HomeMy WebLinkAbout07-14-1993 Planning Commission Minutes• ~
CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
July 14, 1993 - 7:30 p.m.
City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Ave.
Regular Meeting
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The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Chairperson Moran.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chairperson Moran, Commissioners Asfour, Caldwell, Jacobs, Murakami
and Wolfe
Absent: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
MINUTES
Minutes of June 23, 1993.
Commissioner Asfour had the following corrections:
Page 18, 4th paragraph (a motion), should show that the motion was seconded
by Commissioner Jacobs.
Page 11, 3rd paragraph, first word "Commissioner" should be deleted and
replaced with "Chairperson".
Commissioner Jacob had the following typographical corrections:
Page 9, 2nd paragraph from bottom, 1st line, the word "use" should be "used".
Page 15, 4th paragraph, 2nd line, the word "the" following the words " a
requirement" should be deleted.
Page 19, 2nd full paragraph, 3rd line, the "meeting" should be made plural.
Chairperson Moran had the following corrections:
Page 11, 3rd paragraph, 3rd and 4th sentences should read as follows: "She
explained that if, in the future, a developer brings a proposal before the City that
deviates from the approved plan in a way that calls for amendments to the
Specific Plan, the neighbors would be noticed of the public hearings.
Chairperson Moran advised the neighbors to continue following the plans for
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 2
the site. She stated that no absolute guarantees could be made and that when a
development proposal is made there is a possibility for changes."
WOLFE/ASFOUR MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF JUNE 23, 1993, AS
CORRECTED (ABOVE). PASSED 5-0-1 (CALDWELL ABSTAINED).
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
There were no oral communications.
REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA
Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly
posted on July 9, 1993.
TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO PACKET
There were no technical corrections to the packet.
Chairperson Moran noted the absence of the City Attorney. She suggested that the
staff establish a time (on the agenda) to note either the Attorney's presence or
absence.
PUBLIC HEARINGS
1. V-93-013 - Namimatsu; 14510 Sobey Rd., request for Variance approval to
allow a 6 ft. tall wrought iron fence to be located within a front
yard setback. Chapter 15 of the City Code limits front yard
fencing to a maximum height of 3 ft. The subject property is
approximately 2 acres in size and is located within an R-1-40,000
zone district.
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Planner Walgren presented the Report dated July 14, 1993 and answered questions
from the Commission with regard to the application.
CHAIRPERSON MORAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:40 P.M.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 3
Don Snider, project designer, spoke in favor of the variance and stated that he agrees
with the recommendation made in the staff report. He reported that the fence was
needed for security reasons with regard to the owners pets and the existing pool. He
noted the existence of 6-foot high wrought iron fences on neighboring properties. He
explained that the proposed fence would be screened by landscaping and would be
compatible with the existing fences in the neighborhood.
WOLFE/ASFOUR MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:43 P.M.
PASSED 6-0.
Commissioner Asfour stated that he had visited the site and can agree with staff's
findings and recommendation.
ASFOUR/CALDWELL MOVED TO APPROVE V-93-013 PER THE STAFF REPORT.
Chairperson Moran stated that she is pleased and in agreement with the staff report
on this application. She also explained that her support of this project is not based on
the owner having pets nor the fact that a pool exists on the property.
THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
2. DR-93-013 - Lyu; 20640 Canyon View Dr., request for Design Review
approval to construct a 469 sq. ft. first floor addition and 739 sq.
ft. second story addition to an existing 1,800 sq. ft. single story
residence per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The parcel is
approximately 9,400 sq. ft. and is located in an R-1-10,000 zone
district.
Planner Walgren presented the Report dated July 14, 1993. He also answered
questions from the Commission with regard to the application.
CHAIRPERSON MORAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:48 P.M.
Thomas Liu, project architect, spoke in favor of the application. He explained that the
applicant has spent much time on the design and in seek of a one-story addition
which could accommodate his family's needs. He explained that due to certain lot
constraints aone-story design would encroach into the front setback and would not
sufficiently serve the occupants of the home. Mr. Liu presented photos of
neighborhoods in which a mix of one- and two-story homes exist.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 4
Mr. Liu claimed that due to the lot being a corner lot and the siting of the house on the
lot, a one story addition would have a greater impact on the neighbors. He also
answered questions from the Commission.
