PC 041404 - Laserfiche WebLink

not be in substantial conformance with the Happy Valley Specific Plan and include the corresponding recommended condition of approval proposed for either determination. She further recommended that, should the Commission determine that it is in conformance, the Commission approve the proposal, subject to the additional conditions of the staff report. Chairperson Roberts inquired if the trailer would be removed from the property. Ms. Eisenwinter said yes. Commissioner Fox inquired if it were accurate to say that only ten percent of the roof is over 30 feet. Ms. Eisenwinter replied that she was not certain about the exact percentage but that it was very minimal. She pointed out that the plans indicated that only the left peak and a small portion on the right side were over 30 feet. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Ken Larson, applicant, 582 Happy Valley Road, stated that he purchased the property, which is in Alameda County, ayear-and-a-half ago and pointed out that he had received a County variance from its 25-foot height limit. He added that his proposed house, which is on a flat lot, would not be visible from other lots on Happy Valley Road except fora 33-foot high house on a property up the hill. He added that other houses visible from his property had City zoning that allowed over 30 feet in height and that most of the properties in the area were 400 feet away. Commissioner Maas inquired if the extra three feet, nine inches is useful space Mr. Larson replied that one of the reasons he requested a County variance is because 25 feet is low and the design of his house was over the limit by three feet and nine inches. He reiterated that the house would not be visible from most other lots in the area and that the other houses on Romeo Court and Amber Lane, which are within the City limits, are much higher. He added that removing the extra feet would change the look of the house and that it would be of no advantage to anyone to lower the house by three feet, nine inches. Commissioner Roberts inquired if he planned to get sewer and water hook-ups from the City. Mr. Larson replied that he had septic and well approvals from the County, but that for health and safety reasons, he wanted to get rid of the septic tank. He stated that he is currently working with the City for sewer hook-up, which is not currently available in Happy Valley, since he acquired an easement to the property on Romeo Court behind his property to pipe under that property to connect to the pump station on Romeo Court. Kevin Close, 871 Sycamore Road, stated that he followed the process of the applicant's proposal for a height variance from the County. He indicated that he had no problem with the project and strongly recommended that the City approve the agreement for sewer and water connection. He explained that Happy Valley has had a moratorium on the septic system for the past four years and recommended that the City accept the pre-annexation agreement, which would require sewer and water connections. PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES April 14, 2004 Yage 8 of 11