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HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Resolution 24-058, Denying Appeal 13760 Manteca WayRESOLUTION NO: 24-058 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF SARATOGA DENYING APPEAL APCC24-0003, AND APPROVING DESIGN REVIEW PDR24-0002 LOCATED AT 13760 MANTECA WAY (APN 389-30-024) WHEREAS, on February 11, 2024, an application was submitted by Vandana and Milind Pawar requesting Design Review approval to construct a 781 square foot second story addition to an existing one story single-family residence with an overall height of 25'-1 ". No protected trees are proposed for removal (project). WHEREAS, on August 14, 2024, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing on the Project, and considered evidence presented by City Staff, the applicant, the property owners, and other interest parties. WHEREAS, the Planning Commission approved Design Review application PDR24- 0002. WHEREAS, on August 29, 2024, an appeal to the City Council was filed by Yung Feng & Rony Feng ("Appellants"). WHEREAS, on October 2, 2024, following a duly noticed public hearing where the City Council conducted a de novo review of the appeal, at which all interested parties were given a full opportunity to be heard and to present evidence, the City Council considered the application, site plan, architectural drawings, CEQA documentation, and other materials, exhibits, and evidence presented by City Staff, the appellant, the applicant, and other interested parties. WHEREAS, the Community Development Department recommends that the City Council determine that this Project is categorically exempt under CEQA Guidelines § 15303, New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures. NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Saratoga hereby denies the appellants appeal, affirms the decision of the Planning Commission of the City of Saratoga on August 14, 2024, and approves the applicant's Design Review application and further finds, determines, and resolves as follows: Section 1: The recitals set forth above are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference. The documents constituting the record of proceedings upon which this decision is based are located in the City of Saratoga Department of Community Development and are maintained by the Director of that Department. Section 2• The project is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Cal. Code Regs., tit. 14, Section 15303, Class 3 "New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures." This exemption allows for the construction of a single-family residence and small structures in a residential area. Resolution 24-058 Page 2 Section 3: City Code Section 15-45.060(a)(1), Design Review approval by the Planning Commission is required because the project includes a new multi -story main structure. The Design Review approval requirement implements the Saratoga General Plan, including but not limited to: Land Use Goal 13 which provides that the City shall use the Design Review process to assure that new construction and major additions thereto are compatible with the site and adjacent surroundings; Safety Element Site and Drainage Policy 3 which provides that the City shall require landscaping and site drainage plans to be submitted and approved during Design Review for a residence prior to issuance of permits; 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 required Design Review approval findings under Section 15-45.080 of the City Code can be made and are set forth as follows: a. Site development follows the natural contours of the site, minimizes grading, and is appropriate given the property's natural constraints. This finding can be made in the affirmative in that the project only includes the construction of a second story addition, and no grading is proposed to construct the project. b. All protected trees shall be preserved, as provided in Article 15-50 (Tree Regulations). If constraints exist on the property, the number of protected trees, heritage trees, and native trees approved for removal shall be reduced to an absolute minimum. Removal of any smaller oak trees deemed to be in good health by the City Arborist shall be minimized using the criteria set forth in Section 15-50.080. This finding can be made in the affirmative in that the project is limited to the construction of a second story addition and no protected trees will be impacted for its construction. c. The height of the structure, its location on the site, and its architectural elements are designed to avoid unreasonable impacts to the privacy of adjoining properties and to community viewsheds. This finding can be made in the affirmative in that the proposed residence complies with the maximum height limitation of 26 feet allowable for residential structures; the rear facing second story windows are limited in number with one of the windows located in a stairwell; the second story has no second story windows facing the adjacent property to the left, and the second story balcony will be located at the front of the structure to avoid views into the rear and side yards of adjacent neighbors. There are no community viewsheds in the vicinity of the site. d. The overall mass and the height of the structure, and its architectural elements are in scale with the structure itself and with the neighborhood. This finding can be made in the affirmative in that the proposed residence complies with the maximum height limitation of 26 feet allowable for residential structures; the building has varying architectural forms and projections to break up the appearance of mass, the building setbacks meet or exceed those required for the R-1-10,000 zoning district. e. The landscape design minimizes hardscape in the front setback area and contains elements that are complimentary to the neighborhood and streetscape. This finding can be made in the affirmative in that existing landscaping within the front setback area includes lawn areas, drought resistant shrubs, trees, and groundcover. No additional landscaping is proposed. Resolution 24-058 Page 3 Development of the site does not unreasonably impair the ability of adjoining properties to utilize solar energy. This finding can be made in the affirmative in that development will not unreasonably impair the ability of adjoining properties to utilize solar energy as the project exceeds the required side and rear setbacks, and the orientation of the sun throughout the day with respect to the location of the site and position/height of the structure will not unreasonably cast shadows on adjoining properties. g. The design of the structure and the site development plan is consistent with the Residential Design Handbook, pursuant to Section 15-45.055. This finding can be made in the affirmative because the proposed project incorporates applicable design policies and techniques from the Residential Design Handbook. The overall mass and height of the structure are in scale with the neighborhood and the structure is set back in proportion to the size and shape of the lot. In addition, the proposed materials, colors, and details enhance the architecture in a well -composed, understated manner. h. On hillside lots, the location and the design of the structure avoid unreasonable impacts to ridgelines, significant