HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-10-1969 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARAOTGA PLANNING COMMISSION
° MINUTES
TIME: Monday, 10 MarCh 1969,. 7:30 P~Mo
· PLACE: City Council Chambers, Fruitvale Avenue,' Saratoga, California·
TYPE: ·Regular Meeting
I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION
A. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Bacon, Crisp, Kraus, Metcalf, Norto% and Smith.
Absent: Commissioner Lively.
B. MINUTES
Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the reading
of the minutes of the 24 February 1969 meeting be waived and they be approved
as distributed to the Commission.subject to the following ~hanges:
page 5.. .III. B. SDR-801..·.paragraph 3.. .line 5. . .change to read
as follows:
"should be considered.and that SDR-801 be continued
to the next regular meeting and referred to the
SUbdivision Committe~ for study; motion carried
unanimous ly."
.:
page 6.. .under V. . paragraph 3.;..change to read as follows:
' "The subject of engaging a park consultant was discussed."
page 6. . under V .... paragraph ~ . .line 3 .... change "will" to "may"; motion
carried unanimously.
C. GENERAL PLAN REVIEW :
Chairman Norton stated 1) he was ·sorry Mr. Lively .(Chairman of the'General
Plan Review Committee) could not be :present at this meeting because he did
want to suggest that a study·session be arranged to review items scheduled
for consideration at the time of the General Plan Review 2) perhaps a tentative
date could be set since a notice muat be published prior to time of the study
session.
Commissioner Smith stated that 1) the General Plan Review should start by
April, 1969 and 2) it might be.possible to hold a'study session in the Youth
Center if the Council Chambers are being used. "'-
Commissioner Kraus recommended that .Monday, 31 March 1969 be'] considered as a
possible date for the study session.'
After discussion, the Planning Commi;ssion agreed that 1) a study session would
be tentatively scheduled for 31 March 1969 to discuss proposals for the General
Plan Review and 2) the public·will .be invited to attend~
The Secretary advised that he would make arrangements relative to·location for
the study session and noti.fy the Commissioners individually.
Planning Commission Minutes - 10 March 196~ -'Continued
II. PUBLIC HEARINGS
A. M-323 - Paul Masson, Saratoga Avenue - Request for Variance in Connection
with Ordinance 3-E-6~ SectZion 3 '- Continued from 24 February 1969
The hearing relative to'V-323 was ~e-opened at 7:43 P.M. The Secretary
stated that nothing new had been added to the file.
Chairman Norton 'briefly reviewed this application.
Commissioner Crisp stated that in order to better understand the report
prepared by the Variance Committee relative to V-323 the sketchYsubmitted
by the applicant .should be studied!by the Commissioners.
No one in the audience wished to c~mment.
Commissioner Crisp read the Staff Report dated 10 March 1969 recommending
that the subject request for Variance (V-323) be denied.
Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Kraus, at 7:48 P.M. to
close the hearing relative to V-32~; motion ,carried unanimously.
Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded;
~by Commissioner Kraus, that the Variance
Committee Report'of 10 March 1969 ~elative to V-323 .be adopted and the subject
request for-Variance in connectionZwith underground installation of power
lines be~eni'ed/since the findings=required by'Section 17.6 of Ordinance NS-3
cannot b~; motion .carried unanimously.
· B. y~324 - L~0~i.~0ffman~"Pr~peCt Road - Request for Variance in Connection with
Sign Requirements - Continded from 24 Februar~ 1969
Chairman Norton re'opened the hearing relative to V-324 at 7:40 P.M. The
Secretary stated that nothing further had been added to the file..
Mr. Hoffman, the applicant, ..was present and stated that 1) '~0~e'sign"area"'i~")
needed because of the lar=ge=.'signs and the big.commercial area lo~ated"'acr0sS'
the street in San Jose and 2) the!adjacen~ Grand Auto Store will be right
up against his building and it will be difficult for anyone to see his sign
and his place of business. '
No one in the audience wished to comment.
Commissioner Kruas read the Variande Committee Report dated 10 March 1969
recommending that V-324 be denied; however, the Variance Committee does
recommend that the applicant be allowed a small sign to be placed on the
.existing free-standing sign.
Commissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Smith,j~to close the hearing
relative to V-324 at 7':44 P.M.; motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Kraus moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, tha~ the Variance
Cmnmittee Report dated 10 March 1969 be adopted and the subject request be
'~enie.~d.,~gut that the applicant be permitted to place on the existing free-'
<s~an~ing sign a small sign ofthe s~me design and size as those signs now
· ns.ta!led; motion carried unanimously.. '.
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Planning Commission Minutes - 10 March 1969 - Continued
II. C. V-325 - Pacific Telephone and Telegraph, Congress Springs Road - Request for
Variance in Connection wit~ Overhead Power Lines and Poles - Continued
from 24 February 1969
Commissioner Crisp stated that 1) 'the Variance Committee visited the site and
looked at the three bridges involved 2) it is the Committee's understanding
that the regulation prohibiting thd underground power lines is not a State Law
but an administrative decision of ~he State Highway Department 3) the Secretary
has. been asked to prepare a letter.to the State Highway Department requesting
clarification relative to this matter and 4) the Variance Committee discussed
the matter with the P T & T representative and as far as he knows there is no
'reason why the recommendation relative to this matter cannot wait until an
answer is received from the State Highway 'Department.
Chairman Norton did not open the pdblic hearing relative to V-325 and directed'
the matter continued to the next r~gular meeting.
D. UP-164 - Saratoga Foothills Development Corporation, Verde Vista Lane -
Request for Use Permit to Allow a Model Home Sales Office - Continued
from 24 February 1969
Chairman Norton resume~ the.hearing ~elative to UP-164. at 7:59 P.M. The Secretary
'stated nothing new had.been added to the file.
There was no one present to represent the applicant.
No one in the audience wished to co.mment.
The Secretary read the Staff Report: recommending that the subject request for
a model home sales office be granted.
Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Bacon, at 8:01 .P.M. to close
the hearing for UP-164;.motion carried unanimously
Commissioner Smith moved,!'.'seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the Staff Report
dated 10 March 1969 be adopted and a Use Permit be granted to allow a model
home sales office subject to the conditions stated in said report; motion
carried unanimously. i ,. '.
E. UP-165 - Brown and Kauffman, Brockton Lane and Miller.Avenue - Request for Use Permit to Allow a Model Home Sales Office
The hearing relative to UP-165 was Opened at 8:02 P.M. The'Secretary stated the
Notices of. Hearing were mailed.
Mr. James Daley, Vice President of proem and Kauffman, was present but had
no. further comments.
No one~in the audience wished to comment.
The Secretary read the Staff Report dated 10 March 1969 recommending that the
" subject Use Permit be granted. "'
Commissioner Metcalf stated that there are' some matters in connection with the
cluster' of the proposed model homes.that he will bring up under Design Review.
Commissioner Bacon moved, seconde4 ~y Commissioner Metcalf, that the public
hearing relative to UP-165 be closed at 8:05 P.M.'; motion carried unanimously.
Commissioner Smith moved, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that 'the Staff Report
dated 10 March 1969 be adopted and the Use Permit to allow a model homes sales
-. office be granted subject to the conditions stated in said report; motion
carried unanimously.
planning Commission Minutes - 10 March 1969 - Continued
CURBED DRIVEWAYS
Commissioner Crisp stated that 25% of the homes in a subdivision are'required to
have curved driveways and he would like to:suggest that 100%' of 'the driveways be
curved.
· i.
Commissioner Metcalf stated that there would probably be a lot of objections until
the builders decided we were going to persist then they would comply.
Commissioner Crisp stated that this method 'would provide a great deal more parking
and recommended that the Design Review COmmittee give some consideration to this
matter. :
,Chairman Norton stated that perhaps garage~ that do not face the street could be
required.
Commissioner Metcalf stated that this propqsal would probably be more feasible
for half-acre Or"lar.ger lots.
III. BUILDING SITES AND SUBDIVISIONS
A. SDR-801 - Harry Leonard, SaratogaZ-Los Gatos Road - Building Site Approval
- 1 Lot - Continued
Commissioner Smith stated that th~ applicant has submitted a letter granting
· '~a thirty-day extension; therefore, a continuance' is recommended.
