HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-12-1990 Planning Commission Minutes CITY O[ SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
DATE: September 12, 1990
PLACE: City Council Chambers, 13777 [ruitvale Avenue,
Saratoga
TYPE: Regular Meeting
Roll Call: Chairperson Tucker, Commissioners Burger, Moran,
and Caldwell. Commissioner Tappan arrived at
7:35 p.m. Commissioners Kolstad and Siegfried were
absent.
Minutes of August 22, 1990 will be included in next packet.
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS:
Colonel E.T. Barco, a Saratoga resident, addressed the Planning
Commission regarding the Council's proposal to arbitrarily cut 10%
of the overall size of hillside home development. His concern is
that size is only one of the many causes of the problem. Other
factors include architect design, height of sidings, location,
color and landscaping.
Colonel Barco noted that the Council agreed to refer the 10%
reduction to the Commission. He is currently working on a study of
the impact hillside development has on the immediate and
surrounding areas which he will be presenting to the Commission at
a September 18 study session. He asked the Commission members to
join him on a site inspection of the development area on September
29.
PUBLIC HEARINGS CONSENT CALENDAR:
1. V-89-033 Matsuura, 21536 Saratoga Heights Dr., request for
variance approval to allow a 5 ft. tall open bar
fence within a required front yard in the NHR zone
district per Chapter 15 of the City Code. Planning
Commission approval is also requested to enclose a
large portion of this 1.27 acre parcel with open
wire fencing in a hillside zone district which only
allows a 4,000 sq. ft. maximum area of enclosure
(cont. to 10/10/90 at the request of the applicant.)
2. SD-90-003 Peninsula Townhomes Assoc., 12297 Saratoga-
UP-90-003 Sunnyvale Rd., request for tentative map approval
DR 90-034 to subdivide a 2.67 acre lot into one, two-acre
multi-family parcel and two, .3 acre parcels for
commercial use. Use permit approval is requested
to allow a 30-unit multi-family residential
development within a Commercial Visitor (C-V) zone
district. Design review approval is also requested
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for the entire project per Chapter 15 of the City
Code. An initial environmental assessment has been
prepared and is incorporated in this application
(cont. to 9/26/90 at the request of the
applicant).
Staff Planner James Walgren announced that the applicant has
requested an extension of the continuation date to the
October 10, 1990 Public Hearing Date, and the item has been placed
on the October 2, 1990 Study Session°
Chairperson Tucker moved the agenda back to the Report of Posting
Agenda.
REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA:
Staff Planner James Walgren announced that the agenda for this
meeting was properly posted on September 7, 1990, pursuant to
Government Code 54954.2.
Technical Corrections to Packet Material:
Mr. Walgren conveyed that the only technical correction to the
packet material pertains to item #7, Bilkey application. The
application does not include the tennis court as the packet
material was sent out prior to receiving the revised application.
Mr. Walgren noted, however, that the tennis court is not part of
the application.
Chairperson Tucker moved the agenda back to item #3 of the Public
Hearing Consent Calendar.
3. V-90-010 Chin, 21427 Saratoga Hills Rd., resolution approving
DR-90-036 variance to reduce required side yard setbacks and
design review for a two-story, 1,088 addition to an
existing 2,363 sq. fto single family dwelling on a
40,983 sq. ft. lot in the NHR zone district per
Chapter 15 of the City Code (public hearing closed
on 8/22/90).
Commissioner Caldwell asked for removal of this item from the
Consent Calendar and suggested changes in the wording due to word
processing errors as follows:
Resolution V-90-010:
Page 1, paragraph 5, line 2: Remove" .... or to the i~ntended use
of the property."
Page 2, paragraph 5, line 5,: Amend to read" ..... for expansion
of the existing structure..."
Resolution DR-90-036:
Page 1, Paragraph 4, line 2: " .... does not unreasonably
interfere..."
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Page 1, Paragraph 4, line 4, " ..... area of similar large lots..."
Page 1, Paragraph 5, Line 3: "...is well screened from most of..."
Page 1, Paragraph 7, Line 2: Delete first "in."
