HomeMy WebLinkAbout11-14-2012 Planning Commission PacketTable of Contents
Agenda 2
October 24, 2012
draft minutes 4
Application ADR12-0024 & GRE12-0001; 15781 Hidden Hill
Road (510-24-015); Peter and Lina Liou / Modern House - The
applicant requests Design Review approval to replace an
existing 5,262 square foot home with a new 5,002 square foot
one-story home and approval of a Grading Exception for 1,637
cubic yards of additional grading. Staff Contact: Christopher
Riordan (408)868-1235
Staff Report 6
Attachment 1 - Resolution 14
Attachment 2 - Applicant's Project Description 19
Attachment 3 - Arborist Report 21
Attachment 4 - Geotechnical Conditions 32
Attachment 5 - Public Hearing Notice 33
Attachment 6 - Neighbor Notification Forms 35
Attachment 7 - Development Plans 39
Application PDR09-0006 & VAR08-0003; 14660 Quito Road
(407-14-004); Dang / Rockwood Design - The applicant
requests approval to replace an existing 926 sq. ft. one-story
main residence with a 2,697 sq. ft. two-story residence. The
design review application is due to the request to convert a
single-story structure into a multi-story structure. The variance
application is due to the request to allow construction within the
front and rear setbacks. Staff Contact: Michael Fossati (408)
868-1212.
Staff Report - 14660 Quito Road 64
Att. 1 - Resolution - 14660 Quito 72
Att. 2 - Arborist Report - 14660 Quito Rd.77
Att. 3 - Schaff & Wheeler Letter 85
Att. 4 - Neighbor Notification 88
Att. 5 - Public Hearing Notice 95
Att. 6 - Plan Set - 14460 Quito Rd 98
1
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M. – CIVIC THEATER/COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 13777
FRUITVALE AVENUE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Action Minutes from the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of October 24, 2012
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSION & PUBLIC
Oral Communications on Non-Agendized Items
Any member of the Public will be allowed to address the Planning Commission for up to three (3) minutes on matters
not on this agenda. The law generally prohibits the Planning Commission from discussing or taking action on such
items. However, the Planning Commission may instruct staff accordingly regarding Oral Communications under
Planning Commission direction to Staff.
REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS
If you wish to appeal any decision on this Agenda, you may file 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).
PUBLIC HEARING
All interested persons may appear and be heard at the above time and place. Applicants and their representatives
have a total of ten minutes maximum for opening statements. Members of the Public may comment on any item for
up to three minutes. Applicants and their representatives have a total of five minutes maximum for closing
statements.
1. Application ADR12-0024 & GRE12-0001; 15781 Hidden Hill Road (510-24-015); Peter and Lina Liou /
Modern House - The applicant requests Design Review approval to replace an existing 5,262 square foot
home with a new 5,002 square foot one-story home and approval of a Grading Exception for 1,637 cubic
yards of additional grading. Staff Contact: Christopher Riordan (408)868-1235
Recommended action:
Adopt Resolution No. 12-047 approving the project subject to conditions of approval.
2. Application PDR09-0006 & VAR08-0003; 14660 Quito Road (407-14-004); Dang / Rockwood Design -
The applicant requests approval to replace an existing 926 sq. ft. one-story main residence with a 2,697 sq.
ft. two-story residence. The design review application is due to the request to convert a single-story
structure into a multi-story structure. The variance application is due to the request to allow construction
within the front and rear setbacks. Staff Contact: Michael Fossati (408) 868-1212.
Recommended action:
Adopt Resolution No. 12-046 approving the project subject to conditions of approval.
2
NEW BUSINESS
DIRECTOR/COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
ADJOURNMENT
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Planning
Commission by City Staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the Community
Development at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070. Note that copies of materials distributed to the
Planning Commission concurrently with the posting of the agenda are also available on the City website at
www.saratoga.ca.us. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of agenda are available for public review
at the Community Development Department at the time they are distributed to the Planning Commission.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this
meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (408) 868-1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us. Notification 48 hours prior to
the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR
35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Abby Ayende, Office Specialist III for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of
the Planning Commission was posted and available for public review on November 8, 2012 at the City of Saratoga,
13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070 and on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
You can also sign up to receive email notifications when Commission agendas and minutes have been added
to the City at website http://www.saratoga.ca.us/contact/email_subscriptions.asp.
NOTE: To view previous Planning Commission meetings anytime, go the City Video Archives at
www.saratoga.ca.us
3
AGENDA
REGULAR MEETING
SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
Wednesday, October 24, 2012
REGULAR MEETING – 7:00 P.M. – CIVIC THEATER/COUNCIL CHAMBERS AT 13777
FRUITVALE AVENUE
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
ABSENT
Commissioner Almalech
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Action Minutes from the Regular Planning Commission Meeting of September 26, 2012 (Approved, 6:0:1)
COMMUNICATIONS FROM COMMISSION & PUBLIC
Oral Communications on Non-Agendized Items
Any member of the Public will be allowed to address the Planning Commission for up to three (3) minutes on matters
not on this agenda. The law generally prohibits the Planning Commission from discussing or taking action on such
items. However, the Planning Commission may instruct staff accordingly regarding Oral Communications under
Planning Commission direction to Staff.
REPORT OF APPEAL RIGHTS
If you wish to appeal any decision on this Agenda, you may file 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).
PUBLIC HEARING
All interested persons may appear and be heard at the above time and place. Applicants and their representatives
have a total of ten minutes maximum for opening statements. Members of the Public may comment on any item for
up to three minutes. Applicants and their representatives have a total of five minutes maximum for closing
statements.
1. Application FER12-0003; 19870 Mendelsohn Lane (510-01-004); Peter & Rita Redford - The applicant is
requesting a fence exception to construct an approximately 10’ tall, concrete wall with 10’ tall concrete
pilasters along the front and side property lines. Staff Contact: Christopher Riordan (408)868-1235
Recommended action:
Adopted Resolution No.12-044 approving the project subject to conditions of approval which include
limiting the wall height to six feet within the front setback and eight feet along the eastern side property
line for a length of 35 feet. (Approved, 6:0:1(Almalech))
2. Application SUB 12-0002; 20400 Hill Avenue (517-18-048) MTNRMT, LLC / Gregory Howell - The
applicant proposes to subdivide a 6.27 acre lot located at 20400 Hill Avenue into five parcels ranging in
size from 1.08 acres to 1.38 acres. The project has been the subject of a Negative Declaration under the
California Environmental Quality Act which became available for review by the public beginning October
1, 2012. Staff Contact: Cynthia McCormick (408) 868-1230.
4
Recommended action:
Adopted Resolution No. 12-045 adopting the Negative Declaration and approving the Tentative Map
subject to the conditions of approval. (Approved, 6:0:1(Almalech))
15c. Identify potential traffic impacts related to the subdivision and make any improvements to the
intersection of Hill Avenue and Montalvo Heights Drive deemed necessary by the City Traffic Engineer.
3. Application PDR09-0006 / VAR08-0006; 14660 Quito Road (407-14-004); Dang / Rockwood Design -
The applicant requests approval to replace an existing 926 sq. ft. one-story main residence with a 2,697 sq.
ft. two-story residence. The design review application is due to the request to convert a single-story
structure into a multi-story structure. The variance application is due to the request to allow construction
within a required setback. Staff Contact: Michael Fossati (408) 868-1212
Recommended action:
Continued to November 14, 2012. (Approved, 6:0:1(Almalech))
NEW BUSINESS
DIRECTOR/COMMISSION COMMUNICATION
ADJOURNMENT
In accordance with the Ralph M. Brown Act, copies of the staff reports and other materials provided to the Planning
Commission by City Staff in connection with this agenda are available at the office of the Community
Development at 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA 95070. Note that copies of materials distributed to the
Planning Commission concurrently with the posting of the agenda are also available on the City website at
www.saratoga.ca.us. Any materials distributed by staff after the posting of agenda are available for public review
at the Community Development Department at the time they are distributed to the Planning Commission.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you need special assistance to participate in this
meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (408) 868-1269 or ctclerk@saratoga.ca.us. Notification 48 hours prior to
the meeting will enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting (28 CFR
35.102-35.104 ADA Title II).
CERTIFICATE OF POSTING OF AGENDA
I, Abby Ayende, Office Specialist III for the City of Saratoga, declare that the foregoing agenda for the meeting of
the Planning Commission was posted and available for public review on October 18, 2012 at the City of Saratoga,
13777 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070 and on the City’s website at www.saratoga.ca.us.
You can also sign up to receive email notifications when Commission agendas and minutes have been added
to the City at website http://www.saratoga.ca.us/contact/email_subscriptions.asp.
NOTE: To view previous Planning Commission meetings anytime, go the City Video Archives at
www.saratoga.ca.us
5
REPORT TO
THE PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Date: November 14, 2012
Application: ADR12-0024, GRE12-0001
Location / APN: 15781 Hidden Hill Road / 510-24-015
Owner/Applicant: Peter and Lina Liou / Modern House
Staff Planner: Christopher Riordan
15781 Hidden Hill Road
6
15781 Hidden Hill Road
Summary
PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The applicant requests Design Review approval to replace an existing
5,262 square foot home with a new 5,002 square foot one-story home and approval of a Grading
Exception for 1,637 cubic yards of additional grading.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 12-047 approving the project subject to
conditions of approval.
Design Review Approval by the Planning Commission is required pursuant to City Code Section
15-45.060.
Grading Exception approval by the Planning Commission is required pursuant to City Code Section
15-13.050(f).
PROJECT DATA:
Net Site Area: 39,487 SF
Average Slope: 7.7%
General Plan Designation: RHC (Residential Hillside Conservation)
Zoning: HR
Proposed Allowed/Required
Proposed Site Coverage
Residential Footprint
Driveway
Decks/Walkways
Accessory Structures (pond)
Total Proposed Site Coverage
4,965 sq. ft.
1,065 sq. ft.
3,576 sq. ft.
185 sq. ft.
9,791 sq. ft. (24.8%)
Maximum Coverage allowed
is 9,872 SF (25%) or 15,000
square feet, whichever is less.
Floor Area
First Floor
Basement/Garage
Total
4,988.5 sq. ft.
14 sq. ft.
5,002.5 sq. ft.
Maximum Floor Area
allowed is 6,000 sq. ft.
Grading
Driveway
Site
Shrinkage
Cut
832 CY
193 CY
0 CY
1,025CY
Fill
0 CY
1402 CY
210 CY
1,612 CY
Total
832 CY
1,595 CY
210 CY
2,637 CY
1,000 CY
(Grading Exception Requested
for an Additional 1,637 CY)
Height (Residence)
Lowest Elevation Point:
Highest Elevation Point:
Average Elevation Point:
Proposed Topmost Point:
569
572
570.5
581.5 (11.00 Ft.)
Maximum Building
Height is 26 Feet
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15781 Hidden Hill Road
Setbacks
Front:
Left Side:
Right Side:
Rear:
1st Story
30’
20’
50’
50’
2nd Story
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
1st Story
30’
20’
20’
50’
2nd Story
n/a
n/a
n/a
n/a
PROJECT DESCRIPTION AND SITE CHARACTERISTICS
Site Description: The project is located at 15781 Hidden Hill Road at the intersection of Hidden
Hill Place. Existing on the site is a 5,262 square foot one story single-family home. An asphalt
tennis court, pool and spa are located in the rear yard. A row of mature pine trees are located
along the eastern and rear property line, a row of cedar trees are located along the western
property line, and two large oak trees are located in the lots northwest corner. Single story
homes are located on both adjacent properties. The average slope of the lot is 7.7 percent with a
13 foot reduction in elevation from the southwestern corner of the lot to its northwestern corner.
Photographs of the existing site are included on page A0.9 of the development plans.
Project Description and Architectural Style: The project would include the removal of the
existing house and all hardscape including the tennis court, pool and driveway. Trees to be
removed are discussed later in this report.
The new 5,002 square foot, 11 feet tall residence with a 2,241 square foot basement/garage
would have a modern contemporary design and would be located on the site in approximately the
same location as the existing house. Architectural features would include a recessed entry
courtyard and exterior rooms that include a family room, dining room, and view deck. Exterior
building materials would include horizontal cedar siding, zinc metal panels, smooth finished
stucco, both clear and tinted glass wall panels, and aluminum windows and doors.
To maintain consistency with the height and massing of adjacent homes the proposed residence
was designed as a single-story with a maximum height of approximately 11 feet and will include
horizontally proportioned one story massing to blend with the streetscape. Neighborhood
compatibility was also maintained by not including a second story element in the design of the
project, limiting the projects floor area to 83% allowed per city code, and locating 2,241 square
feet of living/garage space in a below grade basement. Vehicular access from the street to the
garage would be provided by a 12.5% down sloped cobblestone driveway.
The proposed landscape plan illustrates that the project would predominantly include evergreen
drought tolerant landscaping. This includes native “mow free” sod on opposite sides of the
driveway and in the rear yard, a driveway entry court of “grasspave”, which is a permeable
material, and a variety of flowing shrubs along the northwestern portion of the site. Ginko trees
would be planted in the southwest and southeast corners of the site and Carpinus trees would be
planted behind the driveway courtyard. Grasses w grow to a height of 48 inches would be
planted on opposite sides of the driveway entrance so as to soften the view of the sloped
driveway from the street. No accessory structures, swimming pools, or spas are proposed. The
project meets all City Code requirements including floor area, height, setbacks, and lot coverage.
