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HomeMy WebLinkAbout10-26-1971 Planning Commission Minutes (2) CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES TIME: Tuesday, 26 October 1971 - 7:30 P.M. PLACE: Saratoga Youth Center - 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California 95070 TYPE: Regular Meeting I. ROUTINE ORGANIZATION The meeting was called to order by Chairman Lively at 7:30 P.M. A. ROLL CALL. Present: Commissioners Belanger, Fagan, Lively, Martin, Marshall,~and Metcalf. Absent: Commissioner Smith. B. WELCOME Chairman Lively welcomed Lynn C. Belanger (first lady Planning Commissioner) to the Saratoga Planning Commission and stated that Commissioner Belanger has been a resident of Saratoga for eleven (11) years and has taken an active part in many community affairs.and was graduated summar cum laude from Lawrence '~ni~e~si~y, Appleton, Wisconsin. C. MINUTES : Commissioner Metcalf moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, that the reading of the minutes of 12 October 1971 meeting be waived and that they be approved as distributed; motion carried unanimously. D. NEW COMMITTEE ASSIGNMENTS Chairman Lively rearranged the Committee Assignments as indicated below: SUBDIVISION COMMITTEE GENERAL PLAN COMMITTEE Commissioner Smith, Chairman Commissioner Metcalf, Chairman Commissioner Fagan Commissioner Martin Commissioner Marshall Commissioner Smith Alternate: Alternate: Chairman Lively Commissioner Marshall VARIANCE COMMITTEE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE Commissioner Martin, Chairman Commissioner Metcalf, Chairman Commissioner Belanger Commissioner Belanger Commissioner Marshall Commissioner Martin Alternate: Alternate: Commissioner Fagan Commissioner Marshall PLANNING POLICY COMMITTEE . HILLSIDE\.SUB-COMMITTEE PHASE II Chairman Lively Commissioner Metcalf Alternate: Commissioner Metcalf -1r '~Planning Commission Minutes - 26 October 1971 - Continued II. PUBLIC HEARINGS A. V-368 - John Constantin, Oak Street - Request for Variance to Allow an Increase in Dwelling Units Per Site Area Chairman Lively opened the hearing relative to V-368 at 7:40 P.M. The Assistant Planner stated the' Notice of Hearing was mailed..~-'/l He further stated that 1) the applicant's parcel is presently zoned "R-M- 3,000" which requires 3,00D-square feet per apartment unit 2) in the last unit of the proposed apartment he could have 90% of the 3,000-square feet and 3) the applicant is short just 450-square feet of that 90% required by the ordinance; therefore, he has made this request for variance. Mr. Constantin, the applicant, w~s present and stated that he would like to complete this third unit: and the apartmenm would be convenient for thettenants since they would' be within walking distance to shopping areas and the Village. ~ The Assistant Pl'anner, in answer: to an inquiry, from Chairman Lively, explained that this lot (No. 9) 'was recorded in 1870 under the town of'McCartysv~f~'~. ' . No one else present wished to comment. Chairman Lively closed the hearing for the evening at 7:46 P.M., directed the matter continued to the next regular meeting, and referred V-368 to the Variance Committee for studyz and'a report. Commissioner Martin, on behalf o!f the Variance Committee, arranged'with [~' .applfcant.-for .'an on-site inspection of the property on Saturday, 30 October 1971 at 9:00 A.M. = B. V-369 - Louis S. Frankel, Montew0od Drive - Request for Variance to Allow an Increase in Accessory Structure Height The hearing was opened at 7:47 Pz.M. The Secretary stated the Notice ~f Hearing was mailed. He then read communications filed in opposition to the requested variance by the following residents of the area:, 1. Mr. J. R. Templeton, 18788 Montewood Drive, Saratoga. 2. Mr. Charles N. Odineal, 18634 Montewood Drive, Saratoga. 3. Dr. and Mrs. Fred Kurmceil, Jr. 18667 Montewood Drive, Saratoga. Mr. Frankel, the applicant, was present and stated that 1) the application is strictly concerned with the h~ight limitation of the building and the keeping of numerous animals (as Objected to in the various communications received) is not really the issue 2) he, also, owns property on Austin Way that backs up to the subject'property and is in the City Limits of Monte Sereno 3) he has obtained. all the proper permits from Saratoga and Monte Sereno for the keeping. of all his animals 4) there are variations in the property that makes it necessary to request this variance 5) the stall for the keeping of the horses has already been approved and cOnstruc- tionSstarted, but he would like permission for an increase of an additional 8-feet in building height for storage 6) he has a foundation on the building that would be adequate for the additional height 7) the Building Department has indicated that he would not be in violation by storing hay in on the roof of this struckure if the storage area is enclosed according to specifications 8) in any case he could ~stor~·~ay.