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ANALYSIS The neighbors feel that the proposed window is intrusive and would create a direct line of sight into their house and main backyard area. They feel that they have offered suggestions to the Leroudiers that would allow them to receive more light into the second -floor room that does not require installing a new window. These solutions included installing a solar tube, trimming the trees along the east elevation (please refer to Figure 4 on page 5), and installing additional lamps /lighting fixtures within the bedroom. The neighbors are no longer agreeable to opaque glass and have suggested that the Leroudiers enlarge the existing windows along the east elevation to allow for more light and to meet the egress requirements. Should the Planning Commission approve the appeal, the neighbors have stated their willingness to pay 50 %, or up to $200, in order for the Leroudiers to install a larger window on the east elevation versus installing a new window on the south elevation. Should the Planning Commission deny the appeal request, thereby upholding the Zoning Administrator's approval, the neighbors' request that the Leroudiers install a minimum of four Italian Cypress trees, to grow at least 20 -feet in height and planted as closely as possible, to provide privacy screening along the south elevation. The City's Landscape Architect suggests that the Leroudiers plant three Leyland False Cypress trees for privacy screening. Leyland False Cypress is an upright, dense, evergreen tree that grows 10 -12 -feet wide and 15 -20 -feet in height within 5 years; unlike Italian Cypress, which is slow growing. The Leroudiers have existing Italian Cypress trees located in the front of the house (on the south side) and in the far rear (south side) of the property. Planting three Leyland False Cypress trees would be in keeping with the Leroudiers existing landscaping scheme. Staff has added a condition that requires the Leroudiers to install four Italian Cypress trees along the south elevation, adjacent to the proposed window, for privacy screening (Exhibit A, No. 2). At the time this report was pubfshed, the Leroudiers were considering whether they would be willing to install trees. Staff is sensitive to the neighbors' privacy concerns and has offered suggestions that neither party collectively support. PUBLIC NOTICE Notice of the hearing for the appeal was sent to surrounding property owners and tenants within 1,000 -feet of the site. At the time this report was published, staff had not received public comments. Staff has provided the location and noticing maps as Exhibit J for the Commissions reference. ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT A minor alteration to an existing structure that does not expand the use is categorically exempt (Existing Facilities) from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Therefore, no environmental document accompanies this report. PAP -151, Appeal ofPADR -2138 Planning Commission 6 of 7