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15781 Hidden Hill Road
Materials and Colors:
Detail Colors and Materials
Exterior
1 x 3 Channel Groove White Cedar Wood Siding
Zinc Wall Panels
Grey Colored Smooth Stucco w/sand finish
Windows Tinted Glass w/ Black Colored Aluminum Trim
Garage Door Acid Etched Glass w/ Black Colored Aluminum
Trim
Entry Door Pre Finished Steel
Flat Roof EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer) rubber
Geotechnical Clearance: Geoforensics, Inc. prepared a Geotechnical Investigation report for the
proposed project, dated May 9, 2012. On July 12, 2012, the project received geotechnical clearance
to proceed with conditions from Cotton Shires and Associates (the City’s Geotechnical Consultant)
and the Saratoga Public Works Department. A copy of the geotechnical clearance is included as
Attachment 4.
Grading: The Grading and Drainage plan prepared by Westfall Engineers indicates that the total
quantity of grading (cut and fill) for the site would be 3,261 CY which includes excavation for the
basement. Excavation for the basement would be 624 cubic yards and per City Code this amount is
not included in a projects overall grading quantity. Exempting the basement excavation would
reduce the project overall grading to 2,637 CY.
Per City Code Section 15-13.050(f) the combined cut and fill of grading in the Hillside Residential
zoning district is limited to 1,000 CY. Provided that the City Code allows 1,000 CY of grading the
project would include 1,637 CY of additional grading.
Not including the basement, project related excavation of 1,025 CY would include 832 CY of cut
for the construction of the sloped driveway and the vehicle court located adjacent to the garage. An
additional 193 cubic yards of cut would be used to contour the site for the primary purpose of
directing site drainage.
A goal of the projects civil engineer was to limit the amount of soil export by keeping the majority
of it on site to be used as fill. A fill depth of approximately three feet would be used in the rear yard
for the construction of the “meadow”. This is the area that is presently used as a tennis court. Fill
would also be used to construct areas of the building pad as well as on other portions of the site
where it would be used to control site drainage. Another 210 cubic yards of fill would be used to
accommodate the shrinkage associated with soil compaction and moisture loss. Utilizing the cut
material as fill reduced the soil export from 1,649 cubic yards to 37 cubic yards thereby lowering
the total number of dump trucks needed to haul the soil off site from 165 trucks to approximately
three.
Trees: The City Arborist inventoried 34 protected trees on the project site and made the findings
to approve the removal of 29 of these trees. These include 26 Monterey pines located along the
northeast and rear property line, one valley oak, and two flowering plums. Non-protected trees to
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15781 Hidden Hill Road
be removed include the line of cedar trees along the northwest property line and a number of
miscellaneous fruit trees located to the right of the existing house. Details of the arborist findings
and descriptions of the trees to be removed are included in the Arborist report which is included
as Attachment 3.
Green Points: The Greenpoints checklist shows a total value of 95 points (see page AO.1 of the
plans). Some of the proposed green features would include:
• Engineered Lumber for beams, headers, floor joints and trusses;
• Replacing Portland cement in concrete with at least 20% fly ash;
• Plumbing for future solar water heating;
• Wiring for a future roof mounted photovoltaic system;
• High Efficiency Plumbing Fixtures;
• Whole house fans;
• Low-Volatile Organic Compounds interior paints, coatings, caulks, adhesives, and sealants.
Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) are emitted as gases from certain solids or liquids;
• Energy star appliances.
Other “green features” would include installation of efficient ductwork, high-efficiency drip
landscape irrigation systems, minimal use of turf for landscaping, and the use of high-efficiency
lighting.
Neighbor Notification and Correspondence: The applicant sent Neighbor Notification Forms
for the project to all adjacent neighbors. Four neighbors signed the forms and forwarded them
back to the applicant with no negative project related comments. A Public Notice was also sent
to property owners within 500 feet of the site. No concerns have been brought to the City’s
attention as of the writing of this staff report.
FINDINGS
Design Review Findings:
The findings required for issuance of a Design Review approval pursuant to City Code Article 15-
45 are set forth below and the Applicant has met the burden of proof to support making all of those
required findings:
(a) The project avoids unreasonable interference with views and privacy. The project meets this
finding in that the proposed single-story building is 11 feet tall without any second story
elements or windows to interfere with views and privacy. The existing and proposed fences and
landscaping and the absence of second story windows would preserve the existing privacy for
adjacent neighbors. The height of the proposed residence is shorter than the existing house
therefore it would not interfere with the views of neighboring property owners.
(b) The project preserves the natural landscape. The project meets this finding in that the existing
site does not have significant natural landscape to preserve. The site is substantially covered
with hardscape such as a pool, patio, and a tennis court and the health of the majority of trees on
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15781 Hidden Hill Road
site are in decline. The proposed project includes a landscape plan which illustrates that the
majority of the site (75%) outside the building footprint will be landscaped.
(c) The project preserves protected, native and heritage trees. The project meets this finding in that
no heritage trees are proposed for removal. The City Arborist inventoried 34 protected trees on
the project site and made the findings to approve the removal of 29 trees. The trees to be
removed include 26 Monterey pines, one valley oak, and two flowering plums. The Arborist
made the determination that the trees to be removed are either in declining health, are located
to close to adjacent trees, or would most likely not survive the impact of project construction.
Two oak trees and one coast redwood can be adequately protected and are to be preserved.
(d) The project minimizes the perception of excessive bulk. The project meets this finding in that
the home would be designed as an 11 feet tall single-story home with horizontal building forms,
roof lines and building materials which help distinguish the proportions and contemporary style
of the home. The design includes consistent roof forms with sufficient architectural articulation
to reduce the impression of bulk. The garage would be located in the basement and would not
be visible from the street. The neutral color pallet and natural material would aid in blending the
home with the proposed landscaping.
(e) The project is of compatible bulk and height. The project meets this finding in that the
proposed residence would be approximately 11 feet in height and this height would be
compatible with the taller one and two-story homes within the immediate neighborhood.
Neighboring homes are predominantly ranch style homes with wide façades. The horizontal
lines and subtractive massing of the proposed home would be compatible in bulk with
neighboring homes.
(f) The project uses current grading and erosion control methods. The project meets this finding
in that it is conditioned to meet required grading and erosion control standards.
(g) The project follows appropriate design policies and techniques. Policy 1: Minimize Perception
of Bulk – the use of material and colors to reduce bulk, minimizing building height and
designing structure to fit with existing neighborhood. Policy 2: Integrate Structures with
Environment – the use of natural materials and colors, using landscaping to blend with the
environment and blending roof and parking surfaces with the environment. Policy 3: Avoid
Interference with Privacy - controlling views to adjacent properties, locating buildings to
minimize privacy impact, and using landscaping to enhance privacy. Policy 4: Preserve Views
and Access to Views – locating structure to minimize view blockage and locating structure to
reduce height impact. Policy 5: Design for Energy Efficiency – designing for maximum benefit
of sun and wind as well as allowing light, air and solar access to adjacent homes, and
incorporating energy-saving measures into the design.
Findings for Grading Over One Thousand Cubic Yards
Zoning Code section 15-13.050(f) states that the combined cut and fill of any grading for a project
in the Hillside Residential zone district shall not exceed one thousand (1,000) cubic yards, including
any excavation for a swimming pool, unless a larger quantity is approved by the Planning
Commission based upon making all of the below listed findings.
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15781 Hidden Hill Road
1. The additional grading is necessary in order to allow reasonable development of the
property or to achieve a reasonable means of access to the building site. The proposed
residence would be located in the approximate location as the existing structure. Site contours
slope from west to east with a 13 foot drop in elevation. This change in elevation causes
existing site drainage to flow off site. Additional grading would be necessary to 1) contour
existing grades so that site drainage does not flow off the site but instead is directed to
landscaped areas and rock dissipaters, and 2) to provide vehicle access to the basement garage.
The basement garage would maximize the use of underground spaces thereby reducing the
projects perceived bulk as viewed from offsite. The design of the garage would be subordinate
to the house and landscaping and the neighborhoods pedestrian and aesthetic qualities would be
preserved and enhanced. The grading would also improve the buildings integration into the
natural topography of the site as recommended in the City’s Residential Design Handbook.
This finding can be made in the affirmative.
2. The natural land forms and vegetation are being preserved and protected. The natural
vegetation on the site consists of both native and non-native trees. All the protected trees to be
removed either are declining in health or would not survive impacts related to construction and
have been approved for removal by the City Arborist. The natural land forms have already been
modified because the project site is within a residential subdivision and was previously graded
for construction of the existing residence. The site has a negative slope in the southeastern
corner with a grade change of approximately seven feet. The grading for the driveway would
contour the grades in this area but the orientation of the slope would remain the same. This
finding can be made in the affirmative.
3. The increased grading is necessary to promote the compatibility of the construction with
the natural terrain. The increased grading quantity would improve the integration of the
structure and the driveway/court into the existing natural terrain and would redirect site drainage
back on to the site. The proposed residence is a one story residence with a below grade garage
which was designed for the purpose of reducing the projects mass and bulk while not
comprising the aesthetic design of the contemporary architecture. The majority of the grading
would be used for the construction of the driveway. The landforms elsewhere on the site would
not be substantially modified with the exception of areas where the existing grades would be
modified to control offsite drainage by directing water to landscaped areas and rock dissipaters.
This finding can be made in the affirmative.
4. The increased grading is necessary to integrate an architectural design into the natural
topography. The increased grading would integrate the proposed architectural design into the
existing topography through the merger of the architectural design with the natural surroundings
by the use of horizontal building forms and proportions. The basement garage would be
subordinate to the house, landscaping, and main entry so as to enhance and preserve the
neighborhoods pedestrian and aesthetic qualities. The landscaping includes both native and
non-native trees, bushes, and groundcovers. This finding can be made in the affirmative.
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15781 Hidden Hill Road
Page 8 of 8
5. The increased grading is necessary to reduce the prominence of the construction as viewed
from surrounding views or from distant community views. The increased grading
associated with the construction of the driveway for the basement garage would reduce the
prominence of construction by reducing the projects mass and bulk by shortening the length of
the building’s façade. This finding can be made in the affirmative.
6. No building site shall be graded so as to create a flat visible pad surrounding the main
residential structure. The proposed residence would be located in approximately the same
location as the existing pad which was previously graded when the existing house was originally
constructed. The proposed project would not be substantially increasing the amount of flat area
surrounding the structure. This finding can be made in the affirmative.
Environmental Determination: The project is categorically exempt from the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to 14 C.C.R. Section 15303, Class 3 “New
Construction or Conversion of Small Structures”, of the Public Resources Code (CEQA). This
exemption allows for the construction of up to three single-family residences and no exception to
that exemption applies.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Adopt Resolution No. 12-039 approving the project, subject to
conditions of approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution of Approval for Design Review and a Grading Exception.
2. Applicants written project description.
3. Arborist Report
4. Geotechnical Conditions
5. Public Hearing Notice, Mailing Addresses for Project Notification
6. Neighbor Notification Forms
7. Development Plans (Exhibit "A")
13
RESOLUTION NO: 12-047
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
APPROVING A NEW ONE STORY, SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE AND A GRADING
EXCEPTION TO EXCEED 1,000 CUBIC YARDS OF GRADING,
LOCATED AT 15781 HIDDEN HILLS ROAD
WHEREAS, on June 14, 2012, an application was submitted by Peter Liou requesting
Design Review and Grading Exception approval to construct a new one story contemporary
designed home located at 15781 Hidden Hills Road. The project has a total floor area of 5,002
square feet. The height of the proposed residence is approximately 11 feet. The site is located
within the Hillside Residential Zoning District (APN 510-024-015).
WHEREAS, the Community Development Department completed an environmental
assessment for the project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
and recommends that the Planning Commission determine this project exempt.
WHEREAS, on November 14, 2012, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public
hearing on the subject application, and considered evidence presented by City Staff, the applicant,
and other interested parties.
NOW THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga hereby finds,
determines and resolves as follows:
Section 1: The recitals set forth above are true and correct and incorporated herein by
reference.
Section 2: The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to 14 C.C.R. Section 15303, Class 3 “New Construction or
Conversion of Small Structures”, of the Public Resources Code (CEQA). This exemption allows
for the construction of up to three single-family residences and no exception to that exemption
applies.
Section 3: The project is consistent with the following Saratoga General Plan Policies:
Land Use Goal 13 which provides that the City shall use the Design Review process to assure that
the new construction and major additions thereto are compatible with the site and the adjacent
surroundings; Safety Element Site and Drainage Policy 3 which provides that the City shall require
that landscaping and site drainage plans be submitted and approved during Design Review for a
residence prior to issuance of permits; Land Use Element Goal 10 which minimizes the impact of
development proposals in hillside areas by requiring visual analyses and imposition of conditions to
prevent or reduce significant visual impacts; and Conservation Element Policy 6.0 which provides
that the City shall protect the existing rural atmosphere of Saratoga by carefully considering the
visual impact of new development.
Section 4: The project is consistent with the Saratoga City Code in that the design and
improvements are consistent with the design review findings in that the project avoids unreasonable
interference with views and privacy; preserves the natural landscape; native and heritage trees;
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Resolution No. 12-047
minimizes the perception of excessive bulk and is of compatible bulk and height; uses current
grading and erosion methods; and follows appropriate design polices and techniques.
Section 5: The project is consistent with the Saratoga City Code in that the grading
exception findings can be made in that the additional grading is necessary in order to allow
reasonable development of the property or to achieve a reasonable means of access to the building
site; the natural land forms and vegetation are being preserved and protected; the increased grading
is necessary to promote the compatibility of the construction with the natural terrain; the increased
grading is necessary to integrate an architectural design into the natural topography; the increased
grading is necessary to reduce the prominence of the construction as viewed from surrounding
views or from distant community views; and no building site shall be graded so as to create a flat
visible pad surrounding the main residential structure.