Commissioner Asfour inquired if the owners had considered any designs of a two-
story home which would give the appearance of a one-story home from the front.
Mr. Lui explained that he and the applicant had looked at other designs, but this
proposal because it best serves the applicant and his family.
In response to Commissioner Jacobs question, Mr Liu explained that adding a
basement instead of a second story is economically infeasible and the owner is not in
favor of a basement because of safety concerns with regard to his small children.
Commissioner Jacobs also inquired how much additional living area would be offered
by a one story. Mr. Lui stated that aone-story design would offer 300 square feet less
than atwo-story design.
Chairperson Moran noted the receipt of several letters. Planner Walgren stated that
these letter were from Jerry and Mary Jean Gravkin, Theodore and Dorothy Zitnay,
and Laine and Ted Park, all in opposition. Planner Walgren also noted the receipt of a
petition in opposition signed by 62 residents.
Ian Webb, 20621 Canyon View Road, spoke in opposition to the proposed two-story
addition. He submitted an updated petition signed by 71 residents representing 50
homes. He stated that many in the neighborhood are opposed to a two-story addition
and asked those in the audience who are opposed to the project to please stand. Mr.
Webb asked if the City staff had investigated whether atwo-story addition is in
violation of the neighborhood C.C. & R's. He stated that atwo-story home would
have a great impact on the surrounding one-story homes and would not be
compatible with the existing neighborhood. He explained that many owners had
remodeled and added on to their homes and at the same time maintained a single
story home. He announced that one owner on Reid Lane had added a basement for
the purpose of maintaining asingle-story home because atwo-story home would be
incompatible. He stated that he felt that the lot is too small to accommodate atwo-
story home.
Francis Stearns, 20620 Canyon View Drive, expressed strong opposition to the
application. She explained that the addition would block the daylight to her home next
door and that the addition would also effect air circulation to her home, diminish her
indoor and outdoor privacy, and would negatively impact the look and value of her
home.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 5
Richard Angus, 20700 Canyon View Drive, spoke in opposition to the two-story
proposal. He stated that the lot is not compatible for atwo-story home and such
structure would impact privacy of the neighbors. He stated that he felt atwo-story
home would change the character of the one-story home neighborhood and would
also set a precedent for further two-story construction in the neighborhood.
Robert Leonard, 20660 Canyon View Drive, expressed opposition to the application.
He noted that atwo-story home would block the view and the sunlight, pose an
invasion of privacy and would be incompatible with the existing neighborhood. He
urged the Commission to deny the two-story application and be flexible with the
applicant with regard to a one-story design.
Mike Lyu, applicant, submitted a map and photos of the neighborhood. He pointed
out that many massive trees exist which would help mitigate the concerns of the
neighbors. He explained that the proposed design is sensitive to the neighbors and
attempts to minimize any impacts. He noted that the windows have been strategically
placed so as not to present a view of neighboring properties. He stated that he does
not agree with the speaker who stated that the addition would hinder the amount of
light to her property.
Henry Coles, 20620 Reid Lane, spoke in opposition to the applicant and expressed
concerns that an approval would be precedent setting. He stated that he would like
the neighborhood to remain aone-story home neighborhood.
Anne Zane, 20701 Canyon View Drive, noted that the original owner of the subject
home had moved because a second story could not be added.
Kirch De Martini, 20600 Canyon View Drive, spoke in opposition to the application and
explained that atwo-story home on this lot would "stick out". He urged the
Commission to consider the privacy concerns of the neighbors. Mr. De Martini also
noted that many homes in this neighborhood have been remodeled and have
remained one-story.
Laine Park, 20690 Canyon View Drive, explained that at one time she had wanted to
add a second story onto her home, but was told she could not. She stated that she
ended up with a very nice one-story addition. She spoke in favor of a one-story
design instead of a two-story design.
Ron Lawson, 14090 Elvira Street, stated that he had also considered a second story
addition, but ended up adding aone-story addition and is very happy with it. He
stated that aone-story home would be more compatible with the surrounding homes
and neighborhood than the proposed two-story home.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 6
Kuei Teng, 19881 Buckhaven Lane, spoke in support of the project and stated that he
did not see any compatibility problems with regard to the proposed home and the
existing neighborhood. He stated that the design complies with the City building
codes and would provide some variety to the street. He stated that he did not feel the
application should be denied because it proposes atwo-story home. He also
answered questions from the Commission.
