PC 02-08-99CITY OF CUPERTINO
10300 Torte Avenue
Cupertino, CA 95014
(408) 77%3308
APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE
PLANNING COMMISSION HELD ON FEBRUARY 8, 1999
SALUTE TO THE FLAG
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present:
Corr, Kwok, Stevens, Chairperson Doyle (Com. Harris arrived at
6:55 p.m.)
Staff present:
Robert Cowan, Director of Community Development; Ciddy Wordell,
City Planner; Colin Jung, Associate Planner; Raymond Cheongo Traffic
Eng'meer; Tricia Maier, Planning Intern; Eileen Murray, Assistant City
Attorney
APPROVAL OF MINUTES:
Minutes of the regular Planning Commission meetings of January l 1, and January 25, 1999:
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSENT:
ABSTA~:
VOTE:
Com. Stevens moved to approve the minutes of the January 11, 1999 and
Janumy 25, 1999 meetings as presented.
Chair Doyle
Com. Harris
Corns. Corr and Kwok
Passed 2-0-2
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: None
POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR:
Application No.
Applicant:
Location:
32-ASA-98
Keith Royster Architects (Woodworks)
19875 Stevens Creek Blvd.
Architectural review of a proposed remodel ofa fagade for an existing commercial building.
Planning Commission decision final unless appealed
Continued.from Planning Commission meeting of January I l, 1999
Application No. (s):
Applicant:
Location:
8-U-98, 22-EA-98
Cupen'ino Dental Group
0383 Torte Avenue
Use permit for a 1,890 square foot addition to an existing office building.
Planning Commission Minutes 2 February g, 1999
Planning Commission decision final unless appealed
Withdrawn by Applicant
MOTION:
SECOND:
ABSENT:
VOTE:
Com. Stevens moved to postpone Item 2 to the Febrna~ 22, 1999 Planning
Commission meeting, and withdraw Item 4 t~om the calendar
Com. Con'
Com. Hams
Passed 4-0-0
ORAL COMMUNICATION: None
CONSENT CALENDAR: None
Com. Hanis amved during discussion of Item 3.
PUBLIC HEARING
Application No. (s):
Applicant:
Location:
14-EXC-98, 1-V-98, 39-EA-98
Tom McNair
22261 McClellan Road
Hillside Exception to locate a new residence on slopes greater than 30% (In an R-I zoning district).
Variance to exceed the required 28 fi. height and 20 fi. front setback requirements in the R-I
zoning district (Chapter 19.28)
Planning Commission decision final unless appealed
Continued.from Planning Commission meeting of January 11, 1999
Staffpresentation: The video presentation reviewed the application to construct a three stoW 4,459
sq. fi. residence, which was presented at the Janua~ 11, 1999 Planning Commission meeting and
continued with direction to staff to provide additional information, and work with the applicant to
redesign certain aspects of the project. The modifications outlined in the attached staff report were
reviewed. Staff will rcpor~ on the following issues as previously directed: documented accidents
and traffic complaints for the area; ways to create a safer driveway access; additional parking; a
new drainage plan that will not cause erosion along Stevens Creek Blvd.; how the FAR will be
reduced if the slope adjustment criteria were applied; changes to proposed building materials and
color; proposed landscaping; and whether the property is located within a 100 year flood zone or
not. Staff recommends approval of the project. Ifa decision is reached, it will be considered final,
and not forwarded to City Council, unless an appeal is fried within 14 calendar days.
Mr. Colin Jung, Associate Planner, reviewed the issues staff was directed to address at the previous
meeting. He reported on the accident and traffic complaints; driveway revisions; additional
parking; drainage plan; the proposed building colors/materials; landscape screening; and 100 year
flood zone, as outlined in the attached staff report.
Mr. Jung answered questions relative to the house design, and whe~er it fell under the RHS or
R-1. Ms. Eileen Murray, Assistant City Attorney, said that it was zoned R1.
