HomeMy WebLinkAbout8/24/2004MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
STUDY SESSION OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 24, 2004
STUDY SESSION: City Hall Conference Room B - 6:00 p.m., 21825 Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
Staff Presentation: Diamond Bar Village Residential
Development (Lewis Operation Corporation and Brookfield Homes).
CALL TO ORDER: VC/Tanaka called the Study Session to order at 6:02 p.m. in
City Hall Conference Room B, 21825 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
1. ROLL CALL:
Present: Vice Chairman Jack Tanaka and Commissioners Ruth Low, Joe
McManus and Steve Tye.
Chairman Dan Nolan was excused.
Also present: James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; Ann Lungu, Associate
Planner; Linda Smith, Development Services Assistant and Stella Marquez,
Administrative Assistant.
2. Staff Presentation Regarding Diamond Bar Village Residential Development
John O'Brien explained that the site near the Grand Avenue/Golden Springs Drive
intersection is proposed to be a Home Depot/Lowe's use features view oriented
Townhomes along the edge of the upper slope with additional Townhomes behind
that area. The ingress/egress is essentially the same that it was in the Diamond Bar
Village site plan permitted with the Specific Plan off Grand Avenue toward Golden
Springs. The entry would traverse up the hill to a gated entry that would be the
center of the spine permitting equal ingress/egress for other portions of the
community. A secondary gated entry right-in/right-out would be located at the upper
portion of Grand Avenue. All guest parking for the community is included on the
main spine road with a handful of stalls located in a pullout lot. All Townhomes
include two -car garages.
Adrian Foley responded to C/Low that there would be 538 total parking spaces.
Nancy Keenan stated that the 538 number included 138 guest parking spaces. Mr.
Foley indicated to C/Tye that there were about 2.7 parking spaces per Townhome.
Mr. O'Brien stated that the Specific Plan called for one guest space per three
residential stalls.
AUGUST 24, 2004 Page 2 PLANNING COMMISSION
STUDY SESSION
Mr. O'Brien pointed out that the package sent to the Commissioners over the
weekend was part of the current design development drawings that had not yet
been presented to staff.
Nancy Keenan stated that the clusters consist of 10 units each for Cluster A and
Cluster B, the only difference being the way in which the auto court is entered. Each
of the 10 plans surrounds an auto court with entries for each cluster off of the main
street spine. There is no parking within the auto court except within the private
garages. The entries to the units are not off the court, but instead off of the building
perimeter. She referred to the plan drawing. Garages are buried 1/2 level below
surface and are defined as a basement allowing the entry to walk up Y2 level. Thus,
entry from the parking garage to the unit is up y/2 level and entry to the unit from the
outside perimeter is up Y2 level. Once inside the unit the first floor level is up y/2 level.
In some plans the first floor is at entry level and in one plan one bedroom is at
parking level. The garages drain to a central area drain and the runoff is captured
and drained out of the central courtyard. Mr. Foley explained that there would be a
dual stone drain system in the courtyard for blockage.
Ms. Keenan further stated that all units stack over themselves. They are
Townhomes and do not overlap anyone else's unit with the exception of one plan in
the B cluster that overlaps Y2 of the adjacent garage. There is living space over the
driveway that enters the auto court. The unit plans range in size from about 1300
square feet to a little over 2000 square feet. One-half of the units are two-bedroom,
two and one-half baths; half of the units are three bedrooms and three baths. The
unit with the bedroom downstairs is three and one-half baths in a 2000 square foot
unit. The architectural style is Spanish Revival stucco with deep-set windows,
curved S -style roofs with tile and wrought iron accents. There are two elevation
styles that relate to both cluster types. Each unit has two levels of living deck space
outside, one at the main living level and repeated at master bedroom on the upper
level.
Mr. Foley explained that the target -market for two -bed and three bed Townhomes is
either young family/younger professional couple or move -down buyers and the
product type fits well for those who do not hold maintenance as a primary objective.
