SR 06:155 - Laserfiche WebLink

height increase would only be two feet, and other mitigations were being built into the project; hence, these changes could be allowed without a Specific Plan modification. Commissioner Fox expressed concern regarding setting a precedent with this variation. She noted that she had indicated her preference for one-story houses above the 540- foot elevation when the Commission considered the two-story, 14,000-square-foot home being proposed on the Sarich property nearby. Chairperson Arkin pointed out that Mr. Iserson had indicated that the Vineyard Avenue Specific Plan allows for this exemption on a case-by-case basis. In response to Commissioner Fox's inquiry regarding whether the road ends within or outside the required 100-foot setback, Mr. Iserson replied that the road would end within the required setback. He explained that the Specific Plan allows for this to occur where there is development within 100 feet subject to mitigation measures, and stafffeels that this project complies with that general direction ofthe Specific Plan. Commissioner O'Connor inquired if the mitigation measures would need the approval of a State agency, noting that one of the memos indicated that the City is waiting for responses from the agencies. Mr. Iserson replied that Staff had further investigated on whether the mitigations needed to be referred to the State agencies as indicated in an earlier memo, and staff determined that because the project site is identified as a developed area, the approval ofthe State would not be required; the City would be able to approve these mitigations. He noted that these approvals are already in place and that this is reflected in a more recent staff memo. Commissioner Blank inquired about the ownership of several properties on one ofthe photosimulations. Mr. Iserson identified them as the future Neal Elementary School, the Greenbriar Homes/Hahner development to the west, and the Lin property to the east. In response to Commissioner O'Connor's inquiry regarding whether the conditions precluded sports court or lights on them, Mr. Iserson clarified that sports courts were precluded. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Commissioner Fox disclosed that she had met with Mr. Reznick at the project site. Greg Reznick, applicant, stated that he had worked closely with staff and was largely in support of staff recommendations. He briefly sunnnarized his project with a PowerPoint presentation, emphasizing his respect for the site, its topography and ecosystem, minimizing the impact on the site through road alignment and pad placement. He added that he believed his conceptual designs are consistent with the Specific Plan guidelines and that he worked closely in a collaborative effort with the City in relation to the road and the water tank. He noted that he tried to minimize the impact of trees, removing mostly non-native trees and preserving as many oaks as possible. DRAFT EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, May 24, 2006 Page 4 of9