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in response to an inquiry by Commissioner Maas, Mr. lserson confirmed that the master bedroom windows were to be operable. in response to an inquiry by Commissioner Kameny, Mr. Iserson noted. that it was important for the height to be verified by a surveyor, and added that the Building Department routinely requires a surveyor. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Kameny, Mr. Iserson confirmed that the two windows in the master bedroom did have a view into the Somersett's yard and the picture window on the side elevation. Staff believed there was a potential privacy issue, and added that there could be a view into the Somersetts' side window- C7hairperson Arkin inquired whether the views into the Somersetts' home was out of character to other two-story homes in the neighborhood- Mr. Iserson noted that the neighbors could address the issue, and added that neighbors of a single-story home come to expect certain views and levels of privacy. When that changes, it can be a difficult adjustment. I-le believed that the neighbors had more expansive concerns regarding the mass of the addition. He noted however that such views were not out of character for the neighborhood. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner Roberts, Mr. Iserson noted that while he did not have an exact measurement of the two next-door homes, he believed that they were close to 23 or 24 feet in height- THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Steve Grider, applicant, 31 OS Catawba Court, thanked the Commission and staff for their efforts, and noted that it was been a difficult and stressful process for him and his wife. Their goal was to come away from the meeting with a compromise that would address both their concerns, and those of their neighbors. They attetripted to reach a compromise with their neighbors, but were unsuccessful in most areas. He met with John MacKay and Mike Baldwin on several occasions, as well as the Johnstons and the Somersetts. He had put up story poles several times that mimicked the hip roof and different amounts of reduction in height. He had hoped to reach agreement with all the neighbors prior to the Zoning Adi'ninistration meeting, but that was not possible- He believed that there was historical precedent on how the City has regulated view and privacy concerns in the past between his development of Vintage Hills and Vintage Heights II, where the MacKays and Baldwins live. Mr. Grider quoted a City staff report from 1 992, which addressed a settlement of a case regarding the regrading of some lots in Vintage Heights II: "The Vintage Hills residents, from early on in the planning process, expressed to the City their concerns that this development would intrude - on their backyard privacy, and would impact their views to the East PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES March 12, 2003 Page G