Section 6: The City of Saratoga Planning Commission hereby approves ADR12-0024, and
GRE12-0001, located at 15781 Hidden Hill Road, subject to the Findings, and Conditions of
Approval attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City of Saratoga Planning Commission on this 14th day of
November 2012 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
____________________________
Tina K. Walia
Chair, Planning Commission
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Resolution No. 12-047
Exhibit 1
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
ADR12-0024 AND GRE11-0001
15781 HIDDEN HILL ROAD
(APN 510-24-015)
1. All conditions below which are identified as permanent or for which an alternative period of
time for applicability is specified shall run with the land and apply to the landowner’s
successors in interest for such time period. No zoning clearance, or demolition, grading for this
project shall be issued until proof is filed with the city that a certificate of approval documenting
all applicable permanent or other term-specified conditions has been recorded by the applicant
with the Santa Clara County Recorder’s office in form and content to the Community
Development Director. If a condition is not “Permanent” or does not have a term specified, it
shall remain in effect until the issuance by the City of Saratoga of a Certificate of Occupancy or
its equivalent.
2. The Owner and Applicant will be mailed a statement after the time the Resolution granting this
approval is duly executed, containing a statement of all amounts due to the City in connection
with this application, including all consultant fees (collectively “processing fees”). This
approval or permit shall expire sixty (60) days after the date said notice is mailed if all
processing fees contained in the notice have not been paid in full. No Zoning Clearance or
Demolition, Grading, or Building Permit may be issued until the City certifies that all
processing fees have been paid in full (and, for deposit accounts, a surplus balance of $500 is
maintained).
3. The Project shall maintain compliance with all applicable regulations of the State, County, City
and/or other governmental agencies having jurisdiction including, without limitation, the
requirements of the Saratoga City Code incorporated herein by this reference.
4. As a condition of this Approval, Owner and Applicant hereby agree to defend, indemnify and
hold the City and its officers, officials, boards, commissions, employees, agents and volunteers
harmless from and against:
a. any and all claims, actions or proceedings to attack, set aside, void or annul any action
on the subject application, or any of the proceedings, acts or determinations taken, done
or made prior to said action; and
b. any and all claims, demands, actions, expenses or liabilities arising from or in any
manner relating to the performance of such construction, installation, alteration or
grading work by the Owner and/or Applicant, their successors, or by any person acting
on their behalf.
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Resolution No. 12-047
In addition, prior to any Zoning Clearance, Owner and Applicant shall execute a separate
agreement containing the details of this required Agreement to Indemnify, Hold harmless and
Defend, which shall be subject to prior approval as to form and content by the City Attorney.
5. Site Drainage. The owner/applicant shall comply with all City requirements regarding
drainage, including but not limited to complying with the city approved stormwater
management plan. The project shall retain and/or detain any increase in design flow from the
site, that is created by the proposed construction and grading project, such that adjacent down
slope properties will not be negatively impacted by any increase in flow. Design must follow
the 2007 Santa Clara County Drainage Manual method criteria, as required by the building
department. Retention/detention element design must follow the Drainage Manual guidelines, as
required by the building department. Additionally, the site development plan must not restrict,
obstruct or alter the existing natural drainage swale along the rear property in any way that
would cause or increase erosion.
6. Compliance with Plans. The development shall be located and constructed to include those
features, and only those features, as shown on the Approved Plans denominated Exhibit "A".
All proposed changes to the Approved Plans must be submitted in writing with plans showing
the changes, including a clouded set of plans highlighting the changes. Such changes shall be
subject to approval in accordance with City Code.
7. Building Division Submittal. Four (4) sets of complete construction plans shall be submitted
to the Building Division. These plans shall be subject to review and approval by the City prior to
issuance of Zoning Clearance. The construction plans shall, at a minimum include the
following:
a. Architectural drawings and other plan sheets consistent with those identified as Exhibit “A”
on file with the Community Development Department.
b. All additional drawings, plans, maps, reports, notes, and/or materials required by the
Building Division.
c. This signed and dated Resolution printed onto separate construction plan pages.
d. The site plan shall contain a note with the following language: “Prior to foundation
inspection by the City, the Licensed Land Surveyor of record shall provide a written
certification that all building setbacks comply with the Approved Plans,” which note shall
represent a condition which must be satisfied to remain in compliance with this Design
Review Approval.
8. The owner/applicant shall agree to all conditions required by the Saratoga Building Department.
9. The owner/applicant shall agree to all conditions required by the City Engineer, as applicable.
10. The owner/applicant shall agree to all conditions required by the City Arborist, as applicable,
prior to issuance of building permits.
11. The owner/applicant shall agree to all conditions required by the Santa Clara County Fire
Department, as applicable.
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Resolution No. 12-047
12. The owner/applicant shall agree to all conditions required by the Sewer District, as applicable,
prior to issuance of building permits.
18
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Page 1 of 8
Community Development Department
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, California 95070
ARBORIST REPORT
It is the responsibility of the owner, architect and contractor to be familiar with the
information in this report and implement the required conditions.
Application #: ARB12-0030
Prepared by Kate Bear, City Arborist Site: 15781 Hidden Hills Road
Phone: (408) 868-1276 Owner: Peter and Lina Liou
Email: kbear@saratoga.ca.us APN: 510-24-015
Email: peter.liou@intel.com
Report History:
#1
Date:
Plans received May 24, 2012
Report completed July 3, 2012
#2 – This report replaces report #1 Revised plans received September 6, 2012
Revised civil drawing received September 19, 2012
Report completed September 21, 2012
PROJECT SCOPE
The applicant has submitted plans to the City to demolish the existing house and build a new one
story house with a basement garage.
Twenty nine trees are requested for removal. They include 26 Monterey pines, two flowering plums
and one valley oak. These trees meet the criteria for removal, and may be removed and replaced as
part of the project.
CLEARANCE – with conditions
This project has clearance from the arborist to proceed, with the conditions noted below in the
Requirements section.
PLAN REVIEW
Plans Reviewed:
Architectural plans were prepared by Modern House Architecture and Design and dated December
29, 2011. Plan sheets reviewed for this report include Sheet A0.0, Cover Sheet; Sheet A2.0,
Basement Floor Plan; Sheet A2.1, First Floor Plan; Sheets A3.1, A3.2, A3.3, and A3.4, Elevations;
and Sheets A4.1 and A4.2, Longitudinal Sections.
Civil plans were prepared by Westfall Engineers, Inc. and dated March 2012. Plan sheets reviewed
for this report include Sheet 1, Grading and Drainage, Sheet 2, Sections and Details, and Sheet A0.4,
Boundary and Topographic Survey.
A revised Grading and Drainage Plan (Sheet C-1) was received September 19, 2012. It shows the
storm drain line in a different location so that it remains 25 feet from tree #31. This new location is
acceptable.
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15781 Hidden Hills Road
Page 2 of 8
Landscape plans were prepared by Christopher Yates Landscape Architecture and dated June 8,
2012. Plan sheets reviewed for this report include Sheet L-1.0, Site Plan; Sheet L-2.0, Landscape
Plan; Sheet I-1.0, Irrigation Plan; and Sheet I-2.0, Irrigation Legend.
Revised landscape plans were received September 6, 2012. They indicate that the existing grade will
be preserved within 14 feet of tree #29 and 25 feet of tree #31, and remove elements of the landscape
such as retaining walls and planters within this distance. This new plan is acceptable.
TREE INFORMATION
Tree Inventory:
Thirty four trees protected by City Code were inventoried for the project. Inventoried trees include
26 Monterey pines (#1 – 3 and 6 – 28), two Arizona cypress trees (#3 and 4), one coast live oak
(#29), two valley oaks (#30 and 31), one coast redwood (#32), and two flowering plums (#33 and
34). Data for each tree is included in a Tree Inventory Table at the end of this report, and their
locations are shown on the map attached to this report.
Security Deposit for the Projection of Trees:
Per City Ordinance 15-50.080, a Tree Protection security deposit equal to 100% of the appraised
value of trees impacted by the project is required. Owner shall obtain, and file with the Community
Development Director, the required security deposit prior to the receipt of building permits. The
security deposit may be in the form of a savings account, a certificate of deposit account or a bond.
The required security deposit for this project is $15,780 and is equal to the total appraised value of
trees #4, 5, 29, 31 and 32. This deposit will be held until completion of the project and acceptance by
the City.
Appraisals:
Appraised values were calculated using the Trunk Formula Method and according to the Guide for
Plant Appraisal, 9th Edition, published by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), 2000.
This was used in conjunction with the Species Classification and Group Assignment, published by
the Western Chapter of the ISA, 2004.
Tree Removals:
Twenty nine trees are requested for removal to construct the project. They include 26 Monterey
pines, two flowering plums and one valley oak. Whenever trees are requested for removal as part of
a project, specific tree removal criteria must be met and certain findings made. See the Findings
section below for a detailed discussion. These trees qualify for removal and replacement with new
trees as part of the project.
Tree Protection:
Chain link fencing is required around individual trees or groups of trees for protection during
construction, and work is not permitted within fenced areas. Fenced areas are shown on the attached
site map. See the Requirements section for fence specifications.
Coast live oak #29:
This coast live oak is between two fences along the property line. It is in good health and the
applicant wishes to retain and protect it. The revised plans have preserved the existing grade to a
distance of 14 feet from the trunk of this oak. This is acceptable.
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15781 Hidden Hills Road
Page 3 of 8
Valley oak #31:
This healthy oak is the focal point of the back yard with a canopy spread of about 50 feet. The plans
have been modified so that no work is required within 25 feet of this oak and the existing grade will
be preserved. The storm drain has been relocated and is now in an acceptable location. The planters
and sculptures within the 25 foot radius of the tree have been deleted from the project and this is
acceptable.
Coast redwood #32:
This tree can be adequately protected with chain link fencing and retention of the existing grade for a
distance of 12 feet from the tree’s trunks. This tree should also be regularly watered during the
summer months.
FINDINGS
Tree Removal
The perimeter of the property is lined with about 30 Monterey pines that are in fair condition but
declining. Most have poor structure and all were planted too close to neighboring trees or retaining
walls to allow retention.
Pines #1 – 28 and flowering plums #33 and 34 are requested for removal to construct the project.
Removal of the pines will cause a significant impact to the shade, scenic beauty and aesthetics of the
property and the neighbors’ view. However, most of them are not in good enough condition to
warrant preserving, or are in conflict with removal of existing structures and would not survive
construction. The pines as well as two flowering plums meet the criteria for removal, overall, and
may be removed and replaced as part of the project.
Several pines are not protected by City Code as their trunk diameter at 4½ feet above grade is less
than 10 inches. They may be removed without a permit at any time and were not included in this
inventory.
The table below summarizes which of the criteria are met, allowing removal. The tree removal
criteria are attached to the end of this report for reference.
Summary of tree removal criteria that are met
Tree # Criteria met Criteria not met
Pines 1, 2 1, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 2, 8
Pines 3, 6, 7, 8 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 9 3, 6, 8
Pines 9 – 28 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 4, 8
Valley oak #30 1, 4, 6, 7, 9 2, 3, 5, 8
Flowering plums 33 and 34 1, 3, 4, 6, 7 2, 5, 8
Trees #1 and 2 – Monterey pines:
These trees meet criterion #1 in that they are in decline, and not likely to live much longer even if
the project were not constructed. They do not threaten damage to structures, so they do not meet
criterion #2. Removal of these trees will have an insignificant impact on erosion as there are other
trees nearby, so criterion #3 is met. Removal of these trees will improve the property’s aesthetic
beauty, so criterion #4 is met. These trees are too close to neighboring trees for good forestry
practices, so criterion #5 is met. There is no way to return these two trees to good health, so criterion
#6 is met. Removal and replacement of these trees meets criterion #7, which is to replace trees when
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15781 Hidden Hills Road
Page 4 of 8
it is not reasonable to retain and preserve them. These trees do not present a safety or public health
concern in that they are not about to fail, so criterion #8 is not met. Removal of these trees will
provide economic and other enjoyment to the property owner, when there is no practical alternative,
so criterion #9 is met.
Trees #3, 6, 7 and 8 – Monterey pines:
These trees meet criterion #1 in that they are in conflict with proposed grading, and trees #3 and 8
are in conflict with proposed retaining walls. If left in place they might threaten damage to existing
structures, and would probably not survive construction of the proposed structures as designed, so
they meet criterion #2. Removal of these trees will have an impact on erosion, so criterion #3 is not
met. Removal of these trees will impact the property’s shade, privacy and aesthetic beauty, in that
they are beginning to decline and will continue to have more dead branches in the canopy, so
criterion #4 is met. Trees #3 and 6 are too close to the neighbor’s trees for good forestry practices,
but they are in better health than the neighbor’s trees, and their retention provides valuable screening
from the adjacent property. Trees #7 and 8 are not too close to neighboring trees, so criterion #5 is
partially met for trees #3 and 6, and not met for trees #7 and 8. The alternative to removing these
four trees is to modify the project so that no grading or retaining walls are needed within 15 feet of
these four trees, so criterion #6 is not met. Removal of these trees and replacement with new trees
that can reforest the property does meet criterion #7, which is to replace trees whenever it is not
practical to retain them. These trees do not present a safety or public health concern in that they are
not about to fail, so criterion #8 is not met. Removal of these trees will provide economic and other
enjoyment to the property owner, so criterion #9 is met.
Trees #9 –28 – Monterey pines:
These trees meet criterion #1 in that they are in conflict with a proposed replacement retaining wall
along the property line, very close to an existing retaining wall on another property line, or within a
foot of the tennis court which will be removed. They threaten damage to the retaining wall if left in
place, so they meet criterion #2. Removal of these trees will have an impact on erosion, but can be
replaced with screening shrubs, so criterion #3 is met. Removal of these trees will have an impact on
shade, privacy and the property’s aesthetic beauty, so criterion #4 is not met. These trees are planted
too close together for good forestry practices and have relatively poor structure as a result, so
criterion #5 is met. There is no way to prevent damage to the retaining walls if the trees remain, so
criterion #6 is met. Removal and replacement of these trees meets criterion #7, which is to replace
trees when it is not feasible or practical to retain them. These trees do not present a safety or public
health concern in that they are not about to fail, so criterion #8 is not met. Removal of these trees
will provide economic and other enjoyment to the property owner, so criterion #9 is met.
