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HomeMy WebLinkAbout01-08-1997 Planning Commission minutes~J •,ANNING COMMISSION MINUTI~ JANUARY 8, 1997 City Council Chambers, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue Regular Meeting Chairwoman Kaplan called the meeting to order at 7:35 p. m. Roll Call Present: Abshire, Bernald, Kaplan, Patrick, Pierce, Siegfried Late: None Absent: Murakami Staff: Community Development Director Curtis and Planner Walgren. City Attorney Riback was not present. Minutes - 12/ 11 /96 COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/BERNALD MOVED TO APPROVE THE DECEMBER 11, 1996 MINUTES AMENDING PAGE 7, PARAGRAPH 3, TO NOTE THAT TREES 4 AND 5 ARE TO BE SAVED. Chairwoman Kaplan referred to page 7, paragraph 5, of the minutes. She did not believe that the minutes reflected the correct response by the applicant regarding providing a gas burning fire place. It was indicated that the minutes correctly reflected the applicant's response. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER MURAKAMI ABSENT. Oral Communications Report of Posting Agenda Pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on January 3, 1997. Technical Corrections to Packet No corrections were noted. CONSENT CALENDAR PUBLIC HEARING CONSENT CALENDAR 1. V-96-011 - PAK; 21441 TOLLGATE RD; Request for Variance approval to construct a new 704 square foot three-car carport and a new pool pursuant to Chapter 15 of the City Code. Variance approval is requested to allow the carport to be located within the front and exterior side yard setbacks. The subject parcel is 1.2 net acres and is located in a Hillside Residential zoning district. (Continued to 1/22/97 at the request of staff and the applicants to pursue revised plans; City review deadline expires 4/17/97). PLANNING COMMISSI~MINUTES JANUARY 8, 1997 PAGE - 2 - COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO APPROVE PUBLIC HEARING CONSENT CALENDAR ITEM 1 BY MINUTE ACTION. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER MURAKAMI ABSENT. PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. DR-96-058 - BLACKWELL BROTHERS, 13145 PIERCE ROAD. (Lot 6); Request for Design Review approval to construct a new 6,140 sq. ft., one-story single family residence on a 48,000 sq. ft. parcel and a request for an exemption from the floor area reduction requirements for structures exceeding 18 ft. in height per Chapter 15 of the City Code. The property is located in the R-1-40,000 zoning district. Planner Walgren presented the staff report. Chairwoman Kaplan opened the public hearing at 7:40 p.m. Greg Blackwell, applicant, informed the Commission that he would answer any questions which it may have. He displayed a model of the proposed home and addressed the architectural design. He said that the 26-foot tower element is proposed to be 107 square feet. Planner Walgren stated that a letter was received from Andrew Carter and Cathy Dolan, 13191 Pierce Road, requesting Planning Commission denial of the floor area exemption request because the home, as proposed, is over-sized. Renee Jacobs, 13093 Pierce Road, said that it was indicated at time of subdivision approval that the homes were to be moderate sized. She informed the Commission that this was the first notification that she has received for this item and that she did not receive notice of previous public hearings for other lots, noting that her address was listed incorrectly. Chris Waldon, project architect, said that the reason for the exception was due to the tower element. If the height exception is not approved, the tower element would be eliminated. He felt that the tower element adds to the design of the home. Chairwoman Kaplan felt that the home was large and that she would recommend the elimination of the tower element. Brian Glennon, 13091 Pierce Road, spoke on behalf of his parents who reside adjacent to this development. He informed the Commission that this parents did not receive notification of any public hearings. He felt that the home was a lovely home but that it was a large home. He said that this is an old neighborhood and that he did not believe that the design fits in with the standards of the neighborhood. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/PIERCE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 7:50 P.M. PLANNING COMMISSI~MINUTES JANUARY 8, 1997 PAGE - 3 - Commissioner Patrick felt that the home, as designed, is large and that it would spread around the corner lot, impeding the vision of the corner lot. This would create a dangerous situation. Therefore, she could not approve the application. Commissioner Siegfried stated that he resides on Surrey Lane. He agreed that the design of the home is large. He said that he liked the design of the home and that he would approve it if the tower element is eliminated. Commissioner Abshire stated that it is a well designed Spanish California style home. He felt that the tower element was an integral part of the design. He said that he would support the design of the home with the elimination of the tower element as the neighbors are opposed to the size of the home. Commissioner Pierce also felt that the home was well designed but that it was large. If the tower element is eliminated, he could support the application. Chairwoman Kaplan asked what would be the appropriate action to take if the tower element is to be eliminated? Community Development Director Curtis responded that the project could be approved conditioning the removal of the tower :element with staff reviewing the final design. Planner Walgren clarified that should the exemption from the floor area reduction be denied, the tower element is to be eliminated and that no portion of the house is be taller than 18 feet. COMMISSIONERS PIERCE/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO APPROVE RESOLUTION NO. DR-96- 058, DENYING THE EXEMPTION OF FLOOR AREA REDUCTION AND WITH THE STIPULATION THAT THE HOUSE IS TO BE NO HIGHER THAN 18 FEET. THE MOTION CARRIED 4-2 WITH COMMISSIONER PATRICK AND CHAIRWOMAN KAPLAN VOTING NO AND COMMISSIONER MURAKAMI ABSENT. 