C/McManus asked if the plan provided facilities for children. Mr. Foley responded
that there were a couple of opportunities on the common area site. Rather than
child -oriented they would more likely be passive open space oriented, with
plan did not necessarily contemplate pools and Jacuzzis. Using the plan drabarbecues, gazebos and gathering areas. Mr. Foley indicated to VC/Tanaka that the
wing,
Mr. O'Brien explained how the pedestrian walkway and open space areas were
AUGUST 24, 2004
Page 3 PLANNING COMMISSION
STUDY SESSION
pedestrian -friendly inside the community with access down to the retail area and the
church. Mr. Foley offered a possible change to the circulation pattern. Mr. O'Brien
responded to C/McManus that there would be lighting from the building and from
light bollards to illuminate the pathways.
C/Low asked if the front of the units were landscaped to which Mr. Foley responded
"yes." C/Low asked if there were another path of egress from the westerly units and
Mr. Foley pointed out that the units would have an option of the primary
ingress/egress or the secondary right -out egress after reaching a certain point in the
interior area. C/Low asked if there would be a flight of stairs to access the
retail/church area below. Mr. Foley said there were physical constraints that made it
more accessible by vehicle. However, he acknowledged that C/Low made a good
point. If someone wished to walk to the church, for instance, stairs could be one
solution but it would not provide handicap accessibility. C/McManus felt there could
be a problem with multi-level church parking. DCM/DeStefano suggested that a
switchback could resolve the issue.
Darren McClevand explained to C/McManus that the further one moves to the rear
and side slopes the steeper it becomes and for that reason there was no
development contemplated in those areas.
Mr. O'Brien explained that when one enters the first living level in the Townhome
unit there is a second level of living and for every floor plan both of those levels
include an exterior deck for an outdoor private space within each Townhome.
Mr. Foley responded to C/McManus that the plan presented this evening was fairly
close to the final plan. However, it was likely that there Would be less home sites
overall for a total of 190-195. He presented the proposed plan again indicating that
staff had not yet had an opportunity to study the plan. Side yard clearance between
the units range from 10 feet in some areas down to seven feet in others. Elevations
are fairly traditional allowing the Townhomes to look like detached houses from the
street. Private alleyways access the garages and the public would never be able to
access those alleyways. Guests walk to front doors in the garden court.
Mr. Foley responded to DCM/DeStefano that the units were intended to be condo
type sales rather than lot sales.
C/Low asked if sound studies were conducted, especially with respect to the view
units. Mr. Foley responded that his firm had a construction assembly for the multi-
family units that put the noise level at about 64-65 decibels. Code is in the mid 50's.
AUGUST 24, 2004 Page 4 PLANNING COMMISSION
STUDY SESSION
The units are not soundproof but they are built to greater code than specified in the
building code.
Mr. Foley responded to C/McManus that all of the units have dual pane vinyl
windows.
VC/Tanaka asked the difference in the builders cost for these units. Mr. Foley
responded that the units ranged in price from the mid 400,000's to the low
500,000's for the detached.
C/McManus asked if the market research supported individual's preference for
detached units. Mr. Foley said the detached units provided more of a private patio
area and external areas (decks and barbecue areas). The units would be fenced in
and provide more access areas for kids, for instance. He felt there was a tendency
for some people to prefer a detached environment. Living in a cluster is less dense.
AssocP/Lungu asked Mr. Foley if he had projects in the area that were similar to
what he proposed for Diamond Bar that the Planning Commission could visit. Mr.
Foley referred AssocP/Lungu to a development where there were two-story cottages
that ranged in size from 1150 up to 1700 square feet.
Mr. O'Brien confirmed to DCM/DeStefano that similar units were scheduled for
construction in Long Beach in November. Mr. Foley said that he could show the
Commission buildings they had built that were similar in cluster near the coast.
