HomeMy WebLinkAbout02-23-1965 Planning Commission Minutes SiDi;~ARY OF MINHTES
CITY OF SARATOGA PIANN1NG CObE. IISSION
TIMid: Tuesday, February 23, 1965, 7:30
PLACE: City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California
TYPE: Regular Mcetiag
I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
The meeting was called to order by Chairran Norton at 7:30 P.M.
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Connnissioners Cowley, Crisp, Kellum, McFall, Norton and ~ight
Absent: Con~issioner O'Rorke
B, MINUTES
Co~nissioner McFall moved, seconded by Commissioner Kellum, that the
reading of the minutes of February 8, 1965 be waived and that the
minutes be approved subject to the following corrections:
1. Page 4. . .paragraph 6. . .first line. . .Change the name "Lull"
to "Pierce".
2. Page 4.. .paragraph I under A-168.. .line 4.. .Change the word
"four" to "three".
3. Page 4.. ,paragraph 1 under A-169.. .lines 1 and 2. .Omit
"seconded by Commissioner Cowicy moved".
Motion carried unanimously.
II. PUBLIC HE.t~IMCS
Chairm~n Norton declared public hearings open for the evening at 7:40 P.M.
A. C-.76 - Robert Taylor Construction Companyr Prospect Road - ChinEs of
Zoning from "R-1-40,000" (Single Family Residential) to
"R-1-40,000 P-C" (Single Family Residential Planned Co~,unity) -
Continued from February 8, 1965
Co~issioner Crisp advised that the revised tentative mp for
SD-529 (filed in conjunction with the subject application for
change of zoning) had not been received, so recommended that C-76
be continued until the next regular meeting.
Chairman Nor ten so directed.
B. V-254- Thcrn I,. Mayeo. Sullivan ~av - Variance to allow 7' Side Yard in
lieu of required 12' Side Yard - Continued from February 8, 1965
~. }~yes was present but stated that he had no further comment
at this time.
There was no one in the audience ~,ho wished to speak with
regard to this matter.
Ihe Secretary read the report of the Variance Committee (signed
by Comissioner O'Rorke, Chairman, and Con:missionor ~right)
reccEendimg approval of the subject request for variance.
Conmiss!chef Crisp, third meanher of the Variance Cc~ittee,
1) advised that he did not concur with the report previously
read and 2) read and filed a report over his signature recomend-
ing denial of this application.
CoFmissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner McFall, that
the public hearing on V-254 be closed. Motion carried unanimously
and the hearing was closed at 7:46 P.M.
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PiaDnin~ Conmission_Minutes - February 23. 1965 - Continued
II. B. V-254 - Thor~ I,. ]f~.yes7 S_ullivzn Wa_~V
During the discussion that followed, Chairm~an Norton stated that
he concurred with the recommendation of the Variauce Con'mlttce.
He expl~incd that he felt 1) the shape, dimension and slope of
the subject lot created a physical hardship snfl 2) it was impor-
taut for the Co=mission to acknowledge and take into consideration
the excellent view from this lot and the surrounding lots.
Commissioner Kellum advised that ha, too, concurred with the
recommendation of the Variance Committee.
Commissioner CoOley advised that while the proposed location of
this addition was, in his opinion, better architectually, more
serviceable for the applicant and more desirable for both the
applicant and the neighbors since their view would be protected,
he felt he would have to vote against the granting of the variance
since the addition could be constructed in compliance with the
ordinance.
Commissioner McFall stated that he did not feel that the findings
required for the granting of a variance could be made.
Commissioner Kellum observed that several such variances had been
granted in this area in connection with new construction and that
the required findings did not differentiate between an addition
and new construction.
After further discussion, CoFmisstoner Wright moved, seconded by
Commissioner Kellum, that V-254, Ihorn L. Mayes, be approved as
requested. Roll call vote: Ayes: Commissioners Kellum, Norton
and I.~ight. Noes: Commissioners Cowley, Crisp and McFall.