Planning Commission Minutes 3 Febraa~ g, 1O0O
Mr. Raymond Cheong, Traffic Engineer, said that for the city to consider a stop sign at that
location, the neighborhood residents would have to circulate a petition for a 2/3 support. He said
the location may not meet the technical warrants in terms of volume or accidents; however, the city
would consider a four way stop sign for the location with a petition with 2/3 support.
Mr. Tom McNair, owner and architect of the project, reviewed the justificataon for the driveway
changes, noting considerations of traffic speed and road conditions. Relative to the parking issue,
he said that if additional parking spaces above and beyond those shown on the revised scheme were
needed, the street widening aspect could be explored; however, he felt it would be detrimental to
the neighborhood. He said he felt the layout for the four cars was adequate, and noted that any
other project would have to utilize tandem parking. He said that the neighbors' comments at the
last meeting were not necessarily objecting to the project, but were addressing what they perceived
as safety concerns, which they had been working on for several years, such as Mira Vista Avenue
traffic. Mr. McNalr said that the neighbors would prefer that the road be closed, but he did not feel
it was a viable option. He said he was not opposed to a stop sign, which would help address safety
concerns; however, he requested that it not be a condition of approval of the project; in the event
the City Council did not support the stop sign, he did not want his project riding on that particular
decision. He said that he felt the driveway location was safe; it was safe on the original design and
even more so with the cars driving out head first, and that it adequately addressed any safety issues.
He said that discussions relative to the number of accidents already occurred, and figures were
consistent with other streets in the city.
Mr. McNair showed a slide presentation which illustrated the line of sight fi:om street locations and
also flom their driveway location to assure that there is adequate line of sight distances; and other
houses in the neighborhood for different vantage points. He showed the areas where the tree limbs
were cut by the city, pointing out that the trees would have provided screening of the entire area of
the house. He commented that as a result of the city cutting the trees on his property, the impact of
his proposed house was now being discussed. He said he felt it was unfair and prejudicial, and was
concerned with any attempt to deny the project solely on the basis of the visual impact. He said it
was not fair to characterize the project as a large project that was not consistent with the
neighborhood, as that was not the case. He pointed out the four massive homes located on top of
the crib wall that had greater visibility than his project. Mr. McNair said that building his project
on a slope actually worked favorably because it is stepping down and cuts into the side of the hill,
with adequate opportunity to conceal the house. He asked that the Planning Commissioners keep
in mind the ordinances used as a guideline, noting this his house complies with every ordinance
relative to the FAR and lot coverage, given the R1 zone.
Referring to the redesign of the garage, Mr. McNair reported that he chose a more traditional roof
treatment, in keeping with the original design; and in doing so was able to lower the ridgeiine by
about 15 inches above what was in the previous package. Relative to the colors and materials, he
said the zatique is the most appropriate color and the only one that is maintenance flee; however,
he was willing to consider the painted materials, keeping in mind the painted materials would
require future maintenance. He recommended the old zinc gray color if the painted colors were
chosen, and said he would prefer to have it applied both to the walls and the roof. If the green
pallet of colors was chosen, the forest green would be the most suitable green color, since the
denali green is not one of the premium colors and does not carry the 20 year warranty.
Mr. McNair said that drainage was adequately discussed; and reported that it is a closed circuit
drainage system around the entire perimeter, with all roof gutters draining into the closed circuit.
When it reaches the flench drain location, the pipes change flom a solid pipe to a perforated
Planning Commission Minutes 4 Febmmy 8, 1999
drainpipe that will be embedded into the drain rock and be allowed to percolate. If it ever reaches
the point of the 50 or 100 year storm and if the ground gets saturated to the point beyond the
capacity of the drain system, there will be a sheet flow over the entire hill regardless whose project
it is. He noted that the house piers would be down at least 16 feet into the natural dirt, and would
be designed to withstand any hydraulic pressures on them from the soil conditions.