DCM/DeStefano said staff needed that type of information so that they could view
the units and provide the information to the Commissioners should they choose to
view the units in person. Mr. Foley asked if he could take staff on a tour and
DCM/DeStefano said he would prefer staff to have the information so that they
could set their own schedules.
C/Tye asked if the coastal site included cluster and detached. Mr. Foley said it was
cluster only. However, his firm had built a couple of attached communities that could
be viewed. DCM/DeStefano asked if Mr. Foley was familiar with a competitor who
detached component in the same association. Mr. Foley said that
had recently constructed a product like Scheme 2 that had an attached and
were building an attached and detached community in Anaheim but ncurrently they
ota building
such as was proposed for Diamond Bar. Ms. Keenan said that there were a couple
of similar communities in San Jose and South Bay in Northern California.
C/Tye asked how this type of community could accommodate households with more
than two drivers. Mr. Foley said it was a concern but typically, units that
AUGUST 24, 2004
Page 5 PLANNING COMMISSION
STUDY SESSION
accommodated multiple drivers were typically in the 2500 to 2600 square foot units.
In addition, some couples have as many as four cars. These units have very strict
CC&R's with designated guest parking stalls. In this instance, the person would
have to place additional vehicles off-site. If a couple had three kids that all drove
this community was probably not the best choice for that family.
In response to C/McManus Mr. Foley said he felt that Scheme 2 would be more
marketable although he was quite happy with Scheme 1. He believed the project
would require buttressing of the slope.
C/Tye asked if the attached homes were closer to the parking lot. Mr. Foley believed
both schemes were the same dimension. The difference was that they pushed to
include the recreation center/community facility area and took out the larger circle.
However, they could revisit the potential for the circle.
Mr. Foley responded to CILow that both schemes complied with the open space
requirements and that his firm was working with Kleinfelder regarding the soils
requirements.
DCM/DeStefano asked for a project time schedule. Mr. Foley stated that he would
like to submit the Tentative Map in late September. DCM/DeStefano said in that
case, it would most likely be November before the Planning Commission public
hearing. Mr. Foley said he would like to be on-site early to mid 2005.
ADJOURNMENT: With no further business before the Planning Commission,
VC/Tanaka adjourned the study session at 6.45 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted,
"I
1 _J �k /
Deputy City
Attest:
� t S
Jack Tanaka, Vice Chairman
MINUTES OF THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR
REGULAR MEETING OF THE PLANNING COMMISSION
AUGUST 24, 2004
STUDY SESSION: City Hall Conference Room B - 6:00 p.m., 21825 Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, CA 91765.
Staff Presentation: Diamond Bar Village Residential
Development; Lewis Operation Corporation and Brookfield Homes.
CALL TO ORDER:
Vice Chairman Tanaka called the meeting to order at 7:05 p.m. in the South Coast Air
Quality Management District/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive,
Diamond Bar, California 91765.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE:
Commissioner Tye led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1. ROLL CALL:
Present: Vice Chairman Jack Tanaka and Commissioners Ruth Low,
Joe McManus and Steve Tye.
Chairman Dan Nolan was excused.
Also present: James DeStefano, Deputy City Manager; Ann Lungu, Associate
Planner; Linda Smith, Development Services Assistant and Stella Marquez,
Administrative Assistant.
2. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE/PUBLIC COMMENTS: None Offered.
3. APPROVAL OF AGENDA: As Presented.
4. CONSENT CALENDAR:
4.1 Minutes of the Regular Meeting of August 10, 2004.
C/Tye moved, C/McManus seconded to approve the minutes of the Regular
Meeting of August 10, 2004, as presented. Motion carried by the following
Roll Call vote:
AUGUST 24, 2004 PAGE 2 PLANNING COMMISSION
AYES:
NOES:
ABSENT
5. OLD BUSINESS:
6. NEW BUSINESS:
COMMISSIONERS;
COMMISSIONERS:
COMMISSIONERS:
None
None
7. PUBLIC HEARING(S): None
Low, McManus,
None
Chair/Nolan
Tye, VC/Tanaka
7.1 Development Review No. 2004-26 (pursuant to Code Sections 22.48, 22.56
and 22.68) was a request to remodel and construct an approximate 942
square foot second story addition to an existing 2,280 gross square foot one
story single-family residence with a two -car garage and covered patio. A
Minor Conditional Use Permit approval was required to allow the continuation
of legal nonconforming distances of the side setbacks and between
structures on adjoining parcels.