3. DR-96-056 ~ UP-96-016 - ARGONAUT ASSOCIATES; SARATOGA- SUNNYVALE RD. AT BLAUER DR.; Request for Design Review approval to redevelop and expand the Argonaut Shopping Center by renovating the existing commercial structures and constructing two new free-standing buildings. Use Permit approval is necessary to allow the existing 30,070 sq. ft. Safeway Supermarket to be expanded by 10,720 sq. ft. pursuant to Chapter 15 of the City Code. The property is located in aCommercial-Neighborhood zoning district. An environmental Initial Study and subsequent Negative Declaration have been prepared for this project pursuant to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act. (Continued from 11 /26/96 to consider design alternatives; City review deadline is 4/25/97). Senior Planner Walgren presented the staff report. He said that staff feels that more thought needs to be given to improving left turns out of the center onto Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road. He indicated that staff asked the applicants to investigate whether there was sufficient right-of--way along Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road to allow a left turn out pocket or some other alternative that may PLANNING COMMISSI(~VIINUTES • JANUARY 8, 1997 PAGE - 4 - work (i.e., installing boot detectors on the ingress aprons that would be tied to the Blauer Drive and Pierce Road signals). He said that the architecture of the center still remains an issue because the design does not provide something distinctive enough for the shopping center. Chairwoman Kaplan asked City Engineer Perlin if the applicant was to realign the road, would that help mitigate the flooding situation? City Engineer Perlin stated that the flooding situation may have been solved with the improvements installed last fall. He informed the Commission that the state would be reviewing drainage design improvements for this area. He felt that staff's recommendation for the installation of a left-turn pocket made sense. He agreed that something needs to be done to ease the ability of south bound exiting traffic. Commissioner Abshire asked if any modifications have been proposed to the park area located on the north side of the property line? Planning Walgren responded that the park area remains as proposed at the November 26, 1996 meeting. Chairwoman Kaplan opened the public hearing at 8:05 p.m. Alex DeLeon, project architect, provided the Commission with a three dimensional perspective of the proposed shopping center. He said that he drove around Saratoga to get a feel of its architecture. He felt that there are two architectural styles found in the City of Saratoga: a rural and an upscale estate design. He indicated that he originally drew upon the upscale design. He informed the Commission that the owners are requesting the design of a fresh new look. The design proposes the use of towers, columns, portals, and arches to unify and break up the building. He informed the Commission that there is over a fifteen foot drop from one end of the building to the other. He indicated that the tower element would be the focal element of the center. He informed the Commission that some of the bays between the columns do not have store fronts and that the trellises were introduced in these areas to allow plants to grow and fill in the blank space. He noted that the color scheme was toned down to two neutral tan/earth tone shades. Mr. DeLeor addressed the creek area. He stated that it is proposed to remove the chain link fence and replace it with a six foot high wood fence. He informed the Commission that his clients spoke with their attorney regarding the suggestion of installation of landscaping and outdoor furniture. The attorney has advised that nothing be done to encourage individuals to utilize the creek because of liability. He said that a sound wall is proposed on the east and north side property lines to help provide the townhome owners with privacy and security. He stated that motion detector activators and speed bumps are to be installed to provide the residents with added security and to slow traffic down. Mr. DeLeon said that the trash enclosures would have locked gates. The Existing trees on the north and northeast sides of the property would remain with the exception of those trees that need to be pruned for the installation of a sound wall. The lower Blauer Drive elevation has existing pear trees located on pad A and that they are to be pruned and retained to match those located on the other side of the street. PLANNING COMMISSI(~1VIINUTES • JANUARY 8, 1997 PAGE - 5 - Mr. DeLeon noted that the plans depict the bus stop dug out that was requested by the Transit Authority and also shows the location of the bus shelter. He informed the Commission that the project's traffic engineer was present to address circulation of the shopping center. He addressed the pull out lane and the left turn pattern of the shopping center. He said that the free standing sign was proposed to be proportioned and scaled to the size of the building. He noted that the proposed sign exceeds the forty