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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-23-1968 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TIF~: Monday, 23 December 1968, 7:30 P,M. PLACE: City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting I. ROUTINE ORGA~NIZATION ~. ROLL CALL ' Present: Commissioners Crisp, Smith, Norton, and Kraus Absent: Commissioners Lively, Bacon, '~nd Metcalf B. MINUTES 'Commissioner Smith moveds seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the reading of the minutes of the 9 December 1968 meeting be waived and they be approved as distributed to the Commission, motion carried unanimously. II. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. V-321 -'Stanley L. Forster,. Saratoga-Los Gatos Road - Request for · . Variance in Connection with Installation of Utility Pole and Overhead Wires. The hearing relative to V-321 was opened at 7:31PoM. The Secretary .stated that the Notices of Hearing were mailed and then briefly reviewed this application. A written communication from Virgil C.~npbell, 14482 Oak Place, was read registering his objection to overhead wires if said wires were to run over his property; therefore, a conditional opposition. If said variance will not effect him, his opposition is withdrawn. No additional communication had been filed. Chairman Norton stated that variances are not granted in cases of hard- ship but that requested variance would be treated like any other variance and what was the basis for this'variance. Fir. Forster, the applicant, was present'and'explained 1) the present line extends from his property to the cottage in the rear 2) the siding of his home has been pulled out three (3) times 3) elimination of the 185-foot line from his house to be replaced by a new line from his daughter's pro- perty would necessitate a 20-foot line pole on his property in order that .a, linemay be strung for separate service. Chairman Norton noted that this variance was of a physical nature and was a favorable basis for making an application. He further explained that barely a quorum was present; therefore, the details Should;be studied by the Variance Committee; Commissioner Crisp, present and Chairman of the Variance Committee, will set up an appointment with the Variance Committee to visit the subject property. At 7:41 P.M.', Chairman Norton closed the hearing for the evening, directed V-321 continued to the next regular meeting and referred same to the Vari- ance Committee. for further study. B..AMENDMENT TO ZONING ORDINANCE NS-3 - Amending Article 3 in Relation to '. Minimum Site Area of Minimum Access .. ... Lots and Amending Article 10 Relating to Free Standin~ Signs -1- ~lannin~·Commission Minutes - 23 December 1968 - Continued II. B... A~NDMENT TO ZONING· ORDIN~/qCE NS-3 - Continued .... · ' ".. .'.' .The Chairman opened the hearing relative to this matter at 7:43 P.M., · .' . ·briefly ~eviewed the objectives of the proposed amendment, and then '.: .' ·requested the Secretary to read Section (1) of the proposed Amendment · . 'to Zoning Ordinance NS-3 for the information of the audience. The Secretary ·read Section (1) of the Ordinance concerning minimum'site " area in'.conjunction' with minimum access streets. ..'. Chairman Norton inquired as to the·wording "which minimum access street is established or created after the effective day of this ordinance" and .."~:.. directed Section (1) for further study and subject to the following.change: page 1.... Section (1)'.. . paragraph 2.. . line 7.. . change "day" to ... "date". The Secretary continued to Section (2) relating to free standing signs. Commissioner Kraus expressed concern as to the wording "except that a "" free-standing master sign shall be permitted to advertise or identify " a'shopping center complex and the enterprises composing the same". He · further stated that pole signs should be completely eliminated. .Rather .. than giving special consideration to shopping centers, each store should identify themselves. Chairman Norton inquired if all signs are allowed for ten (10) years, ..... would there be opposition. "' The Secretary affirmed this inquiry with particular emphasis on Service Stations. Chairman Norton then inquired if any future shopping centers were antici- · pared. The Secretary answered this. inquiry with the possibility of '~isitor Com- '.~ mercial" development. Chairman Norton inquired if it has ever been suggested for additional sign space for shopping centers or does the Ordinance stand the. same. The Secretary stated that it depended upon· whether it was automobile-or pedestrian-oriented. Chairman Norton stated that he felt a study was warranted in connection with this phase of the ordinance, referred same to the Design Review Com- mittee for possible alterations and/or redrafting, directed this Amend- '. ment to 'Zouing Ordinance NS-3 continued to the next regular meeting and '. declared public hearings closed for the evening at 7:55 P.M. III.' SUBDIVISIONS AND BUILDING SITES ..' ' A. SDR-767 - M.V.S. Company, Saratoga Avenue - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 9 December 1968 Commissioner Smith briefly reviewed this application and stated that the applicant was given a copy of the proposed conditions of approval. Dr. Isaac Abrams, the applicant, was present and stated he had objections · " to the proposed conditions of approval. Concerning Condition II-A, Dr. Abrams inquired why Subdivision Requirements are imposed. The Secretary, in answer to this. inquiry, explained that the numb~ of units proposed in connection with this application were used as a basis 'for determining street width and adequate fire