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HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-12-2000 Planning Commission Minutes CITY OF SARATOGA PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES DATE: Wednesday, April 12, 2000 - 7:30 p.m. PLACE: Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA TYPE: Regular Meeting The meeting was called to order at 7:32 p.m. by Chairwoman Bernald. ROLL CALL Present: Commissioners Barry, Page, Roupe, and Chairwoman Bernald Absent: Commissioners Jackman, Kurasch, and Patrick Staff Present: Director Walgren PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE MINUTES - March 22, 2000 COMMISSIONERS PATRICK/ROUPE MOVED TO APPROVE THE MINUTES OF MARCH 22, 2000, WITH THE FOLLOWING AMENDMENTS. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) Page 3, paragraph 4, “...downspouts from the room into a French drain...” Page 9, paragraph 8, “Lowe” corrected to “Loh.” Page 10, paragraph 1, “...how the meetings were should be run.” Page 10, paragraph 5, “Commissioner Patrick Barry appreciated...” ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Chairwoman Bernald reported that residents have complained about not being noticed for meetings. She displayed a “City of Saratoga” envelope in which notices are sent and suggested there was a need to start an awareness program so that people realize that letters from Saratoga are important. REPORT OF POSTING AGENDA Director Walgren announced that pursuant to Government Code 54954.2, the agenda for this meeting was properly posted on April 7, 2000. TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS TO PACKET Director Walgren reported that a minor correction was made to public hearing item 3, page 5, in the fireplace discussion, the staff report noted that there are no woodburning fireplaces in the project, but there is one existing woodburning fireplace. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 2 APRIL 12, 2000 CONSENT CALENDAR 1. DR-99-036 (517-14-094) – BELSHAW, 20620 Sigal Drive; Request for Design Review approval for the construction of a new 5,083 square foot, two-story residence. The site is currently vacant, is 1.63 acres in size and is located within a Hillside Residential zoning district. (CONTINUED TO 4/26/00 TO PREPARE PUBLIC NOTICE FOR A VARIANCE APPLICATION FOR RETAINING WALL HEIGHT IN ADDITION TO DESIGN REVIEW) COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO APPROVE THE CONSENT CALENDAR. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) PUBLIC HEARINGS 2. DR-99-060 (397-17-008) – BARRINGER, 14535 Fruitvale Avenue; Request for Design Review and Use Permit approval to demolish an existing 2,316 square foot residence and construct a new 5,195 square foot two-story residence with a maximum height of 25 feet. The property is 45,292 square feet and is located within an R-1-40,000 zoning district. (CONTINUED FROM 3/22/00) Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting that the application was a request for a Design Review approval to demolish an existing 2,316 square foot single-story residence and construct a new 5,195 square foot two-story residence at a height of 25 feet and a detached guesthouse at 12.5 feet in height. Letters of opposition from neighbors were received in March, and the applicant revised his plans so that a conditional use permit was not needed. The current plans meet minimum zoning ordinance requirements. There are other two-story homes in the area, the home would be compatible both in terms of massing and architecture with existing homes, and the Design Review findings can be made. A letter in opposition was received from the neighbor to the south regarding the impact on the neighbor’s property from the second story of the proposed house. the staff report noted that the accessory structure originally was 12.5 feet tall, but the current proposal was for a 14.5 foot tall accessory building. Staff recommends approval of the application. A demolition performance bond was recommended for the current home as the owner wants to keep it until the new house is built. Commissioner Page asked about the carport. Director Walgren responded that the carport was open on two sides and did not count as square footage. Commissioner Roupe noted that the height of the chimneys extends above the height of the house. He asked whether the chimneys could be lowered. Director Walgren pointed out that woodburning chimneys had to be higher. Chairwoman Bernald opened the public hearing at 7:53 p.m. Lynn Barringer, 14535 Fruitvale Avenue, said she worked with the Planning Director and staff, and the plan is designed to conform with the city’s requirements and to respect the neighbor’s privacy. The design was well within the setbacks and provides for 50 feet from the Kang’s property instead of 20 feet. A smaller footprint was achieved by adding a second story. The neighboring homes were between 4,500 and 6,000 square feet. She received two letters in opposition and three in support. She asked for approval of the plan as submitted. Commissioner Roupe noted that the fencing in front of the property was nonconforming and said the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 3 APRIL 12, 2000 fence would have to be addressed when the project is completed. Ms. Barringer said the chain link fence was