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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-09-1996 Planning Commission MinutesSINNING COMMISSION MINUTIi OCTOBER 9.1996 City Council Chambers. 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Regular Meeting ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ Chair~voman Kaplan called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Roll Call Present: Abshire, Kaplan. Murakami, Patrick, Pierce. Siegfried Late: None Absent: Asfour Staff: Community Development Director Curtis and Planner Walgren. City Attorney Riback was not present this evening. Community Development Director Curtis introduced newly hired Assistant Planner Deming. Pledge of Allegiance itlinutes - 9/25/96 COMMISSIONERS MURAKAMI/PATRICK MOVED TO APPROVE THE SEPTEMBER 11, 1996 MINUTES AS WRITTEN. THE MOTION CARRIED 5-0-1 WITH CONIMISSIONER ABSHIRE ABSTAINING AND COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. Oral Communications No comments were offered. Report of Posting_ Agenda Pursuant to Government Code ~49~4.2,the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on October 4, 1996. Technical Corrections to Packet No corrections were noted. CO\SENT CALENDAR 1. LP-96-013 -SPRINT SPECTRL~I L.P./CRA~'~'FORD; 1442 BIG BASI\ `'L'AY; Request for Use Permit approval to construct an eight-foot pole with six antennas on top of the building. Equipment cabinets will be placed in an existing garage on site. An em~ironmental initial study and subsequent Negative Declaration have been prepared for this project pursuant to the terms and requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (cont. to 10/23/96 at the request of staff; Cite rep iew deadline is 3/11/97) . r PLANNING COMMISS~ MINUTES • OCTOBER 9.1996 PAGE - 2 - COMMISSIONERS SIEGFRIED/PATRICK MOVED TO APPROVE CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM 1 BY MINUTE ACTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. PUBLIC HEARING CONSENT CALENDAR 2. SD-96-005 & UP-96-004 - EITZE\; END OF OLD OAK WAY; Request for Tentative Parcel Map approval to subdivide a 31.1 acre hillside parcel into four individual lots of 5.6, 3.1, 2.6 and 2.2 net acres. Approximately 17 acres would be dedicated as open space. Use Permit approval is requested to allo«~ the four lots to be clustered together, thus allowing the open space dedication. Lot 1 is proposed on a City Code identified minor ridgeline and Lots 2 and 3 are along a major ridgeline - more restrictive building height limits are applied to ridgeline lots. The property is located within a Hillside Residential (HR) zoning district (cont. to 11/13/96 at the request of the applicants; City review deadline is 12/17/96) . COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/MURAKAMI MOVED TO APPROVE PUBLIC HEARING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM 2. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. PtiBLIC HEARINGS 3. SD-95-007 - KE\TNEDY, 13121 SARATOGA-SLNNYVALEROAD; Request for Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map approval to subdivide three parcels of land totaling 9.42 acres. The applicants have prepared four alternatives for Planning Commission consideration. T~vo of the alternatives yield eleven lots and provide for the through access of Paramount Drive. The other nvo alternatives yield twelve lots and provide for a cul-de-sac turn-around at both ends of Paramount Drive. The eastern half of the property is zoned R-1-12,00 and the western half is zoned R-1- 40,000. An environmental initial study and subsequent Negative Declaration have been prepared for this project pursuant to the terms and requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (cont. from 9/25/96 for revote on the Tentative itlap application -the Negative Declaration has been unanimously adopted; Cit~~ revie«~ deadline is 1/17/97) . Community Development Director Curtis presented the staff report. He stated that at the Commission's September 25, 1996 meeting, a motion vas made to approve the application subject to Alternative 2 as presented. The vote on the motion resulted on a 3-3 vote. According to the Municipal Code, a tie vote ~;~ould be continued to the next Plannin4 Commission for reconsideration of the same motion. He stated that the action to be taken this evening would be a revote on the application. He noted that the motion made was to approve Resolution No. SD-9~-006, approving alternative 2 as presented. He requested that the Commission clarify if the motion vas to include a condition to stipulate that lot ~ is to be limited to a single story home. PLANNING COMMISS~ MINUTES • OCTOBER 9.1996 PAGE - 3 - COMMISSIONERS SIEGFRIED/PATRICK MOVED TO AMEND ITS SEPTEMBER 25, 1996 MOTION TO STIPULATE THAT LOT FIVE IS TO BE RESTRICTED TO A SINGLE STORY STRUCTURE. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. Commissioner Abshire stated that the subdivision request has previously gone through nvo public hearings and one study session review. At the September 25, 1996 Planning Commission meeting, the Commission was presented with four alternatives for the development of the Kennedy subdivision. He noted that the motion included the approval of Alternative 2 which incorporates a traffic circle at the intersection of Claremont Drive and a new minimum access road that was favored by the Planning staff, Fire District, Public Works Department and three Planning Commissioners. He noted that Alternative 3 allows 121ots with a cul-de-sac at each end of Claremont Drive to be connected with an emergency access that was supported by the applicant, the neighbors and three of the Planning Commissioners. In addition, concerns were presented by the three neighbors ~vho reside on Saratoga Drive. He felt that Alternative 2 has advantages (i.e., conforms with City code regulations and improves area circulation). However, Alternative 3 also improves area circulation to emergency vehicles, bicyclist and pedestrians and would also preserve the characteristics of the surrounding neighborhood. He noted that the applicant proposes a mechanism