MORAN/BURGER MOVED TO APPROVE V-90-010 WITH CORRECTIONS AS
SUGGESTED BY COMMISSIONER CALDWELL. PASSED 5-0.
MORAN/BURGER MOVED TO APPROVE DR-90-036 WITH CORRECTIONS AS
SUGGESTED BY COMMISSIOMERCALDWELLo PASSED 5-0.
4. SM-90-004 Morrison, 14170 Teerlink Way, request for site modi-
fication approval to construct a swimming pool and
retaining walls on a one-acre site with an average
slope exceeding 10% in the NHR zone district per the
Teerlink subdivision conditions of approval and
Chapter 14 of the City Code (cont. from 8/22/90).
Commissioner Caldwell removed this item from the agendao In
response to her inquiry, Mr. Walgren stated that the original house
was approved for 850 cubic yards of cut which included the house'
and driveway, and 120 cubic yards for the pool and associated
improvements, or a total of 970 cubic yards for the entire site.
CALDWEI~/MORANMOVEDTOAPPROVE SM-90-004. PASSED 5-0.
5. LL-90-002 Emami, 20764/20728 Wardell Rd., request for lot line
adjustment approval to allow for a separate ingress
and egress driveway for a rear flag lot parcel in
the R-1-12,500 zone district per Chapter 14 of the
City Code.
Item was removed from Consent Calendar after a member of the
audience, Ms. Rita Hennessy, stated she had questions regarding
this application.
Staff Planner Walgren presented the Staff Report to the Planning
Commission dated September 12, 1990. Staff is recommending
approval of application.
Commissioner Moran asked Mr. Walgren to address the issue of the
bridge improvement stipulation which was removed when there was
only one driveway.
Mr. Walgren stated that staff researched the original subdivision
file and analysis, but did not examine the bridge widening
condition or removal of it since it was based on subdivision of two
lots and not on where the access was to those lots.
The Public Hearing was opened at 7:50 p.m.
Bill Heiss, Civil Engineer representing the applicant, addressed
the Commission. He stated that the concept is to put the flag lot
back where the original driveway to the home was previously
located. Mr. Emami plans to build in the rear larger parcel and
prefers a driveway in the east side rather than on the west side
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where there is a driveway to the adjacent parcel. Mr. Heiss
stated that this would make the front lot slightly smaller instead
of larger than the building requirements, and because it is going
back to where the original driveway was located, there is no tree
removal involved.
Rita Hennessy, 20696 Wardell Road, resides across the street from
the property in question° Ms. Hennessey asked the Commission if
the change will affect the zoning status of the area and whether
the modification will change the design of the lot such as putting
in two streets instead of one. Commissioners Tucker responded that
the zoning status would not change. Commissioner Burger stated
there would be only one access to the rear lot, not two separate
accesses, and that the requested configuration falls within all of
the City ordinance standards.
BURGER/TAPPANMOVEDTO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:56 P.M.
BURGER/TAPPANMOVEDTOAPPROVE LL-90-O02. PASSED 5-0.
6. DR 90-048 Rinaldo, 14071 Saratoga-Sunnyvale Rd., request for
design review approval to demolish an existing one-
story home and construct a new 4,087 sq. ft. two-
story structure on a 16,345 sq. ft. parcel within
the R-l-10,000 zone district per Chapter 15 of the
City Code.
Commissioner Caldwell removed the item from the Consent Calendar
and stated she wanted to get the input of other Commissioners
regarding the compatibility of the structure within the
neighborhood.
Staff Planner Walgren reported on the Staff Memorandum to the
Planning Commission dated September 12, 1990. He stated that
based on the eclectic mix of the homes in the area, Staff felt that
the design review findings could be made to the structure.
Commissioner Burger agrees with Commissioner Caldwell's remarks.
She mentioned the concern expressed at a study session in what was
perceived as a very large home on a seemingly small lot.
Commissioner Caldwell reported that she went by the site again
today and proceeded to describe the property and neighborhood.
Commissioner Tappan interjected that he agrees with the concerns
expressed by Commissioners Caldwell and Burger.
The Public Hearing was opened at 8:00 p.m.
