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HomeMy WebLinkAbout08-28-1990 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SAMTOGA COMMITTEE-OF-THE-WHOLE REPORT DATE: Tuesday, August 28, 1990 - 7:30 p.m. PLACE: Community Center Arts & Crafts Room, 19655 Allendale Ave. TYPE: Committee-of-the-Whole. Attendance: Present: Karen Tucker, Dick Siegfried, Ann Marie .Burger Meg Caldwell, Gillian Moran, Thomas Tappan & John Kolstad Staff: Steve Emslie & James Walgren ITEMS OF DISCUSSION 1. SD-90-003, UP-980-003, DR-90-034 - Liqhtner, Peninsula Townhomes 12297 Saratoqa-Sunnyvale Road The Planning Director provided the reasons for providing the Study Session was to address the Planning Commission concerns regarding the perception of density with the proposal. The architect, Jeff Zimmerman, presented several alternative site plans and explained his reasons why he felt they were inferior to the plan as it is proposed.' The architect then displayed the revised plan which showed four (4) fewer row house units than originally presented. Essentially, the footprint of the row house areas remains the same as proposed. He then responded to Planning Commission questions regarding retail and restaurant parking requirements. The Planning Commission expressed its observations regarding the similar project in Menlo Park. Kolstad related concerns voiced by a resident of this project who did not feel there was ample parking and the windows did not fit the architec- ture. The architect then displayed one final scheme which included traditional townhome concept with garage on-grade and a reduced retail square footages. The Planning Commission then discussed the following issues: Parkinq: The Planning Commission was concerned about any restric- tion on use of retail area and the proposal to credit parking within the residential garage. Density: The Planning Commission felt that the perception of density was not addressed by the revised plans. Ann Marie Burger indicated that there is insufficient open space in the site plan. Gillian Moran felt that density reductions are needed in both the row houses and the townhomes. She felt that the additional open space is needed to make the plan feel less crowded. Thomas Tappan felt that this concept was not common to Saratoga with its general feeling of open space. Meg Caldwell felt that more open space was needed to improve the circulation plan. She felt that bulk and mass needed to be reduced, especially with the three story row Commit ~Whole Report 8/28/90 Page 2 houses. Karen Tucker was concerned that three stories was prece- dent setting for the rest of 2the community. Dick Siegfried sug- · gested that more direction to the applicant was needed. John Kolstad felt that the density was not addressed by revised plans. He felt that a substantial reduced density needs to be considered in subsequent plans. Karen Tucker felt the project was unique because of its location and configuration. However, she felt that the three stories and the commercial parking were concerns. Dick Siegfried felt that more open space would not appreciably change the perception of density but felt that more open space buffer between the commercial uses and the row houses would be a notice- able improvement. ~ 2. DR-90-021, V-90-015 - Dix, 15404 Madrone Hill Rd. James Walgren presented the discrepancy between the approved plan and the construction drawings submitted for building permits. The changes included replacement of an existing wood retaining wall and the basement wall. The Planning Commission expressed no concerns regarding the pro- posed changes and authorized ·staff to consider modification. 3. Beauchamps - Discussion of Fencing Alternatives The Planning Director explained the attached memorandum and the three alternative approaches'to resolving the fencing concerns of the neighborhood. The Planning Commission felt·that to remove the property from the NHR zone raises a legal question regarding the applicability of Measure "A". The Planning Commission felt that the City Attorney should be consulted regarding the affect of Measure "A" on the staff proposals. 4. Villas Masson Dick Oliver presented colors to address the Planning Commission concerns regarding the "pink" colors. The developer suggested that actual colors be applied to homes under construction to give the Planning Commission an idea of the real colors to be used. 5. DR-89-065 - Rivoir, 14917 Vine Street James Walgren presented the~applicant's proposed changes to the original design review approval. The changes entailed deleting approximately 200 sq. ft. from the original three-car garage in order to provide an additional bedroom at the second floor level. This reduction is necessary due to the structure already being at its maximum allowed floor area. ~ .... Committee_of_tOWhole_Report 8/28/90 The Planning Commission was concerned about the effect this garage deletion would have on the structure's overall appearance and directed the applicant to prepare finished plans for their review. 6. Report from Planninq Commission Subcommittee reqardinq proposed Revised Tree Protection Ordinance Meg Caldwell provided an overview of the scope of the sub- committee's meeting. 1. The construction process is critial in saving trees. 2. Oaks are most in need of protection, and should be regulated at a smaller size. There is a need to protect younger oaks. 3. Include arborist review of tree permits. 4. Provide better standards .to protect trees. 5. Use the arborist for training of enforcement personnel. 6. The need for a process flow chart to allow Planning Commission to understand where additional controls will be needed. 7. Publish guidelines to protect sensitive areas to communicate standards to contractors. 8. Inspections need to occur at critical stages. 9. The ability to stop work is important to enforce the ordi- nance. 10. The need to improve trees through pruning and maintenance. 11. Security deposit to guarantee tree protection. 12. Maintenance of trees, including watering, pruning. Requiring permit for removal of 30% of the crown or any modification to tree standards. 13. Require all tree contractors to subscribe to ISA standards for pruning. 14. Invoke public nuisance law if trees are in jeopardy when they are improperly cared for. 15. Minimum penalty including the cost of enforcement. Change our infractions to misdemeanors. Include fines plus replacement value. 16. Tree protection fund to accept fines for community planting. Committee-of-the- e Report 8/28/90 Page 4 17. Requiring replacements for trees legally removed. The Planning Commission authorized the subcommittee to continue work- ing on the draft ordinance with the technical assistance of the Plan- ning and Public Works staffs. ADJOURNMENT Planning 6irector