foot maximum allowed under the Sign Ordinance. The center has 900 linear feet of street frontage and that he did not believe that the 6' x 12' sign would stand out. Commissioner Pierce asked if consideration was given to using other roofing material (i.e., slate or concrete material). Me. DeLeon responded that a single, continuous membrane is proposed for maintenance and to retain color. Richard Hopper, project traffic engineer, informed the Commission that he performed the traffic and parking analysis for the shopping center. He addressed the distribution of traffic in and out of the center, noting that the analysis was conducted over a period of time. Left hand turn volume out of the center of the driveway was approximately l 5 % . The distribution of traffic to the center is approximately 45 % to the north from the Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road, 35 % to the south and 20% on Blauer Drive. The volume traffic to be generated during the afternoon peak hour is projected at 160 vehicles making a right turn and approximately 55 vehicles turning left onto the street. A volume of traffic on the Saratoga-Sunnyvale about 2,100 vehicles. The amount of traffic that turns left out of the driveway is small in comparison to the total traffic to be generated by the center and to the flow of traffic on the street. If the Commission was considering adding some measure of interrupting traffic signals at either side of the center, it would result in stopping traffic for a very small traffic volume. He indicated that there were other alternatives (i.e., using the traffic signal at Blauer to make the turns, control the median area to allow left turns into the center and to the street opposite the center but not allow left turns out of the two side streets). Anyone heading south would be forced to use Blauer Drive as the safest alternative. He indicated that there is a problem with traffic heading south leading into the left turn lane to the Blauer intersection, resulting in traffic leaving the center on the acceleration lane, creating an unsafe situation. Commissioner Siegfried asked Mr. Hopper if he investigated staff's suggestion of the use of a tripping mechanism for the Blauer Drive and Pierce Road signals? Mr. Hopper felt that the signals could be interconnected to create a periodic interruption of traffic flow along the streets. Breaking the traffic flow for a period of time would interrupt traffic coming out of the center. He felt that there were other alternatives to solve the problems. Chairwoman Kaplan stated that she would be concerned with the Criss-crossing of traffic out of the center. She felt that it may be better to eliminate the left turns and divert traffic to the Blauer Drive traffic signal. City Engineer Perlin felt that the elimination of the left turn from the entrance and diverting traffic southbound may be a viable solution. However, the Brandywine residents may be precluded from heading north if this alternative is used. If this is to be considered, he recommended that the residents of Brandywine be notified. PLANNING COMMISSI•MINUTES • JANUARY 8, 1997 PAGE - 6 - Commissioner Pierce asked if a traffic safety problem exists? City Engineer Perlin informed the Commission that there have been a few accidents at this location. He felt that safety could be addressed through redesign. He recommended that the traffic engineer be requested to submit a redesign for staff review. Mr. Hopper stated that he would pursue alternatives. Chairwoman Kaplan asked if there would be enough room to allow egress out of the site should double parking occur. Mr. Hopper stated that double parking occurs in shopping centers and that he would look at the design of roadway. It was noted that the drive aisle was at 30 feet and would allow adequate circulation. Commissioner Patrick asked why the stone work was not going all the way up the columns? Mr. DeLeon stated that the use of stone work was a nice design element. He felt that when a single homogenous material goes all the way up, it makes the column appear bigger. Commissioner Patrick recommended the use of round stones instead of vertical stones to mitigate the flat, monotonous design. She also recommended that the stones go up higher than proposed. She expressed concern with the triangular shape of the pyramid roofing. She recommended that a softer edge be utilized. Chairwoman Kaplan expressed concern with the lack of trees used to break up the expanse of the building. Mr. DeLeon stated that if you place trees in front of the facade, you would be blocking the building signs. Chairwoman Kaplan felt that there were a number of wall elements with no signs connected to them that would not be hindered by tree plantings. She recommended that the entrance of the shopping center be given a better treatment. Commissioner Bernald expressed concern with the concrete soundwall located to the east of the site. She did not know how the trees were going to survive with concrete pillars and post located adjacent to them. Mr. DeLeon stated that concrete precast panels with piers are to be installed every 10 to 12 feet and that some areas would be jogged around the trees. As such, he did not believe that there would be a significant impact to the root system of the trees. Ed Storm, developer, said that a big effort was made to redesign the center to give it a different appearance. It was decided that a design was needed to attract residents. He stated that opening the creek area to the public would not be done unless the City takes full liability (indemnify property owners). Trees are not