HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-28-2003 Planning Commission Minutes
MINUTES
SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
DATE: Wednesday, May 28, 2003
PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA
TYPE: Regular Meeting
Chair Hunter called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Barry, Garakani, Hunter, Nagpal, Schallop and Zutshi
Absent: Commissioner Uhl
Staff: Associate Planner John Livingstone and Assistant Planner Lata Vasudevan
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ORAL COMMUNICATION
Mr. Tom Corson, 18337 Swarthmore Drive, Saratoga:
• Told the Commission that he had intended to complain but with the quick and professional
assistance of a member of the Planning staff, Ms. Ann Welsh, his concern was addressed.
• Described his concern with the pending removal of a 75-year-old Redwood tree that stands 100 feet
tall.
• Stated that he had just heard today that this tree was to be cut down and called the City to express
his objection, fairly late in the afternoon, only to learn that a permit had been issued and that the 10-
day appeal period had passed. Unfortunately, the Tree Ordinance does not require notification of
approvals for Tree Removal Permits that might provide neighbors an opportunity to appeal.
• Declared that Planner Ann Welsh was fantastic, calling him back after regular work hours to advise
him that staff, in consultation with the City Attorney, had determined that due process had not been
met in notifying neighbors of the pending tree removal and that staff had hand delivered a
suspension of the Tree Removal Permit to the owner of this tree.
• Expressed his thanks to all involved for their efforts and said that this tree has a reprieve, at least for
the time being.
REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA
Associate Planner John Livingstone announced that, pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda
for this meeting was properly posted on May 22, 2003.
.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 2
REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS
Chair Hunter 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).
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Regular Meeting of May 14, 2003.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Barry, seconded by Commissioner Zutshi, the
Planning Commission minutes of the regular meeting of May 14, 2003, were
adopted with minor corrections to pages 5 and 11. (6-0-1; Commissioner Uhl was
absent)
CONSENT CALENDAR – ITEM NO. 1
APPLICATION #02-248 (517-08-042) – KATZ, 20665 Lomita Avenue: Adoption of Resolution for
Design Review Approval and adoption of two Resolutions of Denial regarding the Variance requests.
(LATA VASUDEVAN)
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Nagpal, seconded by Commissioner Barry, the
Planning Commission approved the Consent Calendar Item adopting the
Resolution for Design Review Approval and adoption of two Resolutions of Denial
regarding the Variance requests for 20665 Lomita Avenue. (5-0-1; Commissioner
Uhl was absent and Chair Hunter abstained)
***
PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM NO. 2
APPLICATION #03-040 (APN 503-53-030) – TRAN, 13622 Saraview Drive: Request for Design
Review approval to construct a new single story home that will have a maximum height of 21 feet. The
total floor area of the new home with an attached garage will be 4,514 square feet. The lot is 20,515
square feet and is located in the R-1-40,000 zoning district. (LATA VASUDEVAN)
Assistant Planner Lata Vasudevan presented the staff report as follows:
• Advised that the applicant is seeking Design Review approval to allow a one-story 4,514 square
foot home with a maximum height of 21 feet.
• Reminded that homes proposed with more than 18 feet in height requires public hearing before the
Planning Commission.
• Described the proposed home as a Mediterranean-style with beige stucco and tile roofing while the
neighborhood is predominately ranch-style homes with a few stucco homes.
• Said that no Ordinance protected trees will be removed and that the Arborist had modified the
design to protect Tree #10, a Coast Redwood.
• Added that the applicant has revised their design to comply with the Arborist’s requirements.
• Stated that staff has a concern with the entry portion of the home, proposed at 20 feet in height and
considered by staff to not be in scale with the neighborhood.
• Said that staff has requested a reduction in this height and at the site visit the applicant was
requested to develop revised elevations with a lowered entry height for tonight’s meeting.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 3
• Said that there have been no written letters of concern.
• Recommended a conditional approval.
Commissioner Zutshi asked how far the tree is from the home with the modified design.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied that there is 15 feet from the clear of the trunk. Added that within 25
feet of the tree, pier and beam construction will be required.
Commissioner Nagpal asked staff if there is anything in the draft resolution regarding staff’s
recommendation to scale back the entry feature.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied no. Added that she wanted to wait to see how the Planning
Commission felt on this issue.