Luciano Stoppa, Building Designer, spoke on behalf of Mr. Rinaldo
and asked for consideration of approval. In response to
Commissioner Tappan's inquiry, Mr. Stoppa responded that the design
style of the home is Mediterranean.
CALDWELL/MORANMOVED TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:05 P.M. PASSED
5-0.
5
CALDWEI-L/MORANMOVED TO REOPENPUBLIC HEARING AT 8:06 P.M. PASSED
5-0.
The resident of 14060 Elvira Street addressed the Commission and
conveyed he lives directly behind the property. He verbalized
concern about his privacy, and the height and distance from his
property fence. Mr. Walgren replied that the City ordinance
requires a 25' rear setback. Mr. Walgren noted tht one of the
conditions is to replace the south property fence, but not the rear
fence, and no trees will be removed from the rear of the yard.
MORAN/CAI.DWELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:09 P.M.
PASSED 5-0.
Commissioner Burger stated she while this project may meet the
standards for a lot of 16,000 sq. ft., she is concerned about a
home of this size in the specific neighborhood and about a second
story which doesn't seem proper for the site.
Mr. Walgren commented that the design meets the minimum setback
requirements.
Commissioner Tappan declared he is not necessarily against the
second story element, but he has concerns about second story
compatibility with the Midwestern farmhouse located in the area.
Commissioner Tucker said that the Mediterranean style does not fit
with the neighborhood.
Commissioner Moran is concerned about the design of the house. She
feels the color and Mediterranean style do not fit with the area,
and would like the Public Hearing to continue to another four
weeks.
Commissioner Burger agrees with the concerns which have been
expressed, particularly the concern of the neighbor directly in the
rear of the property.
BURGER/TAPPAN MOVED TO CONTINUE DR-90-048 TO A STUDY SESSION ON
OCTOBER 16 AND A PUBLIC HEARING ON OCTOBER 24° PASSED 5-0.
Commissioner Tappan stated that this particular area is an entrance
to an important part of the community, namely the Village, and it
is very important to preserve certain relics and not in any way
degrade from them in the community.
7. DR 89-111Bikley, 22126 Villa Oaks Ln., request for design
review approval to construct a new 5,436 sq. ft.
two-story residence in the Mt. Eden Estates subdivi-
sion on a 1.6 acre parcel and within the NHR zone
district per Chapter 15 of the City Code.
Commissioner Burger asked to remove the item from the Consent
Calendar. She contended that the house elevation is on a
subdivision and there is no landscape. Her concern is the privacy
view impact.
6
Mr. Walgren presented the Report to the Planning Commission dated
September 12, 1990.
The Public Hearing was opened at '8:22 pom.
Michael Davis, Architect for Mr. Bilkey, spoke to the Commission
and stated that in designing the home, they have tried to minimize
the visual impact by confining the second level to a single-
bedroom/single bathroom use. Mr. Davis requested a change in the
proposal to add 246 sq. ft for a total of 5~682 sq. ft. which is
under the allowable size.
Commissioner Burger replied that the request for additional footage
could not be approved without the plans.
Commissioners asked about the landscaping° Mr. Walgren answered
that Staff would place a condition that all landscaping and
irrigation would have to be installed when drought conditions are
non-existent.
BURGER/MORANMOVED TO CLOSE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:26 P.M. PASSED
5-0.
Commissioner Burger voiced her concern that the property is in the
highest elevation of the subdivision with a two-story home of 26'
on a prominent spot, but the path is basically devoid of any
vegetation.
Discussion ensued.
MORAN/CALDWF. T~. MOVED TOCONTINUEDR-Sg-lllTOALAND USE VISITAND
TO CONTINUE TO NEXT PUBLIC MEARING OF SEPTEMBER 26° PASSED 5-0.
8. LL-90-003 J. Lohr/Nystrom, 14801 & 14751 Gypsy Hill Rd., re-
quest for lot line adjustment approval to relocate
a parcel boundary within the Sobey Oaks subdivision
per Section 14-50.010 of the City Code. Both parcels
are within the R-i-40,000 zone district.