Tree #30 - Valley oak:
This is a young valley oak with multiple trunks, and poor structure. It cannot be retained and
preserved because it grows right next to a fence and retaining wall that will be removed. It is also
fairly close to the main focal point of the property, valley oak #31. It meets criterion #1 in that it is in
conflict with the proposed design. This tree will not threaten damage to structures, so it does not
meet criterion #2. It does not meet criterion #3 because its removal will have an impact on erosion
control. Removal of this tree will have a minor impact on shade and aesthetic beauty, and no impact
on privacy, so criterion #4 is met. This tree is not too close to tree #31 for good forestry practices so
it does not meet criterion #5. There is no feasible alternative that would permit the retention of this
tree because of its location by structures that require removal, so criterion #6 is met. Removal of this
tree does meet criterion #7, which is to replace trees when there is no feasible alternative to
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15781 Hidden Hills Road
Page 5 of 8
removing them. This tree does not present a safety or public health concern in that it is not about to
fail, so criterion #8 is not met. Removal of this tree will provide economic and other enjoyment to
the property owner, so criterion #9 is met.
Trees #33 and 34 – flowering plums:
These trees are in poor condition with poor branching structure, and they are in conflict with
proposed grading for the new house, so they meet criterion #1. They do not threaten damage to
existing structures, so criterion #2 is not met. Removal of these trees will have an insignificant
impact on erosion, so criterion #3 is met. Removal of these trees will have a minor impact on shade,
privacy and the property’s aesthetic beauty, so criterion #4 is met. These trees are not planted too
close together for good forestry practices, so criterion #5 is not met. There is no way to improve the
structure of these two trees, so criterion #6 is met. Removal of these trees does meet criterion #7,
which is to replace trees when there is no feasible alternative to removing them. These trees do not
present a safety or public health concern in that they are not about to fail, so criterion #8 is not met.
Removal of these trees will provide economic and other enjoyment to the property owner, so
criterion #9 is met.
Replacement Trees:
The total appraised value of trees #1, 2, 3, 6 – 28, 33 and 34 is $17,480. New trees equal to this
appraised value will be required as a condition of the project. The replacement values for new trees
are: 15 gallon - $150; 24 inch box - $500; 36 inch box - $1,500; 48 inch box - $5,000; 60 inch box -
$7,000; and 72 inch box - $15,000.
Replacement tree requirements are:
1. 4 trees in the front yard;
2. 6 trees that reach a height of 40+ feet at maturity;
3. 2 trees from the City’s list of native species (coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), valley oak
(Quercus lobata), blue oak (Quercus douglasii), black oak (Quercus kelloggii), big leaf
maple (Acer macrophyllum), California buckeye (Aesculus californica), Douglas fir
(Pseudotsuga menziesii) and coast redwood (Sequoia sempervirens))
The project proposes four ginkgo trees in the front yard. This is acceptable. Two more trees are
needed in the front yard, two more trees are needed that will grow to a height of 40 or more feet and
two trees from the list of native species are needed.
New Construction
Based on a review of the information provided, the project complies with the requirements for the
setback of new construction from existing trees under Section 15-50.120 of the City Code. The
existing grade will be preserved for a distance of 14 feet from oak tree #29, and 25 feet from oak tree
#31. No excavation or installation of utilities will be permitted within these distances.
REQUIREMENTS
1. This entire arborist report, including the Tree Inventory Table and the attached map shall be
copied onto a plan sheet, titled “Tree Preservation” and included in the final set of plans.
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15781 Hidden Hills Road
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2. Tree Protection Security Deposit - $15,780
a. Owner shall obtain, and file with the Community Development Director, a Tree
Protection security deposit for trees #4, 5, 29, 31 and 32 prior to obtaining Building
Division permits.
b. The tree protection security deposit shall remain in place for the duration of construction
of the project to ensure the protection of the trees.
c. Once the project has been completed, inspected and approved by the City, the bond will
be released.
3. Tree Protection Fencing:
a. Shall be installed as shown on the attached map.
b. Shall be established prior to the arrival of construction equipment or materials on site.
c. Shall be comprised of six-foot high chain link fencing mounted on eight-foot tall, 2-inch
diameter galvanized posts, driven 24 inches into the ground and spaced no more than 10
feet apart.
d. Shall be posted with signs saying “TREE PROTECTION FENCE - DO NOT REMOVE
WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM CITY ARBORIST”.
e. Call City Arborist, Kate Bear at (408) 868-1276 for an inspection of tree protection
fencing once it has been installed. This is required prior to obtaining building division
permits.
f. Tree protection fencing shall remain undisturbed throughout the construction until final
inspection. If contractor feels that work must be done inside the fenced area, call City
Arborist to arrange a field meeting.
4. No protected tree authorized for encroachment or removal pursuant to this project may be
encroached upon or removed until the issuance of the applicable permit from the building
division for the approved project. All construction activities shall be conducted outside tree
protection fencing. These activities include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following:
demolition, grading, trenching, equipment cleaning, stockpiling and dumping materials
(including soil fill), and equipment/vehicle operation and parking.
5. Receipt of a Planning or Building permit does not relieve applicant of his responsibilities to
protect trees per City Code Article 15-50.
6. Trees #1, 2, 3, 6 – 28, 33 and 34 are approved for removal once Building Division permits
have been obtained.
7. New trees equal to $17,480 shall be planted to replace removed trees. Replacement values for
trees are:
15 gallon = $150 24 inch box = $500 36 inch box = $1,500
48 inch box = $5,000 60 inch box = 7,000 72 inch box = $15,000
8. At least 4 replacement trees shall be planted in the front yard. The rest of the replacement
trees may be planted anywhere on the property. If there is insufficient room on the property
to plant all of the required trees, some of the replacement value may be paid in to the City’s
Tree Fund.
9. At least 6 replacement trees shall reach a height at maturity of 40 feet or more.
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15781 Hidden Hills Road
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10. At least 2 replacement trees shall be from the City’s list of native species. Acceptable species
include coast live oak (Quercus agrifolia), valley oak (Quercus lobata), blue oak (Quercus
douglasii), black oak (Quercus kelloggii), big leaf maple (Acer macrophyllum), California
buckeye (Aesculus californica), Douglas fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii) and coast redwood
(Sequoia sempervirens).
11. The existing grade shall be preserved within 12 feet of coast redwood #32.
12. The existing grade shall be preserved within 14 feet of coast live oak tree #29.
13. The existing grade shall be preserved within 25 feet of valley oak tree #31.
14. Planting under oak trees #29 and 31 shall be as follows:
a. Grass shall remain at least 15 feet from tree #29 and 25 feet from tree #31.
b. Only drought tolerant plants may be planted under the outside half of the tree’s canopy.
c. Plants under the tree shall be watered using drip irrigation.
d. Any new trees shall be planted outside the canopy of these trees.
15. Any permitted pruning or root pruning of trees on site shall be performed under the
supervision of an ISA Certified Arborist and according to ISA standards.
16. Coast redwood #32 shall be watered regularly (at least weekly) during the summer.
17. The disposal of harmful products (such as chemicals, oil and gasoline) is prohibited under
tree canopies or anywhere on site that allows drainage to areas under tree canopies.
Herbicides shall not be applied under tree canopies.
18. At the end of the project, when the contractor wants to remove tree protection fencing and
have the tree protection security deposit released by the City, call City Arborist for a final
inspection.
ATTACHMENTS:
Tree Removal Criteria
Tree Inventory Table
Map showing locations of trees and protective fencing around trees
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15781 Hidden Hills Road
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TREE REMOVAL CRITERIA
Criteria that permit the removal of a protected tree are listed below. This information is from Article
15-50.080 of the City Code and is applied to any tree requested for removal as part of the project. If
findings are made that meet the criteria listed below, the tree(s) may be approved for removal and
replacement during construction.
(1) The condition of the tree with respect to disease, imminent danger of falling, proximity to
existing or proposed structures and interference with utility services;
(2) The necessity to remove the tree because of physical damage or threatened damage to
improvements or impervious surfaces on the property;
(3) The topography of the land and the effect of the tree removal upon erosion, soil retention and
the diversion or increased flow of surface waters, particularly on steep slopes;
(4) The number, species, size and location of existing trees in the area and the effect the removal
would have upon shade, privacy impact, scenic beauty, property values, erosion control, and the
general welfare of residents in the area;
(5) The age and number of healthy trees the property is able to support according to good forestry
practices;
(6) Whether or not there are any alternatives that would allow for retaining or not encroaching on
the protected tree;
(7) Whether the approval of the request would be contrary to or in conflict with the general purpose
and intent of this Article;
(8) Any other information relevant to the public health, safety, or general welfare and the purposes
of this ordinance as set forth in section 15-50.010; and
(9) The necessity to remove the tree for economic or other enjoyment of the property when there is
no other feasible alternative to the removal.
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TREE INVENTORY TABLE
TREE
NO. TREE NAME Trunk Diameter (in,) - per Guide for Plant AppraisalEstimated Canopy Spread (ft.)Health Condition (100% = best, 0% = worst)Structural Integrity (100% = best, 0% = worst)Overall ConditionSuitability for Preservation (High/Moderate/Low)Intensity of Impacts (1 = Highest, 5 = Lowest)In Conflict with Proposed DesignNot Shown on PlansOn Adjacent ProprtyAppraised ValueMonterey pine
1 Pinus radiata 20.5 25 40 60 Poor Low 1 X $1,100
Monterey pine
2 Pinus radiata 14 20 40 60 Poor Low 1 X $520
Monterey pine
3 Pinus radiata 17 25 50 40 Fair Moderate 1 X $610
Arizona cypress
4 Cupressus glabra 30 30 40 50 Fair High 3 X $820
Arizona cypress
5 Cupressus glabra 30 30 40 50 Fair High 3 X $820
Monterey pine
6 Pinus radiata 19 20 60 80 Fair Moderate 1 X $1,250
Monterey pine
7 Pinus radiata 21 25 60 50 Fair Moderate 3 $1,260
Monterey pine
8 Pinus radiata 13 20 60 50 Fair Moderate 3 $500
Monterey pineMonterey pine
9 Pinus radiata 14 30 60 50 Fair Low 1 X $500
Monterey pine
10 Pinus radiata 24 25 60 50 Fair Low 1 X $1,460
Monterey pine
11 Pinus radiata 17 25 50 50 Fair Low 1 X $670
Monterey pine
12 Pinus radiata 13.5 20 50 40 Poor Low 1 X $360
Monterey pine
13 Pinus radiata 19 35 60 50 Fair Low 1 X $920
Monterey pine
14 Pinus radiata 12 20 50 30 Poor Low 1 X $280
Monterey pine
15 Pinus radiata 20 45 50 40 Fair Moderate 1 X $890
Monterey pine
16 Pinus radiata 16.5 30 50 40 Poor Low 1 X $500
Monterey pine
17 Pinus radiata 19 25 40 40 Poor Low 1 X $590
15781 Hidden Hills Road September 21, 2012
29
TREE INVENTORY TABLE
TREE
NO. TREE NAME Trunk Diameter (in,) - per Guide for Plant AppraisalEstimated Canopy Spread (ft.)Health Condition (100% = best, 0% = worst)Structural Integrity (100% = best, 0% = worst)Overall ConditionSuitability for Preservation (High/Moderate/Low)Intensity of Impacts (1 = Highest, 5 = Lowest)In Conflict with Proposed DesignNot Shown on PlansOn Adjacent ProprtyAppraised ValueMonterey pine
18 Pinus radiata 15 25 50 50 Fair Moderate 1 X $560
Monterey pine
19 Pinus radiata 16 30 50 30 Fair Moderate 1 X $510
Monterey pine
20 Pinus radiata 13 20 30 70 Poor Low 1 X $330
Monterey pine
21 Pinus radiata 15 25 40 40 Poor Low 1 X $420
Monterey pine
22 Pinus radiata 18 30 50 50 Fair Moderate 1 X $800
Monterey pine
23 Pinus radiata 17.5 30 40 50 Fair Moderate 1 X $680
Monterey pine
24 Pinus radiata 12.5 20 50 40 Fair Low 1 X $210
Monterey pine
25 Pinus radiata 12 20 50 40 Fair Low 1 X $190
Monterey pine
26 Pinus radiata 12 20 50 40 Fair Low 1 X $190
Monterey pine
27 Pinus radiata 12 20 40 40 Poor Low 1 X $310
Monterey pine
28 Pinus radiata 14 25 50 40 Fair Moderate 1 X $440
Coast live oak
29 Quercus agrifolia 14 20 80 50 Good High 2 $2,520
Valley oak
30 Quercus lobata 6 15 80 40 Good Moderate 1 X $890
Valley oak
31 Quercus lobata 18 50 70 70 Good High 2 $10,000
Coast redwood
32 Sequoia sempervirens 8, 7 20 80 50 Good High 4 $1,620
Purple leaf plum
33 Prunus cerasifera 11 15 80 40 Good Low 1 X $860
Purple leaf plum
34 Prunus cerasifera 12 15 80 40 Good Low 1 X $1,010
Total appraised value $34,590
Should any tree listed above be removed owner will be required to replace that tree with trees equal to its appraised value.