Mr. McNair addressed the variance, noting that there were only three findings that need to be made
relative to the variance. He said, keeping in mind that all the variance items without exception
dealt with access, to deny any one of those variances, was denying the ability to access the project,
thus denying the McNairs the right to build on their property. He emphasized that is was
physically impossible to construct a garage there without the variances being requested, and
physically impossible to make the height work. He said they could probably relocate the garage to
some other location that would not necessarily be in the setback areas, but in doing so would cause
more damage to the site as far as removal of trees.
Relative to item 4, the proposed development requires an exception which involves the least
modification of, or deviation from, the development regulations. He said he felt it was a black or
white issue; either building on slopes greater than 30% is permitted, or building on slopes greater
than 30% not be permitted; therefore the least modification was to allow the applicant to build on
those slopes.
Relative to item 9, which promotes development, Mr. McNair said that because the house is fully
screened by the existing vegetation in addition to the proposed vegetation, he felt they met their
obligation to reduce the effect of visible mass including building height to the extent possible
without creating other environmental impacts. He added that an attempt could be made to push the
house further away and further up the hill away from the parkland areas, but that would have more
impact on the existing site since it would then require removal of additional trees.
Relative to finding 8b, Mr. McNair said that the proposal is the minimum that is reasonable for his
purposes, end if an attempt is made to restrict this house beyond what is already allowed under the
RI zone, it would not be usable for his family. He said he felt the proposal was appropriate, that it
was screened from visibility, and was much less visible than any of the other houses in the
neighborhood. He said the neighboring houses could be used as a precedent for approving the
project, as they were comparable size, larger massing, and had larger visibility than his project.
Relative to the roof deck issue, Mr. McNair said that there were some areas with roof decks; one
off the entry elevation to allow access, but also to reduce the mass of the roof, which would
otherwise be required to cover that area, and would actually reduce the visible mass of the house.
He said there were also roof deck areas offthe office, and offthe master bedroom which served as
their yard area since they did not have a lot of usable yard area.
In response to Com. Harris' request for clarification of the environmental impact forms, Mr.
McNair explained the responses he provided, as not having significant impact or no impact in
certain situations.
Chair Doyle opened the meeting for public input.
Mr. Bob Hoxie, 10545 Mira Vista Ave., expressed concern about backing out onto McClellan
Road and lack of parking and said the current proposal addressed his concern. He questioned the
Planning Commission Minutes 5 February ~, 1~99
need for the circular driveway and said he thought the original plan had less impact. He referred to
the site plan, indicating where he resided and discussed thepotential impacts to his property.
Chair Doyle closed the public hearing.
Com. Harris questioned if No. 8b was erroneously omitted from the findings. Ms. Muxray clarified
that No. 8b was not applicable because the 'b' came into play only if the house is visible from the
ridgeline; there is 8, and if8 is tree, then 'a' and 'b' come into play; and since this is not a ridgeline
issu~ 8b was omitted because it doesn't apply to this particular parcel. She said that hillside
exceptions should be applied, but it is not necessary to apply the hillside development regulations.
Discussion ensued regarding the remaining issues. There was consensus that the accidenfftraffic
complaints issue was addressed. Com. Harris said she was still concerned about the interference on
the park/private property; massiveness of the house and number of variances and exceptions
required. Com. Kwok expressed concern about visual impact; massiveness of the house; however,
he said that Ivff. McNalr addressed the concern about visual impact when he noted that the
neighboring homes were the same size range. Com. Stevens said he felt all concerns were
addressed. He said that he preferred the original color for the residence. Chair Doyle added his
concern about building materials and colors.
Relative to the height issue, Com. Corr said that he had no concerns about the height. Com. Kwok,
agreed, stating that because of the steepness of the property, it was difficult to build a propeay at
28 fi. Com. Stevens said he felt the applicant's proposal was appropriate and benefited the city;
and he agreed with the variances and setbacks. Chair Doyle said that the maximum height was
appropriate; however, he felt the design element could be improved upon. He said that Com.
Harris' concern about the screening issue could possibly be mitigated with plantings.