temporarily placed as a safety measure. It will be replaced with a veneer stone structure or a living wall designed by her landscaper. Commissioner Barry asked about the landscaping plan on the left side of the property facing the Kang’s house. Ms. Barringer said the property is quite bare and does not provide privacy. She will propose a landscape plan including evergreen screening to provide privacy. Commissioner Page asked if Ms. Barringer would have any objections to lowering the height of the guest house to 12.5 feet. Ms. Barringer said reducing the height would make the guest house stand out as an eyesore and would not match the main structure. Commissioner Roupe noted that obscure or block glass would be used on the left side of the house. Ms. Barringer said two windows faced the south; one would be opaque glass blocks and the other would be frosted. Chairwoman Bernald asked if Ms. Barringer would consider a gas log fireplace in the guest house. Ms. Barringer said if she was allowed to take an option between the height of the guest house and a gas fireplace, she would choose the gas fireplace. Rebecca Rixie-Taylor, 14451 Fruitvale Avenue, representing Kelly Sylvia, spoke in support of the project. David Kang, 14551 Fruitvale Avenue, said he submitted a letter of protest. He was concerned that the value of his property would be decreased if the new house blocked his view from his living room and family room. He had no objection to a new house built where the existing house is. Chairwoman Bernald noted that Dr. Kang’s house was at an angle on a slope. The area of the proposed house sits lower that the existing house and appeared to be fairly well screened by existing trees. Commissioner Roupe noted that Dr. Kang’s letter addressed the privacy issue and the access to views. He believed the applicant indicated that they would have obscure glass on all the windows facing the Kang property. Dr. Kang responded that would solve his privacy issue, but he was still concerned about losing his view. Clark Edelstein, 14431 Fruitvale Avenue, said he met with Ms. Barringer and found the project to be attractive and compatible with the neighborhood. Ms. Barringer said she respects Mr. Kang’s concern for privacy and view, and she will put in appropriate landscaping for screening. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/BARRY MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 8:15 P.M.) PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 4 APRIL 12, 2000 Commissioner Roupe said the house was nicely designed and well situated on the property, and he was pleased that the applicant worked with the neighbors. Commissioner Barry said with the landscape screening, the project was reasonable. Commissioner Page supported the project but would like to see the guest cottage at 12.5 feet in height. Director Walgren suggested the guest house could be redesigned with narrower rooms to maintain the 4 and 12 roof pitch and lower the height. Commissioner Roupe asked if it was possible to maintain the architectural integrity within the 12.5 feet. Director Walgren said it was possible by specifying that the roof pitch has to maintain the 4 and 12 roof pitch of the main residence. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO APPROVE DR-99-060, WITH AMENDMENTS THAT TRANSLUCENT GLASS BE PLACED IN THE WINDOWS ON THE SECOND STORY. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) CHAIRWOMAN BERNALD/COMMISSIONER PAGE AMENDED THE MOTION TO REQUIRE A DEMOLITION PERFORMANCE BOND TO ASSURE THE EXISTING HOUSE IS DEMOLISHED. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) CHAIRWOMAN BERNALD/COMMISSIONER ROUPE AMENDED THE MOTION THAT THE COTTAGE BE REVISED TO MEET THE 12 AND 4 PITCH AND TO MEET THE 12.5 FOOT HEIGHT LIMIT. FAILED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) Commissioner Page said the portion of the house where the garage was would be about 15 feet. He did not think it would matter whether the guest cottage was 12.5 feet or 14.5 feet. CHAIRWOMAN BERNALD/COMMISSIONER ROUPE AMENDED THE MOTION TO RESTRICT THE FIREPLACE IN THE COTTAGE TO BE GAS ONLY. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) 3. V-99-014 (397-26-022) – LAFFOON, 14191 Squirrel Hollow Lane; Request for Variance approval for the addition of 279 square feet to the existing 3,438 square foot residence. Variance approval is necessary to further exceed the maximum allowable floor area for the site, which is 3,200 square feet. The site is 17,206 square feet and is located within an R-1-15,000 zoning district. (CONTINUED FROM 3/8/00) Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting that the applicant requested Variance approval to add 223 square feet to the existing 3,438 square foot residence. The existing house is nonconforming because it exceeds the maximum allowable floor area. Staff supported the variance request because staff believes findings can be made. There were physical circumstances that prevented the property owner from reasonable uses of the property and it would not be a grant of special privilege. He provided historic background on the subdivision. A creek runs through the center of the property which was a special circumstance. The property owners are not intensifying the use of the house since the proposal is to remodel and expand