18 ATTACH 05-06 - Laserfiche WebLink

DRAFT • Downtown Specific Plan Land Use Policies and Programs, Commercial Use, No. 1; B; C: "...three-story buildings may be allowed on a case-by-case basis. ...The building must be designed to minimize its three-story appearance.... The building must conform with the Municipal Code height limits." e Downtown Specific Plan, various sections: "...recognize that Downtown is growing and that constructing new buildings on vacant and undeveloped sites keeps the area vital and desirable." "Such new development is to be encouraged provided that it fits with the established pattern and reflects one of the various architectural styles." "New homes should face the street." "To ensure that a significant amount of parking required to serve new development is provided on- site by private property owners." Mr. Bower then made a brief presentation of the project's configuration. He stated that they were aware that the building height of the units was going to be the big concern; therefore, the three units were set back 20 feet from the street to try and minimize that height, noting that these units would seem bigger if they were up on the front of the street. He added that if they had located these units up on the street and done rear parking, they would have had to put a driveway through and would have had to shave off part of the existing house, which would have made the house even smaller and less functional than its 1,169 square feet, and would also have taken away about one-third of the plaza area. He further added that the bioswale would also have had to be relocated to the front, and there would only be two-car parking for each spot. He then presented a short video of a fly-by 3-D animation of the project. Commissioner O'Connor stated that he saw the brown fences as he went by the project site and inquired if they were doing a wood fence and if there was the possibility of doing an open, wrought iron fencing. Mr. Bowers replied that there would be a wood fence on the perimeter and between the units in the backyard, and a wrought iron fence up on the front. Eric Pestana stated that he lives across from the project site and that the empty lot has become somewhat of an eyesore and has been used for all sorts of different things. He indicated that putting a project like this would add beauty to the Downtown, with the front use of the house changing from rental to retail and the addition of a nice plaza. He added that it would beautify that end of town and that he and his wife support the project. Emil Oxsen stated that he also lives across the street from the project site. He indicated that he has no problem with the lot being developed, but his main concern is the height and he disagrees with the three stories. He noted that he had to fight to build his house: he had to construct a one story, and it had to be 1,200 square feet. He added that he did not take away any off-street or on-street parking because his driveway was already there. He inquired why the garages are not placed in the back like the houses next door. He noted that there are three or four houses right next to him that are just like that, except they are not three stories and are not 40 feet tall. He added that they are putting a residential project in a commercial zoning, which would start a precedent and create a problem going forward. DRAFT EXCERPT: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, 11/182015 Page 4 of 22