Nancy McKereghan, 20590 Canyon View Drive, stated that an application for two-story
construction has, in the past, united the neighbors for the purpose of expressing their
interests in maintaining aone-story neighborhood. She stated that she recalled a
code section which states that atwo-story home may not be constructed in an all one-
story neighborhood. She also pointed out that on Page 8 of the City's Design
Guideline Book it states that atwo-story home in a one-story neighborhood is not
compatible.
Vicky Lum, 20661 Marion Road, expressed concern with the precedent that would be
set if this application were to be approved. She explained that she moved from
Campbell to her present home because of a next-door two-story home that presented
privacy impacts. She stated that she is opposed to two-story construction in this
neighborhood.
Rene Delgado, 20681 Canyon View Drive, explained the he sympathizes with the
applicant's need to expand, but noted that he had expanded his home several times
and has maintained its single story design. He stated that he felt the lot was too small
for the proposed home.
Mike Lyu, applicant, stated that the proposal, as presented, is the best solution to his
family's needs. He stated that he is not in favor of adding a basement for many
reasons and urged the Commission to review the application as the best solution to
the growing needs of his family.
Mr Liu, architect, again spoke in favor of the application, noted that the proposal
complies with Saratoga building codes, pointed out that the owner has a right to
develop his property, and urged the Commission not to deny the application just
because it is a two-story design.
JACOBS/ASFOUR MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 8:43 P.M.
PASSED 6-0.
Commissioner Jacobs explained that he does not believe the Commission should
make a decision based solely on the relative weight of opposition. He stated that even
though everyone living in the neighborhood opposes an application, it does
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 7
not mean that the property owner should be denied the right to do what they propose.
He noted that there is a saying - "a man's home is his castle" and stated that
homeownership is not a participatory democracy. He also explained that, having said
this, "no man is an island" is also truism. He stated that one has to consider
compatibility with the neighborhood - an owner's right to expand is not infinite.
Commissioner Jacobs stated that he sympathizes with the applicant's problem (need
for larger living area), but explained that people whose families have expanded
sometimes move -they move to bigger houses -and he (Commissioner Jacobs)
thinks that if the Lyus want a house like the one proposed, they may have to move to
a neighborhood where such a house exists. Commissioner Jacobs explained that he
does not accept the concept that the Commission should allow bigger house because
people have expanded their families. He stated that if this philosophy was followed,
then there would simply be no limit to what can be built. For these reasons, he stated,
he is totally opposed to a second story on this house or on any other house in this
neighborhood -regardless of the design. He stated that he would not encourage a
re-design and would vote against it now and later.
Commissioner Wolfe inquired if the plans were the applicant's second submittal.
Planner Walgren stated that the plan presented is a modification of the applicant's first
submittal.
Commissioner Wolfe stated that he respects the owner's desire to develop his
property, but that the Commission has a responsibility to its citizens. He noted that
the photos presented by Mr Lyu made it evident that there is a small precious view of
the hills from the neighborhood. He noted that that is the very reason that some
people move to Saratoga -because of its views and etc. He stated that many have
reported that they have expanded their homes and have maintained asingle-story
design. He stated that he could not support the application and suggested that the
applicant and his architect get together with the neighbors who have expanded and
discuss some of their ideas and techniques used to expand and maintain aone-story
design.
Commissioner Caldwell stated that development of one's property is a privilege. She
explained that when she made application as a Planning Commissioner, the City
Council was in the process of considering whether two-story additions should be
allowed in certain neighborhoods. She stated that the Council decided that two-story
additions should be reviewed on a case by case basis with consideration given to its
compatibility with the existing homes in the neighborhood. She stated that she
thought this decision was a sound decision. She stated that the Commission must
determine if the neighborhood is in transition and if a two-story
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 8
home would be compatible. She stated that the neighborhood in which the subject
home exists is not a neighborhood in transition and it has a defined character which
the Planning Commission needs to respect. She said that she found validity in the
comments made by residents from other nearby neighborhoods regarding setting a
precedent for two story construction. She noted that construction tends to spread to
other neighborhoods. She expressed her agreement with the staff report and it
findings that the design and architectural style of the structure is not reflective of the
existing ranch style homes in the neighborhood and that the two-story addition is
incompatible. She encouraged the applicants to move forward with cone-story
addition and noted that there is room on the lot for an addition of significant size.