Park/private property interface: Com. Hams said that the main concern with finding No. 4 was
that it is the least modification of the development regulations; which maintain scenic views, and
do not permit houses in parks unless there is a road; and if building on slopes a sliding scale that
says if a house is built on a slope, the size will be reduced to mirigate the mass. With those
conditions in mind, she said that should could no approve a house as large as the proposed
residence, and that 44 FAR was too high because of the impact to the park.
Com. Stevens said that in light of the ratio of 700 sq. fi. dedicated to exterior walls, both horizomal
and vertical circulation, reducing it down to the 3700 hillside would be negated by the need to have
those, which are not building mass, but are requirements of the hillside.
Corn Kwok expressed concern about the visual impact and said he would support the variance on
the visual impact. He said the screening will provide mitigation for the masses, and the FAR is
consistent with the existing which do not have the screening.
Com. Corr said that he felt the issues of visual impact and the park/private property came together
on the property and the applicant did an adequate job with existing trees and screening He said he
had been concerned with palling the driveway down below, and having the road go into the park.
Com Doyle said his position on park interface is that by moving the house toward the front of the
property, up the hill, it negates it, and adding vegetation will hopefully screen it, and he felt they
would benefit long term with the proposal, rather than other proposals. He said he agreed with
Com. Hams about the house size, but did not have reasonable means to quantify what size house
Planning Commission Minutes 6 February g, 1999
would be appropriate for the property; however, if the house meets the visual requirements, the
regular R-1 requirements should determine the appropriate size, and if executed properly, would be
acceptable.
There was consensus that the corrugated metal material was appropriate, sides and roof were
appropriate also. A discussion ensued regarding the building color. Com. Hams said that she
preferred a painted finish; Chair Doyle said mat the zafique finish was acceptable, but was
concerned that the roof was of the same material. Mr. McNair reiterated his preference for the
zafique finish and pointed out that it was more in keeping with the normal agricultural type
building, and that to be consistent, the same material should be used on the roof and walls. Com.
Hams pointed out that the residence was not a barn, but a house in a residential area, and reiterated
her preference for the painted surface. The Commissioners concurred with Com. Hams' comment.
Chair Doyle suggested that staff work with the applicant to return with acceptable materials to
minimize the visual impact, either forest green or slate gray.
MOTION:
SECOND:
NOES:
VOTE:
Com. Corr moved to approve the Negative Declaration on Application 39-EA-98
Com. Stevens
Com. Hams
Passed 4-1~0
MOTION:
SECOND:
NOES:
VOTE:
Com. Corr moved to approve Application 14-EXC-98 according to the model
resolution, with modifications of colors to forest green or dark gray; and new
garage designs
Com. Kwok
Com. Hams
Passed 4-1-0
MOTION:
SECOND:
NOES:
VOTE:
Com. Con' moved to approve Application 1-V-98 according to the model
resolution
Com. Stevens
Com. Harris
Passed 4-1-0
Application No.:
Applicant:
Location:
l -EXC-99
Cai-Neon Signs (Walgreens)
10795 So. Blaney & 20075 Bollinger
Sign Exception to exceed the number of ground and wall signs in accordance with Title 17 of the
Cupertino Municipal Code.
Planning Commission decision final unless appealed
Staff presentation: Mr. Jtmg reviewed the application for seven sign exceptions for the proposed
Walgreens, as outlined in the attached staffreport. He stated that the purpose and intent of the sign
ordinance was to identify and enhance businesses while maintaining the aesthetic appearances of
the city. Staff does not feel the findings for a sign exception can be met and recommends that the
item be discussed further end direction provided to the application regarding reduction or
elimination of the need for an exception. In order to grant the exception, the Planning Commission
would have to make the three findings outlined in the staff report, and staff feels that none of the
Planning Commission Minutes ? February g, 1999
three fmdings can be made and if the applicant chooses not to explore other options, recommends
denial of the application.
Ms. Murray clarified that the site had not yet been subdivided and the applicant was requesting the
sign exception for the total three site package. She said that there may be development on one of
thc other sites in the future.