that would ensure the maintenance of the fire lanes. Both the Fire District and the Public Works Department are satisfied that alternative 3 was a workable solution. He stated that he would support Alternative 3 for the reasons stated above. He indicated that he listened to the tapes, noting that the tapes were not audible when the public vas making its presentation. COiViMISSIONERS PATRICK/KAPLAN MOVED TO APPROVE ALTERNATIVE 2. THE MOTION FAILED 2-4 WITH COMMISSIONERS ABSHIRE, MURAKAMI, PIERCE. SIEGFRIED VOTING NO AND COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. COMMISSIONERS SIEGFRIED/MURAKAMI MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. SD-95-007, DIRECTING STAFF TO RETURN WITH A RESOLUTION OF APPROVAL, INCORPORATE THE COMMISSION'S APPROVAL OF ALTERNATIVE 'THREE, RESTRICTING LOT 5 TO SINGLE STORY. AND TO INCLUDE THE NECESSARY LANGUAGE TO PRESERVE AND MAINTAIN THE FIRE ACCESS. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-2 WITH COMMISSIONERS KAPLAN AND PATRICK VOTING NO AND COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. 4. V-96-017 - ROSEBERRY,13761 DOLPHIN DR.; Request for Variance approval to build a 559 sq. ft. addition to an existing 2.987 sq. ft. single story residence. The Variance is necessary to allow the addition to be located 25 ft. from the front property line when 30 ft. is the minimum requirement. The property is located in an R-1-20,000 zoning district. Planner Walaren presented the staff report. ~, • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 9, 1996 PAGE - 4 - Chairwoman Kaplan opened the public hearing at 7:45 p.m. Ed Roseberry, property owner, requested Commission approval of the request. Commissioner Abshire asked what was to be done with the fence facing Dolphin Drive (vas the fence to be moved back or was it to be moved in front of the garage)? Mr. Roseberry informed the Commission that he has not made a decision re~ardin~ the fence. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:47 P.M. COMMISSIONERS SIEGFRIED/PATRICK MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. V-96-017. MAKING THE VARIANCE FINDINGS AS LISTED IN THE STAFF REPORT. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. 5. UP-96-014 - it~IORICI/PHA~i, 12297 SARATOGA-SLTINYVALIFRD.; Request for Use Permit approval to open and operate a dental office in a newly constructed commercial building. The currently vacant commercial tenant spaces front a planned development project, which include 26 residential townhomes, located within a Commercial-Neighborhood zoning district. Planner Walgren presented the staff report. Chairwoman Kaplan opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. Nicole Pham, applicant, requested Commission approval of the request. She felt that the proposed use would provide a great service to the community and that it would complement the City of Saratoga. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:51 P.M. Commissioner Abshire stated that the applicant proposes professional uses and that he would not be in support of having the entire site being used as professional offices. He stated that he would support more commercial establishments. COMMISSIONERS SIEGFRIED/MURAKAMI MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. UP-96-014 AS RECOMMENDED BY STAFF. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. 6. DR-96-043, V-96-016 & SD-96-009 -ROSE\GARTEN, 14596 BIG BASIN ~'AY; Request for Design Review approval to construct amixed-use four unit residential townhome and t~vo unit commercial/retail development in the Saratoga Village. The existing commercial structure would be removed. Variance approval is requested to • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 9, 1996 PAGE - 5 - deviate from the pedestrian open space and parking requirements. Tentative Subdivision Map approval is necessary to establish the to~vnhomes on their own parcels. The subject property is approximately 13.200 sq. ft. and is located within the Commercial-Historic zoning district. Planner Walgren presented the staff report. He stated that staff feels that the structure maintains a relatively massive front elevation in comparison to what would normally be seen at this end of the Village. He stated that the applicant feels that this is the extent that they could rework this project and still make it feasible. He informed the Commission that the City arborist's recommendation to eliminate a parking space in order to break up some of the existing asphalt that currently encircles a large coast live oak tree on the adjoining parcel has been included as a condition of approval subject to the adjacent property owner's consent. Therefore, staff felt that the special circumstance in this case vas the protection of the large oak tree that warrants reducing the parking requirements from fourteen parking spaces to thirteen parking spaces. He also informed the Commission that the Village Plan requires that 20 % of the parcel be dedicated as available public plaza or public pedestrian open space. He indicated that the applicant is proposing 15 9 of the total side area be devoted to a plaza and planting area which staff feels meets the intent of the Village Plan and the Commercial Zoning Ordinance requirement. Commissioner Murakami noted that staff did not have any objections regarding the design of the structure. He asked if staff felt that there was still room for improvement? Planner Walgren responded that staff discussed with the applicant the possibility of eliminating the fourth to~vnhome above the commercial building to maintain a single story commercial building. He informed the Commission that the applicant did not feel that it would be feasible to pursue the project if this modification vas made. Commissioner Pierce stated that Mr. Benzing. one of the project architects. vas assisting him with a small remodel of his home. He did not believe that he has a conflict of interest as it would not affect his decision on this application. Chairwoman Kaplan noted that staff was recommending a reduction in parking, assuming that the neighbor gives permission to salvage the tree. She asked if the tree could be salvaged? Planner Walgren informed the Commission that it is believed that the neighbors have given their consent as their project was integral to the neighbor's use of their project (i.e., a component of the project is that the three existing driveways be merged). If the variance is approved, the approval should be contingent on the adjacent property owners' agreement. Commissioner Siegfried asked if an extra parking space would be provided on the street due to the elimination of the driveway. Planner Walgren responded that there is a possibility as there appears to be enough land freed up to gain an additional street space. Chairwoman Kaplan opened the public hearing at 7:57 p.m. • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 9, 1996 PAGE - 6 - No comments were offered. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/MURAKAMI MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:58 P.M. Commissioner Siegfried recommended that the item be continued to the next Commission meeting following Commission discussion to allow the applicant the opportunity to address the Commission. Commissioner Abshire recommended that this item be continued to a work session to allow the applicant the opportunity to answer the Commission's questions. Chairwoman Kaplan stated that she could not support the design because she felt that the second story element is too bulky and that she felt that the project could be better designed. She noted that the design across the street was that of a craftsman design. She stated that she was not sure ho~v the driveway configuration was going to work (combination of the three driveways). Planner Walgren clarified that the existing fence is to be removed and that the driveway is to be widened to eighteen feet to serve the subject parcel. the townhomes and the parcel to the south. He stated that there would be less paving as the three driveways will be merged to a single asphalt access. He informed the Commission that the building is to be setback 2~ feet from the sidewalk, providing some relief from the front property line. He identified the location of the parking spaces. Commissioner Siegfried stated that he did not object to the variance request. However, he concurred with Chairwoman Kaplan's comments relating to the design of the building. If the applicant wishes to move forward with these plans. he would want~to see a design that he could support. Commissioner Patrick stated that she could support the variance as she felt that the preservation of the oak tree was more important than providing an extra parking space. However, she did not support the design of the building as she did not believe that the common design elements of the Village were incorporated, noting that the building appears to be massive. She stated that she would support a different design that vas complimentary to the homes located to the front of the parcel and that she would support a single story commercial building. Chairwoman Kaplan asked if the work session would be a productive one should this item be continued to one. She noted that the Commission has identified its design concerns. She recommended that the applicant be directed to return to the Commission with a redesign of the project. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO REOPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SD-96-009. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSEI`TT. ' • • PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 9, 1996 PAGE - 7 - COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING FOR SD-96-009 TO NOVEMBER 13, 1996. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO SCHEDULE THIS ITEM FOR A WORK SESSION FOR OCTOBER 23. 1996. THE MOTION' CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. DIRECTOR'S ITEMS 1. Hillside Preservation Strategy -Final Report Community Development Director Curtis stated that the Commission reviewed the Hillside Preservation Strategy Final Report at a work session conducted earlier this evening and recommended that the Commission forward its recommendation to adopt the plan as presented to the City Council. Chairwoman Kaplan stated that although the Commission could not make a decision at the work session that it was the general consensus of the Commission that this was a fine piece of work. COMMISSIONERS PIERCE/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO FORWARD A RECOMMENDATION TO THE CITY COUNCIL TO ADOPT THE FINAL REPORT. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER ASFOUR ABSENT. Community Development Director Curtis informed the Commission that the November 27 meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, November 26 due to the Thanksgiving holiday and that the land use visit would be held on Monday. November 2~. CO~i~IISSION ITEMS Chairwoman Kaplan asked if one of the Planning Commissioners would be willing to attend the Regional Open Space meeting to be held on October 30, 1996 at 7:00 p.m. in Los Altos. Commissioner Siegfried agreed to attend the meeting. Chairwoman Kaplan stated that she received a phone call requesting assistance with the health hazard associated with the abandoned home and swimming pool located at Juniper and Loveland Court. She requested that staff im~estigate this health hazard. Chairwoman Kaplan recommended that the Commission view the antennae at Quito and Highway 85 as she felt that it was well done and that it proves that antennas can be installed with very minimal impacts. • ~ PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES OCTOBER 9, 1996 PAGE - 8 - CO~ZitiL'NICATIO\S ~i'ritten 1. City Council Minutes dated 9/10 & 9/18/96 2. Public notices for 10/23/96 meeting. Oral City Council ADJOURI\'l~ZENT -There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 8:17 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Wednesday, October 23, 1996. EOC Conference Room. 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA Respectfully Submitted, Irma Torrez Minutes Clerk IT`..PC 100996. SAR