PC 11/08/1995 - Laserfiche WebLink

Mr. Munn feels that there is no issue for privacy from the location of the houses and the windows. Brian Schwalen, 417 Sycamore Road, land owner, noted that past comments of the development are not of record and should be considered hearsay. He feels the approved houses do not reflect a rural look and will not affect the rural character of Sycamore Road. The approved R-12,OOO zoning and the current construction do not reflect a rural character. Mr. Schwalen presented pictures of the area to the Commissioners. He feels the existing and proposed trees will sufficiently hide this house from the neighboring houses. This house is on the transition point of the North Sycamore area, and considering the other construction present, this house is not going to affect the rural integrity of Sycamore Road. He also noted the contractor is willing to abide by the conditions of approval. Mr. Schwalen does not understand staff's proposal of denial of this application. Larry Dingman, 387 Sycamore Rd., is the neighbor to the west of the subject property. He presented pictures of houses on either side of the subject property. He feels the pictures depict a rural setting. Mr. Dingman is concerned for their privacy with the proposed layout and elevation of the house, the house does not fit into the existing rural setting of Sycamore Road, and the applicant has not been willing to explore alternative designs of the home. Mr. Dingman feels that either a one or two-story home would be acceptable if designed with a rural farm house exterior. John Severini, 433 Sycamore Rd., noted staff's difficult position of having to deny someone's house design. He noted that if he had been in town, he would have also signed the petition. He concurs with staff's recommendation of denial because the house design does not fit within the character of the neighborhood. Mr. Severini noted that he had initially objected to the houses behind him on Diamond Court; however, they were able to resolve the issues with staff. No one from the applicant's design team has approached him to try to mitigate the problems with the proposed design. He feels his private use and privacy of his lot is in jeopardy. He would like the house moved closer to Sycamore Road, and staff does not want to do so. Mr. Severini feels it is because of the house design. In conclusion, Mr. Severini stated the proposed home is not compatible with the rural character of the neighborhood and feels approval of this application would be wrong. Mr. Munn addressed a few issues: the two houses behind this house are two-story homes and look into the backyard of the subject lot. This house is not in the North Sycamore Specific Plan and feels it is unfair to compare it to the plan guidelines. Mr. Munn feels there are no reasons for denial. PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED Planning Commission Minutes Page 14 November 8, 1995