hillside features, community viewsheds, and is in compliance with Section 15-13.100. This finding is not applicable to the project in that the site is not characterized as a hillside lot nor is the site located within the Hillside Residential zoning district. Section 5: The City Council of the City of Saratoga hereby approves Design Review Application PDR24-0002 located at 13760 Manteca Way (APN 389-30-024). The above and foregoing resolution was passed and adopted at a regular meeting of the Saratoga City Council held on the 2" d day of October 2024 by the following vote: AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS FITZSIMMONS, PAGE, WALIA, VICE MAYOR AFTAB, MAYOR ZHAO NOES: NONE ABSENT: NONE ABSTAIN: NONE Yan Zhao, Mayor ATTEST: Britt Avrit, MMC, City Clerk Resolution 24-058 Page 4 CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL PDR24-0002 (389-30-024) GENERAL All conditions below which are identified as permanent or for which an alternative period for applicability is specified shall run with the land and apply to the landowner's successors in interest for such time. 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. 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. 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, 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. Resolution 24-058 Page 5 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 5. 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 current 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. 6. The development shall be located and constructed to include those features, and only those features, as shown on the plans approved by the Planning Commission on August 14, 2024. 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 the City Code. 7. Prior to issuance of Building Permits, the applicant shall submit for staff approval a Lighting Plan for the home's exterior and landscaped areas. Proposed exterior lighting shall be limited to full cut off & shielded fixtures with downward directed illumination so as not to shine on adjacent properties or public right-of-way. All proposed exterior lighting shall be designed to limit illumination to the site and avoid creating glare impacts to surrounding properties. 8. To comply with standards that minimize impacts to the neighborhood during site preparation and construction, the applicant shall comply with City Code Sections 7-30.060 and 16-75.050, with respect to noise, construction hours, maintenance of the construction site and other requirements stated in these sections. 9. Prior to issuance of Building Permits, the applicant shall prepare for review and approval by City staff a Construction Management Plan for the project which includes but is not limited to the following: a. Proposed construction worker parking area. b. Proposed construction hours that are consistent with the City Code. c. Proposed construction/delivery vehicle staging or parking areas. d. Proposed traffic control plan with traffic control measures, any street closure, hours for delivery/earth moving or hauling, etc. To the extent possible, any deliveries, earth moving or hauling activities will be scheduled to avoid peak commute hours. e. Proposed construction material staging/storage areas. f. Location of project construction sign outlining permitted construction work hours, name of project contractor and the contact information for both homeowner and contractor. 10. All fences, walls and hedges shall conform to height requirements provided in the City Code Section 15-29. Resolution 24-058 Page 6 11. A locking mailbox approved for use by the U.S. Postal service shall be installed and in compliance with Saratoga Municipal Code section 6-25.030. The mailbox shall be installed prior to final inspection. 12. A Building Permit must be issued, and construction commenced within 36 months from the date of adoption of this Resolution or the Design Review Approval will expire unless extended in accordance with the City Code. 13. West Valley Collection & Recycling is the exclusive roll -off and debris box provider for the City of Saratoga. 14. Prior to Building Department final inspection, no less than 15 trees shall be planted along the rear property line as illustrated in the approved Privacy Plan. These trees shall be maintained at overall heights of at least 13 feet. FIRE DEPARTMENT 15. The owner/applicant shall comply with all applicable Fire Department requirements. ENGINEERING 16. 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 current 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. 17. Applicant / Owner shall obtain an encroachment permit for all improvements in any City right- of-way or City easement including all new utilities prior to commencement of the work to implement this Design Review. 18. Applicant / Owner shall make the following improvements in the City right-of-way: a. Obtain an encroachment permit and replace nonconforming/damaged curb and gutter in front of driveway. See City of Saratoga Standard Details for removal and new installation. New flow line shall conform to existing flow lines and grade. 19. Damages to driveway approach, curb and gutter, public streets, or other public improvements during construction shall be repaired prior to final inspection. 20. All new/upgraded utilities shall be installed underground. Resolution 24-058 Page 7 21. Applicant / Owner shall maintain the streets, sidewalks and other right of way as well as adjacent properties, both public and private, in a clean, safe and usable condition. All spills of soil, rock or construction debris shall be removed immediately. 22. The Owner/Applicant shall incorporate adequate source control measures to limit pollutant generation, discharge, and runoff (e.g. landscaping that minimizes irrigation and runoff, promotes surface infiltration where possible, minimizes the use of pesticides and fertilizers, and incorporates appropriate sustainable landscaping practices and programs, such as Bay - Friendly Landscaping). 23. All building and construction related activities shall adhere to New Development and Construction — Best Management Practices as adopted by the City for the purpose of preventing storm water pollution: • Owner shall implement construction site inspection and control to prevent construction site discharges of pollutants into the storm drains per approved Erosion Control Plan. • The City requires the construction sites to maintain year-round effective erosion control, run-on and run-off control, sediment control, good site management, and non -storm water management through all phases of construction (including, but not limited to, site grading, building, and finishing of lots) until the site is fully stabilized by landscaping or the installation of permanent erosion control measures. • City will conduct inspections to determine compliance and determine the effectiveness of the BMPs in preventing the discharge of construction pollutants into the storm drain. Owner shall be required to timely correct all actual and potential discharges observed. 24. 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. 25. Prior to the Building final, all Public Works conditions shall be completed per approved plans. BUILDING DEPARTMENT SUBMITTAL 26. 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. ***End of Conditions ***