precautions. Plannin~ Conm~ssion Minutes - 23 December ·1968 - Continued III. A. SDR-767 - Continued Concerning Condition II-B, Dr. Abrams inquired the objective of curb and gutter installation along all streets. Chairman Norton, in-answer to this inquiry, stated'that sa~d condition was a standard requirement. Dr. Abrams then inquired_if there were other means of drainage, possibly less formalized. The Secretary stated that parking areas require curb and gutter installation but other means of storm drainage removal Could be utilized elsewhere. Concerning Condition II-I, Dr. Abrams inquired if pathways along the Creek were advisable as they would create open access for pedestrians. The Secretary, in answer to this inquiry, stated that the Council was pre- Sently undergoing a study on pathways and that the words "subject to the City Council's policy as to pathways at the time of final·map approval" would beadded to Condition Chairman Norton, with the agreement of the Subdivision Committee, so directed. ," Concerning Condition II-K, Dr. Abrams inquired as to the development of a secondary access ·since a time envolvement exists concerning the actual development of the property and the completion of the.proposed freeway. Commissioner Norton acknowledged the importance of an emergency exit stating'two (2) accesses would be necessary. Dr. Abrams stated that at present and for the next ten years, as far as known, a freeway'will not exist. He further stated that if Paul Masson can accomo- date 100,000 vehicles', then his proposed apartments would accomodate its pro- posed volume without the secondary·access. Chairman Norton suggested that a bond'might"be"~sted for access to Cox Avenue. Cormnissioner Smith stated that the two accesses on Saratoga Avenue were proposed too close td.each other and would not sufficiently·serve the pur- pose of emergency access, Dr. Abrams stated that to pave a road from an unparceled portion of land to a parceled portion of land appears unsatisfactory because the exact lay- out may be changed due to the fact that the present zoning has not been changed. Con~nissioner Crisp stated that the temporary road has been accepted but that eventually, another access road will be necessary. Chairman Norton stated that upon the Subdivision Committeest suggestion, a minimum access road with crash barrier and not the full 26-foot wide street with curb and gutter would be constructed for emergency use and to restrict unauthorized use. Dr. Abrams then stated that it was a question of time regarding the access .. road requirement and he further felt that adequate circulation of traffic would be sufficient in case of emergency. Chairman Norton the~ suggested that the road be built at least in minimum form and further stated that he must agree with the Ordinance in that access roads are to be developed not side by side. Con=nissioner Crisp briefly reviewed the "Tollgate Situation" regarding access roads in relation to this application. -3- Planning Cormnissio,n.Minutes - 23 December 1968 - Continued III. A. SDR-767 - Continued Chairman Norton reminded the Commission that the Tollgate situation had steep grades whereas Saratoga Avenue has a flat grade; therefore .the two are lacking similarity. · Dr. Abrams' stated that he would like to request approval of the Building Site Committee Report dated 23 December 1968, but would like to reserve the right to request reconsideration of any conditions of said report. Commissioner Smith stated that it was the applicant~ prerogative to make this request. Comnissioner Smith moved· seconded by Commissioner Crisp· that the Building Site Committee Report of 23 December 1968 relative to SDR-767 be adopted (with the understanding that the applicant reserves the right to request reconsideration of any conditions of said report) and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A-2" filed 16 December 1968) be approved subject to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. B. SD-759 - Pete Rajkovich,. Prospect Road - Subdivision Approval - 112 Lots - Continued from 25 November 1968 .Cormmissioner Smith 'stated that the applicant submitted a letter granting the Planning Commission a forty-five (45) day extension. He then recom- mended that SD-759 be continued to the 27 January 1969 regular meeting to allow the applicant sufficient time to prepare a new tentative map. Chairman Norton so directed. SDR-790 - Mike Olavarri, Vickery Lane - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot - Continued from 9 December 1968 Commissioner Smith stated that the applicant submitted a letter granting the Planning Commission a thirty (30) day extension. He then recommended that SDR-790 be Continued to the next regular meeting to allow the Staff adequate time to review the.site development plan of said building site. "' Chairman Norton so directed. :D. SD-792 - Claude T. Lindsay, Chester Avenue - Subdivision Approval - 8 Lots - Continued from 9 December 1968 Commi,ssioner Smith briefly reviewed this applicationi' The' Secretary stated that the applicant had reviewed the proposed conditions of approval and expressed satisfaction of same. 'Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by COmmissioner Crisp, that the Subdi- vision Committee Report of 23 December 1968· relative to SD-792, be adopted · . .and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A-i", filed 23 December 1968) be approved subject to the.conditions set forth in saidreport; motion car- ried unanimously. E. SDR-793 - Charles L. McKown, Saratoga Hills Road - Building Site Approval - 1 Lot Commissioner Smith briefly reviewed this application. The Secretary stated that the applicant had reviewed