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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-27-1993 Planning Commission minutes~~ CITY SARATOGA PLANNING COMMI~N MINUTES January 27, 1993 - 7:30 p.m. City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Ave. Regular Meeting ----------------------------------------------------------------- The meeting was called to order at 7:30 p.m. by Chairperson Caldwell. ROLL CALL Present: Chairperson Caldwell, Commissioners Asfour, Murakami, and Moran Absent: Commissioners Bogosian and Favero PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES Minutes of January 13, 1993. Commissioner Moran had the following corrections: Page 15, 2nd entry from the top should read: "NOTING THAT THERE WAS NO SECOND TO THE MOTION, COMMISSIONER MORAN WITHDREW HER MOTION." Page 11, 2nd entry (Farsio project - motion to reconsider previous motion), should read: "FORBES/BOGOSIAN MOVED TO RECONSIDER THE LAST MOTION. PASSED 6-0." Commissioner Moran also noted the incorrect spelling of Mr. Reddick's name throughout the minutes. The correct spelling is Reddick, not Rettig. Chairperson Caldwell had the following corrections: Page 12, 2nd paragraph should read as follows: "Jennifer Crotty, 13861 Raven Court, Parks and Recreation Commission, spoke in support of the applications and stated that the City had already agreed to cover half the cost of the fence that borders the park and the private property." Page 15, 3rd entry (motion), 3rd bullet, should read: "THE ADDITIONAL 15 FEET IN HEIGHT AND THE DIFFERENCE IN HEIGHT IN COMPARISON TO THE HEIGHT OF THE NEARBY BILLBOARD WOULD BE A SIGNIFICANT VISUAL IMPAIRMENT AND IMPACT TO SURROUNDING PROPERTIES. MORAN/MURAKAMI MOVED APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES OF JANUARY 13, 1993 AS CORRECTED (ABOVE). PASSED 3-0-1 (COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSTAINED). Planning Commissio~inutes • Meeting of January 27, 1993 Page 2 ORAL COMMUNICATIONS None REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on January 22, 1993. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO PACKET Planner Walgren noted the following technical corrections to the packet: Item #3, Page 3, Section 1, 3rd line, the words"extension be and is hereby granted" should be deleted and replaced with the following "is hereby extended for a one year period and shall expire on August 9, 1993 subject to the following conditions:" Item #4, DR-92-042, Gregorian, Staff requested that this item be continued to the February 10, 1993, public hearing in order to allow staff and the applicant to work with the fire district with regard to recently adopted fire codes that may effect this proposed development. Chairperson Caldwell placed the request to continue Item #4 , DR- 92-042 on the Public Hearing Consent Calendar. PUBLIC HEARING CONSENT CALENDAR 1. V-92-023 - Johnson; 13877 Upperhill Ct., request for variance approval to allow the replacement and extension of an existing retaining wall with a maximum height of 14 feet per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The subject property is approximately 1.25 acres and is located within an R-1-40,000 zone district (cont. to 2/10/93; application expires 6/22/93). ----------------------------------------------------------- 2. DR-93-002 - Baker; 14700 Oak St., request for design UP-92-008 - review approval to construct a 237 sq. ft. second story addition and 559 sq. ft. of first floor area to an existing 2,853 sq. ft. two-story residence. The design review also involves the relocation of the residence 20 feet closer to Oak Street. The applicant is also requesting use permit approval to Planning Commissio~inutes • Meeting of January 27, 1993 Page 3 construct a detached 400 sq. ft. garage located within the rear yard setback per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The parcel is approximately 14,326 sq. ft. in site area and is located within an R-1-10,000 zone district (cont. to 2/10/93 in order for the Arborist to review revised plans; application expires 7/12/93). ------------------------------------------------------------ 4. DR-92-042 - Gregorian; 15425 Monte Vista Dr., request for design review approval to construct a new 5,988 sq. ft. two-story single family residence per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The subject property is approximately 47,480 sq. ft. and is located within an R-1-40,000 zone district (continue to 2/10/93 in order to allow staff and the applicant to work with the fire district with regard to recently adopted fire codes that may effect this proposed development). ------------------------------------------------------------ MORAN/MURARAMI MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. PASSED 4- 0. PUBLIC HEARINGS ** 3. DR-89-047.2 - Saratoga Country Club; 21990 Prospect Rd., request for a second one-year extension to a design review approval to construct a pro- shop and cart barn and to remodel an existing clubhouse on the grounds of the Saratoga Country Club per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The subject property is located within the Hillside Residential (HR) zone district. ------------------------------------------------------------ Planner Walgren presented the Report dated January 27, 1993, to the Commission and answered questions with regard to the application. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 7:40 P.M. Elizabeth van der Torren, 14555 Horseshoe Drive, member of Saratoga Country Club's Board of Directors and representing the applicant, Saratoga Country Club, spoke in favor of the application, gave a brief history of the site and project, and reported on the progress of the project. Since there was no one else wishing to speak, MORAN/ASFOUR MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:43 P.M. PASSED 4-0. Commissioner Moran noted receipt of letters from neighbors expressing concern regarding visual impacts. Staff indicated Planning Commission Minutes Meeting of January •, 1993 • Page 4 that this concern had been investigated and addressed at the time of the original application. Planner Walgren explained that since there is no change in the project's plans, no new circumstances exist and staff is satisfied that the concerns expressed in the letters from the neighbors have already been taken into consideration and adequately addressed. MORAN/ASFOUR MOVED TO APPROVE DR-89-047.2. PASSED 4-0. 5. DR-92-032 - Hulme; 15222 Montalvo Heights Ct., request for design review approval to construct a second story deck which exceeds the allowable 5 ft. underfloor clearance by 3.5 feet per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The parcel is approximately 43,604 sq. ft. in site area and is located within an R-1-40,000 zone district. ------------------------------------------------------------ Planner Walgren presented the Report dated January 27, 1993. THE PUBLIC HEARING NAS OPENED AT 7:45 P.M. There was no one wishing to speak. MORAN/MURARAMI MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:45 P.M. PASSED 4-0. Commissioner Asfour expressed concern regarding the deck over the elevated area. He inquired whether the deck would protrude pass the edge of the structure. He expressed support for the deck ending at the edge of the structure. Commissioner Moran expressed concern regarding the visual impact of the proposed deck. She also expressed concern regarding any precedent that might be set with the approval of the proposed deck. She spoke in favor of pulling the deck back toward the main structure. Commissioner Murakami stated his concern regarding the visual impact on the neighborhood and the street. He spoke in favor of requiring additional landscaping in order to help buffer or soften the impact of the height of the proposed deck. Chairperson Caldwell stated that she shared the same concerns as expressed by Commissioner Moran. She noted that the design approval should be granted on the structure itself, not on what can be planted to screen the structure. She stated that she felt the proposed deck gives the appearance of bulk and it needs some kind of visual break. She stated that she could not make the findings to approve the application. Commissioner Asfour and Moran suggested the item be continued to a later date when the applicant could be present to address some of the concerns expressed by the Commission. Planning Commission Minutes Meeting of January •, 1993 • Page 5 Planner Walgren explained that the Commission could continue the item or could approve the underfloor clearance and give the applicant direction to pull the deck back or angle the walkway in order to alleviate its appearance of bulk. There was discussion regarding the options available to the Planning Commission and appropriate language for additional conditions. At this time the applicant arrived and Chairperson Caldwell explained the concerns of the Commission and that they were currently deliberating on the application. The applicant indicated his desire to address the Commission. ASFOUR/MURARAMI MOVED TO RE-OPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:56 P.M. PASSED 4-0. Mr. Hulme, applicant, addressed the Commission and requested the item be tabled until the project's representative could arrive. This was agreeable to the Commission. Chairperson Caldwell tabled the item and the meeting proceeded to the next item on the agenda. 6. DR-92-030 - Masulis; 19881 Braemar Dr., request for design review approval to construct a 317 sq. ft. second story addition and 706 sq. ft. of first floor area to an existing 2,168 sq. ft. one-story residence per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The parcel is approximately 10,030 sq. ft. and is located within an R-1- 10,000 zone district. ----------------------------------------------------------- Planner Walgren presented the Report dated January 27, 1993. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED AT 8:00 P.M. Mr. Masulis, applicant, indicated his presence and willingness to answer any questions with regard to the project. MORAN/ASFOUR MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:00 P.M. PASSED 4-0. MORAN/ASFOUR MOVED TO APPROVE DR-92-030. Commissioner Moran stated her support for the application and noted that the proposed addition was compatible and would be a fine addition to the existing structure and the neighborhood. THE MOTION PASSED 4-0. DIRECTOR'S ITEMS Planning Director Curtis noted the Policy Development Conference Agenda included in the Commissioner's packet and asked for suggestions for additional items to be added to the agenda. The Commissioners indicated that they had not received the agenda to which Planning Director Curtis referred. Planning Director Planning Commissio :inutes Meeting of January , 1993 Page 6 Curtis apologized for the error and