PROJECT ADDRESS: 624 Hoss Street (Lot 63, Tract 31139)
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
PROPERTY OWNER: Stephen and Christina Goode
624 Hoss Street
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
APPLICANT: ProBuilding — Kenn Coble
449 W. Allen Avenue #109
San Dimas, CA 91773
DSA/Smith presented staff's report. Staff recommended Planning
Commission approval of Development Review No. 2004-26 and Minor
Conditional Use Permit No. 2004-07, Findings of Fact, and conditions of
approval as listed within the resolution.
The applicant indicated that he read staffs report and concurred with the
conditions of approval.
VC/Tanaka opened the public hearing.
With no one present to speak on this item, VC/Tanaka closed the public
hearing.
AUGUST 24, 2004 PAGE 3 PLANNING COMMISSION
C/Tye said he visited the site on Sunday and found it to be compatible with
the surrounding neighborhood.
C/Tye moved, C/Low seconded to approve Development Review
No. 2004-26 and Minor Conditional Use Permit No. 2004-07, Findings of
Fact, and conditions of approval as listed within the resolution. Motion carried
by the following Roll Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Low, McManus, Tye, VC/Tanaka
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Nolan
7.2 Conditional Use Permit No. 2004-03 (pursuant to Code Sections 22.10.030
and 22.58) was a request to establish a wellness spa and massage therapy
personal services use identified as Lalique in an existing shopping center.
PROJECT ADDRESS:
PROPERTY OWNER/
APPLICANT:
1160 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Barco Real Estate Management and
Adriana Herrera
1545 N. Verdugo Road #115
Glendale, CA 91208
DSA/Smith presented staff's report. Staff recommended Planning
Commission approval of Conditional Use Permit No. 2004-03, Findings of
Fact, and conditions of approval as listed within the resolution.
C/Tye asked if the applicant had obtained the necessary Los Angeles County
Health Department approvals. DSA/Smith responded not at this time. When
the business was licensed as a medical facility the approval was not needed.
C/Tye said he visited the site on Sunday and was impressed with the
appearance of the facility. DSA/Smith explained to C/Tye that the applicant
proposed one restroom. However, the conditions of approval called for two
facilities with the remodel. C/Tye asked if one restroom would accommodate
no more than four on-site employees. DSA/Smith responded that because it
was a building and safety matter she would have to check with that
department. C/Tye said that Condition 6 called for windows in each door and
he did not recall that there were windows in the doors. DSA/Smith responded
to C/Tye that conditions required windows in the doors and that the joint
AUGUST 24, 2004 PAGE 4 PLANNING COMMISSION
application required either the property owner or the applicant to provide tree
mitigation.
Andres Gavieres, applicant, stated that there were six employees including
two massage therapists. Only four were present at any one time. He said he
intended the business hours to be 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and that he did
not understand the comments about the windows in the doors and the
comments about the trees.
DSA/Smith explained that Condition (g) could be changed to reflect the hours
of operation from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. She further explained that a retrofit
of the spa would be required to provide windows in the doors.
DCM/DeStefano confirmed to VC/Tanaka that staff was working with the
property owner to ensure proper trimming of the trees.
VC/Tanaka opened the public hearing.
With no one present who wished to speak on this item, VC/Tanaka closed
the public hearing.
VC/Tanaka acknowledged a handwritten note from a property owner on
Cieghorn Drive who opposed the project. VC/Tanaka said he visited the spa
today and felt the facility was aesthetically pleasing and would be a good
project for the City.