Mr. Mike Tavis, Cai-Neon Signs, said that it was unfortunate that their objectives in the sign
program submitted did not mesh well with stafffs. He said he felt their objectives for the prope~y
based upon conversations with neighbors, tenants, and Mr. Cowan, in terms of revitalizing the
project, were the same. He distributed photos of the visibility the anchor tenant in the rear of the
property had from different vantage points. He explained the objectives for the sign requests,
which included the need for the anchor tenant in the rear of the center, to be visible, and the need
for extra signage because of the size of the property. He added that the Walgreens' standard sign
package was not consistent with the city's regulations and reviewed the justification for the sign
exception requests.
Mr. Jung noted that the Walgreens' property in Sunnyvale had two large wall signs, one facing
Maw Ave. and the other facing Fremont Ave., but did not have the photo drive up or drive up
pharmacy windows.
Chair Doyle opened the meeting for public comment; there was no one present who wished to
speak.
Com. Stevens said he was still concerned whether the site was considered three individual parcels
or one. Ms. Murray said that one possible solution would be for them to work with staff on what
the signage allotment would be for three parcels, since there would potentially be many retail stores
in the center with signage needs, and it would prevent it coming back when the subdivision is
complete.
Com. Stevens recommended that staff review what the signage would be as separate property so
that there would be no confusion whatsoever; and noted the locations for the proposed signs to
benefit each property and fit into the sign ordinance. He indicated which signs he felt should be
illuminated and those that should not, particularly on the Blaney side, because of the close
proximity to the residential area.
Com. Kwok said he was receptive to some flexibility in terms of number of signs in the area, but in
particular to work with staff on the non-conforming 17-1/2 ft. sign. He said he concurred with
Com. Stevens that caution should be exercised on the Blaney side beeanse it was residential and the
lights should not interfere with the residents. He said a plan was needed that was satisfactory to
staff, and that addressed the neighborhood residents' concerns.
Com. Corr said that he was also concerned about the three parcels and said that if the sign package
was approved for the front parcel, the end result would be a plethora of signs. He concurred with
Com. Stevens' suggestion to address it as a whole development, with one plan. He said the
Walgreens' logo sign was suitable, but did not feel a photo drivenp sign or ddvenp pharmacy sign
were needed on the side. He said that he would welcome a revised plan to consider.
Com. Harris said she agreed that there should be a sign program for the whole complex which is
currently under one ownership, and any transfer could be made subject to the agreed upon sign
Planning Commission Miuntes 8 Fehruapj g, 1999
program. She said that Cupertino had a fair sign ordinance and all applicants were treated equally.
She said they did not want 17-1/2 fl. signs or pole signs, but wanted proportioned signs. She said
she felt that it was an insult to have an applicant come forward and acknowledge the sign
ordinanCe, yet request numerous exceptions because they felt they were doing the city a service by
redeveloping a center. She said the right approach was to present signs that meet the rules with the
desire to fit into the town and be a good neighbor, with the possible need for some exceptions. She
said that she felt a pharmacy drive up window was reason for an extra sign. Com. Harris said that
she felt the application should not have been presented in the format that it was and recommended
that it be continued. She suggested that the center remove the old 40s and 50s style design poles,
and write a plan for the entire site that meets the sign ordinance, considering the site as three
parcels, with the possible need for one or two sign exceptions to be considered.
Chair Doyle said he felt the proposal should be revised to meet the sign ordinance either as three
parcels or one parcel. He concurred with Com. Hams that the application should not have been
presented in its format with request for seven sign exceptions.
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Hams moved to continue Application 1-EXC-99 to the March 8, 1999
Planning Commission meeting, with thc stipulation that in thc spirit of
cooperation, the applicant have the new proposal to staffby February 22, 1999.
Com. Kwok
Passed 5-0-0
Com. Harris requested, because of the late hour and the importance of the item, that the Annual
General Plan Review be continued to the March 8, 1999 Planning Commission meeting.
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Harris moved to continue Item 8, the Annual General Plan Review, to the
March 8, 1999 Planning Commission meeting
Com. Steeens
Passed 5 -0-0
Chair Doyle declared a recess fxom 9:35 p.m. to 9:55 p.m.