~ont~op of this roof ·and ~cover it with aitarp, but for aesthetic reasons he wanted to build a frame around it to screen the storage from view 9) the Health Department inspected the~propertf'K~'d'f~U~d no existing health problems 10) ..the· storage bin would not be visible from Montewood and it would not be detrimental to anyone. and 11) if the variance is approved it would allow him to buy and store hay in greater quantity. -2+ ; Planning Commission MinUtes - 26 October 1971 - Continued II. B. V-369 - Continued Mr. Frankel, in answer to an inquiry from Commissioner Fagan, stated that 1) the adjacent undeveloped properties are at about the same grade as the subject property 2) it would be useful to have the hay stored above the building since~it is easier to feed if you can drop _ the hay down into the feeding area and 3) if the hay cannot be stored in' the suggested manner then an 8-foot building will have to be constructed elsewhere on the property. Mr. Moore, 15474 Monte Vista, attorney representing residents of the subject area opposed to said variance, stated that 1) the applicant's reasoning that he can stack material on his building and then cover it with a tarp is really not valid since that reasoning would allow anyone storage on top of a building and then build a building aroun~ it and 2) the applicant has not shown good reason why he cannot build within the limits allowed by the City of Saratoga Zoning Ordinance. Chairman Lively advised Mr. Moo~e that if his group wishes to meet with the Variance Committee to discuss this matter he can make arrangements to do so by contacting the Planning Department Secretary. Chairman Lively then closed thehearing for the evening at 8:16 P.M., directed V-369 continued to theznext regular meeting and referred the matter to the Variance Committee for study and a report. Commissioner Martin, on behalf of the Variance Committee, arranged with the applicant, for an on-site inspection of the property for Saturday, 30 October 1971 at 9:30 A.M. III. BUILDING SITES AND SUBDIVISIONS A. SD-904 -.George W. Day, Fruitvale Avenue and Douglass - Subdivision Approval - 15 Lots - C~ntinued from 12 October 1971 Chairman Lively directed SD-904 continued to the next regular meeting to allow time for further study ~of the matter. B. SDR-922 - Dr. Richard Wallace, ~ierce Road - Building Site Approval - 3 Lots - Continued from 12 October 1971 The Assistant Planne,r recommende~ that SDR-922 be continued to the next regular meeting to allow the applicant time to submit a revised map. He further stated that the. applicat.ion should be continued subject to receipt of a letter of extension from the applicant. Commissioner Fagan moved, seconded by Commissioner Marshall, to deny building site approval for SDR-922 unless a letter of extension is received from the applicant; motion carried unanimously. C. SDR-924 - Ned Richmond~ Sunset Drive - Buildins Site Approval - 1 Lot The applicant stated he reviewed the proposed conditions of approval and expressed satisfaction of same. Commissioner Metcalf stated thatll) a detailed site plan for Lot "A" should be required and 2) Design ~eview Approval should be required for the type of structure that may be built on this site. Commissioner Marshall noted that;according to the map three (3) trees are to be removed and he wondered if another means of access could be arranged to save the trees. Mr. Richmond explained that there are so many trees on the property it will be necessary to remove some trees to save the good trees. Commissioner Marshall suggested that, perhaps, the driveway could be moved and some lesser trees be removed. -3- ~ Plannimg Commission Minutes - 26 October '1971 - Continued III. C. SDR-924 - Continued Mr. Richmond explained 1) he i!s going to sell the property; therefore, it is difficult to determine what type of home the new owner would decide to b~ild 2) the topography on the map looks different on the map than what it actually is 3). there is only one area of the property that is suitable for a home and' 4) it will not be necessary to bring any fill onto the property. , Commissioner Metcalf stated that the concern of the Planning Commission is that the house be built to cbnformwith the land rather than the land being cut to suit the house. It was the consensus of the Commission that it?.