Commissioner Moran requested removal of this item from the Consent
Calendar as the request involves a tree and the map does not show
any trees.
Mr. Walgren explained that the trees are not on the map but they
are physically located on the property.
BURGER/MORAN MOVED TO APPROVE LL-90-003. PASSED 5-0.
The meeting was recessed at 8:30 p.m., and reconvened at 8:45 p.m.
with all members, except Commissioner Moran who returned at 8:46
p.m.)
PUBLIC HEARINGS
9. V 90-024 House, 13223 Padero Ct., request for design review
DR-90-049 approval for a 257 sq. ft. addition to a 3,741 sq.
7
ft. two-story home on a 2.47 acre site in the NHR
zone district per Chapter 15 of the City Code.
Variance approval is also requested to allow the
structure to exceed the maximum allowable height
by 18 inches.
Planner Walgren reviewed the Staff Memorandum to the Planning
Commission dated September 12, 1990o
Commissioner Burger reported on the land use visit. She' stated
that the house sits up from the street and the driveway approach
is on a slope up to the home. The home on the left is at the same
elevation and will not be affected by the proposed addition. In
the rear and on the right side of this home is Calabazas Creek and
a large number of oak trees which are not visible through the rear
yard. It is located on a cul-de-sac.
The Public Hearing was opened at 8:50 p.m. There being no
testimony, BURGER/TAPPANMOVEDTOCLOSETHE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:50
P.M. PASSED 5-0.
Commissioner Burger requested that the City Horticulturist take a
look at the tree before anything is done to it. She stated that
the more limbs taken off a tree, the harder it is for the tree to
survive. Her concern is that if one limb is removed, then another
limb could easily be removed in order to clear for the second story
addition. Mr. Walgren commented that Staff has reviewed this
aspect with the City Horticulturist Consultant, Barrie Coate.'
Commissioner Tappan stated he has no problem with approving the
design review and the variance with the condition that Mr. Coate
will look at the situation and keep the welfare of the oak tree in
mind. Commissioner Burger agrees with Commissioner Tappano
Commissioner Tappan further noted that if Mr. Coate decides that
the tree is endangered, then the item will come back for
reconsideration by the Commission.
Commissioner Moran prefers to continue the applicaiton until all
the information is in.
TAPPAN/BURGERMOVED TO APPROVE V-90-204. PASSED 5-0.
Commissioner Moran stated she would like to consider discussing
this issue at a study session in the future. Commissioner Caldwell
agrees. Consensus is to dialogue at at a later study session.
10. DR-90-043 Butler, 15244 Montalvo Heights Cto, request for
design review approval to construct a new 5,856
sq. fto two-story residence on a 2.58 acre parcel
within the R-i-40,000 zone district per Chapter 15
of the City Code.
Commissioner Burger presented the land use visit report.
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Staff Planner Walgren provided the Report to the Planning
Commission 'dated September 12, 1990. Staff is recommending
approval of the design review request with a condition that the
landscape plan including but not limited to two to five 24" box
coast Live Oaks and a site lighting plan be submitted for Planning
Director review prior to zone clearance.
Commissioner Burger asked for clarification regarding the grading
completed for the driveway and the additional cut needed for the
access driveway. Mr. Walgren stated that the fill from the house
excavation will be used to bolster out the curves on the driveway°
The Public Hearing was opened at 9:05 p.m.
Jerry Butler, applicant, addressed the Commission, and reaffirmed
Mr. Walgren's comments regarding the driveway excavation.
TAPPAN/BURGERMOVEDTO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:06 P,M.
PASSED 5-0.
MORAN/CALDWELL MOVED TO APPROVE DR-90-043 WITH CONDITION #14 TO
INCLUDE WORDING PERTAINING TO REQUIREMENT FOR FENCING AS REQUIRED
BY THE CITY ARBORIST. PASSED 5-0.
11. DR-90-046 Oh, 18693 Martha Ave., request to construct a 787
sq. ft. second story addition and 404 sq. fto of
first floor area to an existing 1,975 sq. ft.
single family residence on a 10,270 sq. ft. lot
in the R-l-10,000 zone district per Chapter 15 of
the City Code.