the kitchen and dining room areas. Commissioner Page asked if this application would set a precedent. Director Walgren said it does set a PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 5 APRIL 12, 2000 precedent, but he was unaware of other applications with similar circumstances. Chairwoman Bernald opened the public hearing at 8:36 p.m. Mr. Laffoon, 14191 Squirrel Hollow Lane, stated he bought his house two years ago and would like to expand in order to entertain in his house. The design is in keeping with the neighborhood and in keeping with the feel of the California bungalow architecture. His neighbor on the right supported the project. Commissioner Roupe noted that during the site visit, the applicant indicated he was considering replacing slumpstone with wood siding. Mr. Laffoon said he would have wood siding on the front of the house. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 8:40 P.M.) PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) Commissioners Roupe and Barry commended the applicant for working with the neighbors. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/BARRY MOVED TO APPROVE V-99-014. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) 4. DR-99-010 & V-99-005 (517-14-078) – TAORMINA, Quickert Road; Request for Design Review and Variance approval to construct a new 6,296 square foot two-story residence. Variance approval is required to allow a retaining wall to exceed five feet in height. The property is 3.1 acres (net) and is located within a Hillside Residential zoning district. Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting that the application was a request for Design Review and Variance approval to construct a new 6,296 square foot two-story residence. The variance was for a retaining wall to exceed 5 feet. The area is known for steep slopes, and the project has been cleared by the City Geologist, Arborist, Fire and Utilities departments. Variance findings have to be made from a public safety standpoint in order to get a turnaround on the property. He recommended approval with conditions. Commissioner Roupe asked for clarification on the raised tower. Director Walgren said the ordinance did not require rooms that were open on two or more sides to be counted as floor area. The current proposal has four walls, three of which have openings. The condition is that if not eliminated, the structure needed to be opened up more in order to be considered an open structure. Director Walgren said letters were received from Robert Samsel regarding drainage concerns and Gail Cheeseman who objected to the size of the house and the variance for the retaining wall. The drainage issue is addressed in the conditions. Chairwoman Bernald opened the public hearing at 8:50 p.m. Stan Queen, 1228 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose, said he worked on a design to minimize the retaining walls and worked with staff to find the best place to move the house which was on the flat pad. He said the retaining wall variance is required for the fire truck turnaround. Maurice Camargo, 3953 Yolo Drive, San Jose, provided a visual presentation showing the layout of the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 6 APRIL 12, 2000 house, the tower element, and the views. Commissioner Barry concurred with the Cheeseman letter that expressed concern about a massive structure on the hillside. Mr. Camargo said much work was done to come up with a design to reduce the mass. He added that the site is very screened. Commissioner Page suggested using a darker color scheme on the house that would be more fitting to the hillside. Mr. Camargo said he could darken the base and the body of the house. I.M. Farrar, 20860 Kittridge Road, did not object to the house, but expressed concern about the effect that heavy construction equipment would have on the private road. He said the applicant should be required to restore the road as it was. Director Walgren said it was reasonable to require that any damage to the road be repaired prior to the project being finaled. He said a field inspector would survey the road prior to the start of the project. Mary Ann Sawyer, 15495 Quickert Road, concurred with Commissioner Page’s comment about the color of the house. She was concerned that her view would be obscured, compatibility of the house with the hillside, the impact on the road, and drainage. She asked that minor potholes be repaired prior to construction beginning. She asked that construction vehicles be required to park off the road and that residents be notified 24 hours in advance of any road closure. Director Walgren said a requirement of the Fire Department is that the road be repaired and repaved. Mr. Queen said damage to the road would be repaired and added there was plenty of parking on the property. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 9:20 P.M.) PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) Commissioner Barry was concerned with building a house of the maximum size on a hillside. Commissioner Page noted that the property had a flat area for a yard. Regarding the size of the house, he said he would have to concur with the consultants who support the project. Commissioner Roupe said the house meets the requirements of the ordinance and is obscured by landscaping. He agreed with Commissioner Page that the colors should be more muted. COMMISSIONERS ROUPE/PAGE MOVED TO APPROVE DR-99-010 AS PROPOSED WITH AN OPEN TOWER TYPE OF CONSTRUCTION. Director Walgren suggested adding conditions that the road will be assessed for damage during construction and repairs made; no vehicular parking on Quickert Road; a project manager shall be identified and his phone number to be given to staff; 24-hour notice to be provided to the neighbors of any road closures; a revised materials board for the house and retaining wall will be resubmitted to staff; and a landscape plan to be developed for review by the Planning Director. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 7 APRIL 12, 2000 COMMISSIONERS ROUPE/PAGE MOVED TO AMEND THE MOTION TO INCLUDE THE CONDITIONS RECOMMENDED BY DIRECTOR WALGREN. Commissioner Barry suggested using more natural materials that blend into the hillside. COMMISSIONERS ROUPE/PAGE AMENDED THE MOTION TO INCLUDE A MATERIAL CHANGE. Commissioner Page proposed an amendment to extend the roadwork to Kittridge Road due to construction vehicles and extra traffic. Director Walgren said the road below would be assessed and any damage be temporarily fixed. Chairwoman Bernald did not feel the open tower was architecturally integrated with the rest of the structure. She was concern with the flat front and lack of articulation on the roof and outside areas. She was concerned that the home was not well integrated into the natural environment. Commissioner Barry said the house is bulky and does not meet what the hillside plans described as rural character. She would support asking for a redesign including all the amendments having to do with the road, parking, notice of closure, and landscaping. ON THE CALL OF THE MOTION, THE VOTE WAS 1-3 WITH COMMISSIONERS BARRY, PAGE, AND CHAIRWOMAN BERNALD VOTING NO. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) Director Walgren suggested postponing the application for plan revisions. Chairperson Bernald reopened the public hearing. Dave Pitz said he would like the opportunity to continue the item in order to work with Director Walgren to produce something that would be acceptable to the Planning Commission. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO CONTINUE THIS ITEM TO MAY 10, 2000. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) 5. DR-99-012 (503-28-123) – PESIC, 21433 Toll Gate Road; Application for Design Review approval to construct a 5,040 square foot, two-story residence on a vacant lot. Maximum height of the residence is proposed to be 26 feet. The parcel is 1.15 acres (net) and is located within a Hillside Residential zoning district. Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting that the application was for Design Review approval to construct a 5,040 square foot two-story residence on a vacant lot. The application met the zoning requirements. The house has to be 8 feet below the major ridgelines, and the project meets the ridgeline ordinance. The applicant would remove a Coast live oak in the drainage basin, which was agreeable to the arborist. Chairwoman Bernald opened the public hearing at 10:02 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 8 APRIL 12, 2000 Jerry Cates, 276 Arbor Valley Drive, San Jose, said he worked with the Planning Department for one year regarding the geology. The site will be reconstructed so there would be no risk of landslide or falling dirt. The filling of the drainage hole is for the aesthetic purpose for the homeowner’s benefit of the property. Five Coast oak trees of a 36 inch size will be added. The redesign of the house meets zoning ordinance requirements. The property is constrained by setbacks on the east side and the slope on the west side. Bob Araldi, 21437 Tollgate Road, congratulated the architect for a good design. His concern was that the house would block the afternoon sun on his property. He asked if the house could be moved back about 15 feet. Mr. Cates said he respected the Araldi’s concerned about blocking the sun, but the topography of the site is more of a hindrance and a limiting factor for the location of the house. He added that the trees were also a barrier and that the location of the sun would change from summer to winter. He said that moving the house 5 feet would involve other issues including the retaining wall at the back of the property which created a 30 foot buffer, flat useful area which would be lost if the house was set further back. Mr. Pesic, 1802 Jane Drive, San Jose, said from his house he would only see the neighbor’s garage door. He added that shade would come from the trees more than from the house. He worked with the City and the City Geologist regarding the location of the house. He proposed reinforcing the road to help with drainage problems. Director Walgren said there was not much room to move the house back on the property due to setback requirements. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 10:20 P.M.) PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) Commissioner Roupe said the location of the house was limited due to the topography, and he did not see an impact on the neighbors. Commissioner Page said the house was appropriate and compatible with the neighborhood. Chairman Bernald concurred that the house fit into the neighborhood and appreciated the planting of additional trees. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO APPROVE DR-99-012. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) 6. SM-99-003 (503-15-042) – MARCINKOWSKI, 21143 Chadwick Court; Request for Site Modification approval to construct a circular driveway extension, walkway, steps and a spa. The residence was approved in February 1998 and is currently nearing completion. The property is 2.3 acres (net) and is located within a Hillside Residential zoning district. Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting the application was for Site Modification approval to construct a circular driveway extension, walkway, steps and a spa. He reported that the residence was approved in 1998 and was near completion. The neighbors, Mr. and Mrs. Wong, were concerned with the location of the spa and noise generated by the spa. Chairwoman Bernald opened the public hearing at 10:26 p.m. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 9 APRIL 12, 2000 Lou Basile, 173 N. Morrison, San Jose, said no additional grading would be required for the driveway. He said the spa equipment will be located under the house and screened. He was required to plant 10 large oak trees to replace the trees that were removed on the hillside. The trees will be placed as a buffer between the spa and the Wong’s house. Commissioner Page noted there was a large amount of construction debris on the north side of the property and suggested a condition be added that the debris be removed. Mr. Basile said the debris was in the process of being removed. Ranjeet Pancholy, 21215 Chadwick Court, expressed concern that his bedrooms and balcony faced the garage doors and proposed circular driveway. He requested a condition be added that landscape be added for privacy. Another issue of concern that a drainage pipe on the owner’s side of the property created problems on his property. He requested that a condition be added that there by a high level of supervision from geotechnical people including civil engineers. Rosemary Wong, 21252 Chadwick Court, expressed concern about the tenuous hillside, noting that the spa did not sit flat outside the back door. She said more digging and soil removal would be done, and the vibration of the spa could impact the soil on the hillside. She noted that the spa is at the setback on her property line and was concerned about the noise level of the spa equipment. She added that a trellis and oak trees did not screen the spa and asked for a more appropriate screening. Mr. Basile said he would do whatever screening was necessary on Mr. Pancholoy’s side of the house. He added that drainage work would be done by a licensed geotechnical engineer. The plan was to work on the slide immediately. He will do whatever measures are necessary to quiet the spa, including adding a row of hedges along the fence line. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 10:50 P.M.) PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) Commissioner Roupe said he had no concerns with the driveway but suggested a landscape plan be developed with staff to address the issues of privacy. Commissioner Barry agreed there should be a condition for landscape screening and a sound abatement structure for the spa be considered. Commissioner Page agreed and said the issue of supervision of the landslide repair should be conditioned. He wanted to see the cleanup of the construction debris within the next few weeks. Director Walgren indicated that the City would review all aspects of the landslide. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO APPROVE SM-99-003, WITH CONDITIONS OF SITE CLEARING, LANDSCAPE BUFFER ON THE WESTSIDE, SOUNDPROOFING OF THE SPA EQUIPMENT, AND LANDSCAPE SCREENING PLAN ON BOTH SIDES OF THE PROPERTY. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) 7. AR-99-039 (393-34-023) – BANISALAM, 13459 Brier Court; Appeal of an Administrative Design Review approval allowing the construction of 661 square feet to the first floor and 328 square feet to the second floor of an existing 2,437 square foot, two-story, single family residence. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 10 APRIL 12, 2000 The site is 12,510 square feet and is located within an R-1-12,500 zoning district. Director Walgren presented the staff report, noting that an application for Administrative Design Review approval was originally submitted in November, but due to concerns by neighbors, the application was revised, and staff approved the application in February. An appeal was filed by two neighbors in March. Chairman Bernald opened the public hearing at 10:58 p.m. Millie Otto, 13458 Brier Court, said her concerns were covered under the Rules and Regulations of the Residential Design Handbook, noting that complaint came under Policy 1, the bulk of the addition. She would lose her view of the hills and trees from her yard. She said the height and bulk of the addition was too much for the neighborhood. She was also concerned about the removal of the Liquid Amber tree. G. Arjavalingam, 20172 Glen Brae Drive, was concerned that the expansion of the house would eliminate Mrs. Otto’s view. The proposed addition will make the house larger than the others in the neighborhood. Trees that existed between his house and the Banisalam’s were cut down on the Banisalam’s property. He provided a slide presentation of the neighboring homes. He believed that the Banisalam’s addition would be too close to the property line. Mr. Banisalam, 13459 Brier Court, said he left the planning of the design up to his architect. He noted that the house behind his was larger. He did not understand the neighbor’s concern about the view since the tree on his property already blocked the view. He said the Liquid Amber tree was 13 feet from the existing wall and the addition would be one foot from the tree. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO CLOSE THE PUBLIC HEARING (AT 11:20 P.M.) PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) Chairwoman Bernald asked if the design meets all the requirements. Director Walgren responded it did. Commissioner Roupe noticed there were other large homes in the surrounding area. He felt the design was an improvement to the look of the house and did not notice a significant impairment to Ms. Otto’s view. Commissioner Page suggested a condition that there be an approved landscape plan approved by staff. Commissioner Barry did not believe the house would be out of proportion with others in the neighborhood. She noted that the second story was only 300 square feet. The issues had to do with privacy screening. She would like to see a specific privacy screening plan on Mr. Arjavalingam’s side of the property, and attention should be give to the placement of one or two trees that would help Ms. Otto’s view of the house. She added that Ms. Otto’s view of open space would not change, but trees would break the view of the structure. Chairwoman Bernald expressed concern about the existing planting which she did not think was appropriate. She would like to have it guaranteed that there is a professional landscape plan. She agreed that additional trees would benefit Ms. Otto’s view. She did not believe the house would look bulky and added that it provides a livable area for the property owners. COMMISSIONERS PAGE/ROUPE MOVED TO DENY THE APPEAL AND UPHOLD AR-99-039, WITH THE CONDITION THAT A FORMAL LANDSCAPE PLAN BE DEVELOPED, REVIEWED BY PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 11 APRIL 12, 2000 THE NEIGHBORS AND APPROVED BY STAFF. PASSED 4-0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) UNFINISHED BUSINESS 1. V-00-001 (510-06-035) - CHARLES, 19200 Bountiful Acres; Request for Variance approval to construct a fence over 3 feet in height within the front and exterior side yard setback. Variance approval is also requested to allow columns in excess of seven feet and gates in excess of five feet within the front and exterior yard setbacks. The site is located on a 40,075 (net) square foot parcel within an R-1-40,000 zoning district. (CONTINUED DISCUSSION OF AN ITEM HEARD AT THE MARCH 22, 2000 REGULAR PUBLIC HEARING MEETING) Director Walgren reported that there was no quorum at the 6:00 p.m. meeting scheduled prior to the regular meeting. Commissioner Page said he reviewed the material and was ready to vote on the application. CHAIRWOMAN BERNALD/COMMISSIONER BARRY MOVED TO APPROVE V-00-001. PASSED 4- 0. (COMMISSIONERS JACKMAN, KURASCH, AND PATRICK ABSENT) Commissioner Barry said the applicant reconsidered design review issues discussed by the Planning Commission, and the Planning Commission felt the findings were justifiably made on the basis of noise and privacy for the Austin Way six foot fence and that design was integrated into the Bountiful Acres design. Commissioner Roupe stated for the record that the neighbors were noticed regarding the rehearing, and no objections were received. DIRECTOR ITEMS − Circulation and Housing Element Updates - Public Safety will be reviewing the Long Range Plan tomorrow night. − City Council RDA Discussion - Postponed to the next meeting. − Mountain Winery Update - No update. City has not scheduled an appeal hearing. − Building Materials Recycling Ordinance - This will be discussed later in the summer. Director Walgren reported that the appointments of Chairperson and Vice Chairperson will be held at the first meeting in May. COMMISSION ITEMS Commissioner Barry suggested making use of a camcorder if budget was available. She asked about the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES PAGE 12 APRIL 12, 2000 follow up from the consultants at the retreat. Director Walgren said it should be available at the next meeting. Commissioner Page announced that the Saratoga Library would have an auction of books the following evening. Chairwoman Bernald noted that the light at Quito and Pollard was backing up traffic on the south side of Quito. COMMUNICATIONS WRITTEN − City Council minutes for regular meeting of March 15 and adjourned meeting of March 21, 2000 - Noted. − Notices for regular Planning Commission meeting of April 26, 2000 - Noted. − Correspondence to Chair Bernald from Bob Hansen, resident of Saratoga, concerning the Planning Commission process - Noted. ADJOURNMENT TO NEXT MEETING Chairwoman Bernald adjourned the meeting at 11:58 p.m. to Wednesday, April 26, 2000, Council Chambers/Civic Theater, 13777 Fruitvale Avenue, Saratoga, CA. MINUTES PREPARED AND SUBMITTED BY: Ruth Swanson Minutes Clerk MINUTES AMENDED AND APPROVED BY: James Walgren Secretary to the Planning Commission