Commissioner Nagpal asked if the applicant had provided the requested revised drawings.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied no.
Commissioner Garakani asked how far the entry pops out from the wall.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied that per Plan Sheet A2.2, it is three to five feet.
Commissioner Barry noted the R-1-40,000 zoning and the fact that this lot is 20,515 square feet. Asked
if this is a substandard lot or if all lots in the immediate area are 20,000 square foot lots.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied that this is not a substandard lot. It meets the width and depth
standards.
Commissioner Barry asked if this is a typical lot.
Planner Lata Vasudevan pointed out that per the provided location map, it appears the lots across from
this one are larger.
Chair Hunter asked for the differences between the roof peaks on the left and right sides.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied 10 feet plus foundation height and 12 feet to the peak of the two small
windows.
Chair Hunter asked for the color and type of stone proposed.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied stacked ledgestone.
Chair Hunter opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2.
Mr. Brian Do, Project Architect:
• Stated that he is here on behalf of his clients, the Trans.
• Pointed out that the entry juts out only three feet from the rest of the main house and that he does
not perceive it has huge at all.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 4
Commissioner Barry asked Mr. Do, given the fact that this is basically a wood siding and ranch style
neighborhood, whether they had considered another architectural style.
Mr. Do replied that he drove through the neighborhood and saw other homes constructed of stucco.
Commissioner Garakani asked if the difference in elevation by 10 inches for the rotunda roof in the
entryway is done purposely.
Mr. Do agreed that it is a bit higher.
Commissioner Zutshi pointed out that is not symmetrical except in height.
Commissioner Garakani asked Mr. Do if he had an opportunity to prepare the revised elevations per
staff’s request depicting the reduced entry feature.
Mr. Do said no. He added he was not happy with the idea of changing this entry design.
Commissioner Garakani pointed out that the Commission had asked to see what it would look like with
the reduced entry feature.
Chair Hunter:
• Stated that this is a very visible house located on a corner and that everyone that goes by will see
this home.
• Described this proposed home as impressive and grand with large entryway and pointed out that the
Commission traditionally tries to make entries lowered.
• Stated that this proposed home would not fit the neighborhood.
• Asked if Mr. Do could draw a plan with an entry feature no higher than 16 feet or even lower.
Commissioner Zutshi asked if Mr. Do had even a rough sketch.
Mr. Do distributed a sketch to the Commission to look over.
Commissioner Garakani asked for the distance between the columns.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied that it appears to be about 18 feet.
Mr. Do replied 15 feet, 4 inches.
Commissioner Barry thanked Mr. Do for his drawings. Asked if the roof pitch could be lowered or if it
were possible to lower the transom or make it smaller.
Commissioner Garakani suggested that one way to reduce the height would be to eliminate the two side
windows by the door so that the entry would be less wide and could be lowered.
Commissioner Nagpal suggested reducing one or both of the sidelight windows.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 5
Commissioner Garakani pointed out that four feet of width could be removed without the two sidelight
windows and then the entry feature could be lowered.
Chair Hunter said that staff could work these details out with the architect and applicant.
Mr. Mortazabi, 20838 Russell Lane, Saratoga:
• Pointed out that this property is at a higher elevation than the rest of the neighborhood.
• Said he has concerns over the proposed height, saying that it would be more than he would like to
see overlooking his property.
• Asked that the design and height be modified.
Commissioner Garakani asked Mr. Mortazabi how much he would suggest lowering this home.
Mr. Mortazabi asked the height of the existing home on this parcel.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied approximately 18 feet.
Chair Hunter said that the proposed house is about three feet taller.
Mr. Mortazabi reiterated that this house would be taller and that he is expressing his concern over that
fact and asking for a reduction in height.
Commissioner Schallop asked Mr. Mortazabi if his concerns are privacy or view impacts.
Mr. Mortazabi said that the view of the hills would be blocked. Said that he had not considered if
windows are facing his home on the north side.
Chair Hunter asked Mr. Mortazabi if he signed the letter stating he had been shown the plans.
Mr. Mortazabi said he did not see the plans.
Commissioner Nagpal asked Mr. Mortazabi if he lives on Russell.
Mr. Mortazabi replied yes, his home is the second house down from the corner.
Commissioner Nagpal asked Mr. Mortazabi if he received the public hearing notice.
Mr. Mortazabi said yes, that is why he is here this evening.