Application No.(s):
Apphcent:
Location:
14-Z-98, 42-EA-98
First West Investment Inc.
20696 Fargo Drive
To pre-zone a .23 acre to Pre-RI-10
Tentative City Council Hearing Date: March 1, 1999
Staff vresentation: The video presentation reviewed the application to prezone an existing single-
family residential property to Pre-RI-10. The applicant plans to demolish the existing home and
build a new home. Staff recommends approval of the prezoning. A recommendation if reached
will be forwarded to the City Council on March 1, 1999 for a final decision.
Ms. Trieia Maier, planning Intern, referred to Exhibit A4 and briefly reviewed the item, as
outlined in the staffrepon, and answered questions.
Com. Stevens noted that the model resolution should reflect a correction to read that there is no
right-of-way annexation.
Planning Commission Minutes 9 Februa~ g, 1999
Thc applicant was not present.
Chair Doyle opened the meeting for public comment; there was no one present who wished to
speak.
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Kwok moved to approve the Negative Declaration on Application 14-EA-98
Com. Con'
Passed 5-0-0
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Kwok moved to approve Application 14-Z-98
Com. Corr
Passed 5 -0-0
Application No.(s):
Applicant:
Location:
15-EXC-98, 40-EA-98
David & Klm Gudmundson
22362 Regnart Road
Hillside exception to demolish an existing residence, construct a new 6,500 square foot residence
on a prominent ridgeline, to exceed the allowed setbacks on the downhill elevation and exceed the
maximum grading quantity of 2,500 cubic yards in accordance with Chapter 19.40 of the
Cupertino Municipal Code.
Planning Commission decision final unless appealed
Staff pr0sentafion: Thc video presentation reviewed the application to demolish the existing
residence and construct a 6,500 sq. ft. home, requiting a hillside exception, as outlined in the
attached staff report. Staff recommends approval of the application, inchidin4 the hillside
exception. A decision will be considered final and not forwarded to City Council unless an appeal
is filed within 14 calendar days.
Ms. Ciddy Wordell, City Planner, referred to a slide which illustrated the property relative to the
surrounding lots. She discussed the footprint of the proposed building as well as the proposed
emergency access road and its partial realignment. She referred to the various elevations and
reviewed the proposed floor plans for the new residence as well as the proposed landscape plan.
Ms. Wordell noted that several letters were received from neighbors who were in favor of the
project; however, had concerns about drainage and the sewage system. Staffwas unable to respond
to their concerns because the letters were received just prior to the meeting. Staff recommends that
there be partial discussion about the architecture and site design, and continue the item, to allow
staffto return with more information on the drainage, grading and sewage.
In response to Com. Hams' question about the location of the new residence, Ms. Wordell reported
that other areas were not suitable development areas because both sides of the ridgeline are steep
slopes and there have been geological problems in other areas.
Mr. Walter Chapman, designer, referred to the overlay of the existing residence with the proposed
residence and noted that the proposed residence would be extended on both sides, making a longer
structure, but not Increasing the height of the structure. He pointed out that a major portion of the
building was integrated into the hillside, and that their approach to placement of the home was to
minimize any grading of the actual ridgetop or the yard areas, extending the building footprint onto
Planning Commission Minutes 10 February 8, 1999
what is already flat yard. He continued to discuss the design of the proposed residence, noting how
the structure was set into the hillside.
Mr. Chapman explained that 2,700 cu. yds. of grading was being done to bury the house into the
hillside and to realign the emergency access mad which currently has a severe S curve. He said that
there were also concerns about the safety of the access road because it cut through the front of the
current residence and the homeowners have had narrow escapes from accidents on the road. He
answered questions about grading, the emergency access road, and the visual impacts of the
proposed residence.
Mr. John Aldrich, landscape architect, said that the pine trees in the area of the proposed swim pool
would be removed because they were diseased. He clarified that the 50 foot retaining wall served
to make the road less steep, and also to sink the road, whereas the original road would have been
more exposed.