Replacement Tree Values 15 gallon = $150 24 inch box = $500 36 inch box = $1,500
48 inch box = $5,000 60 inch box = 7,000 72 inch box = $15,000
15781 Hidden Hills Road September 21, 2012
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Legend
Tree Canopy
Tree Protective Fence
NP Not protected
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5 4
3 2 1
11
10 9 8 7
13 12
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14
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15781 Hidden Hills Road
28
30
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33
20
26 NP
NP
29
27
31
NP
NP
34
NP
NP
NP
NP NP NP
NP NP
NP
NP
NP
NP NP NP
NP NP NP
NP NP NP
NP
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Memorandum of Geotechnical Clearance Conditions
Page 1 of 1
MEMORANDUM
TO: Chris Riordan, Project Planner, Community Development Department
CC: Peter Liou (Owner) / Modern House (Applicant)
FROM: Iveta Harvancik, Senior Engineer
SUBJECT: Geotechnical Clearance Conditions for GEO12-0012 at 15781 Hidden Hill Road
DATE: July 16, 2012
1. The consultant shall review and approve all geotechnical aspects of the final project
construction plans (i.e., site preparation and grading, site drainage improvements, and design
parameters for retaining walls) to ensure that provided recommendations have been properly
incorporated. The consultant should examine whether foundation design and associated
loads have been adequately considered in the design of basement retaining walls.
The results of the plan review shall be summarized by the geotechnical consultant in a letter and
submitted to the City Engineer for review along with other documents for building permit plan-
check.
2. The geotechnical consultant shall inspect, test (as needed), and approve all geotechnical aspects
of the project construction. The inspections shall include, but not necessarily be limited to: site
preparation and grading, site surface and subsurface drainage improvements, and excavations
for foundation footings or piers prior to placement of steel or concrete. As-built locations of the
proposed improvements shall be recorded and documented.
The results of these inspections and the as-built conditions of the project shall be described by
the geotechnical consultant in a letter and submitted to the City Engineer for review prior to
final (as-built) project approval.
3. The owner (applicant) shall pay any outstanding fees associated with the City Geotechnical
Consultant’s review of the project prior to Zone Clearance.
4. The owner (applicant) shall enter into agreement holding the City of Saratoga harmless from
any claims or liabilities caused by or arising out of soil or slope instability, slides, slope failure
or other soil related and/or erosion related conditions.
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REPORT TO THE
PLANNING COMMISSION
Meeting Date: November 14, 2012
Application: PDR09-0006 / VAR08-0003
Location / APN 14660 Quito Road / 407-14-004
Applicant/Owner: Rockwood Design / Dang
Staff Planner: Michael Fossati
14660 Quito Road
Page 1 of 8
64
Application No. PDR09-0006/VAR08-0003 /14660 Quito Road
SUMMARY
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
The applicant requests approval to replace an existing 926 sq. ft. one-story main
residence with a 2,697 sq. ft. two-story residence. The design review application is due
to the request to convert a single-story structure into a multi-story structure. The variance
application is due to the request to allow construction within the front and rear setbacks.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 12-046 approving the project subject to conditions of approval.
Design Review approval is required pursuant to Saratoga Municipal Code (SMC) Section
15-45.060 in that the project consists of a multi-story residence. Variance approval is
required pursuant to SMC Section 15-70.020 in that the project is requesting to build within
the required front and rear setbacks.
PROJECT DATA:
Net Site Area: 34,848 sq. ft.
Average Slope: 25.01%
General Plan Designation: RVLD
Zoning: R-1-40.000
Proposed Allowable/Required
Proposed Site Coverage
Main House:
Driveway:
Walkway:
Deck:
Total Proposed Site Coverage
1,886 sq. ft.
1,967 sq. ft.
515 sq. ft.
178 sq. ft.
4,546 sq. ft. (12 %)
12,196 sq. ft. (35%)
Floor Area
First Floor:
Second Floor
Garage:
Total Proposed Floor Area
1,503 sq. ft.
811 sq. ft.
383 sq. ft.
2,697 sq. ft.
4,362 sq. ft. (which
includes slope
reduction)
Height (Residence)
Lowest Elevation Point
Highest Elevation Point
Average Elevation Point
Proposed Topmost Point
339.77’
340.35’
340.06’
364.22’ (24’2”)
Maximum Height
= 366.06’ (26 Feet)
GRADING
None proposed
No Limit
Page 2 of 8
65
Application No. PDR09-0006/VAR08-0003 /14660 Quito Road
Setbacks
Front:
Rear:
Left Side:
Right Side:
1st Floor 2nd Floor 1st Floor 2nd Floor
14’2”
3’6”
176’
32’6”
11’
20’6”
176’
83’1”
30’
50’
20’
20’
30’
60’
25’
25’
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
Site Description
The project site is located along Quito Road at Vessing Road. The 1.04 acre parcel has
the San Tomas Aquino Creek traversing through it. The creek flows right in the center of
the property and approximately six feet away from the existing 926 sq. ft. single-story
bungalow. The creek is controlled by a concrete channel that directs the water westerly
underneath Quito Road. Approximately one quarter of the lot (along the eastern border)
is located within the Town of Los Gatos jurisdiction, which is significantly sloped. The
southwestern portion of the property which lies between the creek and the road (where
the existing house is located) is relatively flat.
Project Description and Architectural Style
The architectural features include a low-pitched, gabled roof with prominent,
overhanging eaves, a rectangular shape, and the mixture of horizontal wood siding along
the first floor and wood shingle siding along the second. The proposed colors emphasize
natural colors, which include “Alexandria Beige” body, “Whitall Brown” accents, and
“Night Horizon” trim, fascia and windows. A color board will be available for the site
visit and public hearing.
Materials and Colors
Detail Colors and Materials
Exterior “Alexandria Beige” horizontal siding
Trim “Night Horizon” trim, fascia, trellis and windows
Windows “Night Horizon” aluminum clad wood windows
Entry Door Wood Door
Garage Door Wood Carriage Style Garage Door
Roof “Weathered Sage” composition roof
Variance
The applicant has proposed a variance to build within the front and rear setback because the
lot has no allowable building footprint due to the unique features of the property. The front
property line lies within the centerline of the street, and per City Code Section 15-06.588(d),
when a lot line is located in a street, the setback area shall be measured from the street line
or right-of-way line. By utilizing this definition, approximately 40% of the existing
structure is currently in the front setback.
Page 3 of 8
66
Application No. PDR09-0006/VAR08-0003 /14660 Quito Road
Furthermore, City Code Section 15-45.045 (a) states “where a protected creek passes
through or along a building site or is otherwise located on the site, building setbacks for any
new construction shall be measured from the top of the creek bank on the site rather than the
property line. The required setback shall be the minimum setback prescribed for the
applicable zoning district”. Since the applicable zoning district is R1-40,000, the rear
setback is 50 feet. By utilizing the top bank of the creek rather than the rear property line to
determine setback, the existing and proposed residence are located completely within the
rear setback.
Staff believes a front and rear setback variances are appropriate because the only buildable
area on the site is within those required setbacks. The property is constrained by the existing
slope to the east, the existing creek through the middle of the lot, the existing right-of-way
along the western portion of the lot, and a number of protected trees dispersed within the
site. The shape, topography, location, and natural surroundings create a special
circumstance applicable to this property.
Due to the size of the lot, the allowable floor area is 4,362 sq. ft. The applicant is proposing
a 2,697 sq. ft. residence. The applicant has applied for two-stories in order to limit the
amount of 1) impervious coverage on the property and 2) construction within the required
setbacks. The applicant has complied with all other zoning requirements, including the
proposed construction of a two-car garage, which currently does not exist on the lot.
The allowance of construction within the required setbacks will not unreasonably impact
views or privacy or impede on the existing protection of the creek. The proposed residence
(even at two stories) will not affect the views or privacy from adjacent neighbors because
the property is within a valley and substantially setback from neighboring residences. The
creek will not be significantly impacted by erosion because the creek is already protected by
a concrete channel.
The existing house and portions of the new house are located within the San Tomas Aquino
Creek floodway. Per City Code Section 16-66.140, new construction is prohibited in a
floodway unless certification by a registered professional engineer or architect is provided
demonstrating that encroachment shall not result in any increase in the base flood elevation
(BFE) during the occurrence of a base flood discharge. The applicant has provided a
written certification from Schaff and Wheeler (see Attachment 3) that the proposed addition
will not increase the base flood elevation.
The applicant has also submitted proof, via an elevation certificate, that the height of the
finish floor of the existing residence and therefore the new construction is in compliance
with City Code standards which requires finish floor height being one foot greater than BFE
as established per Schaff & Wheeler (see Table 1 in Attachment 3).
Lastly, the applicant has applied for the installation of a HVAC unit within a setback. As
previously stated, the proposed structure is completely within the rear setback. The addition
of an air conditioning unit will require a variance also, as there is no other area to place the
unit. Any noise impacts will be mitigated in the fact the HVAC system would be
substantially setback from all adjacent residences.
Page 4 of 8
67
Application No. PDR09-0006/VAR08-0003 /14660 Quito Road
Trees
Eight protected trees by City ordinance have been identified on the site. The applicant
has completed numerous design revisions in order to avoid removal of the identified
protected trees. The most prominent design feature used to not harm a protected tree was
the location of the second floor.
The second floor is located near the northern portion of the lot in order to provide
sufficient drip line clearance for the existing Coast Live oak located on the southern
portion of the lot (near the proposed entrance of the residence). The arborist has
reviewed the project and granted clearance to proceed.
Energy Efficiency
The project applicant used the Residential Design Guidelines to provide direction in
incorporating energy efficient features into the project. For example, the proposed garage
has been placed along the northern elevation (Policy 5, Technique #1), where the maximum
benefit of sun is not as critical. The applicant has proposed keeping all existing trees on the
property in order to use the existing established landscape to buffer the wind (Policy 5,
Technique #2). The applicant has also proposed to insulate more than 50% of any hot water
pipes, install high-efficiency toilets and dishwasher, properly seal combustion units such as
the furnace and water heater, an install effective ductwork to properly exhaust the new
residence.
Neighbor Notification and Correspondence
The applicant has submitted six neighbor notification forms regarding the project. Staff sent
a “Notice of Public Hearing” to all property owners within 500 feet of the subject property.
The public hearing notice and description of the project was published in the Saratoga
News. Two comments were received. A call was placed to the concerned party and
voicemail left for the concerned party. Staff has not received any additional comments from
that party. A second party came in to review the plans. They informed staff that they
believed the house was too tall and too large for the site.
FINDINGS
Design Review Findings
The findings required for issuance of a Design Review Approval pursuant to City Code
Section Article 15-45.080 are set forth below and the Applicant has met the burden of proof
to support making all of those required findings:
(a) The project avoids unreasonable interference with views and privacy. For the
following reasons, the height, elevations and placement on the site of the proposed
main structure, when considered with reference to: (1) the nature and location of
residential structures on adjacent lots and within the neighborhoods; and (2)
community view sheds, will avoid unreasonable interference with views and privacy
in that the proposed residence is substantially setback from all other residences in the
nearby vicinity. The most nearest residence is located more than 150 feet easterly on
a grade that is approximately 15 feet taller. Views and privacy will not be affected
per the proposed project.
Page 5 of 8
68
Application No. PDR09-0006/VAR08-0003 /14660 Quito Road
(b) The project preserves the natural landscape. This finding can be made in the
affirmative in that the building footprint has been designed to maintain all existing
trees on site, with the exception of one 15 foot tall tree stump, which has met the
findings for approval per the City Arborist, and preserve existing vegetation
currently located on the site. This was completed by incorporating the existing
building footprint into the design and placing the second story portion onto the
proposed garage.
(c) The project preserves native and heritage trees. This finding can be made in the
affirmative because the building footprint was cited and created taking the existing
native trees into account. As previously stated, no tree removal will be required to
allow construction of the proposed project.
(d) The project minimizes the perception of excessive bulk. This finding can be made
in the affirmative in the use of natural, earthtone colors and materials. Those colors
include light and dark shades of brown siding and trim. A weathered sage
composition shingle would cover the roof of the residence, which provides an
additional component that blends with the natural environment. By placing the
residence within an area that does not require excessive vegetation removal and
utilizing earthtone colors and materials, the project demonstrates that it respects the
natural surroundings.
(e) The project is of compatible bulk and height. This finding can be made in the
affirmative in that the proposed residence has been designed with a floor area
substantially less than what is allowed for lots with similar sizes. The project is
compatible with the height of the natural environment as it will remain significantly
shorter than the existing well established native trees currently on site. As there are
no other existing residences on adjacent lots that can be seen from the project
location, it is difficult to establish a sense of compatibility with nearby homes.
Excessive bulk has been mitigated by the use of earthtone colors and natural
materials, such as wood siding and stone wainscoting.
(f) The project uses current grading and erosion control methods. This finding can be
made in the affirmative because the applicant will be required to follow appropriate
grading and erosion control standards as per the International and State building
code. Both grading and erosion impacts are minimal as the project is on a flat
building pad and the nearby creek is channelized with concrete walls.
(g) The project follows appropriate design policies and techniques. This finding can be
made in the affirmative because the project in using different exterior materials in
order to soften the elevation (Policy 1, Technique #3), using natural-color materials
for the foundation and lower part of the house (Policy 1, Technique #3), avoiding
excessive soil removal and fill (Policy 1, Technique #1), utilize a combination of
vertical (i.e. wood shingle) and horizontal (i.e. wood siding) articulations (Policy 1,
Technique #6), utilize wood and stone materials that blend with the natural
environment (Policy 2, Technique #1), preserving existing vegetation as much as
Page 6 of 8
69
Application No. PDR09-0006/VAR08-0003 /14660 Quito Road
possible (Policy 2, Technique #3), avoids placing the structure in direct line-of-sight
to neighboring residences (Policy 3, Technique #2), and designing for maximum
benefit of sun by locating the main living areas along the south elevation and the
garage area along the north elevation (Policy 5, Technique #1).