Commissioner Asfour stated that he believes one has a right to fully enjoy his/her
property, but when it impacts others and the enjoyment of their property, there is no
longer a right to fully enjoy one's property. He stated that he felt that the lot offered
enough room for aone-story addition.
Commissioner Murakami stated that he supports maintaining the existing one-story
character of the neighborhood and objects to the two-story proposal. He noted that
other owners in the neighborhood have expanded and maintain compatible one-story
designs.
Chairperson Moran inquired about two-story restrictions in the C.C.&R.s.
Planner Walgren stated that the documents provided to staff did not seem to prohibit
two-story homes, but, he noted, that private regulations such as Homeowner
Association restrictions may exist.
Chairperson Moran asked staff to comment on the statement made by the applicant
with regard to the existence of massive trees that will screen the proposed addition.
Planner Walgren stated that it is not the City's policy to base an approval of a project
on such things as existing landscaping which may serve as screening. He explained
that an application/structure should be approved on its own merit and not because of
landscaping which may not be permanently maintained.
Chairperson Moran explained that she is very familiar with the particular neighborhood
and stated that she felt that this site is a prominent site in the neighborhood and the
bulk and height of the proposed structure is not compatible with existing homes in the
area. She also stated that she feels a second story addition would pose unreasonable
interference with privacy and views.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 9
There was discussion with regard to the actions the Commission could take (on the
application) and the options and appropriate processes available to the applicant.
Staff also clarified that should the applicant come to the City with aone-story design
18-feet or less in height, only an administrative review would be necessary and the
applicant would not need to bring it back before the Planning Commission.
CALDWELL/WOLFE MOVED TO DENY DR-93-013 WITHOUT PREJUDICE BASED
ON THE FOLLOWING REASONS (ALSO EXPRESSED ABOVE):
THE TWO-STORY STRUCTURE WOULD BE INCOMPATIBLE WITH
THE EXISTING NEIGHBORHOOD AND HOMES
THE PROPOSED STRUCTURE WOULD ADVERSELY IMPACT THE
PRIVACY AND VIEWS OF THE NEIGHBORS
THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
The meeting was recessed at 9:02 p.m. and then reconvened at 9:14 p.m.
3. UP-90-006.1 - Peninsula Recreation, Inc., request for aone-year review of a
Use Permit approval for the Saratoga Country Club golf course
expansion. The review is required to determine whether or not the
adopted mitigation measures have adequately addressed the
potential environmental impacts identified at the project review
stage. The subject property is approximately 62 acres and located
in the Hillside Residential (HR) zone district.
Planner Walgren presented the Report dated July 14, 1993 to the Commissioners. He
noted that several agencies, as listed in the staff report, were notified of the review and
that staff had received positive comments from all the agencies.
AT 9:15 P.M. CHAIRPERSON MORAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING.
Elizabeth Van Der Torren, 14555 Horseshoe Drive, representing the Saratoga Country
Club, explained that the Country Club has respected the use permit and complied with
its conditions. She offered to answer any questions from the Commission and urged
the Commission to accept the review.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 10
ASFOUR/CALDWELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:16 P.M.
PASSED 6-0.
WOLFE/MURAKAMI MOVED THAT THE PLANNING COMMISSION ACCEPT AND
FILE THE REVIEW OF UP-90-006. PASSED 6-0.
4. DR-93-018 - Lee; 14551 Carnelian Glen Ct., request for Design Review
approval to increase the roof height of a one-story residence from
12 ft. to 22 ft. per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The height
increase is necessary to convert an existing flat roof to a pitched
roof. The residence will remain one-story. The property is
approximately 22,937 sq. ft. and is located within an R-1-20,000
zone district.
Planner Walgren presented the Report dated July 14, 1993.
CHAIRPERSON MORAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:18 P.M.
Richard Augustine, building designer, spoke in favor of the application and explained
that the existing roof is leaking and in need of repair and that the applicant would like
to take this opportunity to change the roof to a pitched roof. He stated that the
proposed roof would be more compatible with the existing structure on the property.