Chairman Norton so directed .....
B. SDR-804 - Howard Conrad, Sobey Road - Buildinn Site Approval - 1 Lot
7' The Secretary stated that the Health Department called and asked that action
be delayed in connection with SDR~804 because they must 'run percolation tests
prior to approval; therefore, a continuance is recommended.
Chairman Norton so directed.
C. ~DR-805 - Frank S. Tate, La Paloma and'Saratoga Avenue - Building Site
Approval - 1 Lot ~ ..
The applicant stated that he has ~eviewed the proposed conditions'of approval
and would like clarification of Conditions II-C,' II-F, and II-L.
Chairman Norton explained that 1) Z in connection with Condition II-C if any
poles exist it is the responsibility of the developer to move them and 2) in
connection with II-F the Encroachment Permit can be obtained at City Hall.
The.SeCretary explained that Condition II-L should be changed to read as
follows:.
"L. Submit irrevocable offer of dedication to
provide for a nmximum 46-foot half-street on
Saratoga Avenu~ from the existing centerline
for the entire!frontage of the property. Offer
of dedication ,may be less in width by agreement with
Director of Public Works."
The Secretary further explained that there are three proposed plan lines for
Saratoga Avenue°
Chairman Norton stated that it may turn out not to be 46-feet, but at
present the applicant must assume that a 46-foot dedication as stated in
-. Condition II-L will be necessary.
:.
Planning Commission Minutes - 10 March 1969:- Continued
III. C. SDR-805 - Continued
Commissioner Smith moved, secondeH by Commissioner Bacon, that the Building
Site Committee Report dated 10 March 1969 beadopted, as amended, and that
· the tentative map (Exhibit "A", filed 27 February 1969) be approved subject
to the conditions set forth in said report; motion carried unanimously.
IV. DESIGN REVIEW
A. A-300 - Brown and Kauffman, Cox A~enue - Final Design Approval - Landscaping
for Model Homes'and Cox G~ra5e
Commissioner Metcalf stated that z1) the Design Review Committee recommends
that this matter be continued 2) z the Committee would like the Commissioners
to review the. landscape plans submitted 3) 'Final Design Approval was granted
for this subdivision subject to snbmittal of specific landscape arrangements
4) the Design Review Committee is waiting for the applicant to submit the
elevations of.'the'subject models 5) the developer plans to close Brockton
Lane (temporarily) in order to construct a temporary landscaped mall which
will be in existence about eighteen months and 6) this brought up two
questions: a) would the construction of this mall and the closing of the
street be legal (the City Attorney says y.~s_.~t. yp~!~)
Public Works Director feel about ~ame? ....................
F~ .' Daley, Vice-President of B ~ and'Kauffman, in answer to an inquiry
ro,
from Chairman Norton, stated thatl they would be finished with this subdivi-
sion and thenmall would be taken but one year from Jun~ 1969.
Chairman Norton directed A-300 continued to the next regular meeting and
referred same back to the Design Review Committe~.
B. A-309 - R. D. Houghton Co., Saratpga-Los Gatos Road - Final Design Review -
Identification Sign
Commissioner Metcalf stated that il) this is a new sign and 2) this is a
business located in the rear of the SaratogaElectric Store.
The Assistant Planner read the. Staff Report dated 10 March 1969 recommending
that A-309 be granted Final Design Approval.
Commissioner Metcalf recommended ~that the subject report be:amended as
follows:
paragraph 1 .... line 4. ."facing" be deleted and instead insezt "visible
from".
Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner Kraus, that the Staff
Report dated 10 }~rch 1969 be adopted, as amended, and that Final Design
Approval be granted for A-309 on 'the ba~s of Exhibits "A" and "C" and subject.
to the conditions stated in said ~eport; motion carried unanimously.
V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT
Commissioner Smith gave a.summary of 2items reviewed and action taken at the City
Council meeting of 6 March 1969, with. emphasis on items of particular' interest to
the Commission.