proposed to be planted in front of the building so that building and retail activity can be seen. He said that he was trying to be responsive to the needs of the community. Consideration was given in the design of the median at Blauer Drive. He requested approval of the design and stated that he would be willing to work with staff regarding turning movement. Richard Noodleman, 20420 Pierce Road, furnished the Commission with correspondence on behalf of the homeowners association. He said that he met with Mr. Storm in December to address the homeowners' association concerns. He has not been able to go over the issues raised in a letter of response from Mr. Storm received yesterday. He said that he was not supportive of a park-like setting or creek-side gathering area because of the existing loitering problem. He PLANNING COMMISSI~MINUTES • JANUARY 8, 1997 PAGE - 7 - felt that the situation would be made worse with a park setting. He felt that the installation of vegetation would discourage individuals from staying there. In his letter dated December 22, 1996 to Mr. Storm, he addressed locking the dumpsters. In the letter from Mr. Storm, it was indicated that the dumpsters were not to be locked. He said that security and safety issues are of concern to the homeowners. He recommended that an on-site security person who could monitor situations and deal with problems immediately be required. He also recommended that a hot-line be provided to enable the homeowners to communicate with management. Dr. Noodleman requested that the window located on the north face of the building be frosted so that privacy is maintained to the townhomes located across the way. He felt that additional dialogue was needed to determine the location of the soundwall, its elevation, and the material to be used. He expressed concern with pedestrian safety and suggested that a pedestrian walkway be installed. He requested that these issues be dealt with prior to project approval because of their impacts to the adjacent residents. Mr. DeLeon stated that a pedestrian line of travel could be installed (i.e., restripping of the asphalt for pedestrians to utilize). He said that there is a grade elevation difference, noting that the individuals closer to the Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road are down the hill from the parking lot. The sound wall is proposed at six feet and that it would mitigate sound. However, it may appear too much of a barrier. Regarding the issue of the window, he said that this was the only window proposed in this area and that it would be a benefit to allow management to look out. He informed the Commission that the material for the sound wall is to be precast with the back side stuccoed. Mr. Storm informed the Commission that the dumpsters will have latches but that they would not he permanently locked. He felt that the soundwall will help mitigate the view of the dumpsters and that the sound wall will prohibit intrusion to the shopping center, affording additional security. He indicated that a full time on-site security guard could not be guaranteed but that the property manager's phone number would be made available to the residents. He stated that he would be willing to work with the residents and staff to address their concerns regarding the height and the details of the soundwall. He informed the Commission that the project was under a time constraint and requested that the Commission act on this application this evening. Commissioner Siegfried asked if Mr. Storm has access to a private security. Mr. Storm responded that he does have access to security within an hour of being contacted. COMMISSIONERS PIERCE/BERNALD MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:20 P.M. Commissioner Abshire felt that the shopping center lacked a prominent feature that would attract shoppers to it. He felt that there was a better alternative to the installation of a six foot fence to the creek. Commissioner Patrick encouraged the opening of the creek area and making it accessible to the public although she understood the liability concerns. She did not believe that blocking the area . PLANNING COMMISSI•MINUTES • JANUARY 8, 1997 PAGE - 8 - off with a fence was the answer. She did not see an architectural feature that would attract her to the shopping center. She appreciated the willingness of the applicant to improve the center. She also understood the time constraints as explained by the applicant. Regarding the architectural design, she felt that the design takes on the appearance of a Cupertino or Hamilton/Bascom Avenue design (a generic design). She supported the installation of the stripped walkway and that left turns onto Saratoga-Sunnyvale Road be blocked. She expressed concern with the installation of a soundwall because individuals would be blocked off from commerce. Commissioner Bernald stated that she did not believe that the design was specific to Saratoga. She said that she did not like the use of 3 to 4 feet stone. She also did not like the color of the turquoise tower roof material. She expressed concern with the median and the use of concrete on Blauer Drive. She also expressed concerned with the liability of the creek and recommended that other options to the fencing with installation of landscaping be considered. She said that she did not like the turquoise towers and recommended that this element be toned down. She stated her appreciation of the changes that have been made through this review process. She stated that she hoped to see more changes as the review process proceeds. Commissioner Pierce recommended