C/Tye asked that the record reflect the fact that the property owner on
Cleghorn sent a handwritten note from their home in Saratoga and that the
note contained no information about what they disliked about the project.
DCM/DeStefano stated that with respect to the need for a second bathroom
he suggested that Condition (h) on page 5 be amended to read: "The
applicant shall provide a second restroom as required by the Building
Official." The applicant concurred with a nod.
C/McManus moved, C/Tye seconded, to approve Development Review
No. 2004-22, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval as listed within the
resolution subject to staff's proposed revision to Condition (h) on page 5;
amending of the hours of business from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and tree
trimming to be completed by the property owner. Motion carried by the
following Roll Call vote:
AUGUST 24, 2004 PAGE 5 PLANNING COMMISSION
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Low, McManus, Tye, VC/Tanaka
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Nolan
7.3 Development Review 2004-28 (pursuant to Code Section 22.48.020.A.)
was a request to construct a two story, single family residence of
approximately 7,899 gross square feet including balconies, porch, attached
four car garage and two retaining walls with a maximum exposed height of
five feet.
PROJECT ADDRESS:
PROPERTY OWNERS/
APPLICANT:
3038 Windmill Drive
(Lot 3 of Tract No. 48487)
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
Windmill Estates, LLC/Richard Gould
3480 Torrance Boulevard #300
Torrance, CA 90503
AssocP/Lungu presented staff's report. Staff recommended Planning
Commission approval of Development Review No, 2004-28, Findings of Fact,
and conditions of approval as listed within the resolution.
C/Tye felt that a 7900 square foot home would occupy the majority of the
pad. AssocP/Lungu explained that lot coverage was based on the entirety of
the lot and that the applicant met the required setbacks per the tract map.
Richard Gould, applicant, pointed out that the four garage doors were moved
to the side of the house to provide more landscaping at the front of the lot.
He felt that the varying plan in the front yard setback area created additional
interest.
VC/Tanaka opened the public hearing.
With no one present who wished to speak on this item, VC/Tanaka closed
the public hearing.
C/Tye moved, C/McManus seconded, to approve Development Review
No. 2004-28, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval as listed within the
resolution. Motion carried by the following Roll Call vote:
AUGUST 24, 2004 PAGE 6 PLANNING COMMISSION
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Low, McManus, Tye, VC/Tanaka
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Nolan
7.4 Conditional Use Permit No. 2004-16 and Tree Permit No. 2004-08
(pursuant to Code Sections 22.48.020(a)(1) and 22.38) was a request to
demolish an existing two story single-family residence of approximately 4,000
square feet and construct a three story single-family residence with a four car
garage, patio cover, veranda and balcony totaling to approximately 11,500
square feet. The request also included a series of retaining walls within the
rear/rear side yards with a maximum exposed height of eight feet for each
wall and a retaining wall within the front yard with a maximum exposed height
of two feet. The Tree Permit was related to the removal/replacement/
preservation of oak and walnut trees.
PROJECT ADDRESS: 22807 Lary Trail Drive
(Tract 30091, Lot 149)
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
PROPERTY OWNER: Rita Medirata
22807 Lazy Trail Drive
Diamond Bar, CA 91765
APPLICANT: Pete Volbeda
615 N. Benson Avenue Unit C
Upland, CA 91764
C/Tye recused himself from consideration of this item and left the dais.
AssocP/Lungu presented staff's report. Staff recommended Planning
Commission approval of Development Review No. 2004-16 and Tree Permit
No. 2004-08, Findings of Fact, and conditions of approval as listed within the
resolution.
C/Low asked whether the front yard retaining wall was in compliance with the
maximum exposure. AssocP/Lungu responded that it was approximately 2
feet of exposed height and complied with the City's Code. C/Low asked
whether drainage was an issue for this property. AssocP/i_ungu responded
that drainage was an issue and there were conditions within the resolution
related to drainage and NPDES and SUSMP requirements.