VARIANCE FINDINGS
The findings required for issuance of a Variance Approval pursuant to City Code Section
15-12.061 and Section 15-70.060 are set forth below and the Applicant has met the burden
of proof to support making all of those required findings:
(a) That because of special circumstances applicable to the property, including size,
shape, topography, location or surroundings, strict enforcement of the specified
regulation would deprive the applicant of privileges enjoyed by the owners of other
properties in the vicinity and classified in the same zoning district: This finding
can be made in the affirmative because the 1.04 acre lot technically has not
allowable building envelope, due to the City Code setback requirements of the
zoning district and the property lines in proximity of the public right-of-way and
protected creek. The applicant is proposing to construct a home with a floor area
that is 40 percent less than what would be allowed for a similar sized lot. The
location of the existing established native trees on the site have created a 1,865 sq. ft.
building footprint for the 1.04 acres site. It is due to the special circumstances and
site conditions addressed above that warrant the approval of a variance.
(b) That the granting of the variance will not constitute a grant of special privilege
inconsistent with the limitations on other properties in the vicinity and classified in
the same zoning district: This finding can be made in the affirmative because the
existing configuration of the existing legal lot is atypical within the City limits. The
fact that property line is located in the middle of the street and a protected creek runs
right through the middle of the lot gives the applicant a practical difficulty to
construct a residence similar in size and scale to residences within the immediate
area, without the use of a variance. Granting of this variance would not constitute a
special property because most properties within the general vicinity do not have
similar site conditions as the applicant.
(c) That the granting of the variance will not be detrimental to the public health,
safety or welfare, or materially injurious to properties or improvements in the
vicinity: This finding can be made in the affirmative in that the proposed
development would be required to follow the design review process as any other
proposed new residence. The proposed residence seems to make the findings that
are consistent with the goals and policies that are established per the Residential
Design Handbook, such as minimize the perception of bulk, integrate structures
within the environment, avoid interference with privacy, preserve views and design
for energy efficiency.
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION
Page 7 of 8
70
Application No. PDR09-0006/VAR08-0003 /14660 Quito Road
Page 8 of 8
The project is Categorically Exempt from the Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant
Section 15303, “New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures”, Class 3 (a) of the
Public Resources Code (CEQA). This exemption allows for the construction of one single-
family residence in a residential area.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt Resolution No. 12-046 approving the project, subject to conditions of approval.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Resolution
2. Arborist Report, dated 10/25/2012
3. Letter from Schaff & Wheeler, dated 11/22/2010
4. Neighbor Notification Forms.
5. Public hearing notice and copy of mailing labels for project notification.
6. Reduced Plans (Exhibit A)
71
RESOLUTION NO. 12-046
Attachment 1
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION
APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW NO. PDR09-0006 AND VARIANCE NO. VAR08-0003
FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF AN EXISTING SINGLE-STORY, SINGLE-FAMILY
RESIDENCE WITH A NEW TWO-STORY, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE LOCATED
AT 14660 QUITO ROAD
WHEREAS, an application was submitted by Rockwood Design, requesting Design
Review and Variance approval to replace an existing 926 sq. ft. single-story, single-family
residence with a new 2,697 sq. ft. two-story, single-family residence. Design Review approval is
required pursuant to Saratoga Municipal Code Section 15-45.060(a)(1). Variance approval is
required due to the proposed construction within the front and rear setbacks. The net site is
approximately 34,848 sq. ft. and is located within the R-1-40,000 zoning district. The foregoing
work is described as the “Project” in this Resolution; and
WHEREAS, the Community Development Department completed an environmental
assessment for the project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA),
and recommends that the Planning Commission determine this project exempt.
WHEREAS, on October 24, 2012 and November 14, 2012, the Planning Commission
held a duly noticed public hearing on the subject application, and considered evidence presented
by City staff, the applicant, and other interested parties.
NOW THEREFORE, the Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga hereby finds,
determines and resolves as follows:
Section 1: The recitals set forth above are true and correct and incorporated herein by
reference.
Section 2: The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) pursuant to 14 C.C.R. Section 15302, Class 2 “Replacement or Reconstruction”, of
the Public Resources Code (CEQA). This exemption allows for the replacement or
reconstruction of existing structures and facilities where the new structure will be located on the
same site as the structure replaced and will have substantially the same purpose and capacity as
the structure replaced.
Section 3: The project is consistent with the Saratoga General Plan Policies LU 1.1 in
that the City shall continue to be predominately a community of single-family detached
residences and LU 1.2 to continue to review all residential development proposals to ensure
consistency with Land Use Element goals and Policies.
Section 4: The project is consistent with the Saratoga City Code in that the design and
improvements are consistent with the design review findings in that the project avoids
unreasonable interference with views and privacy; preserves the natural landscape, native and
heritage trees; minimizes the perception of excessive bulk and is of compatible bulk and height;
uses current grading and erosion control methods; and follows appropriate design policies and
techniques.
72
Resolution No. 12-046 Page 2
Section 5: The City of Saratoga Planning Commission hereby approves applications
PDR09-0006 and VAR08-0003, for the project located at 14660 Quito Road, subject to the
Conditions of Approval attached hereto as Exhibit 1.
PASSED AND ADOPTED by the City of Saratoga Planning Commission this 14th day of
November 2012 by the following vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT:
ABSTAIN:
___________________________________
Tina K. Walia
Chair, Planning Commission
73
Resolution No. 12-046 Page 3
EXHIBIT 1
CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL
PDR09-0006 / VAR08-0003
14660 QUITO RD. (407-14-004)
1. All conditions below which are identified as permanent or for which an alternative period of
time for applicability is specified shall run with the land and apply to the landowner’s
successors in interest for such time period. No zoning clearance, or demolition, or grading
for this project shall be issued until proof is filed with the city that a certificate of approval
documenting all applicable permanent or other term-specified conditions has been recorded
by the applicant with the Santa Clara County Recorder’s office in form and content to the
Community Development Director.
2. If a condition is not “Permanent” or does not have a term specified, it shall remain in effect
until the issuance by the City of Saratoga of a Certificate of Occupancy or its equivalent.
3. The Owner and Applicant will be mailed a statement, after the time the Resolution granting
this approval is duly executed, containing a statement of all amounts due to the City in
connection with this application, including all consultant fees (collectively “processing
fees”). This approval or permit shall expire sixty (60) days after the date said notice is
mailed if all processing fees contained in the notice have not been paid in full. No Zoning
Clearance or Demolition, Grading, or Building Permit may be issued until the processing
fees have been paid in full (and, for deposit accounts, a surplus balance of $500 is
maintained).
4. The Project shall maintain compliance with all applicable regulations of the State, County,
City and/or other governmental agencies having jurisdiction including, without limitation, the
requirements of the Saratoga Zoning Regulations incorporated herein by this reference.
5. As a condition of this Approval, Owner and Applicant hereby agree to defend, indemnify and
hold the City and its officers, officials, boards, commissions, employees, agents and
volunteers harmless from and against:
a. any and all claims, actions or proceedings to attack, set aside, void or annul any action on
the subject application, or any of the proceedings, acts or determinations taken, done or
made prior to said action; and
b. any and all claims, demands, actions, expenses or liabilities arising from or in any
manner relating to the performance of such construction, installation, alteration or
grading work by the Owner and/or Applicant, their successors, or by any person acting on
their behalf.
In addition, prior to any Zoning Clearance from the Community Development Director,
Owner and Applicant shall execute a separate agreement containing the details of this
required Agreement to Indemnify, Hold Harmless and Defend, which shall be subject to prior
approval as to form and content by the City Attorney.
74
Resolution No. 12-046 Page 4
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
6. Compliance with Plans. The development shall be located and constructed to include those
features, and only those features, as shown on the Approved Plans dated November 1, 2012
denominated Exhibit "A". All proposed changes to the Approved Plans must be submitted in
writing with plans showing the changes, including a clouded set of plans highlighting the
changes. Such changes shall be subject to approval in accordance with Condition 4, above.
7. Building Division Submittal. Four (4) sets of complete construction plans shall be
submitted to the Building Division. These plans shall be subject to review and approval by
the City prior to issuance of Zoning Clearance. The construction plans shall, at a minimum
include the following:
a. Architectural drawings and other plan sheets consistent with those identified as Exhibit
“A” on file with the Community Development Department and referenced in Condition
No. 6 above;
b. City Arborist Reports dated October 25, 2012 onto separate construction plan pages;
c. A note shall be included on the site plan stating that no construction equipment or
private vehicles shall be parked or stored within the root zone of any Ordinance-
protected tree on the site;
d. The site plan shall contain a note with the following language: “Prior to foundation
inspection by the City, the Licensed Land Surveyor of record shall provide a written
certification that all building setbacks comply with the Approved Plans,” which note
shall represent a condition which must be satisfied to remain in compliance with this
Design Review Approval;
e. This signed and dated Resolution printed onto separate construction plan pages;
f. All additional drawings, plans, maps, reports, and/or materials required by the Building
Division.
8. Lighting. Exterior lighting shall be shielded so as not to shine on adjacent properties or
public right-of-way.
9. Maintenance of Construction Project Sites. Because this Design Review Approval
authorizes a project which requires a Building Permit, compliance with City Code Section
16-75.050 governing maintenance of construction project sites is required.
10. Stormwater. A stormwater retention plan shall be submitted to the City for review and
approval demonstrating how all stormwater will be retained on-site to the maximum extent
feasible, and incorporating the New Development and Construction – Best Management
Practices on file with the City. If all stormwater cannot be retained on-site, an explanatory
note shall be provided on the approved plans and subject to prior City review and approval.
Stormwater runoff from the project site (if any after compliance with this paragraph) shall
not be directed toward the adjacent properties.
75
Resolution No. 12-046 Page 5
ARBORIST
11. Tree Protection Bond. A Tree Protection security deposit equal to 100% of the appraised
value of trees impacted by the project is required. Owner shall obtain, and file with the
Community Development Director, the required security deposit prior to the receipt of
building permits. The security deposit may be in the form of a savings account, a certificate
of deposit account or a bond. The required security deposit for this project is $114,520 and is
equal to the total appraised value of trees #1 – 6. This deposit will be held until completion of
the project and acceptance by the City.
1
2. Tree Fencing. Tree Protection fencing, as conditioned per the City Arborist Report, dated
October 25, 2012, must be installed and inspected prior to zoning clearance.
PUBLIC WORKS
13. Geotechnical Review Letter. The applicant’s geotechnical consultant shall review and
approve all geotechnical aspects of the project grading and construction plans (i.e., site
preparation and grading, site drainage improvements, and design parameters for foundations)
to ensure that their recommendations have been properly incorporated. The results of the
plan review shall be summarized by the geotechnical consultant in a letter and submitted to
the City Engineer for review along with other documents for building permit plan-check.
14. Geotechnical Inspection. The geotechnical consultant shall inspect, test (as needed), and
approve all geotechnical aspects of the project construction. The inspections shall include,
but not necessarily be limited to: site preparation and grading, site surface and subsurface
drainage improvements, observation of foundation excavations prior to placement of steel
and concrete, and testing of engineered fill placement. The consultant shall perform a final
inspection of completed project drainage improvements around the residence and property.
The results of these inspections and the as-built conditions of the project shall be described
by the geotechnical consultant in a letter and submitted to the City Engineer for review prior
to final (as-built) project approval.
15. Associated Fees. The owner (applicant) shall pay any outstanding fees associated with the
City Geotechnical Consultant’s review of the project prior to Zone Clearance.
16. Hold Harmless Agreement. The owner (applicant) shall enter into agreement holding the
City of Saratoga harmless from any claims or liabilities caused by or arising out of soil or
slope instability, slides, slope failure or other soil related and/or erosion related conditions.
17. Encroachment Permit. Applicant (owner) shall obtain an encroachment permit for any and
all improvements in any City right-of-way or City easement prior to commencement of the
work to implement this Design Review.
76
Page 1 of 6
Community Development Department
City of Saratoga
13777 Fruitvale Avenue
Saratoga, California 95070
ARBORIST REPORT
It is the responsibility of the owner, architect and contractor to be familiar with the
information in this report and implement the required conditions.
Application #: ARB 08-0086
Prepared by Kate Bear, City Arborist Site: 14660 Quito Road
Phone: (408) 868-1276 Owner: Dan Dang
Email: kbear@saratoga.ca.us APN: 407-14-004
Email:
Report History:
#1
Date:
Plans received December 10, 2008
Report completed January 29, 2009
#2 – Report replaces report #1 Revised plans received March 25, 2009
Report completed April 15, 2009
#3 – Report replaces report #2 Revised plans received October 17, 2012
Report completed October 25, 2012
PROJECT SCOPE
The applicant has submitted plans to add on to the existing non-conforming house to create a two
story residence with attached garage. The Historic Preservation Commission has recommended that
all trees on site be retained and preserved.
No trees are requested for removal to construct the project. There is a 15 foot tall sycamore
trunk/stump (#8 in the inventory) that meets the criteria for removal as part of this project.
CLEARANCE – with conditions
This project has clearance from the arborist to proceed, with the conditions noted below in the
Requirements section.
PLAN REVIEW
Plans Reviewed:
Revised plans for this project were prepared by Rockwood Design and dated November 23, 2010.
Plans reviewed for this report include Sheet G1, Cover Sheet and Site Plan; Sheet G-2, Setback
Diagram; Sheet G-4, Landscape Plan; Sheet A1, Proposed First Floor Plan; Sheet A2, Proposed
Second Floor Plan; Sheets A3 – A5, Exterior Elevations by.
Also reviewed was a Topographic Survey and Partial Boundary Survey by Associated Terra
Consultants, Inc. dated August 15, 2008.
77
14660 Quito Road
Page 2 of 6
TREE INFORMATION
Tree Inventory:
Eight trees protected by City ordinance and potentially impacted by construction were inventoried
for this report. Data for each tree is included in a Tree Inventory Table at the end of this report and
locations of trees are marked on the attached copy of the Site Plan. Inventoried trees include three
coast live oaks (#1, 2 and 6), one black walnut (#3), one valley oak (#4), one redwood (#5), and two
California sycamores (#7 and 8).