Motion did not carry. The application, therefore, was denied.
In view of the above, Chairman Norton advised the applicant of his
right to appeal to the City Council and explained the procedure.
C. UP-73 - Mrs. Theodore SaCford. Foothill Lane - Use Permit to allow a
maximum of three (3) Lodgers or Boarders - Continued from
February 8, 1965
The Secretary read a letter signed by residents (five couples) of
Foothill Lane requestin~ that consideration be given to certain
items set forth in the letter before taking action on the subject
application.
Mr. Garrett, representing the applicant, explained 1) Mrs.
Samford desired to have only two lodgers in addition to her father
and 2) she would like one of the two lodgers to be a younger
person who could assist her on occasion in the care of her father.
Commissioner Crisp read the report of the Subdivision Committee
relative to thi~ application.
After discussion Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner
McFall, that UP-73, Mrs. Theodore Samford, Be approved subject to
the following conditions:
1. The maximum number of lodgers or boarders shall not exceed
three at any time.
2. Each lodger or boarder shall occupy a separate room in the
residence proper.
3. Off-street parking is inadequate at the present time because
of lack of garage space. The existing garage, now used as a
bedroom or storage space, shall be rehabilitated and used as
a garage. Other off-street parking available is considered
to be adequate for owner, lodgers or boarders and guests.
4. There shall be no parking of any vehicle on Foothill Lane by
occupants or guests.
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Plannin~ Co~m~i. ssion I.linutes - February 23, 1965 - Co_nti_._m:ed
II. C. D~-73 - ~s. Theodors S~.mford. Foothill ~ne
5. All lodgers or boarders shall be fifty years of age or over.
Motion carried unanimously.
D. UP-74 - Dr. Robert Wade, Souza L~ne - Use Permit to allo~ Convalescent
Hospital adjacent to Casa Be!la Nursing Home
The public hearins on UP-74 was opened at 8:14 P.M. The Secretary
1) advised that'Notices of Hearing had been mailed and 2) read
communications from b~. and F~s. Blade and ~. and b~s. Childs c.f
Souza I~ne filed in support of the subject application.
The applicant's architect explained 1) the proposed facility
would be a self-contained unit and 2) it was possible that it
would be operated in conjuuction with the adjacent Westmoreland
facility.
Mr. Koch of Quite Road questioned the use of this property as a
convalescent home because of hazardous access.
Mr, Gifford, representing the firm that built the Westmoreland
facility next door, advised that Mrs. Westmoreland had filed an
application requesting permission to expand that facility.
Mr. Koch, after hearing about the Froposed expansion of the
Westmoreland Convalescent Home, stated that he was opposed to
the granting of the subject Use Permit because of the increased
traffic.
Mr. Gregg of Souza Lane opposed the granting of this Use Permit
on the basis of 1) poor condition of street and 2) increased
traffic.
After further discussion, Chairman Norton directed UP-74
continued until the next regular meeting and referred same to
the Subdivision. Committee for study and s report at that time.
The Chairman declared public hearings closed for the evening at 8:27 P.M.
III. SUBDIVISIONS AND BUILDING SITES
A. SD-529 - Robert Taylor Construction CompanV, Prospect Ro~d - Subdivision - 180 Lots - Continued from February 8, 1965
Since a revised. tentative map had not been filed, Chairm~n
Norton directed SD-529 continued until the meeting on March 8,
1965.
B. SDR-539 - William G. Clark, Horseshoe Drive - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from February 8, 1965
The applicant advised 1) he had spoken with ~. O'Brien of
P G & E and 2) he planned to p].ace all utility wires under-
ground from the pole nearest the house.
For the purpose' of clarifying the intent, the Building Site
Committee directed that Condition II, D of the proposed conditions
of approval be modified to read as follows:
II. D. Underground utilities required from pole nearest house.
Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner McFall, that
the Building Site Committee Report of 28 December 1964 relative
to SDR-539, as modified, be adopted and that the tentative map
(Exhibit "A", filed 10 December 1965) be approved subject to
the conditions contained therein; motion carried unanimously.