the proposed Conditions Of approval and expressed satisfaction of same. Commissi'oner.Smith moved· seconded by Commissioner Crisp· that the Building Site Committee Report of 23 December 1968, relative to SDR~793, be adopted and that thetentative map (Exhibit "A" filed 11 December 1968) be approved subject to .the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried.unanimously.' Planning Commission Minutes - 23 December 1968 - Continued IV. DESIGN REVIEW A-278 - Ann Valk, Big Basin Way - Final Design Review - Commercial Buildins Co~nissioner Kraus briefly reviewed this file and stated that a report was ready. He further stated that theapplicant has been very agreeable in meeting the'requests made by the Design Review Committee for design of her building. ?he Assistant Planner read the Staff Report dated 23 December 1968 recom- · .. mending that Final Design Approval be granted A-278. Mrs..Valk, the applicant, was present.and expressed her concern to the notation at the conclusion of said Staff Report regarding the submission of a landscape plan before the commencement of landscaping since there was no area to be landscaped. Conm~iSsioner Kraus clarified said notation to Mrs. Valk· explaining that a' member of the Design Review Cormnittee, Commissioner Metcalf, was con- cerned about the two (2) flower pots that are proposed at the entrance of the building. .. Commissioner Smith stated that the air-conditioning, proposed for the "basement .section of the building, was to be "sound-proof". Chairman Norton directed the Secretary to pass this information to the BUilding Department. The Secretary stated that the surrounding area of the proposed building · is' zoned Commercial and he further stated that he would confirm with the Building Department that said air-conditioning would be sound-proof. " Commissioner Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp,' that the Staff Report of 23 December 1968 be adopted and Final Design Approval be granted 'A-278 as shown on Exhibits "A-3" "B" and "C" and subject to the condi- · tiOns stated in said report; motion carried unanimously. .V. .CITY COUNCIL REPORT Commissioner Crisp gave a summary of items.reviewed "and action taken at the " City Council Meeting of 18 December 1968~ with-emphasis on 'items of particu- lar interest to the Commission. VI. OLD BUSI~ZSS A. SDR-778 - Robert P. Lewis, Sobey Road - Request for Modification of Conditions .. The Secretary reviewed the past his~ ry of this matter, stating that on ... 12 November 1968· the Planning Commission took action on the applicant's request for reconsideration of conditions,'reducing the driveway width from 18-feet to 12-feet and re-approving the tentative map, Exhibit "A"; said map showing connection of driveway with a turn-around with the adjoining driveway (Rake), The applicant· Mr. Lewis· has been unable to obtain permission from Miss Ramke to allow said connection. The Sec- retary .further stated that the Planning Commission reaffirm their appro- · ' val. and recommend to the City Council that the report of 12 November 1968" be affirmed. .. .Co~Tanissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the condi- · tions of 12 .November 1968 be affirmed, advising the City Council that request for modification be denied based on the understanding .that if .the CityC0uncil is'dissatisfied, consideration of the earlier report · . ..could ".be made. Motion carried unanimously. ... Planning Conm~ission Minutes - 23 December 1968 - Continued VI. OLD BUSINESS - Continued B. UP-143 - Pacific Shore Properties, Via Roncole - Request for Extension - COntinued from 9 December 1968 · The Secretary, stated that based on the recommendation of the Subdivision Committee and Staff, the request for a 6-month extension (to 22 July 1969) for ·UP-143 be granted, Commissioner· Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that an exten- sion of 6-m~Dnths be granted for UP-143; motion carried unanimously. ~ C. OF~DiNANCE NS-5. . - An Ordinance Amending Ordinance NS-5, the Subdi- vision Ordinance of the City of Saratoga, Re- quiring Improvement of Corridors, Extending Time in which to Act on Tentative Maps, and Amending Definition of Subdivision. Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the pro- 'posed Amendment be forwarded to the City Council to be acted upon; motion carried unanimously. VII. ·NEW BUSINESS · Ordinance 3-E-6 - Referral of Emergency Ordinance Chairman Norton directed that said Ordinance be referred to the Subdivision Committee for further study. VIII. COMMb~ICATIONS . A. I~RITTEN · ·SDR-692 - Milt Sampson~ Piedmont Road - Request for Extension The Secretary advised that the new owner, Mr. N. A. Billawala, had sub- mitted a letter requesting a one (1) year extension. Co~mnissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, to grant an extension of one (I) year from the present date of expiration in con- nection with SDR-692; motion carried unanimously.·· Bo ORAL Mrs. Ottenberg of the League of Women Voter~ informed the Commission that the Park Tour covering most of the parks in Los Gatos and Saratoga has been postponed to 4 January 1969. She further advised that the tour will leave the Administrative Office at Vasona Park at 1:00 P.M. and will return at 4:00 P.M · · GUESTS Chairman· Norton acknowledged, with pleasure, the presence of Mrs. Ottenberg. of the League of Women Voters, and thanked Mrs. Owens of the Good Government Group for the coffee served. IX. ADJ OUR~ENT Chairman Norton declared the meeting adjourned at 9:05 P.M. and wished all a··Very Merry Christmas and a Joyous New Year. · ' ' Respectfully submitted, ker, Secretary · ' Saratoga Planning Commission · cg -6-