Chair Doyle opened the meeting for public input; there was no one present who wished to speak.
Chair Doyle summarized the issues: location on a prominent ridgeline; second story downhill
setbacks; average is 4.8 not 7.5; second Stow extends over first story; grading quantity exceeds
2,500 cu. yds.; landscaping; and flat yard area.
Com. Harris said that she felt it was a good project, designed with the land in mind. She said that
the exceptions should be reduced; she did not object to the second story over the first story for the
small triangle, but felt mitigation was necessary where the height was 19 instead of 15 and was
visible from at least one point in the valley. She suggested the downhill setback should be closer to
the standard half of what it should be; she did not object to the grading, noting that it was ingenious
in terms of digging out the basement area. She said that she concurred with staff relative to
additional landscaping. Com. Harris expressed concern about equity, and pointed out other
hillside properties were not permitted more than 2,000 feet of flat area which translates to hard
surfaces, not soft surfaces. She said she felt the 2,000 ft. was too low to give people enough
usable space, but 17,000 was too high, and the applicant is building a retaining wall so they can
have a sports court, when a neighbor couldn't come in for a new development with a sports court.
She said there appeared to be an equity issue, and would prefer to see less flat yard area, even if
they had to choose a swim pool rather than a sports court, and not build the 6 foot retaining wall
which has to be screened from the valley side. Com. Harris said that she felt the house itself was
exceptional.
Com. Corr said he agreed on the additional landscaping; and felt comfortable with the flat yard
area since the neighbors did not object to it.
Com. Kwok said he liked the project because it would improve the visual aspect of the valley with
the landscape. He expressed concern relative to adequate lighting going into the basement because
of the proposed retaining wall. Mr. Chapman said that all of the habitable rooms that are shown
daylighting out will meet the uniform building requirements for light and ventilation. Com. Kwok
said he was interested in the neighbors' concerns and also the drainage and sewage issues.
Com. Stevens said that the location on a prominent ridgeline was not a concern, nor was the second
story extending over the first story a major concern; the 19 foot height was not a major concern
because there was a window; the downhill setback of 4.8 was suitable; grading not a major concern
as it involved moving around only; and additional landscaping if staff feels it is appropriate. He
Planning Commission Minutes 1l February 8, 1999
said he was unsure of the meaning o£flat yard area; however, did not agree if it meant 15,600 sq.
fl. or 17,000 sq. It. of concrete or covered area.
Chair Doyle said that he wanted to see a dearer picture of what the project would look like relative
to prominent ridgeline; setbacks should be maintained as called for; second story extension over
the first one is suitable; height exception of 19 is suitable; grading quantities appropriate; expressed
concern about which came first in the grading area, moving the road or the sports court; setback of
the first floor a goof concept; drainage issues will be returned; need a better understanding of fiat
yard area for next discussion; opposed to removal of pine trees unless no visual impacts as a result
of their removal.
Com. Hams commented that staff had not discussed the concern relative to the downhill setback
issue, and the reflecfivity of the windows had not been discussed.
MOTION:
SECOND:
VOTE:
Com. Stevens moved to continue Applications 15-EXC-98 and 40-EA~98 to the
March 8, 1999 Planning Commission meeting
Com. Corr
Passed 5-0-0
OLD BUSINESS: None
NEW BUSINESS: None
REPORT OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION: Com. Harris expressed concern about the
environmental impact report reviews, completed by the applicant, indicating there were no negative
impacts. She pointed out that the Planning Commissioners depended on the information in the
report when making a decision on an application, and that it was important to have accurate
information in the reports.
REPORT OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: There was a brief
discussion of itmns contained in the Director of Community Development's report, wherein Mr.
Cowan answered questions.
DISCUSSION OF NEWSPAPER CLIPPINGS: None
ADJOURNMENT:
The meeting adjourned at 11:29 p.m~ to the regular Planning
Commission meeting at 6:45 p.m. on February 22, 1999.
Respectfiflly Submitted,
Eli/~eth Ellis
Recording Secretmy
Approved as presented: February 22, 1999