AUGUST 24, 2004 PAGE 7 PLANNING COMMISSION
VC/Tanaka asked if the plan included concealing the height of the rear wall
with trees. AssocP/Lungu explained that the landscaping was to assist with
screening of the wall. Accordingly, staff asked for a revised landscape plan
with a greater density of landscape materials.
Pete Volbeda, applicant, explained that this was the third attempt at
providing a plan that was acceptable to all parties and hoped that the design
met with the Commission's approval.
Mr. Volbeda confirmed to C/McManus that the project now had the full
approval of "The Country Estates" Homeowners Association.
VC/Tanaka opened the public hearing.
Paul Horcher, 22803 Lazy Trail, asked the Commission if they received his
August 19 letter to which VC/Tanaka responded affirmatively. He presented
a document to each Commissioner entitled "staff report errors and
omissions." Mr. -Horcher stated that although C/McManus recommended the
applicant and property owner meet with adjacent neighbors to resolve
differences he was never contacted. Further, he was not notified about the
architectural committee's meeting and was not afforded an opportunity to
provide input about the project. Mr. Horcher said the Diamond Bar Municipal
Code required notification to all property owners within 500 feet of the
exterior boundaries of the project lot and in this case, at least five people
were not notified of this hearing. Mr. Horcher said that staff should verify the
identity of the property owner, spell her name correctly and make sure she
actually owned the property. He said that according to his findings the
property was owned by a trust created by the applicant and was not
represented as such in any documents filed with the City nor was the City
provided a copy of the document verifying her authority to make the
proposed application. He said there was no indication in the staff report that
the City was concerned about the nature trail running behind the property
even though he pointed it out to AssocP/Lungu in March 2004. The law is
35 feet on building height. The front of the proposed structure is 35 1/2 feet
and in his opinion, the four garages were unsightly, a point he made when
the application was last presented. He said the architect did not point out that
the rear building height was 35'/2 feet exceeding Diamond Bar's limitation of
35 feet. The plan indicated a laundry room on the top and bottom floors. Last
March the applicant attempted to include a kitchenette on the top floor and
he believed that one laundry room was a Trojan horse intended to be a
kitchenette now or at some point in the future. He further stated that the title
AUGUST 24, 2004 PAGE 8 PLANNING COMMISSION
report indicated the square footage of the property was 3187 and not the
4,000 square feet indicated in staff's report. This is a 34 -degree slope that is,
in his opinion, totally inappropriate for this structure. The lot is too steep and
the house is too big.
With no one else wishing to speak on this item, VC/Tanaka closed the public
hearing.
DCM/DeStefano responded to C/McManus that `The Country Estates"
Homeowners Association is a private entity and the City of Diamond Bar is
not subject to nor is it aware of their rules of notification. In his opinion, the
speaker's comment is more of a complaint against the homeowner's
association for whatever omissions they may have had in notifying him of
their decision-making process. City of Diamond Bar is not obliged to follow
any homeowner association rules and regulations.
At the request of C/Low, DCM/DeStefano responded to the speaker's
concerns about the City's lack of proper notification stating that staff
complied with the City's Code. Notice for this application was published in the
local newspapers and was posted on the private property in a timely and
appropriate manner by the private developer according to the applicant and
as verified by staff. In addition, mail notices were provided to all property
owners within 500 feet of the site and the notice was also posted at
community bulletin boards throughout the City.
C/McManus asked if the City had an issue with the property being held in
Trust. DCM/DeStefano responded that the applicant's application to the City
represented that Rita Medirata, an individual, owned the property. Based on
the most recent Los Angeles County Assessor's records the owner is Rita
Medirata. There is a difference in spelling between the Assessor's records
(two t's) and the application.
C/Low asked if it mattered whether the property was held in trust for
purposes of approving this project. DCM/DeStefano explained that staff
verified the owner's information based on the assessor's records. If the
property were under some other name in trust staff would not be aware of
that condition. The Planning Commission was making a land use decision
this evening, a decision that was not predicated by ownership. Ownership of
this property could change and the land use decision the Commission makes
remains with the land for many years.