CALDWELL/JACOBS MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:20 P.M.
PASSED 6-0.
ASFOUR/JACOBS MOVED TO APPROVE DR-93-018.
Commissioner Asfour stated that he feels the proposed pitch roof would make the
structure more compatible with other structures in the neighborhood
Commissioner Murakami stated that he is very pleased with the design and the looks
of the new roof and can support the application. he stated that the new roof would be
an improvement.
THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 11
5. DR-93-016 - Sparacino; 14325 Springer Ave., request for Design Review
approval to demolish an existing 1,542 sq. ft. one-story residence
and to construct a new 2,492 sq. ft. two-story residence per
Chapter 15 of the City Code. The property is approximately 7,375
sq. ft. and is located within an R-1-10,000 zone district.
Planner Walgren presented the Report dated July 14, 1993 and answered questions
from the Commission with regard to the application.
Commissioner Wolfe asked about the concern expressed in the staff report with
regard to the existing fence and landscaping and their interference with the line of
sight visibility.
Planner Walgren stated that staff did have a concern regarding this and has included a
condition requiring the applicant to lower the height of these obtrusions.
Chairperson Moran asked why staff had not specified that these be lowered to the
standard 3-feet or a specific number.
Planner Walgren explained that staff wanted to give the applicant some flexibility with
regard to lowering the landscaping and fence.
CHAIRPERSON MORAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:25 P.M.
Tom McHathie, neighbor, stated that he would like to encourage retention of the
existing Sycamore Tree located at the southwest corner of the house. He also
explained that the owner had expressed an intention to install a wood burning fireplace
in the home. Mr McHathie stated that he was opposed to a wood burning fireplace
because of the smoke and odor. He encouraged the Planning Commission to
encourage people to use gas fireplaces instead of woodburning fireplaces.
Darrin Small, 14330 Paul Avenue, requested that the window to be located in the
office/study at the rear of the house be sized down.
Michael Sparacino, applicant, spoke in favor of the application and stated that he is
agreeable to the requests made by the two previous speakers with regard to the
window and the tree. He stated that measures would be taken to save the Sycamore
tree and that the office window could be made a clear story window or eliminated.
Concerning the fireplace, Mr. Sparacino stated that the fireplace would
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 12
not be used to heat the house and would be primarily a decorative feature in the
house. He also answered questions from the Commission with regard to the house
and the application.
WOLFE/JACOBS MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:30 P.M.
PASSED 6-0.
CALDWELL/ASFOUR MOVED TO APPROVE DR-93-016 WITH THE FOLLOWING
ADDED CONDITIONS:
ON THE REAR ELEVATION, THE OFFICE WINDOW SHALL BE A
CLERESTORY WINDOW AND BE SUBJECT TO STAFF REVIEW AND
APPROVAL.
THE SYCAMORE TREE AT THE SOUTHWEST CORNER SHALL
REMAIN.
Commissioner Caldwell complimented the sensitive two-story design of the project.
THE MOTION PASSED 6-0.
6. GPA-93-001 - City of Saratoga; Draft Open Space Element and Associated
Negative Declaration, the Planning Commission will hold a public
hearing to consider the final draft of the Open Space Element.
The Commission will receive public testimony and complete the
review of the final draft document and the associated Negative
Declaration for the purpose of forwarding a recommendation to
the City Council.
Associate Planner White presented the Report dated July 14, 1993. He explained that
a recent Planning Commission action has presented a conflict in the Draft Open Space
Element which needs to be addressed before a recommendation of the Open Space
Element can be made to the Council. He stated that the Commission had
recommended that no sphere of influence expansion take place and that the
prezoning only take place in the current sphere of influence. He also noted that the
Commission had also recommended that a Joint Powers of Agreement be pursued
with the County that would apply to development in the unincorporated hillside areas.
He stated that this would be supported by a Policy statement which was approved at
the July 6th meeting and which has been distributed to the Commission. He noted
that these actions are in conflict with language in the Draft Open Space Element -
beginning on Page 12 (of the document) -specifically
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 13
Implementation Measure A. (Page 13), the draft sphere of influence map, and the
regional trails map. Associate Planner White and Planning Director Curtis answered
questions from the Commission with regard to the item, the conflicts, various ways the
Commission could handle the conflicts, and possible actions on the item.
