Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout09-08-2004 Planning Commission Minutes MINUTES SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION DATE: Wednesday, September 8, 2004 PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting Chair Garakani called the meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Garakani, Hunter, Nagpal, Rodgers, Schallop, Uhl and Zutshi Absent: None Staff: Director Tom Sullivan, Associate Planner Christy Oosterhous and Associate Planner John Livingstone PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting of August 25, 2004. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Hunter, seconded by Commissioner Nagpal, the Planning Commission minutes of the regular meeting of August 25, 2004, were adopted as submitted. (7-0) ORAL COMMUNICATION There were no oral communications. REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA Director Tom Sullivan announced that, pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on September 2, 2004. REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS Director Tom Sullivan announced that appeals are possible for any decision made on this Agenda by filing an Appeal Application with the City Clerk within fifteen (15) calendar days of the date of the decision, pursuant to Municipal Code 15.90.050(b). CONSENT CALENDAR There were no Consent Calendar Items. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 2004 Page 2 *** Commissioner Zutshi advised that she has received the hearing notice for this item and must recuse her self. She left the dais to sit in the audience. PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM NO. 1 APPLICATION #04-161 (397-15-018, 397-14-022, 397-13-030) Verizon Wireless, West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Avenue: The applicant requests Use Permit approval to install an emergency generator at the location of an approved wireless facility located on the West Valley College campus. The college campus is located within an R-1-40,000 zoning district. Several wireless carriers are located on this site. The emergency generator will be placed on the ground at the northeast corner of the theater building with other equipment cabinets and equipment approved in the Spring of 2004. Modifications to the original Use Permit approval also include the following: 1) increasing the lease area from 12’ x 25’ to 15’ x 25’ (a total increase in area of 75 square feet) and 2) enclosing the lease area with an 8-foot chain link fence. (CHRISTY OOSTERHOUS) Associate Planner Christy Oosterhous presented the staff report as follows: • Advised that the applicant is seeking approval of a Use Permit to allow for an emergency generator. • Explained that this wireless facility is located at the West Valley College theatre building. • Reported that a noise study was prepared and the noise levels were measured at 5 dba below the most restrictive nighttime levels. • Stated that this generator will be operated for 20 minutes each week as part of the maintenance program. • Said that two modifications requested include an increase in lease area by 75 square feet and the enclosure of the area within a chain link fence. • Recommended approval. Commissioner Rodgers asked staff if consideration of the measurement of carbon monoxide levels in addition to noise standards should be taken. Director Tom Sullivan said that installation standards would be handled through the Building Department. Chair Garakani opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Mr. Tim Richardson, Applicant and Representative for AT&T Wireless: • Stated that they are happy with the conditions imposed. • Said he was available for any questions. Commissioner Nagpal asked if the noise survey performed used similar equipment and conditions as proposed for this specific installation. Mr. Tim Richardson replied that they had hired an outside consultant to conduct this test. Additionally, results will be double checked following installation. Associate Planner Christy Oosterhous added that the consultant utilized the manufacturers sound data. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 2004 Page 3 Commissioner Nagpal asked about on-going monitoring. Director Tom Sullivan replied that it is not required for this particular installation due to its isolation from surrounding uses. If such an installation were proposed in a more sensitive area, on-going monitoring could be required. Chair Garakani closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1. Commissioner Hunter said that she was fine with this application. Commissioner Uhl expressed his agreement. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Nagpal, seconded by Commissioner Uhl, the Planning Commission granted approval of a Use Permit to allow the installation of an emergency generator at the location of an approved wireless facility at West Valley College, 14000 Fruitvale Avenue, with modifications to the original Use Permit approval to increase the approved lease area by 75 square feet and to enclose the lease area with an 8-foot chain link fence, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Garakani, Hunter, Nagpal, Rodgers, Schallop and Uhl NOES: None ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: Zutshi Commissioner Zutshi rejoined the Commission on the dais following the conclusion of Item No. 1. *** PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM NO. 2 APPLICATION #04-168 (517-22-003) – Borelli, 20200 Hill Avenue: Request for Modification of Building Plans and Development Conditions to the previously approved new one-story house. The minor modifications include changes to the floor plan, height and design. The proposed building footprint will remain in approximately the same location. The proposed floor area will remain the same at approximately 7,402 square feet, including a three-car garage. The 3,086 square foot basement will also remain the same. The maximum building height of the residence will not exceed 26 feet. The lot size is approximately 77,003 square feet net and the site is zoned R-1-40,000. (JOHN LIVINGSTONE) Associate Planner John Livingstone presented the staff report as follows: • Advised that the applicant is seeking approval of modifications to approved Building Plans and Development Conditions. • Said that the changes include floor plan, height and design. The footprint and FAR will remain the same. The maximum height would be 26 feet. • Reminded that the original structure approved was a two-story. In February 2004 the applicant obtained his first modification, changing the structure from a two-story to a one-story. • Explained that the foundation has since been installed and the house framed. • Stated that this is the second modification sought for this project. The major difference is an increase in maximum height to the west side of the structure, the area where two bedrooms are located. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 2004 Page 4 • Advised that the site slopes about three feet in this particular area. The height would increase from 22 feet, 6 inches to 25 feet, 8 inches. This will reduce the grading by approximately 200 cubic yards. • Said that elevation changes are proposed, including the removal of the eyebrow dormer and eyebrow entrance features as well as replace two single-car garage doors with one double-car garage door. • Stated that the project still consists of all quality materials and meets all Residential Design Guideline policies. • Reported that there has been no negative correspondence for any of the three proposed designs for this site. • Recommended approval and advised that the applicant is present and available for questions. Commissioner Hunter asked staff how tall the entrance is now. Associate Planner John Livingstone replied 14 feet, 10 inches with four feet above for the uppermost peak for a total height of approximately 18 feet. Commissioner Hunter recounted her belief that the Commission had previously set a maximum desired height of 16 feet for entrance features. Commissioner Rodgers questioned if the excess height is double counted. Associate Planner John Livingstone replied that the double counting occurs for interior spaces above 15 feet. Commissioner Hunter asked what the painted aluminum would be used for. Commissioner Zutshi suggested that this is the window frame material. Associate Planner John Livingstone agreed that he thought this was window trim. Commissioner Uhl asked staff to point out which plan set page includes the front entrance. Director Tom Sullivan replied page A-4-4. Associate Planner John Livingstone added that information is also included on page A-4-3. Commissioner Uhl asked how high the roof was. Associate Planner John Livingstone said that the roof above the entrance is now 20 feet, 2 inches per page A-4-0. Commissioner Hunter asked if the reasoning for that roof height is to create an asymmetrical roofline on the other side. Associate Planner John Livingstone said he would defer this question to the project architect. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 2004 Page 5 Commissioner Rodgers said that during the site visit it was mentioned that all six fireplaces proposed would be gas. However, one is labeled as wood burning on the plans. Associate Planner John Livingstone replied that Code allows one wood-burning fireplace. Chair Garakani opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2. Mr. Vince Borelli, Applicant and Property Owner, 20200 Hill Avenue: • Said that there is one wood-burning fireplace on the plans but that all six would be set up for gas. • Reminded that Code does allow one wood burning although he does not think wood burning is a good idea these days. Commissioner Hunter pointed out that the oak tree touches near one proposed fireplace site. Mr. Vince Borelli: • Agreed and assured that this particular fireplace would definitely be gas. • Pointed out that these days, fireplaces are like pieces of furniture. • Explained that their modified entrance would let in more light as it allows for a large window over the front door thus reducing the need for artificial light. Commissioner Uhl said that the entrance redesign looks better but asked if the 18-foot height is necessary to achieve