Tree Protection:
In order to adequately protect trees #1 – 4, the driveway should be constructed out of pervious
materials entirely on top of grade. Construction of the driveway will require the use of biaxial
geogrid under the base material. This is a material used on roads to spread the load of vehicles and
prevent soil compaction. Base material can be CU Structural soil or sand. The structural soil can be
obtained at TMT Enterprises on Oakland Road in San Jose. Acceptable surface materials for the
driveway include gravel, decomposed granite, or pavers. A concrete curb on top of grade may be
used to contain the pavers or other driveway materials. No tree roots should be cut to construct the
driveway.
Landscaping area under oaks #1, 2 and 4 should consist of drought tolerant plants compatible with
oaks. No plants or irrigation should be placed within 10 feet these tree trunks. It is acceptable to
place mulch or wood chips under the oaks. Only drip irrigation should be used for irrigation under
oaks. No trenching for irrigation lines is permitted under the oaks. The book, Compatible Plants
Under and Around Oaks, by the California Oak Foundation, may be helpful in selecting plants for
the landscape.
The design of the house has been modified so that the front entrance is midway between trees #2 and
#3, and this location is acceptable. Excavation for the foundation of the entry should be no more than
12 inches deep. It should be hand dug, and any roots found should be cut cleanly with pruning tools
prior to pouring the foundation. Because the area of the entry is small, impacts to these two trees will
be relatively low.
The walkways around the house should consist of pervious materials on top of grade. Acceptable
materials include flagstone set on sand or gravel (or with drought tolerant plants between them),
stepping stones, gravel, pavers on sand, or other materials that do not require excavation or cement
to install. Excavation for concrete is not permitted.
Once a building permit has been issued for the project, the 15 foot high stump of sycamore tree #8
may be removed.
Security Deposit for the Projection of Trees:
Per City Ordinance 15-50.080, a Tree Protection security deposit equal to 100% of the appraised
value of trees impacted by the project is required. Owner shall obtain, and file with the Community
Development Director, the required security deposit prior to the receipt of building permits. The
security deposit may be in the form of a savings account, a certificate of deposit account or a bond.
The required security deposit for this project is $114,520 and is equal to the total appraised value of
trees #1 – 6. This deposit will be held until completion of the project and acceptance by the City.
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14660 Quito Road
Page 3 of 6
Appraisals:
Appraised values were calculated using the Trunk Formula Method and according to the Guide for
Plant Appraisal, 9th Edition, published by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA), 2000.
This was used in conjunction with the Species Classification and Group Assignment, published by
the Western Chapter of the ISA, 2004.
FINDINGS
Tree Removal
Tree #8 is a 15 foot tall dead sycamore stump. It meets the criteria for removal as part of the project
and may be removed once Building Division permits have been received. The tree removal criteria
are attached to the end of this report for reference. The table below summarizes which of the criteria
are met, allowing removal of the tree stump.
Summary of tree removal criteria that are met
Tree # Criteria met Criteria not met
8 1, 2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9 3, 8
New Construction
Based on the information provided, and as conditioned, the project complies with the requirements
for the setback of new construction from existing trees under Section 15-50.120 of the City Code.
REQUIREMENTS
1. This entire arborist report, including the attached Tree Inventory Table and map showing
locations for tree protection fencing shall be included in the final job copy set of plans.
2. This designated Project Arborist for this project is Straun Edwards of Trees 360 Degrees.
3. Tree Protection Security Deposit - $114,520
a. Owner shall obtain, and file with the Community Development Director, a Tree
Protection security deposit for trees #1 – 6 prior to obtaining Building Division permits.
b. The tree protection security deposit shall remain in place for the duration of construction
of the project to ensure the protection of the trees.
c. Once the project has been completed, inspected and approved by the City, the bond will
be released.
4. Tree Protection Fencing:
a. Shall be installed as shown on the attached map.
b. Shall be established prior to the arrival of construction equipment or materials on site.
c. Shall be comprised of six-foot high chain link fencing mounted on eight-foot tall, 2-inch
diameter galvanized posts, driven 24 inches into the ground and spaced no more than 10
feet apart.
d. Shall be posted with signs saying “TREE PROTECTION FENCE - DO NOT REMOVE
WITHOUT APPROVAL FROM CITY ARBORIST”.
e. Call City Arborist, Kate Bear at (408) 868-1276 for an inspection of tree protection
fencing once it has been installed. This is required prior to obtaining building division
permits.
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14660 Quito Road
Page 4 of 6
f. Tree protection fencing shall remain undisturbed throughout the construction until final
inspection. If contractor feels that work must be done inside the fenced area, call City
Arborist to arrange a field meeting.
5. Receipt of a Planning or Building permit does not relieve applicant of his responsibilities for
protecting trees per City Code Article 15-50 during all construction work.
6. No protected tree authorized for removal or encroachment pursuant to this project may be
removed or encroached upon until the issuance of the applicable permit from the building
division for the approved project.
7. All construction activities shall be conducted outside tree protection fencing. These activities
include, but are not necessarily limited to, the following: demolition, grading, trenching,
equipment cleaning, stockpiling and dumping materials (including soil fill), and
equipment/vehicle operation and parking.
8. No excavation, trenching for utilities or addition of fill soil is permitted within the distances
listed below.
a. 13 feet from trees #1, 4 and 5
b. 10 feet from tree #2, 3 and 6
9. The following mitigating measures shall be incorporated into construction of the driveway
and walkways:
a. Biaxial geogrid material shall be used under the driveway.
b. Driveway and walkways shall be constructed entirely on top of grade.
c. No excavation or cutting of tree roots is permitted.
d. Acceptable materials include gravel, flagstones, stepping stones (for walkways),
pavers on sand, or other pervious materials.
e. Materials may be contained with a concrete curb on top of grade.
10. The project arborist shall monitor and document installation of the driveway and walkways
to ensure that the project requirements are met. Following installation, the project arborist
shall provide a letter with photos to the City verifying that mitigating measures were
implemented.
11. A note shall be included on the plans stating that the foundation for the entrance between
trees #2 and 3 shall be hand dug and no deeper than 12 inches below existing grade. Any
roots that require cutting for the foundation shall be cut using a sharp pruning tool under the
supervision of an ISA Certified arborist.
12. Should any tree be damaged beyond repair, new trees shall be required to replace the tree. If
there is insufficient room to plant new trees, some or all of the replacement value for trees
may be paid into the City’s Tree Fund.
13. Any permitted pruning or root pruning of trees on site shall be performed under the
supervision of the Project Arborist and according to ISA standards.
80
14660 Quito Road
Page 5 of 6
14. Irrigation shall be designed as follows:
a. So that it does not spray trunks of trees.
b. Valve boxes, controllers and irrigation lines shall be located outside of tree canopies
and away from tree trunks.
c. Select plants with similar water requirements to the trees under which they will be
placed.
d. Do not plant lawn under the canopy of oak trees #1, 2, 4 or 6.
e. Plant only drought tolerant plants compatible with oaks under oaks, and keep plants at
least 10 feet from tree trunk. Mulch under the canopy is recommended.
f. Design topdressings so that they remain at least one foot from the trunks of retained
trees and 6 inches from the trunks of new trees.
g. Do not allow tilling or stripping of the topsoil beneath the trees’ canopies.
15. The disposal of harmful products (such as chemicals, oil and gasoline) is prohibited under
tree canopies or anywhere on site that allows drainage to areas under tree canopies.
Herbicides shall not be applied under tree canopies.
16. At the end of the project, when the contractor wants to remove tree protection fencing and
have the tree protection security deposit released by the City, call City Arborist for a final
inspection.
ATTACHMENTS:
Tree Removal Criteria
Tree Inventory Table dated April 15, 2009
Map showing locations of trees and protective fencing around trees
81
14660 Quito Road
Page 6 of 6
TREE REMOVAL CRITERIA
Criteria that permit the removal of a protected tree are listed below. This information is from Article
15-50.080 of the City Code and is applied to any tree requested for removal as part of the project. If
findings are made that meet the criteria listed below, the tree(s) may be approved for removal and
replacement during construction.
(1) The condition of the tree with respect to disease, imminent danger of falling, proximity to
existing or proposed structures and interference with utility services;
(2) The necessity to remove the tree because of physical damage or threatened damage to
improvements or impervious surfaces on the property;
(3) The topography of the land and the effect of the tree removal upon erosion, soil retention and
the diversion or increased flow of surface waters, particularly on steep slopes;
(4) The number, species, size and location of existing trees in the area and the effect the removal
would have upon shade, privacy impact, scenic beauty, property values, erosion control, and the
general welfare of residents in the area;
(5) The age and number of healthy trees the property is able to support according to good forestry
practices;
(6) Whether or not there are any alternatives that would allow for retaining or not encroaching on
the protected tree;
(7) Whether the approval of the request would be contrary to or in conflict with the general purpose
and intent of this Article;
(8) Any other information relevant to the public health, safety, or general welfare and the purposes
of this ordinance as set forth in section 15-50.010; and
(9) The necessity to remove the tree for economic or other enjoyment of the property when there is
no other feasible alternative to the removal.
82
TREE INVENTORY TABLE
TREE
NO. TREE NAME Trunk Diameter (in,) - per Guide for Plant AppraisalEstimated Canopy Spread (ft.)Health Condition (100% = best, 0% = worst)Structural Integrity (100% = best, 0% = worst)Overall ConditionSuitability for Preservation (High/Moderate/Low)Intensity of Impacts (1 = Highest, 5 = Lowest)In Conflict with Proposed DesignNot Shown on PlansOn Adjacent ProprtyAppraised ValueCoast live oak
1 Quercus agrifolia 49 50 80 80 Good High 2 $44,400
Coast live oak
2 Quercus agrifolia 34.7 60 80 70 Good High 1 $20,600
Black walnut
3 Juglans hindsii 31.3 30 70 70 Good High 2 $8,600
Valley oak
4 Quercus lobata 24.8 30 70 70 Good High 2 $14,900
Coast redwood
5 Sequoia sempervirens 41, 12 25 90 70 Good High 2 $23,000
Coast live oak
6 Quercus agrifolia 11.9 20 90 70 Good High2X $3,020Qgfg$,
California sycamore
7 Platanus racemosa 36 40 50 40 Poor Moderate 3 $5,600
California sycamore
8 Platanus racemosa 36 0 0 0 Poor Low 3 $0
Replacement Tree Values $114,520
15 gallon = $150 24 inch box = $500 36 inch box = $1,500
48 inch box = $5,000 52 inch box = 7,000 72 inch box = $15,000
Should any tree listed above become damaged owner will be required to repair the damage.
Should any tree listed above be removed owner will be required to replace that tree with trees
equal in value to its assessed value.
14660 Quito Road April 15, 2009
83
1
2
5 6
7
8
4
3
Legend
Tree Protective
Fencing
Tree Canopy 14660 Quito Road
84
85
86
87
88
89
90
91
92
93
94
95
96
97
12'-0"
101'-6"
35'-3"46'-2"10'-0"21'-2"5'-0"5'-4"5'-0"20'-6"S24°48'00"
E
76.54'
23.64'EX.BRIDGES47°52'45"E
68.80'
S29°55'30"E
EXISTING HOUSE
S22°30'
0
0
"
E
133.32'
EX.
BRIDGE
S39°55'50
"W90.86
'
QUITO
ROAD
CREEK
EX. STEEL
A
N
D
WOOD BRI
D
G
E
SITE DATUM = 341.14'T.B.
S61°45'
0
0
"
E
102.30'
37.16'
S50°03'00
"
E
N84°07'30"W58.53'Prope
r
ty
L
ine
Proposed
single story
17'(E)
Paved st
r
e
e
t
City limit
s
l
i
n
e
a
n
d
original c
e
n
t
e
r
l
i
n
e
o
f
creek per
8
6
M
a
p
s
4
7
Paved st
r
e
e
t
Proposed
single story
Driveway
Parking /
Driveway FALLEN TREE28" OAK18" DOUBLE TREE12" TREE24" OAK12" TREE36" REDWOOD25" 23" DOUBLE SYCAMORE22" OAK34" OAK49" OAK15" OAK8" TREE31" Black Walnut24" OAK41" REDWOOD12" OAK36" SYCAMORE36" SYCAMORE12" REDWOODProposed
two story
Top of bank
AC
Drawn by:
Mohammad Sadeh
G1
Date: 7/7/2012
N
Design Firm:
Rockwood Design Associates, Inc.
14554 Big Basin Way, Suite A
Saratoga, CA. 95070
Project manager:
Adam Rockwood, AIA Assoc.
Project Designer:
Mohammad Sadeh
408-741-0189
408-741-5085
www.rockwooddesign.net
Project Owner:
Dan Dang
14660 Quito Road
Saratoga, CA, 95070
Project Description:
Property Information:
Existing use: Single Family Residence
Address:
14660 Quito Road
Saratoga, CA, 95070
Age of structure: C.1930
APN:
407-14-004
Zoning:
R1- 40.000
Gross Lot Size: 1.04 Acres = 45,302.40 s.f.
Net Lot: .80 Acres = 34,848 s.f. (Gross less easemets and
R.O.W.'S)
Adjusted Net per Slope (see below): 18,120.96 s.f.
Net Lot determined by subtrating all land in R.O.W. No
easement exist for Santa Clara Valley water district.
Slope at building Edge: Nearly Flat at Building Pad
Average Slope of Site: 25.01 %
25.01% average slope = Reduction of 30% + 3% for each
1% over 20% = 30% + 3% (6) = 48% Reduction.
Net Lot = 34,848 s.f. less 48% =Adjusted Net Area per
Slope: 18,120.96 s.f.
Allowable Floor Area:
4,050 s.f. + 78 s.f. for each 1,000 s.f. over 15,000 s.f. =
4,050 + 78 (4) = 4,362 s.f Allowable
Total Proposed Floor Area: 2,697 s.f. Includes existing and
proposed first floor, second floor and garage.