that the medians be dressed up. He also recommended that the crosswalks incorporate stamped concrete. He said that he was not crazy with the proposed design of the center but stated that he could approve it if an alternative roofing material is used (i.e., slate roof). Regarding the area next to the creek, he did not believe that it would create a problem if the area was fenced off. He felt that an attractive wooden fence that is offset would satisfy his concern. He shared Dr. Noodleman's concern with the security of the dumpsters. He requested that this issue be resolved. He did not believe that it would be necessary to have a security guard present at all times and that he felt that the clear glass window in the manager's area would be more of a help than a hinderance. He stated that he liked the landscape as proposed and that he did not believe that it would be necessary to install trees next to the buildings He liked the use of trellis and recommended that addition trellis be used to add continuity from the out buildings to the main building. Commissioner Siegfried supported Commissioner Pierce's concerns. He stated that his main concern with the building is the green roof. He felt that an alternative roofing material could be used. He agreed that something needed to be done to Blauer Drive with regards to the median. Also, something needs to be done in terms of the circulation pattern in order to avoid left turns out of the shopping center. He agreed with the developer that making the creek area accessible to the public would add to the existing loitering problem. He did not see a reason to require a full-time security guard. He recommended that a condition be added to require that the neighbors be furnished with a phone number and to ensure that the manager has short term access to a security guard. If problems occur, more stringent requirements could be imposed under the use permit to provide public safety. He agreed to allow the applicant to work with staff and the adjacent residents to work out the height and materials to be used in the median to be located to the north of the project. He stated that he would support the application with the identified changes. PLANNING COMMISSI~MINUTES JANUARY 8, 1997 PAGE - 9 - Chairwoman Kaplan stated that she did not support the two free standing buildings. She said that the monument sign has not been addressed. She noted that the existing sign blocks her view into the parking lot. She said that she did not want to see a big sign approved and that she would need to see some color representation of the proposed sign. She requested that the light standards be reviewed to ensure that the entire area is well lit, particularly the Blauer Drive corners. She felt that it was important to have the dumpster locked by means of a keypad or other alternatives. She did not have a problem with the clear window located to the north of the site. She did not want to see the installation of a soundwall to the north of the site. She did not believe that there were enough trees proposed in the parking lot. She said that she was not impressed with the design of the shopping center as it is a continuous, long building. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO REOPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING AT 9:43 P.M. Community Development Director Curtis recommended that this item be continued to a work session to discuss design alternatives and to review color chips. Mr. Storm said that he would support a continuance as long as it is a short continuance. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/PIERCE MOVED TO APPROVE THE NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR APPLICATION DR-96-056 AND UP-96-016. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER MURAKAMI ABSENT. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/SIEGFRIED MOVED TO CONTINUE THE PUBLIC HEARING TO A WORK SESSION ON JANUARY 22, 1997, 5:00 P.M. THE MOTION CARRIED 6-0 WITH COMMISSIONER MURAKAMI ABSENT. DIRECTOR'S ITEMS Community Development Director Curtis informed the Planning Commission of the following: Upcoming Planning Commissioners' Institute. He requested that he be notified if any Commissioners wish to attend. January 17: Planning Commission retreat to begin at 9:00 a. m. The following four topics are scheduled for discussion: signs, City geologist presentation, work program, and the review of the City's budget with recommendations to be forwarded to the City Council by February 3. COMMISSION ITEMS 1. Bicycle Committee Appointment. Chairwoman Kaplan appointed Commissioner Bernald to the Bicycle Committee. Chairwoman Kaplan asked if the applicant was proposing to install gas burning fireplaces because PLANNING COMMISSI•MINUTES JANUARY 8, 1997 - PAGE - 10 - it was her intent to have at least one gas burning fire place installed for application DR-96-052 - Pinn Brothers Construction; 20855 Saratoga Hills Road. Community Development Director Curtis said that he would write a letter to the applicant informing him of the Commissions requirement relating to the installation of a gas burning fire place. Chairwoman Kaplan recommended that an ordinance be adopted to require the installation of gas burning fireplaces. COMMUNICATIONS rift n 1. City Council Minutes dated 12/3; 12/4; 12/ 10/96 2. Planning Commission notices for 1 /22/97 City Council ADJOURNMENT -There being no further business, the meeting adjourned at 9:55 p.m. to 9:00 a.m., Friday, January 17, 1997, EOC Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA Respectfully Submitted, Irma Torrez Minutes Clerk IT\PC010897.SAR