PC 082819 - Laserfiche WebLink

Ms. Hagen confirmed that screening trees could be planted as opposed to shrubs, and the Planning Commission could condition this with staff to work with the applicant as part of the building permit submittal. Chair Allen said she was not present at the workshop but read the minutes and said some of the Planning Commissioners asked that staff explore the placement of windows as a way to improve privacy. She asked what had been found, if this was explored. Ms. Hagen confirmed that adjustment to the window placement was not found to be necessary based upon trees and existing and new vegetation, in addition to the 30-foot setback. Commissioner O'Connor said he also was not present at the workshop, but it appears that most of the items were mitigated from comments. Ms. Hagen confirmed and believes the applicant has addressed concerns raised at the workshop. Chair Allen referenced the Downtown Specific Plan (DSP) Design Guidelines and the discussion that occurred during the workshop in regard to the homes being constructed in this area as front-facing. She inquired about the pros and cons mentioned as it relates to homes being front facing to Stanley Boulevard. Ms. Hagen said the DSP encourages homes to face Stanley Boulevard or the main street, but it is not a requirement. During review, staff decided that based upon the architectural detailing and wrap-around porch, as designed, the project provided enhanced architectural details facing Stanley Boulevard, although the front door faces the interior of the private driveway. Based upon the lower elevation of the home and the view seen, having the front face towards Stanley Boulevard would not drastically enhance the project. Therefore, staff felt it was acceptable for the front door to face the interior drive. Commissioner Pace noted that all homes on Rachael Place face to the interior as opposed to the street, so he thought this was uniform. Commissioner Brown said much of the discussion at the workshop was that if the fence was against the street and stood five feet lower, someone would only see the top four or five feet, which might not be visually appealing versus having a wrap-around porch with a side entrance. He inquired about the maturity of the vegetation on the east side, to address the adjacent neighbor's concerns, and asked how long it would take before the vegetation would provide screening as a privacy measure. Ms. Hagen responded that typically a smaller initial gallon or box size trees will grow quicker due to the space in which they are planted. Of the existing vegetation, she said it will take about three years before it screens the line of sight. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED Applicant Saravana Chilla spoke in regard to the project and said he is trying to construct the homes in a way that appeases everyone. Planning Commission Minutes Page 3 of 16 August 28, 2019