Commissioner Garakani asked Mr. Mortazabi when he received this notice.
Mr. Mortazabi said he saw the notice a couple of days ago and came to the City to look at the plans.
Planner Lata Vasudevan advised that the applicant is required to discuss their plans with the immediate
neighbors and that the 500-foot public hearing notice was mailed three weeks ago.
Mr. Mortazabi asked if the two trees in the corner are at issue.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 6
Chair Hunter replied no.
Planner Lata Vasudevan stated that this is correct. The applicant revised the design to save the two
Redwood trees on the north side of the property.
Mr. Mortazabi asked what he should do now.
Chair Hunter said he should now listen to the rest of the comments and that he has the option to appeal
any decision made, should he so desire.
Mr. Andrew Cresci:
• Stated that he didn’t understand this process and asked if there is a carport depicted on the
elevations.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied yes.
Mr. Andrew Cresci said that he has issues with the entry and with the carport sticking way out. Said
these features may detract from the visual appearance.
Commissioner Schallop asked Mr. Cresci if he objects to carports in general or just the location of this
carport.
Mr. Andrew Cresci replied the location.
Commissioner Nagpal asked Mr. Cresci if he signed the letter saying he had been shown the plans.
Mr. Andrew Cresci said that his neighbor asked him to sign something after quickly showing his plans.
Commissioner Zutshi asked if the carport and garage are at the same setback.
Chair Hunter asked if the carport would be used as a carport to park vehicles.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied that the house will also have a two-car garage.
Mr. Andrew Cresci pointed out that carports are not normal in this area.
Commissioner Barry:
• Asked Mr. Cresci, since he is new to the neighborhood, how he feels about the existing character of
this neighborhood, with its dominant use of stone, brick and wood siding.
• Asked him what initially attracted him to the neighborhood.
• Questioned whether he was just as happy to see this house constructed in stucco.
Mr. Andrew Cresci said that the drawings don’t demonstrate what it will look like. Added that he does
like the area. Said that he really can’t say if this house will fit in.
Commissioner Garakani asked why the carport square footage is not counted in the total square footage.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 7
Planner Lata Vasudevan explained that per Code, only areas that are enclosed with three or more walls
and a solid roof are counted.
Chair Hunter explained to the applicant and architect that there are concerns with the home’s design
due to its vastly different architectural style and incorporation of a large entry feature.
Mr. Tran, Property Owner:
• Stated that he would reduce the entry by two feet.
• Pointed out that there are five trees on the corner that are at least 40 feet high and that he is willing
to plant more if his neighbor would like him to do so.
Commissioner Garakani explained that the issue with this neighbor is his ability to look up at the hills, a
view he feels would be obstructed due to the proposed height of this house.
Mr. Tran said that there was a gap in the trees.
Mr. Do said that existing trees would block windows from the neighbors.
Mr. Tran said that one window is for a bedroom and another is obscured for a bathroom.
Commissioner Garakani suggested changing the roof pitch to four and twelve.
Mr. Tran said that if his neighbor is not concerned he would prefer to plant trees than reduce the height.
Commissioner Garakani asked about the carport.
Mr. Tran said that the carport is inside the setback and would stick out from the garage by about five
feet.
Commissioner Zutshi asked if it were possible to pull back the carport to the same level as the garage.
Mr. Do replied that they did not want too plain an elevation.
Commissioner Schallop asked why there was a carport instead of a three-car garage.
Chair Hunter advised that a garage is counted in the total square footage.
Commissioner Schallop stated that the neighbor is accurate in saying that carports are not common in
this neighborhood.
Planner Lata Vasudevan said that she did not notice any but did not look specifically for them.
Commissioner Schallop said approving a carport would be setting precedent in this neighborhood.
Chair Hunter agreed that the Commission does not generally see carports.
Commissioner Barry agreed that they are not typical.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 8
Commissioner Nagpal stated to the applicants that they have now heard the discussion over use of
stucco versus other materials more common to the neighborhood. Said that she likes the proposed
colors for this home and asked the applicants if any thought has been put to not using stucco or do the
Trans really have their sights set on using stucco.
Mr. Tran said that stucco is more durable.
Chair Hunter closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2.
Commissioner Schallop:
• Said he had no concern regarding the entryway and would defer to the rest of the Commission on
that issue.