AUGUST 24, 2004 PAGE 9 PLANNING COMMISSION
C/McManus asked if the additional six inches on the height would require a
variance. AssocP/Lungu responded that staff scaled the height to be 35 feet.
Further, on page 7 of the Resolution it states: "The residential structure shall
not exceed a height of 35 feet from the natural or finished grade. At the
rough framing stage the height of the residential structure shall be certified
by a licensed engineer approved by the City at the applicant's expense." The
same thing is done for a setback verification prior to the pouring of the
foundation.
DCM/DeStefano reported to the Commission that Mr. Horcher handed staff a
document regarding ownership of the property.
VC/Tanaka said he visited the site on two occasions and upon visiting the
site today he noticed that the public hearing notice was not posted on the
board at the property. He found it next to the mailbox and re -attached it to
the board. He also saw the notice at the Ralph's shopping center. During the
site visit a couple of months ago he noticed what appeared to be a wildlife
trail but it appeared many feet away from the project area down at the base
of the property and accordingly, he felt the trail would not be affected by the
project.
C/Low asked if there were any relevance to the ratio of the building size to
the property size. DCM/DeStefano said the speaker's reference was to staff's
report indicating the size of the residence was 4000 square feet and the
documentation indicating the size of the residence was 3187 square feet.
The residence is 3187 plus the garage and any other appurtenances to the
residence. Staff rounded the number to 4000 square feet. This was an
application to demolish the existing residence and replace it with a new
structure.
C/McManus felt that Mr. Horcher's letter had to do with procedural matters
and differences of opinion with staff and was not directly related to the
project itself.
C/Low believed that staff had complied with the public notice requirements.
In fact, it seemed to her that that staff went beyond the legal requirement.
With respect to property ownership she was satisfied with staff's response
and she was also satisfied that the height requirement would be properly
monitored by City officials. She found nothing to support the idea of a `Trojan
horse" concept regarding the third story laundry. Also, the speaker's
complaint about the size of the property was irrelevant given the facts of the
AUGUST 24, 2004 PAGE 10 PLANNING COMMISSION
matter. She felt that it was unfortunate that Mr. Horcher continued to have a
longstanding disagreement with the property owner since 1988. At this point,
C/Low asked that the record reflect that Mr. Horcher had an outburst during
her comment period. She went on to state that she was satisfied that
conditions of approval had been met for this project.
C/McManus moved, C/Low seconded to approve Development Review
No. 2004-16 and Tree Permit No. 2004-08, Findings of Fact, and conditions
of approval as listed within the resolution. Motion carried by the following Roll
Call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONERS: Low, McManus, VC/Tanaka
NOES: COMMISSIONERS: None
ABSTAIN: COMMISSIONERS: Tye
ABSENT: COMMISSIONERS: Chair/Nolan
8. PLANNING COMMISSION COMM ENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: None
Offered.
9. STAFF COMMENTS/INFORMATIONAL ITEMS:
DCM/DeStefano reported that the Sakla appeal to the Commission's denial would
be considered by the City Council on September 7. The City received the Draft EIR
for the Stanley Chung project (Tract 53430) located inside "The Country Estates"
and documents would soon be forwarded to the Commissioners for review. The
public review period for the EIR would close mid-October with the Planning
Commission taking action mid to late October.
10. SCHEDULE OF FUTURE EVENTS:
As listed in the agenda.
ADJOURNMENT: C/Tye moved, C/McManus seconded to adjourn the meeting.
With no further business before the Planning Commission, VC/Tanaka adjourned the
meeting at 8:25 p.m.
Afully Submitted,
L.
uty City Manager
AUGUST 24, 2004 PAGE 11 PLANNING COMMISSION
Attest:
Vice Chairman Jack Tanaka