ANNEXATION ·,
The Secretary stated that he artended a meeting of the Local Agency Formation
Commission (with Mayor Tyler, Councilman Sanders, and City Administrator, Jam6s
Huff) relative to annexation to SaratOga of the 1,247 acres on Congress Springs and
Sanborn Roads area. He further state~ that said annexation was recommended for
approval by Lafco subject to simultaneous annexation to Sanitary Distric~ 4 and
to the Saratoga Fire District.
PlanninE Commission Minutes - 10 March 1969 - Continued
VI. OLD BUSINESS '
· A. ORDINANCE 3-E-6 - Referral of Emergency Ordinance - Continued from
24 February 1969
Commissioner Smith stated that 1) the Subdivision Committee met with
P T & T and P G & E to discuss the revised proposed ordinance 2) the
representative.s from the utility..companies stated that they have referred
the subject ordinance to their legal departments and their comments will be
ready by the next'regular meeting and 3) the Subdivision Committee recommends
that the matter be continued to the meeting of 24 March 1969.
Chairman Norton so directed.
B. Clarification of Size of Identification Signs for Developments of Multiple-
Residential, Motels, and Lodging;Houses - Continued from 24 February 1969
The Assistant Planner read the Staff Report dated 10 MarCh 1969 recommending.
that a maximum sign area of fifteen (15) square feet be approved by the Plan-
ning Commission.
Commissioner Metcalf recommended that the subject report be amended as follows:
paragraph 3. .line 1. .change "Subdivision Committee" to "Design Review'
Committee".
.' Commissioner Metcalf stated that~the fifteen (15i square foot sign would be
slightly larger than' the one at Laurel Motor'Lodge and a little smaller than
the one at the Saratogan Apartments.
Chairman Norton, in answer to an.inquiry from Commissioner 'Smith, stated that
if the existing sign owners wished to change their signs to conform with the
fifteen (15) square' foot sign area they would be required. to apply for Design
Review Approval.
Commissioner MetCalf moved, secohded by Commissioner Kraus, to adopt, as
amended, the Staff Report dated i0 March,196.9 and to approve a maximum sign
area of fifteen (15) square feet and to'direct the Planning Director to set
an formal public hearing in orde~ tO amend SubsectionS 10.3(c), .10.4(d) and
(e), and 10o5 (d) of Zoning Ordinance NS-3; motion carried unanimously.
C. VIVIAN SNYDER, Prospect Road (Big Tree Shopping Center) - Request to Permit
.. "' Fortune Telling
CommissiOner Smith stated that the Subdivision Committee did not meet with the
applicant; however, the Committe~ did discuss the matter and feel that granting
this request would open too many areas in the City to this type of activitylf..
The Secretary read the Staff RepOrt dated 10 March 1969 recommending that the
.subject request be denied. ,"..
Chairman Norton stated that he is in agreement. with the r'ec'ommendation for
denial but is concerned that this use .might qualify as an office use in some.
Zoning District.
The Secretary explained that.l) :Mrs. Snyde~ is already operating in the City
of Saratoga at the Big Tree Shopping Center and 2) she does not intend to
engage in fortune telling, but does use'extra-sensory perception and does not
consider that fortune telling.
Chairman Norton stated that the Sheriff's Department (after investigation)
felt .Mrs. Snyder was engaged in fortune telling.-
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~lannin~ Commission Minutes - 10 March 19Z69 - Continued
VIo C. Sh~DER - Continued
Con~nissioner Crisp moved, seconded by Commissioner Bacon, that the
Staff Report dated 10 March 1969~be adopted and the subject request
be denied in accordance with sai~ report; motion carried unanimously.
... D. FOURTH STREET ABANDONMENT - Request for City Statement 'Relative to Plans
' for Fourth Street ·
The Secretary'briefly reviewed this request submitted by Mr. Miles Rankin
(local realtor).
Chairman Norton stated that this matter was referred to the General Plan
Committee for study and they will submit their comments after same is
accomplished.
E. SLOPE .DENSITY
Commissioner Smith stated that the Subdivision Committee discussed this
matter with the City Attorney. and he advised that' he would draw up a final
draft which will be mailed to the members of the Commission as soon as it
is received.