Commissioner Caldwell provided the report on the land use visit.
She stated that the homes are on a street which is mixed in terms
of the conditions of the homes. Some of the homes closer to Quito
Road have undergone some type of renovation, and some are
poorly maintained.
Staff Planner Walgren summarized the Staff Memorandum to the
Planning Commission dated September 12, 1990. He reported that the
tract is developed primarily with one-story homes. He noted that
the relatively smaller parcels are commonly associated with privacy
and compatibility difficulties when an infill development such as
this is proposed. He mentioned that on this particular project,
both Staff and applicant worked to mitigate a potential privacy
impasse; however, Staff does not feel the proposed structure to be
compatible to the existing neighborhood.
Public Hearing opened at 9:10 pom.
Seyung Oh, 18693 Martha Avenue, the applicant, addressed the
Planning Commission. He feels that the renovations are compatible
with other houses in the area. Regarding the privacy issue, he
stated there is a maple tree situated directly behind the house,
and near the fence are seven or eight cypress trees which were
planted two years ago.
Teresa Butler, 18754 Martha Avenue, spoke before the Commission.
She testified there is much construction going on in the area, and
her property at the corner of Martha and Paseo Presada is
personally undergoing construction. She agrees with Mr. Oh and
supports his request.
Judy Oh, 18693 Martha Avenue, addressed the Commission as the
applicant and as a real estate broker. She noted this is the
second plan which has been presented and feels they can make no
more additions to the house unless they demolish it and start over
again. She commented that no trees are being destroyed and the
proposed window is high enough not to impact privacy of the
neighborhood.
TAPPAN/BURGERMOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. PASSED 5-0.
Commissioner Burger stated she would like to see one-story
additions at a study session.
Commissioner Tappan mentioned he is not ruling out the possibility
of agreeing to a second story addition.
MORAN/CALDWFI~. MOVED TO CONTINUE DR-90-046 TO A STUDY SESSION ON
OCTOBER 2. PASSED 5-0.
12. DR-88-091.1 Huang, 14590 Deer Springs Ct., request for site
modification to allow a modified landscape plan
due to recent unauthorized tree removal and
trimming in the NHR zone district per Chapter
14 of the City Code.
Commissioner Caldwell presented the report on the land use visit.
Staff Planner Walgren gave the Report as noted in the Staff
Memorandum to the Planning Commission dated September 14, 1990.
Staff is recommending approval of Resolution No. DR 88-091.1 with
the City Arborist's conditions included.
Commissioner Burger recalled that during earlier Commission
discussions regarding this lot and the lot next door, lengthy
discussion was held regarding vegetation and concern was voiced
that there be no removal of vegetation.
Commissioner Tucker stated she received a phone call from Ms. Lynn
Sprague who is unable to attend tonight's meeting. Ms. Sprague
urges the Commission to assure that all vegetation which was
removed is replanted.
The Public Hearing was opened at 9~30 p.m.
Mr. Cheng Huang, 15050 E1Quito way, applicant, appeared before the
Planning Commission. He stated hazardous conditions existed on the
property which prompted the removal of trees and shrubs. He has
met with Mr. Barry Coats and wants to show the City he is working
in good faith.
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In referring to condition #7 that he enter into a landscape
maintenance agreement for a period of five years, Mr. Huang
acknowledged that although he did violate City ordinance and he is
willing to reinstall all the trees removed, he asked the Commission
to reconsider reducing the period of time. He further stated he
did not remove any tree over 5".
Charles Rollo, 21280 Canyon View Drive, addressed the Planning
Commission. He presented a petition signed by 20 individuals in
and around the neighborhood. Mr. Rollo asked that the original
agreement be adhered to, that the existing trees and shrubs be left
undisturbed and that the open area along the ridge be filled ino
He spoke of the privacy issue and how it impacts him and his
family. Mr. Rollo emphasized that the entire area of his master
bedroom, master bathroom and depth sizes are clearly visible from
every window facing east of the Huang residence. He suggested that
the area be filled in with a larger quantity of bigger trees.
