HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-17-1975 Planning Commission MinutesCITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
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TIME: Monday, March 17, 1975 - 3:30 p.m.
PLACE: Crisp Conference Room, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA. 95070
TYPE: Hearing before Planning Director Relative to Ordinance NS -3, ZC -73
(Two -Story Conversion)
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I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
The meeting was called to order by Mr. Don Burt, Assistant Planner, at 3:31 p.m.
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Marty VanDuyn, Planning Director; Kathy Carman, Recording Secretary;
Donald R. Burt, Assistant Planner
Mr. Burt reviewed the intent and purpose of the Two -Story Ordinance NS -3, ZC -73.
and mentioned that the Notices of Hearings were duly published in the Saratoga
News and sent to surrounding neighbors.
II. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. UP -263 - Mr. and Mrs. James T. Rohner, 12545 Northampton Court - Request for
Two -Story Use Permit to Allow the Conversion of Existing Residence
Mr. Burt opened the Public Hearing at 3:31 p.m. and turned the floor over to
Mr. Warren Heid, the applicant's architect, for a presentation explaining
the proposed plans for the two -story addition.
Mr. Heid explained that the reasons why the applicants. were requesting the
Use Permit for the conversion of their existing home and pointed out that
their main goal was to meet the requirements of the neighborhood as well as
those of the applicant. It was also pointed out that the aesthetic values,
the impact upon the neighborhood as well as the purposes of the Ordinance
were considered while drawing up the plans for the proposed addition.
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Mr. Heid stated that the addition would consist of a master bedroom suite
and a study for Mr. Rohner. The area where this addition would be made is
over the kitchen - dining area. 'There will be an open area beneath the master
bedroom which will be kept open. It was also stated that the proposed plans
for this addition had been brought before the Architectural Committee of
the Pride's Crossing Homeowner's Association and that it had been approved
by that Committee.
Mr. Burt entered into the record all correspondence that had been.received
by the Planning Department in reference to UP -263. Letters of objection
had been received from Mr. and Mrs. Jack D. Stephenson of 19446 Northampton
Drive; Mr. and Mrs. John D. Crumb, 12502 Miller Avenue; and Mr. and Mrs.
Norman Martin of 12524 Miller Avenue. Letters of approval had been received
from Ms. Donna Smith, 12590 Northampton Court; Mr. and Mrs. Carlye Beardsley,
12523 Northampton Court; and a petition containing fourteen (14) signatures.
Mr. Norman Martin, 12524 Miller Avenue, was present as well as Mrs. Jack D.
Stephenson, 19446 Northampton Drive to express their opposition to the
granting of requested two -story conversion Use Permit.
Mr. Martin expressed his opposition to the request because he felt that it
would set a precedence in the neighborhood. The reasons of why he essentially
moved to that area were because it was a single -story neighborhood and the
view afforded because there were no two - stories in the area to block it. He
also pointed out that the proposed addition would have a major impact upon
his particular home as he is located directly to the rear of the applicant's
residence. The two -story conversion would definitely interfere with his view
and also give him a feeling of being cramped.
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Mrs. Stephenson objected to the request because it would be starting a
precedence. She did not want to live in a neighborhood of two -story
homes that would interfere with her view.
Discussion followed regarding the purpose and the intent of the Two -Story
Ordinance as it pertained to this particular case. Mr. VanDuyn stated
that the proposed addition conformed to all specific requirements of the
Zoning Ordinance as far as setbacks were concerned and though the maximum
lot coverage would be in excess of the 20% allowed, it already exceeded
it and that as Planning Director, he has the discretion to set aside any
of the standards stated in the Ordinance if he felt that in doing so, it
would not create any major problems.
Mr. VanDuyn approved the granting of the Use Permit request (UP -263) as
per the Staff Report dated March 17, 1975 and Exhibit "A ", subject to the
following conditions:
1. Balcony depth is to be reduced to four (4) feet easterly from that
as shown on the west elevation. (Exhibit "A ")
2. Location of balcony is to be moved four (4) feet from the position
as shown on the south elevation. (Exhibit "A ")
3. The existing patio area immediately below the proposed master bedroom
is not to be enclosed at any future time, but is to remain open.
The Planning Director stated that a field inspection by himself and the
Assistant Planner had been conducted on March 17, 1975.
Hearing was closed by the Planning Director at 4:30 p.m.
III. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was closed at 4:30 p.m.
MVD /kfc