Planninz Commission Minutes - February 23, ].965 - Contipued
III. C. SDR.-5~& - MasonShnw~__Bi2 Basin Way - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot
Co=~xissioner Crisp advised that there was an access problem
to be worked out in connection with this site so recon~ended
that SDR-546 be continued until the meeting o,~ )~rch 8, 1965.
Chairman Norton so directed.
D. SDR-547 - Richfield Oil Corporation, Cox Avenue - Building Site Approval
- 1 Lot
After discussion with the applicant's representative, the
Building Site CowJnittee directed that Condition II, B, of
the proposed conditions of approval be modified to read as
follows:
II. B. Dedicate and improve Cox Avenue to provide for a
42 foot half-street (32 feet from centerline to
face of curb), using 4 inch plant mix surfacing on
12 inch base rock, along the entire frontage of the
property as approved by the Director of Public Works.
Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner McFall,
that the Building Site Committee Report of 23 February 1965
relative to SDR-547, as modified, be adopted and that the
tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 5 February 1965) be approved
subject to the conditions set forth in the Committee Report;
motion carried unanimously.
E. SD-548 - C.C.J., Inc.~ Prospect Road - Subdivision - 15 Lots
Jim Cole, applicant's engineer, expressed satisfaction with
the proposed conditions of approval.
Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner McFall,
that the Subdivision Committee Report of 23 February 1965
relative to SD-548 be adoptd and that the tentative map
(Exhibit "A", filed 8 February 1965) be approved subject
to the conditions outlined in said report; motion carried
unanimously.'
F. SDR-549 - James F. Jones~ quito Road - Building Site Approval - I Lot
Commissioner Crisp recommended that this application be
continued until the next regular meeting since the Flood
Control District report had not been received.
Chairman Norton so directed.
RECESS AND RECON~ENE
Chairman Norton acknowledged the presence of Mrs. Parker and ~. Suhr of the
Good Government Group, observed that Mr. Merkel had also been present earlier
in the evening, and expressed appreciation for the coffee served by Mrs. Parker
at recess. He also extended a welcome to Mrs. Ottenberg of the League of Women
Voters and to Councilman Tyler.
IV. DESIGN REVIEW
A. A-168 - BFo~ & Kauffn~n, Inc., Miller Avenue - Final Demign Review -
Subdivision Homes - Tracts 3145 and 3146 - Phase I, 29 Lots -
Continued from February 8, 1965
I~. Clark, re~resenting the applicant, presented a site plan
of the proposed development and explained 1) unfortunately his
firm had been unaware of the present requirement for 25% curved
driveways 2) two new plans had been developed since they start-
ed building in Saratoga and neither would ~nd itself to a curv-
ed driveway 3) it was difficult to comply with the requirement
for 25~ curved driveways in this development since 21 of the
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Plannfn~ Con~nispion Minutes - February 23~ 1965 - Co,tiuued
IV. A. A-168 - Brown & Kuuffmann, Inc., Miller Avenue
58 lots were located on cul-de-sacs and another 14 were corner
lots and 4) this requirement created even more of a hardship
because of the increased demand for three-car garages.
Co~nissioner Cowley observed 1) Brown & Kauffmann had always
shown willing cooperation with the City 2) the Design Review
Committee had no other objection to the plans submitted and
3) the Committee did feel, however, that the purposes of the
ordinance were not being met in this instance.
Commissioner Wright questioned the advisability of such a large
departure from the heart of an ordinance so recently adopted.
After further discussion, it was agreed that ~. Clark would
again meet with the Design Reivew Committee to try co find a
workable solution to the problem.
Chairman Norton then directed A-168 continued until the meeting
on M~rch 8, 1965.
B. ~-170 - Mason Shaw, B{g Basin way - Preliminary Design Review - Commercial
Building adjacent to Theater
Commissioner Cowley recommended that this application be continued
since there w~as a problem to be worked out in connection with
approval of the site.