gave his copy to the Commissioners for review. Commissioner Caldwell suggested adding "Preservation of Open Space and Protection of Parks" She also suggested the adding "Discussion on Establishing a Replacement Tree Fund Program" to the agenda. Commissioner Moran suggested the addition of "Creek Protection from Encroachments of Developments" and "Protection and Preservation of Public Trees e.g., street trees." Planning Director Curtis explained that the Policy Development Conference had to do with budget items. He noted that in fiscal year 93-94 there would be focus on the Commission adhering as close as possible to the work program schedule. He also noted that there may be discussion regarding necessity of the City Attorney's attendance at every Planning Commission meeting. Planning Director Curtis noted that additions to the agenda are due by February 3, 1993 and he would appreciate the Commission forwarding any other suggestions to him by Friday, January 29th. At this time (8:12 p.m.) the representative for Item #5, Hulme, DR-92-032 arrived and the public hearing for this item resumed. Planner Walgren gave a synopsis (for the sake of the project's representative) of the comments and concerns of the Commission on the proposed project. Gene Zambetti, representing the applicant, Mr. Hulme, spoke in favor of the application noting that the overall plan had received previous approval. He stated that the bridge and the deck would not be as large as they appear on the plans and that the Commission should also take into consideration the landscaping and the overall "finished" project. Mr. Zambetti stated his opinion that the deck would visually break up and soften the existing structure. He stated that there was no opposition from the neighbors and that the only view of the deck would be from Montalvo Oaks. He also noted that the design conforms with all design regulations. Mr. Zambetti also answered questions from the Commission with regard to the project. Mr. Hulme, applicant, spoke in favor of the application and indicated his opposition to the Commission's desire to pull back the deck. He stated that by pulling the deck back the design would become incompatible and choppy. He also explained his reasons and desire to keep the design as proposed. MORAN/MURARAMI MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:30 P.M. PASSED 4-0. Commissioner Moran stated that she disagrees with Mr. Zambetti's comment that the proposed deck would break up or soften the elevation of the existing structure. She stated that the project appears massive and bulky, and that she favored either continuing the item for redesign or approving it with a condition to pull the deck back. Planning Commission Minutes Meeting of January ~ 1993 • - Paqe 7 Commissioner Murakami stated that he found the water fall feature to be aesthetically pleasing and noted that it may break up or soften the appearance of the project. He also suggested that the bridge step down from the gazebo and then step back up to the deck in order to break up the overall length and height of the deck and bridge. Commissioner Asfour suggested the deck extend just pass the door of the study (not to the edge of the house) to allow access from the study to the deck and to the bridge leading to the gazebo. Commissioner Moran suggested the item be continued. The applicant was agreeable to continuing the application and requested that the application be reviewed at the earliest public hearing as possible. MORAN/MURARAMI MOVED TO CONTINUE DR-92-032 TO THE FEBRUARY 24, 1993, PUBLIC HEARING IN ORDER TO ALLOW THE APPLICANT TIME TO COME UP WITH AN ALTERNATIVE DESIGN WHICH WOULD REDUCE THE APPEARANCE OF BULB, MASS AND HEIGHT AND THAT BETTER CONFORMS TO THE NATURAL CONTOURS THAT EXIST. PASSED 4-0. The meeting then pick up where it had left off at Director's Items. 2. ROS Mapping Field Trip Discussion regarding the date of the ROS Mapping Field Trip commenced and there was consensus to reschedule the trip to February 23, 1993, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Planning Director Curtis noted that the regularly scheduled Planning Commission meeting of March 10, 1993 would be moved to Tuesday, March 9, 1993. COMMISSION ITEMS Chairperson Caldwell explained that the Council had requested that a Planning Commission representative serve on the Bicycling Advisory Committee and expressed her willingness to serve on the committee if no one else was inclined serve. The Commission expressed their support for Chairperson Caldwell serving as the Planning Commission representative on the Bicycling Advisory Committee. Chairperson Caldwell requested that the recent letter from Dividend Corporation to Planning Director Curtis be distributed to the Planning Commissioners. There was brief discussion on the soundwall issue at Quito Market. Planning Director Curtis reported on his site visit to the "24 Hour Nautilus" in Sunnyvale. The Commission requested that Mr. Reddick receive notice of any City review of the "24 Hour Nautilus" at Quito Market. J ~ ~ COMMUNICATIONS Written 1. City Council minutes - 1/6 & 1/12/93 2. Public hearing notices of upcoming items on the 2/10/93 Planning Commission meeting. Oral City Council ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 8:47 p.m.to 7:30 p.m. on February 2, 1993, in the Senior Day Care Center, 19655 Allendale Ave., Saratoga, CA. Andrea M. Chelemengos Minutes Clerk