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HomeMy WebLinkAbout12-23-1968 Planning Commission Minutes (2) CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING .COMMISSION : .' .... ~ TIME: Monday, 23 December 1968, 7:30 PoM. PLACE:· City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California TYPE: Regular Meeting I .· ROUTINE· ORGANIZATION A. ROLL CALL' Present: Commissioners'Crisp, Smith, Norton, and Kraus Absent:' 'Commissioners Lively, Bacon,"~nd Metcalf .... B. MINUTES .Commissioner. Smith moved, 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 ~EARINGS . 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 7:3~P.M. The Secretary .. seated thaC the Notices of Hearing ~ere mailed and then briefly reviewed .. this application. A written communication from Virgil Campbell, 14482 Oak Place,'was read registering his objection ~o overhead wires if said ...wires were to run over his property; therefore, a conditional opposition. " ..... If said variance will not ef£ect him, his opposition is withdrawn.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 ~he basis for this variance. Mr. Forseer, the applicant, was present'and 'explained l) 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 o£ 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 tha~ 'a line may 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 ~xplained that barely a quorum was present; therefore, the details should'be studied ~y · .: the Variance Committee; Commissioner Crisp, present and Chairman of the Variance Committee, ~ill saCup an appoinment with the Variance Committee ~o 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 £or 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 l0 Relating :~ to Free Standing Signs . . Planning Conm~ission Minutes - 23 December 1968 - Continued II... B. ';a~END}~NT TO ZONING ORDIN/LNCE NS-3 - Continued · ' " The Chairman opened the hearing relative to this rmtter at 7:43 P.M., briefly reviewed 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 tom- · 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 Zo;ing Ordinance NS-3 continued to the next regular meeting and declared public·hearings closed for the evening at 7:55 P.M. · III.' SUBDIVISIONS ~/qD 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. -2- ~.lannin~ CommiSsion ·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. Chairnmn Norton, in .answer to this inquiry, stated that said condition was a standard requirement. Dr. Abrams then inquired if there were other means of drainage, possibly · ' less formalized. l~e 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 in'~uired 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 be added to Condition II-I. 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. Ch~airman Norton suggested that a bona 'might' 5e]'poS~_.ea for access to Cox Avenue. Commissioner Smith stated that the two accesses on Saratoga Avenue were proposed. too close to each other and would not sufficiently. serve the put- ·· pose of e~ergency 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. Commissioner 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 Committees.~ 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. r· Chairman Norton then 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. Commissioner Crisp briefly reviewed the "Tollgate Situation" regarding · .. acCeSs roads· in relation to this application. · Planning Commission 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. · ° an~ Commissioner Smith stated that it was the appllc t prerogative to make · this request. COmmissioner·Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the Building Site Committee RepOrt of 23 December 19~8 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 Commissioner 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 Commissioner Smith briefly reviewed this application~ 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 said.'.report; 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 appli6ant had reviewed the proposed Conditions of approval and expressed satisfaction of same. Com:nissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the Building · . Site Committee Report of 23 December 1968, relative to SDR,793, be adopted and that the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 11 December 1968) be approved subject to the conditioms set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously. :' PlanninS Commission Minutes - 23 December 1968 - Continued IV. DESIGN REVIEW ' ' A. A-278 - Ann Valk, Big Basin Way'- Final Design Review - Commercial Bui!din~ · . CoF~issioner Kraus briefly reviewed this file and stated that a report was'ready.. He further stated that the applicant has been very agreeable in meeting the'requests~made by the Design Review Committee for design of her building. . .. The 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. Conunissioner Kraus clarified said notation to Mrs. Valk, explaining that a'member of the Design Review Committee, 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 Uhe 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 Cormnissioner 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 ConurLission took action on the'appiicant'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 (Ramke) o 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,,~nissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the condi- tions of 12 November 1968 be a/_f. firmed, advising the City Council that · . a s , ce te of the earlier report .. could.be made. Motion carried unanimously. ... ". -5- Planning Commission 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.. Conunissioner Smith moved, seconded by Conmissioner Crisp, that an exten- sion of 6-months' be granted for UP-143; ~tion carried unanimously. C. ORDINA_NCE'NS-5. - An Ordinance ~nending 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 act. ed upon; motion carried unanimously. VII. Ntv.,i 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. COMMUNICATIONS A.~ I~ITTEN SDR-692 - Milt Sampson, Piedmont Road - Request for Extension The Secretary advised that' the new owner, Mr. N. A. Billawala, had sub- mitteda letter requesting a one (1) year extension. Co~%missioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, to grant an extension of one (1) year from. the present date of expiration in con- nection with SDR-692; motion carried unanimously~ .B. OPJLL Mrs'. Ottenberg Of the League .of Women Voters 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 leaV& the Administrative Office at Va~ona 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. ' ADJOURh~ZNT :.. 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-