Tom Warfield, 21279 Canyon View Drive, spoke before the Commission.
He stated he and his neighbors are used to the area without the
additional big homes that are being built there, and would like for
it to stay as much the same as possible. He asked if there is some
way that open space can be protected. He suggested that when the
next person builds on the ridge, that they are not allowed to cut
off 50% of the trees.
Commissioner Caldwell responded that the Commission is currently
working on a Tree Ordinance.
City Attorney Toppel replied that if a violation of the tree
ordinance occurs, fines can be charged.
Frank Suit, 14599 Deer Spring Court, testified before the
Commission. He stated that the Huangs removed a fire hazard and
they were not wrong in removing trees and shrubbery.
Sheldon Long, 14958 Abba Way, who is soon to be the Huangs'
neighbor, appeared before the Commission. Mr. Long stated he feels
that Mr. Huang's concerns about safety and welfare of his
neighborhood and his family should be more impacted than the
surrounding area foilage and privacy.
Janice McCormick, 21424 Toll Gate Road, addressed the Commission.
She stated she toured the site. She reported she has the same
situation and would like to cut some of the vegetation, especially
because of the drought situation and potential fire hazard.
Marla Gault, 21281 Glenmont Drive, addressed the Commission. She
mentioned that the cutting dramatically removes the green that
previously existed on the ridge and affects the aesthetics of the
ridge.
TAPPAN/CALDWELL MOVEDTO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. PASSED 5-0.
Commissioner Caldwell asked City Attorney Toppel if there is any
regulation which prevents a City resident from removing mattresses,
debris, poison oak, shrubs, etc. from his/her property.
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City Attorney Toppel explained the differences between the
restrictions pertaining to dedicated open space and debris.
Commissioner Moran spoke of the Tree Ordinance which is being
developed by a Planning Commission subcommittee.
City Attorney Toppel clarified that condition #7 of the Maintenance
Agreement will be recorded in the Office of the County Recorder.
Mr. Toppel suggested that the documents include verbiage stating
that until all planting is completed, no occupancy of the residence
should be allowed.
BURGER/CALDWELL MOVED TO APPROVE DR-88.091.1, ADDING TO THE
CONDITIONS THAT THE AGREEMENT WILT. BE RECORDED WITH THE. COUNTY
RECORDER'S OFFICE AND THAT NO OCCUPANCY PERMIT IS TO BE ISSUED
UNTIL PHASE TWO OF THE PLANTING IS COMPLETED. PASSED 5-0.
Consensus was that the Planning Director be authorized to require
additional landscaping if he feels it is necessary to provide the
screening which was removed.
13o HP-i9 City of Saratoga, consider the proposal to designate
the section of Saratoga Ave. between Fruitvale Ave.
and 14301 Saratoga Ave. as a Heritage Lane. The
Heritage Preservation Commission reviewed the appli-
cation and recommends approval of the designation
pursuant to Article 13-15 of the City Code.
Planner Tsvia Adar presented the Staff Report to the Planning
Commission dated July 18, 1990. She reported that the Heritage
Preservation Commission recommends approval of designating a
section of Saratoga Avenue as a heritage lane. The Heritage
Preservation Commission also recommends that the Planning
Commission direct staff to conduct appropriate studies and prepare
the designation ordinance which would address tree preservation and
maintenance, and set design standards for structures, fences and
landscaping.
Staff recommends that the application be continued until at least
the November 14 Planning Commission meeting to allow time to
conduct studies and prepare the ordinance.
Public Hearing opened at 10:25 P.M.
Larry Fine, 14075 Saratoga Avenue, addressed the Planning
Commission. Mr. Fine initiated the petition requesting the
designation. He stated the main idea was to preserve the park in
the designated area. He stated there are 19 homes in the area
which are listed or being considered to be listed in the
Preservation List. Mr. Fine would like to see a lower speed limit
in the area; prohibiting vehicles with more than two axles from
entering the area; preserving the City's trees; and requiring
residents within the area to agree before any trees are removed.
Gene Zambeti, 14510 Big Basin Way, addressed the Planning
Commission. He noted he has lived in the area since 1952. Mr.