Chairman Norton directed A-170 continued until the meeting on
~rch 8, 1965.
C. A-171 - Immanuel Lutheran Church, Saratoga Avenue ~ Preliminary Design
Review - Church Building
Commissioner Cowley advised that the Committee had reviewed the
subject plans and found them satisfactory.
It was moved by Commissioner Cowley and seconded by Commissioner
Kellum that A-171, Immanuel Lutheran Church, be granted prelim-
irmry design appFoval as shol-m on Exhibit "A"; motion carried
unanimously.
D. A-172 - Dura Style Homes, Inc., Cox Avenue - Final Design Review - Model
Homes for portion of Tract 3572
Commissioner Cowley explained that the subject application covered
four model homes, none of which had curved drive~mys. He further
explained, however, that the applicant had agreed to design for
the balance of the subdivision a sufficient number of curved
driveways to comply with the requirement that 25% of the total
number be curved.
After discussion, Commissioner Cowley moved, seconded by
Commissioner WriSht, that final design review be granted A-172,
Dura Style Homes, Inc., for the four model homes shown on
Exhibits "A", "B-I", "C" and "D" subject to use of a sufficient
number of curved drivelmys in the balance of the subdivision to
comply ~ith the requirement that 25% of the total number of lots
have curved driveways; motion carried unanimously.
V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Commissioner McFall gave a brief report on action taken at the City Council
meeting on February 17, 1965, with emphasis on items of particular interest
to the Planning Commission.
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PlanninR Conm~ission Minutes - February 23, 1965 -- Continued
VI. NEW BUSINESS
A. Pharmacists
The Secretary read a communication from Dr. Abrams requesting that
"pharmacists" be added to the list of permitted uses for the Medical
Village, located at Saratoga and Cox Avenue.
Dr. Abrams was present and explained 1) a prescrir, tion pharmacy ~ms
proposed for Lot 1 of the Medical Vlllage 2) if the subject pharmacy
was permitted, the one proposed for the property across Saratoga Avenue
(for x.~hich property "pharmacy" is a permitted use) probably would not be
established since the two properties are ox~ned by the same people and
3) it would be necessar9 for him to check with the other parties involved
before he could assure the Commission of this.
Chairman Norton, after further discussion, directed this matter continued
until the next regular meetinS, directed that the Secretary set an in-
formal hearing for that.time, and referred this request to the Subdivi-
sion Committee for stud~ and a report.
B. Count7 Plannin~ A~enda
1. Service Station - Prospect and Johnson Avenues
The Secretary advised that an application for a Use Permit had been
filed with the County Planning Commission for a service station at
Prospect and Johnson Avenues (across Prospect Avenue from the Brool~-
~iew Subdivision).
After discussion the Commission authorized the Planning Director to
attend the County Planning Conmission meeting (March 3, 1965) to
oppose the subject Use Permit on behalf of the City of Saratoga.
2. Variance in Site Area - Bainter Avenue Area
An application for a variance filed with the County Plannin~
Commission to allow sites of less than an acre in the Bainter Avcnne
area was discussed by the Commission.
The Commission also:authorized the Planning Director to oppose this
application on behalf of Saratoga.
VII. OLD BUSINESS
A. SD-527 - Maxmar Investment Corporation~ Walnut Avenue - City Council
Request for Recommendation relative to Flood Control Requirement
for Dedication and Improvement - Continued from February 8, 1965
After this matter was briefly reviewed by the Secretary,
Commissioner McFall read the report of the Subdivision Committee
pertaining to same.
After discussion, Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by
Commissioner Kellum, that the Subdivison Committee Report
of 23 February.1965 relative to flood control requirements for
SD-527, Maxmar Investment Corporation, be adopted and transmitt-
ed to the City'Council as the recommendation of the Commission;
motion carried unanimously.
B. SDR-535 -Dr. Arthur Anderson, Sperry Lane - Request for Recensideration-
Continued from February 8, 1965
Commissioner Crisp advised that the applicant still had not
submitted the cost estimate in connection with this request
for reconsideration.