• Stated that in his opinion a carport does not fit this type of home or neighborhood and would be
unattractive.
Commissioner Zutshi asked Commissioner Schallop if he has concerns over the proposed roof heights.
Commissioner Schallop replied that he wanted to hear the other Commissioners’ opinions.
Chair Hunter cautioned that per Ordinance, this home could be even higher than is proposed.
Commissioner Barry:
• Said that she has difficulty with this proposed design due to the prominent position this site has in
its neighborhood.
• Said that she initially did not even realize that this parcel is higher than other properties and feels
that this home would change the character of this neighborhood with its prominent Mediterranean
design.
• Stated that this is a very coherent neighborhood right now and this home would represent an
opening to changes in the character of the neighborhood.
• Added that she has a problem having the Commission allowing that without more neighbor input.
• Suggested that if the applicant wants three cars, they should be stored within an enclosed three-car
garage.
• Stated that the entry needs to be redesigned to be less prominent.
Commissioner Garakani:
• Said that it is clear the applicant is wishing to change the look of their home.
• Added that other houses in the neighborhood are also changing.
• Said he shares the concern over the entryway and suggested reducing it to a lower height and width.
• Agreed that not a lot of carports are seen and that he does not see the necessity for a carport.
• Said that with a reduction in roof pitch to four and twelve the height could be reduced by one to one
and a half feet.
• Expressed concern about the straight line of the stone and suggested that the heights of the stone
elements also be varied to avoid the appearance of one straight line.
Commissioner Nagpal:
• Agreed that the entry is out of proportion and supported the idea of redesign with a lowered entry.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 9
• Said she concurs that the carport is not necessary and would prefer a larger garage to accommodate
the third car to including a carport.
• Advised that she is not sure about the height issue and did not recall the fact that this site is
elevated.
• Said she is comfortable with the current home’s height and supported the use of more stone.
• Stated she needs help with the concern over use of stucco over other materials.
Commissioner Zutshi:
• Agreed that the carport does not look good and that she is also not in favor of including one.
• Said she had no problem with the roof height as it is.
• Said that the entryway is not in symmetry and is too huge and that the rotunda and entry compete.
• Added that with the reduction in the entry, this project is okay.
Chair Hunter:
• Agreed with Commissioner Barry’s point that this is not right for this neighborhood.
• Advised that the Commission has lowered entryways to 16 feet or less in the past and the end result
still looked too tall. An entryway at 20 feet in height is what is proposed here.
• Said that the whole design, with its huge entry, rotunda, etc., does not look like this neighborhood.
• Reminded that this corner lot will be very visible to everyone and that the design should be worked
on more.
• Stated that this particular design would look better in a more appropriate neighborhood.
Commissioner Garakani asked what recommendations the Commission should make for the design of
this house.
Chair Hunter replied by lowering the entryway and rotunda.
Commissioner Barry stated that she would like to see a continuance for redesign since there appears to
be enough disagreement between the architect, applicant and the Planning Commission.
Commissioner Schallop reminded that the applicant sounded willing to lower the entry to 18 feet.
Chair Hunter said that she still could not support it at 18 feet.
Commissioner Nagpal said that she liked the idea of a continuance and that the Commission has
provided the applicant with lots of ideas. Additional time would allow the applicant to coordinate with
the neighbors.
Commissioner Barry said that while sometimes the Commission leaves issues to staff to settle, in this
case the application should be brought back to the Commission.
Commissioner Schallop said that the Commission has provided clear guidance that requires lowered
heights and use of more stone.
Chair Hunter suggested a straw vote as it appears the Commission is at a three to three situation right
now.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 10
Commissioner Barry made the motion for continuance and Commissioner Nagpal seconded that
motion.
Associate Planner John Livingstone said that Permit Streamlining requires that a decision must be made
within 60 days unless the applicant requests a continuance.
Commissioner Nagpal recommended reopening the Public Hearing to discuss this with the applicant.
Chair Hunter reopened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2.
Commissioner Barry asked Mr. Tran if he prefers a continuance or a vote this evening.
Chair Hunter:
• Told Mr. Tran that his options include taking a chance with a vote of the Commission and if he is
denied he would have an option to appeal that decision to Council.
• Added that since the Commission would like to see specific changes to support this project, a
continuance is proposed by the Commission, which would have to be agreed to by Mr. Tran as the
applicant.
