PC 062415 - Laserfiche WebLink

Chair Allen stated that she truly believes that the intent of most people would be that this road would be all right; but the language that is written defines a retaining wall as a structure, and a retaining wall is clearly needed to build that road, unless the whole hill is graded, which is contrary to the intent of the initiatives and hillside protection. Chair Allen added that she is strongly opposed to the estate lots, especially Lot 32 most specifically, because it is about 100 feet higher than the other homes and contrary to the intent of Measure QQ and Measure PP regarding protecting scenic hillsides and views. She indicated that she would like Lot 32 to be taken out, as well as Lot 31,which is a little lower at 40 or 50 feet above the other lots, but still higher than the rest. Commissioner Balch asked Chair Allen if she wants Lot 32 to be eliminated or just have the home sited lower. Chair Allen stated that she is proposing to eliminate the lot. She noted that it is a large site, so whatever gets built there will most likely be a very large house, prominently 100 feet above everything else. Commissioner Balch brought up the element also mentioned by Commissioner Nagler regarding the unit of measure of two feet versus some other measure. He asked Chair Allen and Commissioner Piper if they were fine with that. Chair Allen and Commissioner Piper replied that they were. Commissioner Balch stated that the other element was the vertical setback: 100 feet down and 100 feet across. Chair Allen stated she was comfortable with that for this project, but that she does not know how that would apply to other projects because it has not been tested. She indicated that she wants to make sure that this is not precedent- setting. Commissioner Balch stated that was a good point because of the contours of the land. He noted, however, that he believes all the Commissioners are fine with it. Commissioner Nagler agreed. Commissioner Balch then mentioned artificial slopes and stated that he was fine with staff's interpretation. Chair Allen stated that she was fine with it as long as the original slope line was less than 25 percent, and Mr. Dolan's engineering drawings indicate that the original slope was less than 25 percent. Commissioner Balch stated that he would like to talk about the issue of the retaining wall. He stated that he also asked a lot of people who were community members but not directly involved with the issue about their definition of a structure. He indicated that a most of the people hesitated at first, and then some said it is infrastructure. He added that a lot of people asked how big the road was and if it is a dirt road or a freeway. He stated that he actually grappled with that a lot and still does because he personally PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, June 24, 2015 Page 38 of 54