Commissioner Jacobs inquired whether language could be added to the Draft Open
Space Element which would neither preclude sphere expansion nor include it.
Planning Director Curtis stated that Commissioner Jacobs' suggestion could be
implemented.
Commissioner Asfour stated that he is in favor of tabling the item until the issues of the
Sphere of Influence expansion have been resolved by the City Council. He stated that
his feeling is that the Council will overturn the action taken by the Planning
Commission at the July 6, 1993 meeting and that the Planning Commission will again
be looking at a sphere expansion plan.
Commissioner Caldwell stated that she has a suggestion along the lines of
Commissioner Jacobs' suggestion. She stated that she could support modification of
the language on Page 13, Implementation Programs, which would support the City's
goals for the unincorporated hillside. Commissioner Caldwell suggested that Section a
on Page 13 read as follows:
"a. Preservation and Maintenance of Open Space. The
City of Saratoga shall proceed to take the necessary steps
to promote the preservation and maintenance of open
space in the foothill area."
Commissioner Caldwell explained that this language would leave it entirely open for
the City to take whatever steps the City deems appropriate whether it be a sphere
expansion or an agreement with the County.
Associate Planner White asked if Commissioner Caldwell's suggestion is to change the
heading "Sphere of Influence Expansion" to Preservation and Maintenance of Open
Space" and also delete the words "to expand the City's Sphere of Influence in a
southern and western direction in order" from Page 13, section a. Commissioner
Caldwell indicated that this was correct.
Commissioner Jacobs asked if there are any other items in the draft open space
Element which have been identified to be in conflict with the action taken by the
Planning Commission on July 6th.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 14
Associate Planner White stated that he did not know of any other conflicts in the
document.
Commissioner Caldwell pointed out that some of the language in the Draft Open
Space Element may address land use issues instead of to open space issues. She
suggested that the second to the last bullet (on the sheet titled Proposed General Plan
Amendments) be deleted.
Commissioner Jacobs stated that he thought that the last bullet also dealt more with
land use issues than with open space issues. He stated he supported deletion of both
the last two bullets.
Commissioner Caldwell stated that she felt the language modification to Section A,
Page 13 (suggested above) and deletion of the last two bullets would work to the
benefit of the City and would offer the City ultimate options.
CHAIRPERSON MORAN OPENED THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:45 P.M.
Anne Waltonsmith, spoke in support of the Open Space Element and urged the
Commission to bring the item to a close. She stated that she would also support an
expanded sphere of influence if it would ultimately help preserve the hills.
Stan Bogosian, echoed the comments made by Anne Waltonsmith. He stated that he
thought it is essential to get the Open Space Element in place to preserve the hillsides
and the views. He stated that he feels this Element will help keep the land in its
natural state not only for those to enjoy now but also for those looking to move to
Saratoga. He encouraged progress on the item.
WOLFE/CALDWELL MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:50 P.M.
PASSED 6-0.
Commissioner Caldwell stated that the Commission has worked long and hard on the
Open Space Element and she feels that with minor modifications to certain language,
the Commission can move the item ahead and recommend it to the City Council.
There was discussion among the staff and the Commission with regard to the July 6th
action, the July 14th staff report and the sheet titled Proposed General Plan
Amendments which was handed out to the Commission.
Chairperson Moran asked if the Open Space Element speaks directly to the
development of an ROS zoning.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 15
Planning Director Curtis stated that typically zoning districts are not mentioned
specifically. Associate Planner White verified that the Open Space Element does not
contain a section which specifically refers to ROS zoning. Planning Director Curtis
stated that if the ROS zoning was referred to in the Open Space Element, there would
need to be an amendment to the General Plan creating an ROS zoning.
Commissioner Caldwell stated that the sheet entitled Proposed General Plan
Amendments has caused confusion and suggested the Commission disregard it and
simply change the language on Page 13, Section a.
Chairperson Moran asked if the Commission would like to go through the document
page by page. The Commission did not favor this suggestion and decided just to
offer their corrections and etc.
Chairperson Moran stated that she discovered several spelling, capitalization and font
issues in the document. She also stated that on page 7, last line, the word "large "
should be deleted.