• Advised that in past situations such as this, when the applicant works with staff, a continuance
works well.
Commissioner Garakani pointed out that this could delay the project by about one month.
Chair Hunter said that this project could come back quickly.
Associate Planner John Livingstone said that if the applicant were to request a continuance, it should be
made to a date uncertain. The item would be renoticed.
Commissioner Barry said that the calendar is quite open and this project would not be in line behind a
lot of projects.
Mr. Tran said that he would choose to request a continuance and asked that it occur as soon as possible.
Chair Hunter reclosed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2.
Commissioner Barry restated her motion to continue to a date uncertain, with a reduction requested in
the overall height of this structure, and Commissioner Nagpal repeated her second to that motion.
Commissioner Schallop suggested that the impacts on scenic views be evaluated.
Commissioner Barry said that she liked the 16-foot threshold as something to aim for.
Planner Lata Vasudevan advised that if it is the consensus to lower the structure below 18 feet, it falls
under the jurisdiction of the Administrative Review Process.
Chair Hunter said that 21 feet is okay.
Commissioner Nagpal said that she did not think the height has to be reduced.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 11
Commissioner Barry restated that if a structure is lower than 18 feet it goes through an Administrative
Hearing and if it is higher than 18 feet, it comes to the Planning Commission.
Chair Hunter asked about the reactions to the carport and the suggestion to remove it from the design.
Commissioner Nagpal said it appears unanimous that the Commission feels that way.
Commissioner Garakani restated the need for the stone feature to have some articulation rather than
running across the elevation in a straight line.
Commissioner Zutshi did not, saying it had to be symmetrical.
Chair Hunter said that she thinks that is okay.
Commissioner Nagpal said that materials should be more consistent with those of the neighborhood
although she likes the proposed colors and use of stone. Added that it will be easier to pass judgement
when it is seen.
Planner Lata Vasudevan asked for clarification regarding the Mediterranean architectural style.
Commissioner Barry replied that she would love to see something other than a Mediterranean design.
The Commission will need to look at the revised design that comes back.
Chair Hunter agreed.
Commissioner Zutshi said that she did not see anything wrong with the design.
Associate Planner John Livingstone outlined the issues raised as being the carport, work with the height
of the front entry, checking view impacts, siding and design. Said that staff would work with the
applicant and come back with a revised design taking those issues into consideration.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Barry, seconded by Commissioner Nagpal, the
Planning Commission continued consideration of Application #03-040 for a new
single-story home on property located at 13622 Saraview Drive to a date uncertain,
by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Barry, Garakani, Hunter, Nagpal, Schallop and Zutshi
NOES: None
ABSENT: Uhl
ABSTAIN: None
Chair Hunter thanked Mr. Tran for agreeing to a continuance saying that in the end it will be good for
this project. Thanked him for his patience.
***
PUBLIC HEARING - ITEM NO. 3
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 12
APPLICATION #03-110 (APN 517-09-020) – ELLENIKIOTIS, 20514 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road:
Request for Conditional Use Permit approval to establish a dental office in a tenant space of an existing
building. The square footage of the new office will be 1,710 square feet and will be located behind an
orthodontics practice that occupies the front portion of the building. The building is located on a
25,699 square foot parcel in the CH-1 zoning district. (LATA VASUDEVAN)
Planner Lata Vasudevan presented the staff report as follows:
• Advised that the applicant seeks approval of a Conditional Use Permit to allow the establishment of
a dental practice within a 1,710 square foot tenant space located directly behind an orthodontics
office.
• Said that this new dental office has no street frontage but rather is accessed through the rear of the
building.
• Informed that usually no Use Permit is required for a dental office without street frontage but as part
of the Use Permit for the main space, a condition was imposed to require Use Permits for any
additional uses of the property.
• Said that the applicant’s proposed hours of operation are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Stated that the site provides 30 regular parking spaces with two handicapped spaces. Per Code, the
parking requirement is one space for every 200 square feet. The 5,659 square foot building results
in a requirement for 28 spaces. Therefore, sufficient spacing exists on site, which was verified
through a staff visit to the site.
• Reminded that the building owner occupies the main portion of this building.
• Said that necessary findings can be made and that this use is compatible and would not be
detrimental.
• Recommended approval and advised that the applicant and property owner are present.
