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become an outlier in design. Mr. Cummings said he would not have an issue with a front- <br /> facing balcony. Another privacy related concern of Mr. Cummings is that if he were to <br /> remove the existing pergola in the rear of his residence then the subject property balcony <br /> would have a view directly into the bedroom of his residence. Mr. Cummings produced a <br /> petition he had signed by 9 of the surrounding neighbors in opposition of the project. Mr. <br /> Cummings reiterated his only concern is with the balcony, and that he is in favor of the rest of <br /> the plans. <br /> Mr. Weinstein thanked the applicant and appellant for remaining civil in their statements. Mr. <br /> Weinstein addressed Mr. Cummings concern regarding organic material from the vegetation <br /> falling in to his pool. Mr. Weinstein stated Cypress trees are desirable in cases such as this <br /> as they typically do not shed much organic material. Mr. Weinstein asked Mr. Cummings if <br /> he would be accepting of the species. <br /> Mr. Cummings responded he is very familiar with Cypress trees, that he had 21 of them at his <br /> previous residence. Mr. Cummings agreed the trees don't release much organic material if <br /> they are healthy and he's seen them grown to create an almost 40-foot hedge. Mr. <br /> Cummings does not agree that planting Cypress trees will rectify his concern for privacy as <br /> they could potentially become a nuisance if they are not healthy and the issue that they are <br /> not permanent. <br /> Mr. Weinstein stated the Planning Division can, through the conditions of approval, require <br /> characteristics of the hedge pertaining to health, long-term maintenance, height, and <br /> transparency. Mr. Weinstein asked Mr. Cummings if his apprehensions regarding the tree <br /> height and health were addressed through the conditions of approval would it sufficiently <br /> mitigate the privacy issues. <br /> Mr. Cummings said he would consider Mr. Weinstein's proposal, however, he is hesitant of <br /> the solution due to the fact it takes a long time for the trees to grow. <br /> Mr. Weinstein replied that planting Cypress trees with the proposed conditions of approval <br /> would provide a barrier between the properties allowing Ms. Kiziloglu to build the balcony <br /> while maintaining the privacy desired by Mr. Cummings. <br /> Mr. Cummings replied that the proposed solution is not sufficient for him. Mr. Cummings is <br /> concerned what would be required of him if the conditions of approval were not upheld in the <br /> long run. Also, Mr. Cummings addressed the fact it is difficult to grow the trees into a non- <br /> transparent hedge formation. <br /> Mr. Weinstein responded the City has used vegetation such as Cypress trees as a solution to <br /> privacy issues in several other cases. Mr. Weinstein explained that the City would perform <br /> inspections of the trees to ensure the conditions of approval for the project are met. Mr. <br /> Weinstein further explained that if Mr. Cummings felt the trees were not adequately <br /> maintained it would only take one phone call to the City in order for the City to take action and <br /> impose additional mitigation measures. Mr. Weinstein stated efficacy of the conditions of <br /> approval is something the City can be certain of. Mr. Weinstein asked Mr. Cummings if, <br /> knowing these fads, he would accept the trees as a solution. <br /> P15-0037,Zarina Kiziloglu, March 10, 2015 <br />