this design. Mr. Vince Borelli said that the height of the living room is 17 feet, 11 inches and that they need a two to three foot window over the front door. Mr. Toby Long, Project Architect: • Said that the intent of the redesigned entrance is to break up the very horizontal nature of the building and create a vertical entry to demarcate it clearly as an entranceway. • Said that there is a uniform roof treatment and that the chimneys project over the roof. • Assured that this entryway is in proportion with other aspects of the building design and is intended to make a prominent statement. • Explained that they are concerned that a sufficiently massive entrance is required to be easily located as guests approach from the driveway. Commissioner Hunter explained that she had found the original design to be lovely. She said that they applicant keeps coming back with changes that she likes less each time. Pointed out that the Carmel- like design aspect originally touted by Mr. Borelli has since been lost. Chair Garakani expressed concern about the size of the proposed dormer. Mr. Toby Long explained that the two-dimensional drawing of the elevation makes it appear larger than it will be. The dormer will be smaller than it appears. Commissioner Rodgers asked Mr. Toby Long if he could name the current architectural style for this home. Mr. Toby Long replied the Borelli style. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 2004 Page 6 Commissioner Uhl pointed out that it could be somewhat considered a village style. Chair Garakani closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2. Associate Planner John Livingstone said that a previous application mentioned by Commissioner Rodgers was in a different neighborhood, Vista Verde, and had just a 25-foot setback that was nowhere as rural as this property. He advised that the project was continued. Commissioner Nagpal asked if the site consists of an acre. Associate Planner John Livingstone replied yes. It includes an 80-foot front setback, a reasonable oak grove and landscaping. This is a rural lot. Commissioner Zutshi pointed out that this entrance feature is somewhat hidden by the living room. She added that a big house such as this requires an appropriate entrance. Agreed that the flat view of a two- dimensional drawing does not do the architectural design justice. Commissioner Uhl said that this is a beautiful property. Said that there have been no neighbor complaints and that he could support this request. Commissioner Zutshi asked if the tree for which special efforts were required to be saved is still there. Mr. Borelli replied yes. Commissioner Nagpal: • Said that she likes the middle design best. • Agreed that the plans do not do the design justice to the way the building swings around. • Said that while she prefers it the way it was before, she supports what Mr. Borelli wants to do here on his almost two acre lot. Commissioner Rodgers asked if any more structures are proposed for this property. Chair Garakani clarified that his question is whether this change represents the last of the changes for this project. He stated that he preferred the original design and is disturbed by the now 26-foot maximum height. Chair Garakani: • Pointed out that he was bothered by the first modification request for this house as he was on the Commission when the original request was approved. • Said that it is now disturbing to once again have this applicant come back requesting more space and more height. • Said that the change from two single car garage doors to one double car garage door is fine. • Stated that he is not supportive of this request. Commissioner Rodgers: • Stated that she is unhappy with the unbroken stretch of roof. • Said that problems have been expressed with previous projects relative to height of entryways. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 2004 Page 7 • Suggested that this entry feature could be reduced in height a bit. • Advised that she is still uncertain how she will vote on this request. Commissioner Schallop asked if it is the height or design itself that is of concern with entryway features. Commissioner Hunter: • Said that she was excited by the original design. • Added that she does not like big entryways and that 16 feet is her own personal limit in height of entryways. • Said that she does not like an 18-foot high entry. Commissioner Schallop asked if this limitation is part of Code. Commissioner Hunter replied no but advised that the Commission has reduced entryways before. Director Tom Sullivan reminded that that particular house mentioned is located on Versailles and it is still too high an entry. Commissioner Schallop asked if there is any more specific guidance on heights for entryways. Commissioner Hunter said that if other Commissioners like this design, that is fine. Commissioner Nagpal said that consideration of height and the break up of the roofline could be considered. Chair Garakani asked if the applicant is willing to lower the entryway height. Chair Garakani re-opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2. Mr. Vince Borelli: • Said