Commissioner Barry asked what the basement is used for.
Planner Lata Vasudevan replied storage.
Chair Hunter opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3.
Commissioner Barry reported that the property owner, Dr. Ellenikiotis is her neighbor but that she has
no conflict with considering this application since it is for a different property apart from his home.
Dr. Ellenikiotis:
• Stated that he came this evening in support of Dr. Alex Nguyen.
• Said that he does not have a lot to say but did express his opinion that this has been a long tedious
procedure and very long ordeal and quite draining.
• Said he has four children, his practice, teaches and lectures.
• Said that while the Planning Commission does a great job, renovating this building has been a hard
process to be put through especially since he is only there two days a week.
• Added that he has been getting lots of compliments on his building and that he is proud of it.
• Declared that Alex and his wife are both great dentists and that their plan for this space is very nice.
• Stated that he is proud to have them as tenants in his building.
Commissioner Nagpal told Dr. Ellenikiotis that his property looks great and thanked him for his efforts.
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 13
Commissioner Zutshi asked how soon Dr. Nguyen and his wife would open their practice in this
building.
Dr. Alex Nguyen replied September.
Commissioner Zutshi asked Dr. Nguyen if they would be there all week long.
Dr. Alex Nguyen replied that they would like to be.
Dr. Ellenikiotis explained that they currently have no patients in Saratoga but rather currently practice
in San Jose. The Nguyens will practice from two locations just as he himself does.
Commissioner Barry stated that parking is not a concern and that this proposal is fine and an easy
decision.
Chair Hunter pointed out that there was no problem with parking here before.
Dr. Ellenikiotis said that he is proud of his building and did not want to be a bad neighbor as far as
letting others park on his property. To ensure that he did not get into trouble with his Use Permit
conditions, he advised that he has been leaving notes on peoples’ cars asking them not to park on the
property.
Commissioner Barry said that he can stop writing those notes.
Chair Hunter said that this building looks wonderful now.
Dr. Ellenikiotis said that he did lots of improvements although he is not there as often as he had hoped
to be.
Chair Hunter closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Barry, seconded by Commissioner Garakani, the
Planning Commission approved a Conditional Use Permit (Application #03-110) to
allow the establishment of a dental office in a tenant space of an existing building
located at 20514 Saratoga-Los Gatos Road, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: Barry, Garakani, Hunter, Nagpal, Schallop and Zutshi
NOES: None
ABSENT: Uhl
ABSTAIN: None
Commissioner Garakani said that this is a good addition and welcomed Dr. Nguyen.
Commissioner Zutshi said that a dentist is needed in the Downtown.
Commissioner Nagpal said that she appreciates everything done.
***
NEW BUSINESS
Saratoga Planning Commission Minutes of May 28, 2003 Page 14
Edencrest Lane (APN 503-12-029) – SNOW: Request for interpretation of Zoning Ordinance, Section
15-30.050(f) regarding grading. (ANN WELSH). REQUEST THAT THIS ITEM BE CONTINUED TO
THE MEETING ON JUNE 11,2003.
Associate Planner John Livingstone advised that staff is recommending that this item be continued to
allow time for additional research before bringing it back to the Commission.
***
DIRECTOR’S ITEMS
There were no Director’s Items.
COMMISSION ITEMS
Chair Hunter advised that she attended a Business Development meeting.
Commissioner Garakani reminded that Austin Way has been dedicated as a Heritage Lane but that none
of the promised improvements has yet been made.
Associate Planner John Livingstone said that the work has been scheduled and signs are being made.
The work was to have begun in May. The Public Works Department has it all organized to repair
potholes and restore the asphalt from the bricks and will see if better drainage can be accomplished.
Commissioner Nagpal asked how some sort of written follow up could be taken on the compliments
made about Ann Welsh and staff by the speaker during Oral Communications. Said that a written letter
would support staff’s efforts.
Commissioner Barry asked staff to follow up.
COMMUNICATIONS
Written
City Council Minutes from Regular Meeting on April 14, 2003.
ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING
Upon motion of Commissioner Garakani, seconded by Commissioner Nagpal, Chair Hunter adjourned
the meeting at 8:40 p.m. to the next Regular Planning Commission meeting of June 11, 2003, at 7:30
p.m.
MINUTES PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY:
Corinne A. Shinn, Minutes Clerk