With regard to Page 8, Regional Parks, Chairperson asked if this language which
states that there are regional parks that exist within or partially within the City's sphere
is correct. Associate Planner White stated that the parks listed do exist either in (in
their entirety) or partially in the City's sphere.
Commissioner Jacobs suggested that Commissioner Caldwell make a motion with
inclusion of the modified language suggested for Page 13 Section a, and also include
Chairperson Moran's suggestions (above). He also stated that he thought several
maps needed to be excluded from the Open Space Element.
Chairperson Moran stated that she was unable to locate the Carnelian Glen and
Douglas trails on the Trail Map. She stated that if the Trail maps are included with the
Element, these two trails should be represented.
Commissioner Jacobs suggested that the Trail Maps be left in the Element, but that
the line identifying the expanded sphere of influence be removed or at least the key
that identifies the expanded sphere of influence boundary line.
Associate Planner White explained that the maps were made by an outside agency,
whose contract has ended, and that he may not be able to modify the maps.
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Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 16
Planning Director Curtis stated that staff will work on the maps to revise them as
suggested by the Commission -addition of the two trails and either deletion of the line
indicating the proposed expanded sphere or deletion of the key identifying this
boundary line.
Commissioner Moran expressed support for numbering of the maps.
CALDWELL/JACOBS MOVED TO RECOMMEND TO THE CITY COUNCIL
ADOPTION OF THE DRAFT OPEN SPACE ELEMENT AMENDED AS FOLLOWS:
• CORRECTION OF TYPOGRAPHICAL, CAPITALIZATION AND FONTS;
• PAGE 7, LAST LINE, THE WORD "LARGE" SHALL BE DELETED;
• PAGE 13, SUBSECTION A SHALL READ AS FOLLOWS:
"A. PRESERVATION AND MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACE. THE
CITY OF SARATOGA SHALL PROCEED TO TAKE THE
NECESSARY STEPS TO PROMOTE THE PRESERVATION AND
MAINTENANCE OF OPEN SPACE IN THE FOOTHILL AREA."
• STRIKE THE PROPOSED SPHERE OF INFLUENCE DESIGNATION
ON THE LEGEND ON THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE MAP
• WITH REGARD TO THE TRAIL SYSTEM MAP, STAFF SHALL
MANUALLY ADD THE CARNELIAN GLEN AND DOUGLAS TRAILS
• DELETE THE SPHERE OF INFLUENCE GRAPHIC AS WELL AS THE
SPHERE OF INFLUENCE KEY WHEREVER IT MAY APPEAR; AND
ADOPT THE ASSOCIATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION.
Commissioner Caldwell thanked all those who worked on the Open Space Element.
Chairperson Moran stated that at some point the Commission may want to
recommend that the City Council in some way acknowledge those who did work on
the Open Space Element.
THE MOTION WAS PASSED 6-0.
Planning Director Curtis stated that the Open Space Element would probably be on
the September 1st City Council agenda and that may be a good time to offer
recognition to those who worked on the Open Space Element.
DIRECTOR'S ITEMS
None
• •
Planning Commission Minutes
Meeting of July 14, 1993
Page 17
COMMISSION ITEMS
Chairperson Moran inquired about the status of the situation regarding Mr. Pasantino
and Commissioner Jacobs stated that he is still waiting to hear about the boarded up
house on Quito Road.
Planning Director Curtis stated that these items will be addressed at the next Planning
Commission meeting.
COMMUNICATIONS
Written
1. City Council Minutes - 6/16/83, 6/22/93 and 6/24/93
Oral
City Council
Planning Director Curtis reported on the actions taken at the July 7th City Council
meeting.
Planning Director Curtis announced that the Housing Element would be on the agenda
for the meeting of August 3rd. There was discussion regarding the August 3rd
Planning Commission meeting. Commissioners Asfour, Wolfe and Moran indicated
that they would be absent from this meeting. There was consensus to go ahead with
the August 3rd meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
At 10:20 p.m. Chairperson Moran adjourned the meeting to 7:30 p.m. on August 3,
1993, in the Senior Day Care Center, 19655 Allendale Ave., Saratoga, CA.
Andrea M. Chelemengos
Minutes Clerk