The Secretary recon=aended that this matter be continued off
the agenda until the necessary information had been submitted
by the applicant.
With concurrence of the Commission, Chairman Norton so directed.
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Plannin~ Commission Minutes - February 23T 19~5 - Continue.~d
C. SD-537 - R_eay Jones. Pierce Road - Req{~est for Reconsideration - Continued
from February 8, 1965
Commissioner Crisp read the report of the Subdivtson Committee
relative to this requeut for reconsideration.
The applicant was present and 1) expressed satisfaction with
Committee reconmnendations relative to Conditions 5 and 15 2)
concurred with Committee recommendation relative to Condition
14 but questioQed responsibility and 3) with regard to Condition
22, again expressed desire to have street lights but agreed that
something might be worked out with individual post lamps.
After further discussion, Commissioner McFall moved, seconded
by Commissioner Kellum, that the Subdivision Committee Report
of 23 February 1965 relative to SD-537, Ray Jones, be adopted
and forwarded to the City Council as the reconmendation of the
Comission; motion carried with Commissioner Cowley abstaining.
VIII. CO~ftr~ICATIONS
A. WRITTEN
1. SD-473 - Brown & Kadffmann~ Inc.~ Scully Avenue - Request for Extension
The Secretary read a letter requesting an extension in
connection with SD-473.
After discdssion Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by
by Col~,issioner Kellum, that the request for an extension
in connection with SD-473 be granted for a period of one (1)
year from the present date of expiration; motion carried
unanimously.
Sho"
2. Automotive Repair S~op - Request that "Automotive Repair p be
added to the list of Conditional Uses in
the Neighborhood Commercial. Zone
The Secretary read a letter from Charles M. Schwab requesting
permission to open an Automotive Repair Shop in the Neighborhood
Conmaiercial Zone on Highway 9 in the area of Seagull Way.
After discussion Chairman Norton directed this matter continued until
the next regular meeting, requested that the Secretary set an informal
hearing for that time, and referred this request to the Subdivision
Committee for study .and a report.
B. ORAL
Ralph Ramona read a statement relative to comnents made at the Planning
Conmission meeting on February 8, 1965, pertaining to the appearance of
the streamlined utility system installed in the Sarahills Subdivision.
Chairman Norton thanked Mr. Ramona and assured him that any comments
made by the CorEmission were not meant to be derogatory. He also requested
that }~. Ramona file a copy of his statement wi,.h the Secretary.
2. Fences Along Phlor Streets
The Secretary presented each Commissioner with a co~y of a report
prepared by the Special Committee setting forth various alternate
treatments for fencing along major streets.
Commissioner Crisp advised that a draft of an ordinance prohibiting
the construction of accessory structures in rear yards along major
streets was being prepared by the Secretary.
After further discussion Chairman Norton requested that each
Commissioner study the report submitted by the Special Committee.
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Planning Cormmission Minutes, February 23, 1965__-_Contin~,ed
3. Wal~ways at Medical Villa%e
The Commission discussed with Dr. Abrams the matter of walkways from
Cox and Saratoga Avenues to the various offices in the Medical Village.
Dr. Abrams observed that a parking lane was provided along Saratoga
Avenue so requested 1) that walkways be allowed for two sites along
this street 2) that parallel parking be permitted until such time
that increased traffic prohibited same and 3) that the parallel parking
lanes then be striped for loading and'unloading only. With regard to
Cox Avenue, Dr. Abrams suggested that 1) a walkway be allowed for one
site 2) that no parking be permitted but 3) that the curb be striped
for loading and unloading.
The Commission concurred that a loading and unloading zone on Cox
Avenue would not be objectionable and agreed to give further consideratilt'
to the matter of Saratoga Avenue
IX, ADJOURNMENT
Chairman Norton declared the meeting adjourned at 10:45 P.M.
Respectfully submitted,
Stanley M. Walker
Planning Director
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