16 - Laserfiche WebLink

Between March 10 and March 23, 2015, staff worked with the Kiziloglus and the Cummings to craft a specific vegetation planting plan that would be acceptable to both parties. This task included identifying a species of tree for the vegetative screen that would not drop a substantial amount of organic material or have invasive root systems so as to not adversely affect the Cummings' swimming pool or irrigation system, evaluating potential alternative locations within the Kiziloglu's yard to plant a single larger tree, such as a camphor tree, as opposed to several trees along the fenceline to accomplish a vegetative screen, and adding a restrictive covenant giving the Cummings the exclusive right to enforce maintenance of the vegetative screen and fence, based on parameters recommended by staff. Ultimately, these measures/conditions were all rejected by the Cummings. Appeal of the Zoning Administrator Decision The Cummings filed an appeal of the Zoning Administrator's approval on March 24, 2015, stating objections to the subject proposal. Specifically, their concerns encompassed issues of privacy; skepticism that the trees would create an effective screen; maintenance concerns; and allergies created by the installation of new trees. Please refer to Attachment 5, Exhibit F for a copy of this appeal. The Cummings appeal was heard by the Planning Commission on May 27, 2015. At that meeting, the Planning Commission modified the Zoning Administrator determination, approving the project as proposed, subject to the same conditions of approval, but denying the second-floor balcony portion of the Kiziloglus' request. In making their decision, the Planning Commission cited agreement with the Cummings' concerns related to privacy, as well as a concern about setting a precedent of allowing second-floor balconies at the rear of residences within the subject neighborhood. Appeal of the Planning Commission Decision This action was subsequently appealed to the City Council by the Kiziloglus on June 11, 2015, and the appeal is currently before the City Council for review and action. Please refer to Attachment 2 for a copy of this appeal. For additional background information, please refer to the May 27, 2015 Planning Commission staff report in Attachment 5 and Planning Commission meeting minutes in Attachment 3. SITE AND SURROUNDING AREA DESCRIPTION The subject site is located north of Valley Avenue, east of Crestline Road and west of Greenwood Road. The approximately 0.20-acre lot has an approximately 2,538- square-foot two-story residence and an attached two-car garage. The architecture of the home is characterized by cement plaster walls, wood trim, and a composition shingle roof. Access to the home is provided by a driveway off Hummingbird Road. The subject site is surrounded by residential uses to the north, east and west and Valley Avenue to the south. Figure 1, below, is the 2014 aerial photograph/location map of the site and the surrounding area. Page 3 of 10