approval to construct a new 6193 square-foot two-story residence in RHC zone district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. 5. DR-90-005 Palmer, 21761 Heber Way, request for.design review approvaI for a new two-story, 4452 square-foot single family dwelling in the NHR zone district per Chapter 15 of the City Code (cont. tO 4/25/90). 6. DR-90-002 McMullin, 15160 Sobey Rd., request for design review approval for a 3926 square-foot two-story addition to an existing one-story home in the R- 1-40,000 zone district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. Commissioner Moran requested removal of Public Hearings Consent Calendar Item 6. BURGER/MORAN MOVED APPROVAL OF CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS 3 AND 4. ~Passed 5-0. 6. DR-90-O02 McMullin, 15160 Sobey Rd., request for design review approval for a 392'6 square-foot two-story addition to an existing one-story home in the R- 1-40,000 zone district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. At Commissioner Moran's request, Planning Director Emslie clarified the square footage of the house. He indicated the colonnade area located on the ground floor of the proposed plans is not included in the calculation of square footage. If that area were included, it would put the application 89 .square feet over the allowable. If the Commission felt this contributed to the mass and bulk and should be counted, reduction of the structure would have to occur by approximately 90 square feet. Commissioner Burger reported on the land use visit. The Public Hearing was opened at '7:50 p.m. Commissioner Moran stated her main concern is not with house, its design or location, but she is concerned with fairness and felt the matter should be discussed and a decision made as to whether a variance is appropriate. Mr. Brian McMullin, applicant, was present. He said had a concern about designing the house so it was not too bulky and feels it is designed in such a way that it is not excessively bulky. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 11, 1990 Page 4 PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR Continued Planner Adar cited a section of the Code which defines the gross floor area. The section excludes the unenclosed area underneath exterior decks or balconies. She questioned whether the area of concern could be considered as an area underneath the balcony. BURGER/KOLSTAD MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:56 P.M. Passed 5-0. Commissioner Burger stated her concern that the Commission treat all applications consistently. Commissioner Moran suggested continuing this item for two weeks in order to allow the applicant to reduce the square footage. MORAN/KOLSTAD MOVED TO CONTINUE DR-90-002 TO APRIL 25, 1990. Passed 5-0. PUBLIC HEARINGS: 7. UP-89-015.1 Cali/DelMonaco, 14510 Big Basin Way, request for use permit modification to expand the Florentine Trattoria Restaurant into existing commercial space within the Village Square retail center per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The applicants are also requesting consideration of expanded outdoor dining at this location within the CH-1 zone district. Planning Director Emslie presented the Report to the Planning Commission dated April 11, 1990. The Public Hearing was opened at.8:04 p.m. Mr. Gene Zambetti, 14510 Big Basin Way, addressed the Commission on behalf of the applicant. He requested that the Commission approve a deviation from the Staff Report regarding the hours of operation. He circulated a photograph of the type of restaurant Mr. DelMonaco would like to have in the City of Saratoga and requested that the hours of operation for outdoor dining be consistent with the hours for indoor dining. Mr. John DiManto, San Jose Construction Company, addressed the Commission. He said he agreed with Mr. Zambetti's position on the hours of operation and felt the City should establish hours throughout the Village. He also stated that he believes the City needs to develop an employee parking plan. BURGER/MORANMOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:14 P.M. Passed 5-0. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 11, 1990 Page 5 PUBLIC HEARINGS Continued Commissioner Burger stated since none of the neighbors expressed any concerns she would assume that there is no problem with the outdoor dining and the hours the applicant is proposing. Commissioner Kolstad said he was in agreement with the extension of the hours. He said the building would act as a buffer for the noise. Commissioner Burger agreed with Commissioner Kolstad's comments. KOLSTAD/BURGER MOVED TO APPROVE UP-89-015.1 AMENDING THE HOURS IN CONDITION 2 TO ALLOW OUTDOOR DINING DURING REGULAR HOURS OF OPERATION. STAFF IS DIRECTED TO INCLUDE A STATUS REPORT AND REVIEW OF ALTERNATIVES FOR TRASH ENCLOSURE WHEN THE USE PERMIT IS REVIEWED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION IN SIX MONTHS. Passed 5-0. Break 8:25 p.m. - 8:40 p.m. 8. DR-90-006 Davies, 14629 Big Basin Way, request for design SD-90-001 review approval ~o construct a one-story 1453 UP-90-001 square-foot office building located within the CH-2 zone district. Building site approval is necessary to demolish an existing aged residence and construct an entirely new structure at this location. Use permit approval is also requested to allow professional office space located at' street level and having street frontage within the Commercial Historic zone district per Chapter 15 of the City Code (continued from 3/28/90). Planning Director Emslie presented the Report to the Planning Commission dated April 11, 1990.. He pointed out that the City Council gave specific direction to the Planning Commission at its last meeting regarding the processing of applications and' the phasing of approvals of applications. The City Council has asked that the. Planning Commission consider projects as a whole. While projects may be made up of various components such as design review, variances and use permits, it is the City Council's direction that the Planning Commission approve all components at one time under one approval. Therefore, the appropriate action in this case would be to continue the design review in order to concurrently consider a variance for an 8-foot fence. The Public Hearing was opened at 8:45 p.m. Ms. Kate Schmidt, architect for the project, appeared for the applicant. She responded to questions from Commissioner Kolstad regarding the plans. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 11, 1990 Page 6 PUBLIC HEARINGS Continued Ms. Barbara Van Derveer, 14611 Big Basin Way, #B, addressed the Planning Commission. She expressed concern that the building is too big and bulky for the area. She felt the height of the building should be lowered and requested that a sound wall fence be used. She also expressed concern regarding the unavailability of landscape plans. Ms. Mary Bosco, 14611 Big Basin Way, #D, addressed the Planning Commission and expressed concer.n regarding the height of the building and the slope of the lot. She reiterated previous concerns about whether a second floor would be added to the building and whether there would be other development on the land. Ms. Schmidt responded to the comments made by the neighbors. She stated that obscure glass would be used along the east elevation, an 8-foot high fence would be added upon approval of a variance and landscaping would be provided which will obstruct the view between the sites. She indicated the drop in grade was measured at 1.5 to 1.8 feet and pointed out that an 8-foot fence would put the neighbor 9 feet 6 inches below the fence height which would make it difficult to see over the fence. Ms. Schmidt answered further questions from Commissioners regarding the plans. BURGER/MORAN MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:04 P.M. Passed 5-0. Commissioner Burger stated she would be willing to consider a variance for an 8-foot fence along the side yard. She said she would like to see the roof line lowered in combination with lowering the pad elevation and w6uld like to see the brick patio behind the building eliminated because it will invite people to congregate. By eliminating the patio, the land could be used for heavy landscaping. Commissioner Burger also suggested that the 8-foot fence be a sound wall. She said she would like to see a different solution to the handicapped access, but if the rest of the Commission wants to see the handicapped access continued on the side some type of landscaping should go in on that side. Commissioner Tappan disagreed with many of Commissioner Burger's comments. He said he likes the design and suggested that putting an 8-foot fence in would be similar to putting in a billboard. He stated he feels the privacy impacts are minimal. He also did not favor reducing the grade. Commissioner Kolstad stated he did not feel there was a privacy issue but a transition issue. He said he would favor reducing the height by two feet. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 11, 1990 Page 7 PUBLIC HEARINGS Continued Commissioner Moran agreed with Commissioner Kolstad's comments. She said she likes the current treatment of the handicapped access and the patio. Chairperson Burger requested that the Commission entertain the thought of reducing the brick patio so there is not a jog against the fence and a few feet of landscaping could be added beyond the patio. , Chairperson Tucker said she would'like to see the roof line lowered to 22 to 23 feet and felt that lowering the pad elevation is a good idea. She was in favor of the patio. KOLSTAD/BURGER MOVED TO CONTINUE 'DR-90-006, SD-90-001 AND UP-90-001 TO MAY 9, 1990. Passed 5-0. 9. DR-90-015 Deiwert, 12272 Via Roncole, request for design review approval for 644 square-foot second story addition in the R-l-10,000 zone district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. Commissioner Kolstad reported on the land use visit. Planning Director Emslie presented the Report to the Planning Commission dated April 11, 1990. The Public Hearing was opened at 9:25 p.m. Mr. Roger Griffin, Paragon Design, appeared for the applicant. He clarified that the staff had indicated in the report that the two- story addition is perceived as appropriate to the surrounding neighborhood. He distributed photographs of the view onto Via Roncole and of homes in the vicinity. BURGER/MORAN MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:28 P.M. Passed 5-0. Commissioner Burger commented on the lack of a tucked-in effect on the second story especially on the rear elevation and the left elevation. Commissioner Kolstad stated he felt the design departs from the pictures supplied. ; Commissioner Moran said she agrees with the Staff Report. KOLSTAD/BURGER MOVED TO CONTINUE DR-90-015 TO MAY 9, 1990 WITH A STUDY SESSION ON MAY 1. Passed 5-0. PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING April 11, 1990 Page 8 DIRECTOR'S ITEMS 1. Upcoming planning applications and projects 2. Heritage Preservation Minutes - 3/21/90 3. Committee-of-the-Whole Report - 4/3/90 COMMISSION ITEMS COMMUNICATIONS Written 1. Review of Memorandum from the.City Engineer to the City Council reporting on the status of SD-88-006 (Saviano) Pierce Road Improvements. Oral ADJOURNMENT The meeting of the Planning Commission was adjourned at 9:55 p.m. Respectfully submitted, Rebecca Cuffman