~might be well to continue this matter and allow time for the Subdivision Committee and Design Review Committee to make an on-site inspection of the property. Chairman Lively, in view of the. foregoing, directed SDR-924 continued to the next regular meeting and' referred same to the Subdivision Committee. D. SD-925 - Ditz-Crane Builders, Inc., Cox Avenue - Subdivision Approval - 61 Lots Mr. Dick Cecchi, MacKay and So~pS engineer representing the ,applicant, stated that the applicant has arranged with Mr. Galeb for purchase of the adjacent property. Commissioner Metcalf recommended that an emergency fire access be required through to DeSanka Avenue. Mr. Cecchi explained that a secondary turn-around for fire protection has been provided for and it would be awkard to have an emergency access road through this lot. Commissioner Martin stated thatZ from his observation in some tracts a lot of developers are not putting in the required number of trees in the front yard and he asked Mr.' Cecchi what the applicant's policy was regarding tree planting in subdivisions. Mr. Cecchi explained that 1) h~ was, in fact, only the applicant's representative, but he assumed Zthe applicant would meet the require- ments of the City of Saratoga 2) Ditz-Crane is a reputable builder and always tries to meet all th~ conditions of approval. Commissioner Martin stated that~ there are many homes that do not have the required number of trees and the developer should be required to provide them before any future ~pprovals are granted. Commissioner Metcalf stated that 1) the Planning Commission is indebted to Commissioner Martin for again bringing this matter to their attention 2) this is'about the third or fourth time that the matter of tree plant- ing has been brought to the attention of a subdivider who is seeking final approval 3) this seems to be a facet of the Subdivision Ordinance that is neglected and it is.time that the.subdividers are made aware that they must provide these tr~es for the people that buy the homes in their subdivisions 4) he would recommend that SD-925 be continued to the next regular meeting until the applicant submits plan and.a letter stating his intent relative to the planking of trees in the proposed subd~zvision and other existing subdivisions. Mr. Cecchi stated that 1) Ditz~Crane is building $50,000. homes in this development and if the City requires them to plant trees they w ill comply 2) the City is holding a bond~hich they do not have to release until the applicant meets all the requirements and 3) the applicant would like approval af this time since they are anxious to get the subdivision recorded. -4~ · Planning Commission Minutes 26 October 1971 !Continued III. D. SD-925 - Continued Commissioner Martin stated tha~ some process should be worked out whereby the power to hold up the bond is exercised if the applicant does not meet all conditions. Commissioner Marshall recommended that the Subdivision Committee Report be amended instead of continuing this matter. After a brief discussion, Chairman Lively recommended that the subject Subdivision Committee Report dated 26 October 1971 be amended by adding the following conditions: "17. Provide street ztree.planting in accordance with Paragraph .4.7 of Subdivision Ordinance NS-5" "18. Final map approyal may be deferred pending receipt of plan and schedule of street tree planting for all units." Commissioner Fagan moved, seconzded by Commissioner Marshall, that the Subdivision Committee Repor't dated 26 October 1971 relative to SD-925 be adopted,~ as amended, and that the tentative map (Exhibit '~'Ti", ifiled 26 October 1971) be appr~ved subject to the conditions set forth iin said report; motion carried'\unanimously. iV. DESIGN REVIEW Commissioner Metcalf stated that Saratoga Foothills submitted a tentative landscape plan for their subdivision on Fruitvale Avenue and the Design Review Committee did review the plan and returned it to the developer for further revisions and with the recommendation that they provide a 4-foot fence instead of a 6-foot fence. V. CITY COUNCIL REPORT Commissioner Fagan gave a summary of items reviewed and action taken at the City Council meeting of 20 October 1971, with emphasis on items of particular interest to the Commission. Commissioner Martin stated that the~ Brown and Kauffmann Unit #4 final map (approved by the City Council) is substantially different than the map app~oved by the Planning Commission'. Councilman Smith was present and stated that the reason the applicant was allowed to change the map is that the residents of the area petitioned to redirect the street in this subdivibion; therefore, the map had to be chan~ed. Chairman Lively requested that the revised map be made available for review by the Planning Commission. ' VI. OLD BUSINESS A. POSSIBLE REVISION - DesiSn Review of SinSle-Family Residences The Assistant Planner stated that the Staff is still working on a study relative to this matter. and it should be continued to the next regular meeting. Chairman Lively so directed. B. AESTHETIC GRADING STANDARDS - Continued from 12 October 1971 The Assistant Planner stated that Ernie Kraule,Fire Chief, Saratoga Volunteer Fire Department, was present and had some comments to make. Planning Commission Minutes - 26 October ~971 - Continued VI. B. AESTHETIC GRADING STANDARDS - Continued Chief Kraule explained that 1) he is relieved that something is being done to establish road widths in the hillside areas 2) mountain turns can be difficult and a 14-foot road width in the mountain area would be acceptable 3) he would' prefer a 32-foot radius circular turn-around rather than a hammerhead shape since it would be easier for a fire engine to turn-~around~than it would be for the fire engine to back up and 4) it would be best if cul-de-sac streets and private ~ivewa~.