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r- proceed with the interior construction work at their own risk. She noted that the proposed window is 20-square feet in size. She asked that the Planning Commission uphold the conditions of approval that place the new etched window at the eastern edge of the Gleaves' south wall, noting that this option provides the Gleaves with the light and safety required, while mitigating the impact on the Hitchens' privacy. Gary Gleave, 6450 Paseo Santa Maria, advised that there has always been a privacy issue, noting that there is an existing window which allowed views from their stairs into the Hitchens' home. He advised that they felt that adding the room would create more privacy in their home and the views into the Hitchens' home would be much more indirect. Mr. Gleave advised that the Hitchens have indicated that they do not prefer to put window treatments on their windows, but would prefer a stained window treatment, and the Gleaves advised that they would be willing to help with that solution. He noted that thus far this offer has been declined. He commented that it would be impractical to relocate the window as suggested, as a more direct view would be allowed into the family room. He noted that this was an option for consideration, but they did not agree to it. Commissioner Maas questioned whether the window could be relocated to the west wall. Mrs. Gleave advised that this location would not meet the light requirements and they do not wish to install a casement window because of safety issues. It was noted that the Building Code requires that the window must be operable. In response to an inquiry from Commissioner Arkin, it was noted that the original window was 72" x 30" and the proposed window is 48" x 60". r- Mrs. Hitchens stated that they think if they had been included in the process prior to construction they could have had discussions about the window placement. She noted that they dropped their preference for a casement window because of the Gleaves' concerns about their children. She noted that the Building Code requires a window area of II square feet, and the proposed window is 20 square feet. She noted that the original conditions of approval had suggested a 4 foot by 4 foot window, which would be similar to windows in other homes in the area. Commissioner Arkin stated that he feels that the proposal is an improvement to the previous situation which allowed views from the Gleaves' stairs into the Hitchens' home, noting that there was a privacy issue before. Chairperson Sullivan questioned whether a direct line of site into the Hitchens' dining room could be inhibited with the installation of a smaller window higher on the wall. Mr. Pavan advised that the Building Code requires the minimum width of the operable portion of the window to be 20 inches. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Kameny advised that there is a major predominance of homes in the area that have windows facing each other. He commented that the swag drapery in the Hitchens' dining room provides some obstruction of views into the Hitchens' home. He noted that he might have ---- PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April II, 2001 Page 6