PC 01/08/97 - Laserfiche WebLink

question of whether this will impact the ridgelands, from his analysis, these modifications will not have an impact. ~- Mr. Taeb commented he appreciated the supportive comments. As to the opposing comments, architects and designers have been working for a year to design homes that fit the slopes. This is a question of practicality. They have not been able to find a solution, and would like everyone to study the problems to reach an acceptable modification. Mr. Taeb encouraged the Commissioners to view these requests favorably. Ms. Merrill advised that when an architect and geotechnical consultant are hired, unknown issues come to light. Ms. Merrill offered to leave the visuals so the audience could see the details of the landscaping. The original landscape conditions were very helpful and required substantial trees to be included in the landscape plans. She encouraged the Commission to make the Guidelines practical, workable, and site-specific. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Commissioner Dove observed that keeping a house design to a 30 foot height restriction may create some undesirable house designs. He suggested the Commission determine a maximum restriction so a house is not stepped up or down a slope excessively. He feels that the maximum height restriction should be equal to the slope of the lot. ~ Chair Barker appreciates the problem of pushing a house to the rear of a lot instead of stepping the house design, resulting in a higher house than if it were stepped. However, she also feels the rules are for protection. Ms. Barker agreed to consider allowing a taller house being built at a lower elevation versus a shorter house at a higher elevation. It makes sense to consider alternatives, but she would like to keep the 35 foot height and 15 percent slope guidelines unless someone can prove they can build a lower elevation house if some flexibility is given on the height restriction. Commissioner Wright agrees with the color palette as submitted. As for the increase in square footage, the Overlay District was trying to discourage massive/bulky houses. Even in the photographic representations, he feels the house designs are massive and bulky. Commissioner Wright will agree with the 30 foot sliding height in a stepped house design; however, he cannot support the increased square footage. Commissioner Cooper noted this is an extremely sensitive piece of land, and he is not supportive of increasing the square footage to 6,500 square feet. He does support the stepped design, if there is some sort of overall restriction on how far the house can step up the hill. He also agrees with the request to expand the color palette. Commissioner McGuirk stated he approved the original application because of the grading to be done and the houses were to be in the down slope. This request is getting away from the original intent. He would agree to adding more grays to the color palette; however, he is opposed to the use of white or off-white colors. The 4,500 square foot house size was originally approved in order to keep the houses less massive so as not to take away all the hillside view. Commissioner McGuirk would agree to the use of stucco if it is kept in the correct color range--something that is not too light in color. He is not in favor of the total use of natural material. .- Planning Commission Minutes Page 9 January 8, 1997