~lengths were not in excess of 500-feet since if it is necessary to be any further .'away from a hydrant a Yire hose has some function loss. Commissioner Martin suggested that, perhaps, a hydrant should be added if the cul-de-sac or private drive exceeds 400-feet in length. The Assistant Planner stated that the standards will have to be written up in resolution~ form before they= can be recommended for approval by the Commission. Chairman Lively referred the mat.ter back tO the Staff and requested they put the Aesthetic Grading Standards into a proper format by the next regular meeting. VII.NEW BUSINESS None VIII. COMMUNICATIONS A. WRITTEN 1. UP-176 - Ditz-Crane~ Y~ba Court - Request for Extension The Assistant Planner recommended that this matter be continued to the next regular meeting'. Chairman Lively so directed.. 2. UP-169 - George W. Day, FarWell Avenue - Request for Extension - Continued from 12 October 1971 The Assistant ·Planner recommended that this matter be continued to the next regular meeting'. Chairman Lively so directed'. B. ORAL , TREES Commissioner Martin stated that 1) he has made a survey and has found there are many areas in the City where the required trees have not been planted by the subdivider 2) in the Brown and Kauffmann subdivision, Unit #3, the residents stated the developer was required to supply each house with two (2) trees 3) in many cases there were no trees provided, in some cases there was only one (1) tree furnished when a specific request was made to the developer by thee homeowner 3) as a result of this negli- gence many people have gone ahead and planted their own trees and 4) in addition to planting these tree's the developer is to be 'responsible for maintaining them for a year and! this has not been accomplished either. Chairman Lively stated that a letter will be required from the developer saying that the trees have been iplanted and some system must be established for an on-site inspection to make sure the trees are planted. The Assistant Planner stated that the developer's bond is not released until the development is inspected by the Public Works Department and this might be the opportune time to 'check and see if the trees are indeed planted. Planning Commissioner Minutes - 26 October 1971 - Continued VIII. B. TREES - Continued Chairman Lively reqested the Planning Director to write a memo, on behalf of the Planning Commission, to the Public Works Director recommending that the Public ~orks Department carefully check to see that all required trees are planted by the developer prior to release of the bond. GUESTS Chairman Lively, acknowledged with pleasure, the presence of Councilman Smith. He, also, thanked the Good Government Group for the coffee provided. IX. ADJOURNMENT Chairman Lively adjourned the meeting at 9:2'0 P.M. Respectfully submitted, SMW/j CITY OF SA?~TOGA PLA~.,Ii~]G CO1,E~FSSION A EL:~A T~: ~esday, 26 October 1~71 - 7:30.P.M. P~CE: Saratoga City Council ~bers~ 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, California ~'E: Regular Meeting I. ROU~NE ORG~IZA~O~ A. ROLL B. II. P~LIC H~INGS A. V-368 - John Constantin, Oak Street - ~.equest for Variance t~ Allow an Increase in ~.;ellin~ Units Per Site Area " B. V-369 - Louis S. ~rankel. Montewood ~ive - ~equest for Variance to Allow an ir=cr~a~e tn Accessory St~cture Height III. BUILDING SI~S ~D S~DI~SIONS A. SD-~04 - GeorEe W. Day, F~itvale Avenue and DouRlass - Subdivision Approval - 15 Lots - Continued fr~ 12 October 19?1 B. SDR-922 - Dr. Richard Wallace~ Pierce Road - Buildin~ Site Approval - 3 Lots - Continued fr~ 12 October C. SDR-924 - Ned ~ic~on~. Sunset Drive - Buildi~ Site Approval - 1 Lot D. SD-~25 - Ditz-Crane Builders. inc.. Cox Avenue - Subdivision Approval - 61 Lots IV. DESIGN V. CITY CO~CIL ~PORT VI. OLD BUSI~SS A. Possible Revision for Desfan Review of StnEle-F~.ly Residences B. ~S~C GP~ING ST~S - Continued fr~ 12 October VII. ~,~.~ BUSII~SS VIII. CCi,~.~TIONS A. ~IT~ 1. UP-l?6 - Ditz-Crane~ Yuba Court - F. equest for Extension 2.. UP-169 - GeorSe W. Day. Fa~,;ell Avenue - ~equest for E::tension - Continued from 12 October 19?1 B. IX. ~JO~d~NT