Zambeti urged the Commissioners to approve the designation.
Willis Peck, 14275 Saratoga Avenue, testified before the
Commission. Mr. Peck has lived in the area since 1952 and has seen
traffic increases in the particular stretch of road being
considered. He emphasized the scenic view of Saratoga Avenue and
urged the Commission's' favorable consideration.
Mark Keith, 14300 Saratoga Avenue, spoke before the Commission.
He supports the heritage lane designation. Mr. Keith mentioned
that the lane is historical because it was used as transportation
to and from Saratoga, and if designated as a heritage lane, it
should go into the Village. He emphasized the importance of
preserving and maintaining trees along the lane. Mr. Keith noted
that fencing needs to be installed in front of the homes on
Saratoga Avenue to protect families, especially those with small
children, from street traffic and noise.
Discussion ensued about the properties which are on the
Preservation List. Mr. Fine readdressed the Commission and stated
there are nine properties which have been designated and ten are
being considered.
BURGER/TAPPAN MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 10:45 P.M.
PASSED 5-0.
Chairperson Tucker expressed concern that the idea might be
premature in light of the construction of Highway 85 in the area.
Commissioner Burger indicated her preference is to designate
Saratoga Avenue as a heritage lane but would like more specific
information on the impact of Highway 85.
Commissioner Moran stated she is in favor of the designation, but
is interested in reviewing the costs involved°
Commissioner Burger suggested proceeding with the studies to see
what kinds of regulations need to be adopted.
Discussion ensued between the Commissioners and City Attorney
Toppel regarding design, zoning, and Highway 85.
Commissioner Tappan indiated he is in favor of extending the lane
to the Firehouse at the intersection of Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road and
Big. Basin Way; however, he is not in favor of widening the road.
Commissioner Burger wondered if preliminary studies could be
started on the development of the ordinance without making the
designation.
Commissioner Tappan conveyed it is his understanding that the City
is to deliberate widening of Saratoga Avenue, and it is his
impression from Mr. Toppel's earlier comments tonight that the City
is opting for the choice of keeping it a two-lane thoroughfare.
Commissioner Tappan wants to go on record as being receptive to
preserving a stretch of thoroughfare loaded with history.
Commissioner Moran agrees with Commissioner Tappan. She reitered
her concern about trade-offs and questioned what will be mitigated
elsewhere for this project.
BURGER/CALDWELL MOVED TO DIRECT.STAFF TO CONDUCT THE NECESSARY
STUDIES PERTAINING TO TRAFFIC, TREES, AND FENCING. PASSED 5-0.
14. AZ0-90-004 City of Saratoga, consideration of recommending the
creation of a new zone district relative to address-
ing the unique topography typical to the unincorpo-
rated hillsides northwest of the City limits. The
Planning Commission will consider creating a new
zone district which will establish lot sizes, set-
back, permitted and conditionally permitted uses and
requirements for the dedication of open space for
'the topographically constrained hillsides currently
under the jurisdiction of Santa Clara County. The
Planning Commission will consider adding text to
the existing zone ordinance. The application of
this zone to specific property will require
separate and subsequent action by the Planning
Commission and City Council.
TAPPAN/MORAN MOVED TO CONTINUE TO PUBLIC HEARING OF SEPTEMBER 26.
PASSED 5-0.
DIRECTOR'S ITEMS:
Staff Planner James Walgren announced that on the week of September
24, the City will be interviewing for the EIR Consultant for the
Chiquita Way subdivision. Commissioners Caldwell and Tappan will
participate in the interviewing process.
COMMISSION ITEMS:
Commissioner Burger briefly reported on the September 5 City
Council meeting and actions taken on Planning Commission matters.
City Attorney Toppel announced that the City Council directed staff
to prepare an Emergency Ordinance for the September 12 City Council
meeting to propose a moratorium on basically all design reviews on
single family residences.
COMMUNICATIONS:
Written: There was no written communication.
Oral: There was no oral communication.
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ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting was adjourned at 11:32 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Lynda Ramirez Jones
Minutes Clerk