Index:
G1 Title sheet / Vicinity Map / Site plan
G2 Setback Diagram
G2.1 Setback Diagram
G2.2 Survey
G3 Arborist Report / HPC Report
G4 Landscape plan
A1 First Floor plan
A2 Second Floor plan
A3 Elevation
A4 Elevation
A5 Elevation
A6 Sections
A7 Roof Plan
Height:
Lowest elevation point:
Highest elevation point:
Average of highest and lowest point:
Top most elevation point:
(From average point)
Proposed Height of Second floor
Floor Area: (E) (P) Total
First Floor
Second Floor
Garage
Total:
Impervious Coverage:
Site Coverage: SQFT % Of net lot size
(A) Footprint of home
(B) Driveway
(C) Walkways
(D) Deck
Total
Setbacks: Required / Proposed
See G2- G2.1 Setback Diagram
577
811
1,388
383
1,771
926
0
926
0
926
1,503
811
2,314
383
2,697
339.77'
340.35'
340.06'
365.22'
25'-2"
Addition and renovation to existing single family one-story
non-conforming residence to include new second story
and new 2 car garage. Proposal will require the following
variances: Front setback encroachment, Rear first floor
setback encroachment, Rear second floor setback
encroachment, Creek setback encroachment.
Net lot size per slope: 34,848 s.f.
5.4 %
5.6 %
1.4 %
0.05 %
12.45 %
Total
Front yard setback
C. First floor from bldg to EDGE of R.O.W:
E. Second floor from bldg to EDGE of R.O.W:
Side yard setback
G. First floor
H. Second floor
Side yard setback
I. First floor
J. Second floor
Rear yard from building to top of the
Bank setback
L. First floor - From Bldg to top of the Bank
M. Second floor - From Bldg to top of the Bank
30' / 14'-2"
30' / 11'-0"
20' / 32'-6"
25' /83'-1"
20' / 176'-0"
25' / 176'-0"
50' /3'-6"
60' / 20'-6"Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 950701,886
1,967
515
178
4,546 SqFt
(E): Existing
(P): Proposed
LEGENDS:
Property Line
Set back
Creek set back /creek
center line
Edge of R.O.W.
LEGENDS:
First Floor
Addition
Second Floor
Addition
Scale 1"=10'-0"
1.Prior to foundation inspection by the city, the LLS of record shall
provide a written certification that all building setbacks are per the
approved plans.
Site Plan / Landscape Plan12Vicinity Map
Refer to sheets G2 - G2.1 for setback diagram
Interlocking Pervious Pavers
Landscape areas / Drought Tolerant shade
Thriving Species
Natural Vegetation
1 10/22/2012
Floodplain Notes:
Per certificate of elevation dated 08/13/09, finish
floor of (E) residence is 342.6 feet.
Upstream Addition
Floodplain Note
this sheet
2. Upstream Addition shall be located on piers to allow the flood
way to pass beneath them with the lowest chord of the building
above the FEMA base flood water surface elevation calculated to
include the floodway. Refer to water surface elevations under
Schaff and Wheeler hydrology finding located on this sheet.
98
20'20'A BEFDCNOKL M
N22°21'
1
0
"
W
276.75'
S24°48'00"
E
76.54'
23.64'EX.BRIDGES47°52'45"E
68.80'
S29°55'30"E
EXISTING HOUSE
S22°30'0
0
"
E
133.32'
EX.
BRIDGE
S39°55'50
"W90.86
'
SAN
EX. PAVED
D
R
I
V
E
W
A
Y
QUITO
ROAD
AQUINO
CREEK
EX. STEEL
A
N
D
WOOD BRI
D
G
E
350350
350
T.B.
T.B.
S61°45'
0
0
"
E
102.30'
25.53'
S33°40'30"E 37.16'
S50°03'00
"
E
N84°07'30"W58.53'TOMA
S
Prope
r
ty
L
ine
Edge of
R
.
O
.
W
.
Center Li
n
e
o
f
t
h
e
s
t
r
e
e
t
Edge of
R
.
O
.
W
.20'
s
ide
se
t
back
(F
i
rs
t
f
loor)25'S
ide
se
t
back
(
Second
f
loor)
Proposed
single storyProposed
double story
30' Front
s
e
t
b
a
c
k
Property
L
i
n
e
/
Paved st
r
e
e
t
City limits
l
i
n
e
a
n
d
original c
e
n
t
e
r
l
i
n
e
o
f
creek per
8
6
M
a
p
s
4
7
50' creek
s
e
t
b
a
c
k
Paved str
e
e
t
Proposed
single story
Proposed
single story
/ from to
p
o
f
b
a
n
k11'-0"25'-6"36'-1"52'-2"Top of bank
14'-2"28'-6"60'-0".6'-2"3'-6"49'-0"
46'-7"
S24°48'00"
E
76.54'
23.64'EX.BRIDGES47°52'45"E
68.80'
S29°55'30"E
EXISTING HOUSE
S22°30'0
0
"
E
133.32'
EX.
BRIDGE
S39°55'50
"W90.86
'
SAN
EX. PAVED
D
R
I
V
E
W
A
Y
AQUINO
CREEK
EX. STEEL
A
N
D
WOOD BRI
D
G
E
350350
350
T.B.
T.B.
S61°45'
0
0
"
E
102.30'
25.53'
S33°40'30"E 37.16'
S50°03'00
"
E
N84°07'30"WTOMA
S
Prope
r
ty
L
ine
Proposed
single storyProposed
double story
City limits
l
i
n
e
a
n
d
original c
e
n
t
e
r
l
i
n
e
o
f
creek per
8
6
M
a
p
s
4
7
Paved st
r
e
e
t
Proposed
single story
Proposed
single story
Top of bank
Drawn by:
Mohammad Sadeh
G2
N Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 95070single story
addition
Second story
addition
Front yard right/south setback(first
floor only)
A. from bldg to EDGE of R.O.W:
B. from Bldg. to pavement at street - / 52'-2"
Front yard left/north setback
C. First floor from bldg to EDGE of R.O.W:
D. First floor from bldg to pavement at street:
E. Second floor from bldg to EDGE of R.O.W:
F. Second floor from bldg to pavement at street:
30' / 36'-1"
30' / 14'-2"
- / 28'-6"
30' / 11'-0"
- / 25'-6"
Setbacks: Required / Proposed
Rear yard right/south setback (first floor only)
K. First floor (only)
Rear yard left/north setback
L. First floor
M. Second floor
Creek setback (from top of the bank)
O. right/ south:
N. closest existing:
50' / 60'-0"
50' / 46'-7"
60' / 49'-0"
3'-6"
6'-2"
50' Required/ Proposed
Scale 1/16"=1'-0"1
Date: 7/7/2012
Setback Diagram N Scale 1/16"=1'-0"2 Street Diagram
1 10/22/2012
99
Planing Notes Drawn by:
Mohammad Sadeh
G3Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 95070Date: 7/7/2012
100
20'20'5'-0"10'-0"
10'-21/4"7'-63/4"13'-51/4"9'-91/4"9'-111/4"
5'-0
"5'-0"N22°21'
1
0
"
W
276.75'
S24°48'00"
E
76.54'
23.64'EX. BRIDGES47°52'45"E
68.80'
S29°55'30"E
S22°30'0
0
"
E
133.32'
EX. BRIDGE
S39°55'50"W90.86
'
SA
N
EX. PAVED
DRIVEWAY
QUITO
ROAD
AQUINO
CREEK
EX. STEEL
A
N
D
WOOD
BRIDGE
350
350
350
360
340
T.B.T.
B
.
S61°45'
0
0
"
E
102.30'
25.53'
S33°40'30"E
37.16'
S50°03'00
"
E
N84°07'30"W58.53'TOMA
S FALLEN TREE28" OAK18" DOUBLE TREE12" TREE24" OAK12" TREE16" TREE26" 13" DOUBLE OAK36" REDWOOD25" 23" DOUBLE SYCAMORE22" OAK14" OAK10" OAK34" OAK49" OAK15" OAK8" TREE31" OAK24" OAK41" REDWOOD12" OAK36" SYCAMORE36" SYCAMORE12" REDWOODPrope
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tyLine
Edge of
R.O.W.
Center Li
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Edge of
R.O.W.
Property
Line /
Paved st
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City limits
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centerlin
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Maps 47
Paved st
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B
D
A
DD
DC
C
1
2
4
3
5
6
8
7
D
Landscape Plan Drawn by:
Mohammad Sadeh
G4
N Scale 1/8"=1'-0"
(A) Footprint of home
(B) Driveway
(C) Walkways
(D) Deck
Total
1
1,886
1,967
515
178
4,546 SqFt
Tree Notes:
1- 49" Coast live Oak
5'-0" set back to driveway
2- 34.7" Coast live Oak
3- 31.3" Black Walnut
4- 24.8" Valley Oak
5'-0" setback to driveway
5- 41" Coast Redwood
15'-0" setback to foundation
6- 11.9" Coast live Oak
10'-0" Setback to foundation
7- 36" California Sycamore
8- 36" California Sycamore Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 95070Date: 7/7/2012
101
30'-7"6'-11"20'-5"7'-1"24'-7"10'-7"10'-0"18'-10"
91'-6"7'-10"18'-9"26'-7"27'-6"
10'-0"35'-3"
64'-0"15'-2"6'-0"12
Ref.Pantry
Sink.
Cook top/
Hood
Living areaBedroom 1
UP
F.P.Kitchen
Dining
Entry
Closet
Laundry
3
3
Closet
Bathroom
Bathroom
Garage
188 sq ft
383 sq ft 520 sq ft 297 sq ft 286 sq ft212 sq ft
12
Ref.Pantry
Sink.
Cook top/
Hood
Living areaBedroom 1
UP
F.P.Kitchen
Dining
Entry
Closet
Laundry
3
3
Closet
Bathroom
Bathroom
Garage
First Floor Plan Drawn by:
Mohammad Sadeh
A1
N Scale 1/4"=1'-0"
Demo wall
New wall
(E) Wall
BCDF
E
1
A
A
B
C
D
E
F
Total Sq.Ft =
Total Floor Area Combined:
Second floor plan
15'-2" X 18'-0" = 286'
10'-0" X 21'-2" = 212'
10'-7" X 28'-1" = 297'
24'-7" X 21'-2" = 520'
26'-7" X 7'-1" = 188'
18'-9" X 20'-5" = 383'
1,886'Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 95070Date: 7/7/2012
102
40'-10"2'-10"2'-0"19'-3"2'-6"26'-7"17'-0"3'-5"7'-1"13'-4"
40'-10"
14'-11"12'-7"13'-4"
12
3
Bedroom 2
Bathroom
Closet
Master
Bath
Master Bedroom
Balcony
Down
Desk
Closet
Closet
3
111 sq ft 282 sq ft
53 sq ft
287 sq ft 78 sq ft
12
3
Bedroom 2
Bathroom
Closet
Master
Bath
Master Bedroom
Balcony
Down
Desk
Closet
Closet
3
Second Floor plan Drawn by:
Mohammad Sadeh
A2
N Scale 1/4"=1'-0"
A
B
D
C
1
A
B
C
D
E
Total Sq.Ft = 811
Total Floor Area Combined:
Second floor plan
21'-2" X 13'-4" = 282'
7'-5" X 7'-1" = 53'
8'-10" X 12'-7" = 111'
78'
19'-3" X 14'-11" = 287'
E
Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 95070Date: 7/7/2012
103
25'-2"13'-9"Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 95070Proposed Front Elevation(West)
Existing Front Elevation(West)
Drawn by:
Mohammad Sadeh
A3
Scale 1/4"=1'-0"
1
2
(E) Finish Grade &
(E) Natural Grade 339.77'
(E) Finish Floor 0'-0"
Finish Grade 339.77'
Natural Grade 340.35'
Second floor at 9'-6"
Ceiling 8'-0"
Highest point:
From Average Grade 365.22'
Average Grade 340.06'Average Grade 340.06'2'-0"2'-0"(E) Roof
New Roof
New Roof
New Roof
New elevation
Exterior Material
Roof Material
Siding
Date: 7/7/2012
104
Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 95070Existing South Elevation Existing North Elevation
Proposed North ElevationProposed South Elevation Drawn by:
Mohammad SadehScale 1/4"=1'-0"2'-0"2'-0"(E) Roof
New Roof
New Roof
New Roof
2'-0"2'-0"(E) Roof
New Roof
New Roof
New Roof
1
2
3
4
A4
New elevation
Exterior Material
Roof Material
Siding
Date: 7/7/2012
105
Existing East Elevation
Proposed East Elevation Scale 1/4"=1'-0"2'-0"2'-0"(E) Roof
New Roof
New Roof
New Roof
1
2 Drawn by:
Mohammad Sadeh
A5
New elevation
Exterior Material
Roof Material
Siding
Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 95070Date: 7/7/2012
106
13'-1"8'-0"8'-0"11'-0"8'-0"9'-10"13'-111/2"9'-71/2"Hall way living room Natural & Finish GradeEntry Hall way
Bathroom Bedroom
Bedroom Natural & Finish Grade
closet Vaulted ceiling
Vaulted ceiling Vaulted ceiling
Master Closet Bathroom
Living Room Dining
Hall way
Stair case
Master Bedroom Bedroom
Cross Section 1 Cross Section 2
Long Section 3 Drawn by:
Mohammad Sadeh
A6
Scale 1/4"=1'-0"
1
3
2
Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 95070Date: 7/7/2012
107
2'-0"
2'-0"2'-0"2'-0"1'-1"2'-0"2'-0"(E) Roof
New Roof
New Roof
New Roof
Existing Roof Plan
Proposed Roof Plan Drawn by:
Mohammad Sadeh
A7
Scale 1/4"=1'-0"
New Roof
1
2 Dang Residence14660 Quito Road, Saratoga , CA 95070Date: 7/7/2012
Existing
Roof
108