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abou which is only about nine feet away and 15 feet to the middle of the patio. He noted that the proposed second-story window would be overlooking everything they are doing in their house. Mr. Leroudier stated that they have made their case and feel that their application for a THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Blank referred to Exhibit I of the staff report and stated that what struck him is that while he cannot be sure of dimensions, there does appear to be greater distance on one side versus another side of the property. He indicated that he drove and walked the neighborhood and saw many second-story windows; however, the key thing that remains unknown is the number of homes that were purchased with those second- different because the request is being made after they have lived in their home, so the appellants do not have the opportunity to say they did not want to live in their home. He stated that he did not want to make this so onerous such that it cannot be done, but on the other hand, he suggested a compromise of raising the sill higher or planting trees. Chair Narum stated that she was in a situation where her next door neighbors wanted to enclose a deck on the second story and put in a window that would look down on her on hers. She indicated that she had all the same concerns about privacy, but the reality is that the neighbors are not going to stand in the window and look at her; additionally, the landscaping also grew quickly. Commissioner Blank noted that his neighbor also built out a deck and the City required him to plant bushes which, after three to four years, covered the view of the deck. Chair Narum expressed empathy for the neighbors, but at the same time she did not think the request was unreasonable. Sh the ground about six inches, and she thinks they could plant a few bushes in pots, with the tree not needing to be at the height of the window while still doing the job. She added that she thinks the applicant needs to plant a few bushes or plants as well to mitigate the situation. She indicated that she thinks the proposed trees should not be used if they grow to be 10 feet in diameter. Commissioner Blank noted that the staff report states the landscape architect indicates that Leland Fall Cypress trees grow 10 to 12 feet wide and 15 to 20 feet tall within five years, unlike Italian Cypress which is slow growing. Commissioner Blank suggested that the Director of Community Development choose the tree species. PLANNING COMMISSION REGULAR MINUTES, February 9, 2011 Page 37 of 41