that one reason for raising the height on this side of the house is to accommodate his promise to the Commission to save a tree located on that side of the house. • Explained that it has been found that the house is four feet below this tree’s roots. The tree would not survive. However, with the raising of the house by 37.5 inches, there is no damage to tree roots. • Added that they had considered moving that tree. • Informed that he and his wife had originally wanted a single-story house due to their ages. There will now be five steps to that section of the house where the bedroom area would be. However, there is still a bedroom on the lower portion of the house in the event that one or both of them should ever be incapacitated in any way. • Said that the eyebrow feature over the front entry was a bit confined and the original porch was dark. • Stated that they perhaps may be able to bring down the entrance height to 16 feet. • Reminded that the house is situated way back on the lot and it is hard to see when driving by. • Added that the large tree retained will help make the house appear smaller. • Said that he had made the promise to take care of that tree and has done so. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 2004 Page 8 Commissioner Uhl asked about the expanded basement. Mr. Vince Borelli explained that there was a 10 percent bonus in square footage granted to allow a bedroom, bath and kitchenette unit in the basement that qualifies as an affordable secondary living unit. Commissioner Hunter asked about the painted aluminum. Mr. Vince Borelli clarified that this material is around the windows. Commissioner Hunter reminded Mr. Borelli that his original submittal was so attractively presented. Mr. Toby Long: • Assured that this reflects quality architecture and will be subdued. • Advised that he does not like the McMansion look either. • Pointed out that the entrance does not project much as it is nestled within the rotunda and the drive around will mask it. • Expressed his confidence that this entrance will blend into the architecture of this house. • Reiterated that the drawing does not do justice. • Said that a flat roofline is actually appropriate for the geometry of this particular structure. • Pointed out that the materials provide a lot of texture, including stone veneer and use of outdoor lighting. • Said that the entrance fits and is distinct from the rest of the building and offers an exciting view of the rear yard from the entrance. • Assured that the 18-foot height would diminish quickly due to the scale of the property and structure. Commissioner Hunter asked Mr. Toby Long if he prefers to keep this height. Mr. Toby Long replied yes, he has a bias to keep it and pointed out that 24 inches would not re- characterize the architecture, which is historic and quality architecture and in appropriate scale for the façade. Commissioner Nagpal pointed out that this entrance height was not part of the original design. Mr. Toby Long replied that things change and that the entrance is more of an opportunity to look out to the back of the property to appear more expansive. Commissioner Nagpal asked if 16 feet in height could work. Mr. Toby Long answered that he could make it work if necessary. Chair Garakani sought clarification as to whether 16 or 18 feet are now asked by the applicant. Mr. Toby Long deferred to Mr. Borelli. Commissioner Hunter pointed out that Mr. Borelli might already have the four votes necessary to retain his 18-foot high entrance. Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 2004 Page 9 Mr. Vince Borelli said that it is his intent to get a majority vote even if he has to convince his architect of the 16-foot entrance height. Chair Garakani re-closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2. Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Schallop, seconded by Commissioner Uhl, the Planning Commission approved a Modification of Building Plans and Development Conditions to include changes in floor plan, height and design on property located at 20200 Hill Avenue, by the following roll call vote: AYES: Nagpal, Rodgers, Schallop, Uhl and Zutshi NOES: Garakani and Hunter ABSENT: None ABSTAIN: None *** DIRECTOR’S ITEMS There were no Director’s Items. COMMISSION ITEMS Director Tom Sullivan: • Reminded the Commissioners of the pending Commissioners’ hors d’oeuvres reception and the need to RSVP by September 13th. • Advised that the Commission will have another study session prior to the next regular meeting on a Design Review proposal for a house that has been denied twice since 1991. COMMUNICATIONS City Council Minutes from Regular Meetings on July 21, 2004 and from Special Meetings on August 9, 2004, August 11, 2004, August 16, 2004, and August 18, 2004. ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING Upon motion of Commissioner Hunter, seconded by Commissioner Nagpal, Chair Garakani adjourned the meeting at 7:54 p.m. to the next Regular Planning Commission meeting of September 22, 2004, at 7:00 p.m. MINUTES PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY: Corinne A. Shinn, Minutes Clerk