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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-26-2000 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: Wednesday, April 26, 2000 - 7:30 p.m. PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order at 7:35 p.m. by Chairwoman Bernald. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Barry, Jackman, Kurasch, Page, Patrick, and Chairwoman Bernald Absent: Commissioner Roupe Staff Present: Director Walgren PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES - April 12, 2000 COMMISSIONERS PAGE/BARRY MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF APRIL 12, 2000, WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS. PASSED 3-0-3 (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, PATRICK ABSTAINED, COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) Page 1, under ORAL COMMUNICATIONS “...envelope in which notices are sent which she received a notice in and suggested...” Page 3, paragraph 9, “Chairwoman Bernald asked...” Page 3, paragraph 14, “Commissioner Roupe noted...” ORAL COMMUNICATIONS There were none. REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA Director Walgren announced that pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on April 21, 2000. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO PACKET Director Walgren reported that a minor correction was made to public hearing item 4, page 3, where the Loggia was shown as 25 ft., the actual accessory building height was 20 ft. tall, 6 ft above the natural grade. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 2 APRIL 26, 2000 CONSENT CALENDAR 1. DR-00-010 (503-82-003) – PEI / WANG, 18128 Rodeo Creek Hollow; Application for Design Review approval to construct a 3,862 square foot single story residence on a vacant lot. A 1,063 square foot basement is also proposed. Maximum height of the residence is proposed to be 18 feet. The parcel is 13,091 square feet (net) and is located within an R-1-12,500 zoning district. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/PAGE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. PASSED 6-0 (COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. DR-99-036 & V-00-006 (517-14-094) – BELSHAW, 20620 Sigal Drive; Request for Design Review approval for the construction of a new 5,083 square foot, two-story residence. The application includes a request for Variance approval for the construction of retaining walls in excess of three feet in height within the front yard setback. The site is currently vacant, is 1.63 acres in size and is located within an R-1-40,000 zoning district. (CONTINUED FROM 4/12/00) Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting that the application was a request for Design Review approval to construct a 3,862 square foot two-story residence. The property is steep and heavily vegetated. The application complies with the Design Review criteria, is compatible with the natural environment, and does not impose on neighbors’ views or privacy. The Variance is necessary to get access to the legal lot. Staff recommends approval of the Variance subject to conditions in the staff report. Chairwoman Bernald opened the public hearing at 7:50 p.m. Stan Gamble, 1735 Westbrook Avenue, Los Altos, concurred with the staff report and explained that the house sits downhill and does not obstruct any views. Joyce Nola, 15350 Norton Road, explained that the Planning Commission granted an easement around the perimeter of her property in 1993. She was concerned about vegetation that was removed and earth moving and said something needs to be done with the retaining wall to retain the property from slipping. She added that there were no other homes in the neighborhood that compared to the proposed two-story, 5,000 square foot home. Vincent Nola, 15350 Norton Road, said he did not receive notice that work was going to be done on the road. He was concerned about the retaining wall and said he would like a retaining wall to go in the entire area that was graded. He also expressed concern about the height of the house and the appearance of three stories. Director Walgren explained how stories are measured and said houses located on steep hillsides had floors that stepped down the hill. Final improvement plans, including a drainage plan for the driveway, will be developed and can be made available to the neighbors. Beverly Phipps, 15270 Norton Road, said the house gives a disproportionate impression of size. He showed a grading plan of the property and expressed concern that the rear projection of the house gives the appearance of a three-story house to the viewer from the San Jose valley. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 3 APRIL 26, 2000 Commissioner Page asked about the location of Mr. Phipps’ house in relation to the proposed project. Mr. Phipps said he lived close to the property but would not be affected by the house. Mr. Gamble said the house was not visible from Saratoga. He added that there were no complaints from anyone in the immediate neighborhood who might see the house. Commissioner Page said he would like to see the body of the house painted a darker color. Mr. Gamble was agreeable to that suggestion. Director Walgren suggested continuing the stone veneer. Mr. Gamble was also agreeable to that suggestion. Commissioner Barry asked whether Mr. Gamble would be willing to remove the request for the pool at this time. Mr. Gamble said the pool was on the flattest part of the site and asked if he could come back with a separate application for the pool. He preferred that the pool be considered with the house but was agreeable to separating the application. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/PAGE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 8:15 P.M.). PASSED 6-0 (COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) Commissioner Page voiced concern that the front of the house looked too massive. Commissioner Kurasch commented that the design review policy outlined a technique to minimize building height; the intent was that the perception of the building be minimized. Director Walgren said topography and change of materials was part of the design review consideration. On hillside lots, it was common to have the stepping floor plan. Commissioner Barry said the issue was whether the Planning Commission thought the design overwhelmed the hillside. She noted that attempts were made to integrate it into the hillside. Commissioner Jackman did not believe the house was oversized for the acreage, but it may be too big for the slope. Commissioner Patrick said the house was appropriate without the pool but the color should be darker with additional stone. She suggested denying the pool with prejudice. Commissioner Kurasch was not comfortable separating a pool that was integral with the design being considered by the Planning Commission. She said the hillside is steep and vulnerable and recommended eliminating the pool. She was also concerned about the perception of a three-story house. COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN/PATRICK MOVED TO APPROVE DR-00-010 WITH THE RETAINING WALL ON THE NOLA PROPERTY SIDE; DRAINAGE PLAN APPROVED BY CITY ENGINEERS AND NEIGHBORS; GRADING PLAN; STONE VENEER ON THE LOWER LEVEL; DARKER COLOR FOR THE STUCCO; RE-VEGETATION PLAN; AND DENY THE POOL. Commissioner Page said the property had a flat area below the house to the right where the pool could be located. He suggested denying the pool, without prejudice, and allow the owner to come back later with another application. COMMISSIONER JACKMAN MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO DENY THE POOL IN THE CURRENT LOCATION. MOTION FAILED FOR LACK OF A SECOND. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 4 APRIL 26, 2000 Commissioner Barry said the Planning Commission should not as a matter of principle deny someone an appeal. She concurred that the proposed site was not appropriate for the pool. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/KURASCH AMENDED THE MOTION TO DENY THE POOL WITH PREJUDICE. MOTION FAILED 3-3 (COMMISSIONERS BARRY, JACKMAN, AND PAGE VOTED “NO,” COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT.) VOTE ON THE MAIN MOTION PASSED 4-2 (COMMISSIONERS PATRICK AND KURASCH VOTED “NO,” COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT.) COMMISSIONERS PAGE/PATRICK MOVED TO APPROVE V-00-06. PASSED 6-0 (COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT.) 3. V-00-003 (503-23-040) – LOTTI, 20636 Marion Road; Request for Variance approval to construct a 665 square foot addition. The addition would connect a non-conforming detached structure to the main residence, necessitating Variance approval. The property is 11,038 square feet and is located within an R-1-12,500 zoning district. Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting that the request was for Design Review approval for the construction of a new 5,083 square foot, two-story residence and Variance approval for the construction of retaining walls in excess of three feet in height within the front yard setback. Staff recommends approval of the variance, noting that the proposed structure does not obstruct views. A primary benefit would be that an older residence would be preserved. Chairwoman Bernald opened the public hearing at 8:37 p.m. Steve Benzing, Architect, explained that the carport would be closed and connected to the main house. There were no changes to the neighbors’ views. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/PAGE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 8:42 P.M.) PASSED 6-0 (COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/BARRY MOVED TO APPROVE V-00-003. Commissioner Jackman said there was a covered shed at the rear of the property and asked if it could be removed. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/JACKMAN MOVED TO REOPEN THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 8:43 P.M.) PASSED 6-0 (COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) Mr. Benzing said the storage closet would be removed. Commissioner Kurasch asked if the applicant would have any objections to putting the same style of window lights used on the cottage also on the garage doors. Mr. Benzing found that suggestion acceptable. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/PAGE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 8:44 P.M.) PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 5 APRIL 26, 2000 PASSED 6-0 (COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) MOTION TO APPROVE V-00-003 PASSED 6-0 (COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) 4. SM-00-002 & V-00-002 (503-29-126, 503-30-049, 503-30-050, 503-30-056) – HEAD, 14684 Pike Road; Request for Site Modification and Variance approval to construct and replace landscape improvements including walkways, fountains, retaining walls and a loggia. Site Modification approval is required to allow substantial site grading to occur and Variance approval is required to allow some retaining walls to exceed five feet in height. The property is 18.75 acres and is located within a Hillside Residential zoning district. Commissioner Patrick recused herself from participating in this item. Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting that the request was for Site Modification and Variance approval to construct and replace landscape improvements including walkways, fountains, retaining walls and a loggia. The Variance is for a retaining wall to exceed five feet. Staff recommends approval of the application, noting special circumstances including the property’s size, historic significance, and the degree to which the property has been restored. Chairwoman Bernald opened the public hearing at 8:50 p.m. W. Donald Head, 14684 Pike Road, said he viewed the property as a work of art and an asset to Saratoga. Marguerite Chapman, 21221 Canyon View Drive, said she contacted her neighbors, and the response to the landscape plan was of universal support. She said the property is a great asset to the community. Director Walgren said the City received a petition signed by 44 residents in support of the application. Willys Peck, 14275 Saratoga Avenue, Heritage Preservation Commission member, supported the project. Tom Lustenader, 14220 Grandview Ranch, supported the project. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/KURASCH MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 8:55 P.M.) Commissioner Jackman said she was overwhelmed by the beauty of the property. COMMISSIONERS BARRY/PAGE MOVED TO APPROVE V-00-002. MOTION PASSED 5-0 (COMMISSIONER PATRICK RECUSED, COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) Commissioner Barry stated for the record that while the project looked like considerable work, what was at issue was repair and restoration. In that sense, while the end result was going to be magnificent, what the Planning Commission was being asked to approve was not that substantial. Commissioner Jackman added that the impervious cover was being reduced. Commissioner Kurash commended and thanked the applicant for restoring such a property in the community. 5. V-99-007 (517-14-048) – SNELL, 15200 Norton Road; Request for Variance approval for the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 6 APRIL 26, 2000 construction of a pool within 7 feet of a side property line where 20 feet is required. The 1.6 acre site is developed with a single family residence and is located within an R-1-40,000 zoning district. Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting the application is a request for Variance approval for the construction of a pool within 7 feet of a side property line where 20 feet is required. Staff recommends approval because there is a location at the back of the property where a pool could go, but that location would require extensive grading and tree removal. There are no neighbors who will be affected by placing the pool in the side yard. Chairwoman Bernald opened the Public Hearing at 9:00 p.m. Jim Hoffman, West Hedding, San Jose, said the first submittal showed the pool in the backyard, but following the arborist report, a new plan was designed. He explained that Mr. Snell requested no damage be done to the oak trees which limited the area for the pool. Chairwoman Bernald pointed out that the neighbor, Mr. Sobrato, requested dense screening and asked if Mr. Hoffman had any plans to screen the pool. Mr. Hoffman said Mr. Sobrato had no objections to the pool but wanted additional screening. He said that was acceptable. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/BARRY MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 9:05 P.M.) Director Walgren suggested the Planning Commission ask the applicant to prepare a screening plan. Commissioner Barry said the placement of the pool will not have an impact on adjacent properties. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/PATRICK MOVED TO APPROVE V-99-007, WITH THE CONDITIONS THAT A SCREENING PLAN BE PREPARED AND THE APPLICANT WORK WITH STAFF ON THE ARBORIST’S RECOMMENDATIONS. MOTION PASSED 6-0 (COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) 6. DR-00-003 (503-26-015) – AMBROSE & HARRISON, 14471 Springer Avenue; Request for Design Review approval for the demolition of an existing 1,200 square foot residence and the construction of a new 2,707 square foot, two-story residence. The site is 7,500 square feet and is located within an R-1-10,000 zoning district. Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting that the application was a request for Design Review approval to demolish an existing 1,200 square foot, single-story residence and construct a new 2,708 square foot, two-story residence. There were no concerns from neighbors about views or privacy. Staff recommends approval subject to the conditions in the staff report. Chairwoman Bernald opened the public hearing at 9:19 p.m. Craig Ambrose, 14471 Springer Avenue, said he was adding a basement to the house that was approved about one year ago. Commissioner Barry asked if the applicant considered having a garage at the rear of the property. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 7 APRIL 26, 2000 Mr. Ambrose said a detached garage was currently located at the rear oft he property, but he noted that the driveway was very narrow and wasted useable land on the lot. Placing the garage in the front was more accessible and required less driveway. Chris Spaulding, 801 Camelia Street, Berkeley, said the second story rises to the rear of the property which was similar to a neighboring house. Less grading will be necessary in front of the garage and there will be more landscaping. COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN/PAGE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 9:30 P.M.) PASSED 6-0 (COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) Commissioner Patrick was originally concerned about the tile roof but noted since it was smaller and darker, it fit in with the design of the house. The design of the house was appropriate for the neighborhood. Commissioner Jackman concurred. Commissioner Page said the design was appropriate for a small, narrow lot. Commissioner Kurasch said the Design Review Handbook recommended minimizing areas of perceived maximum height, but did not specifically mention how the height was measured according to the maximum height. The proposed project was ambitious in that it was maximizing to the square foot what could be done on the property. She liked the overall architecture but felt it would have an impact on the neighboring property. Chairwoman Bernald said the lot is narrower than the one next door, and the idea of the garage in the back of the property creates more hardscape and less availability for land for landscaping. She liked the articulation and design above the proposed garage. Chairwoman Bernald suggested that Commissioner Barry and perhaps the other new Commissioners should view Chris Spaulding’s products so they could see how well proportioned they are. Commissioner Barry said the narrowness of the lot hampers the design. She was concerned that the house would end up bigger than it looked on paper. Chairwoman Bernald suggested that Commissioner Bernald suggested that Commissioner Barry and perhaps the other new Commissioners should view Chris Spaulding’s products so they could see how well proportioned they are. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/PAGE MOVED TO APPROVE DR-00-003. PASSED 5-1 (COMMISSIONER KURASCH VOTED “NO,” COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) 7. DR-00-006 (503-16-053) – JONES, 13251 Pierce Road; Request for Design Review approval for the addition of 355 square feet to the first floor and a second floor of 1,626 square feet to the existing 3,786 square foot, single story residence. Total floor area proposed is 5,767 square feet. The site is 43,560 square feet and is located within an R-1-40,000 zoning district. Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting that the application was for Design Review approval for the addition of 355 square feet to the first floor and a second floor of 1,626 square feet to the existing 3,786 square foot, single-story house. Staff recommends approval of the application subject to the conditions in the staff report. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 8 APRIL 26, 2000 Commissioner Jackman asked about the quoins on the house. Director Walgren said quoining is an ornate detailing as opposed to the wood sided ranch homes along Pierce Road. Staff suggested the applicant change the existing home to match the addition. Chairwoman Bernald opened the public hearing at 9:45 p.m. Barry Jones, 13251 Pierce Road, was present to answer any questions. Commissioner Kurasch asked if the applicant would consider a change in the color of the house for more delineation, such as a lighter color for the trim and quoining and darker color on the body. Mr. Jones said he would be willing to change the color. Commissioner Kurasch suggested Mr. Jones work with staff on the color. COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/PAGE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 9:49 P.M.) Commissioner Kurasch asked why the existing side setback was nonconforming. Director Walgren said the setback was pre-existing and predated the remodel of the house. COMMISSIONER PAGE/JACKMAN MOVED TO APPROVE DR-00-006. PASSED 6-0 (COMMISSIONER ROUPE ABSENT) DIRECTOR ITEMS Director Walgren said he had hoped to have the retreat summary available by this meeting but he received the draft too late to make corrections; it will be available for the May 10, 2000, meeting. He noted that the Commission would vote for Chair and Vice Chair at the May 10 meeting. An adjourned meeting for the circulation element will be held on May 16 at 7:00 p.m. COMMISSION ITEMS Commissioner Kurasch asked about the housing element. Director Walgren said the City sent out Requests for Proposals to obtain a consultant. The State Legislature will extend the deadline to summer 2001 to December 2001. He will be filing a challenge to the numbers with ABAG. Commissioner Page commended staff for staff reports that have been more explanatory. Commissioner Barry asked Commissioner Patrick to define the term “denying with prejudice.” Commissioner Patrick responded that she thought it meant once an appeal period was final, the applicant could not come back to Planning Commission and ask for a pool again. Director Walgren said his understanding of “with prejudice” was that the applicant could not come back and apply for the same thing for a one year period. Without prejudice, the applicant could come back the following week. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 9 APRIL 26, 2000 COMMUNICATIONS WRITTEN – Notices for regular Planning Commission meeting of May 10, 2000 - Noted ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING Chairwoman Bernald adjourned the meeting at 10:00 p.m. to Wednesday, May 10, 2000, Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA MINUTES PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY: Ruth Swanson Minutes Clerk