Chairman Norton, in view of the foregoing',' direct'~'~'~he· m'tter co~'d
to the next regular meeting.
VII. NEW BUSINESS ...................... '
A. SDR-735 - Tom Scott, Via Re~ina - Request for Extension
The..Seeretary read a letter received from Mr. Tom Scott requesting a one (1)
year extension in connection with'.SDR-735.:.',~The Secretary then recommended
that the request for extension be!approved subject to payment of the Park
and Recreartion Fee.
Commissioner Smith mo~ed, seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that the request
for a one L(1) year extension be g~anted subject to the additional requiremeat
of payment of a Park and RecreatiOn Fee; motion carried unanimously.
B. SDR-713 - Walter E. Hileman, Peach Hill Road - Re:quest for Extension
The Secretary read a communication received from Mr.'.George~A. Lundquist
requesting a one (1) year extensi6n for SDR-713. '
Commissioner Smith moved, seconde~ by Commissioner Crisp, that a one (1)
.. year extension be granted in connection with SDR-713 subject to payment of
a Park and Recreation 'Fee; motion:carried unanimously.
C. SDR-796 - A. L. Hanson,·Dolphin Drive - Request for Reconsideration of Conditions
The Secretary read a letter submitted by the applicant· requesting re-consider-
ation of Condition II-C of the Building Site Committee RepOrt dated 27 Januazy
1969 in connection with SDR-796. '
Chairman Norton referred the subje'ct request to the Subdivision Committee
for study and directed the·matter continued to the next regular meeting.
D. PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO ORDINANCE NS~3
The Secretary read a communicationreceived from the City AttOrney relative
to ~restricting uses in the "C-N" and "C-C" Zoning Districts..
Chairman Norton directed that the Ordinance relative to identification signs
for developments of Multiple-Residential, Motels, Hotels, and Lodging Houses
and the ordinance relative to restricting uses'in the "C-N" and "C-C" zones
be combined into one ordinance and'set for public hearing..
Planning Commission Minutes - 10 March 1~69 - Continued
VIII. CO~JNICATIONS ; .
A. WRITTEN
1. SDR-712'-.Jerry Jordan, M{chaels DriVe - Request for Extension
The SecretarY read a letter received from ~. Jordan requesting
an extension for SDR-712.~
Chairman Norton referred the request to the Subdivision Committee
for study and directed same continued to the' next regular meeting.
2. SDR-719 - Willard Thompson, Oak Street' and St. Charles - Request for
Extension
The Secretary read a letter received fromMr. Willard Thompson requesting
a one (1) year extension for SDR-719.
Commissioner Smith moved,.seconded by Commissioner Crisp, that a one
(1) year extension be granted in connection with SDR-719 subject. to
payment of a Park and Recreation fee; motion carried unanimously.-
3. FULTON GLASS COMPANY - Request for Glass Shop on Big Basin Way
The Secretary stated that~a letter was submitted by Mr. and Mrs. James
Fulton requesting that Cl~ss Shop be added to the list of uses permitted
in the "C-C" (Community-C~mmercial) Zoning District.
Mr. FUlton was'present and explained that the business would involve
window and automobile glazing, replacement of T.V. glass and installation
mirrors in the home, etc..
Chairman Norton referred ~he matter to the Subdivision Committee for
study and directed same continued to the next regular meeting.
4. REAL ESTATE APPRAISER "S CONFERENCE
Chairman Norton advised h~ ha'd received azcommuni'cation stating that
the American Institute of iReal Estate Appraiser's Regional. Conference
would be held. in San FranCisco at the Hotel Mark Hopkins on April 17,
18, and 19.
B. ORAL
" " Chairman Norton acknowledged,:with pleasure,. the pres.ence'of..counqilman
._Sanders., Mrs. McGuire and Mr..Binkley of the Good Government.GrQ~p, and Mrs....L
~.Ottenberg of the LeagUe of Women ,Voters. He, .alSo, thanked Mrs. McGuire
for the coffee to be served after .the meeting..
IX. ADJOURNIMENT
" The Chairman declared the meeting adjourned at 9:10 P.M.-
,. Respectfully submitted~
j ..
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