SR 06:245 - Laserfiche WebLink

the City. He noted that he would like to keep the window on the west side of the home (facing the Bennett residence) and that it met the egress requirements of three- by-four feet with a sill height of 42 inches from the ground. Peter Shutts, project architect, noted that all habitable rooms must have 20 percent of the room in light, and 10 percent of the room in ventilation. Commissioner Blank requested clarification and asked if staff had investigated Building Code requirements relating to window size. Ms. Decker noted that the requirement for the transom windows was often used to mitigate privacy issues. Staff had not taken Building Code requirements into consideration, nor was the removal ofthe westerly window considered at that time. Stafflooked at how privacy concerns could be mitigated by using transom windows on the south side and full-sized windows on the east and west sides for light and air. Staff had not been able to evaluate ingress and egress issues at this point, which was a valid consideration. Tim Bennett, 784 East Angela Street, was not strongly opposed to the window on the west side of the room, but was strongly opposed to the size of the addition. He believed it should be pushed towards the street and not towards his yard. He did not agree with massive development in older neighborhoods and believed it should be curtailed by the City and the Planning Commission. He believed this project was too big, and suggested that some of the bedroom closets be made smaller. He believed the applicants should be more moderate in their expectations. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS CLOSED. Commissioner Fox believed the only way to move to mediation was to uphold the appeal. Chairperson Arkin would like to see mediation done, possibly by a former Planning Commissioner, who would have the experience and objectivity to carry out the mediation. Commissioner Pearce believed it was important to provide an incentive to go to mediation instead of denying the appeal. She did not want the Planning Commission to appear to take a position in this matter if it would be going to mediation. Chairperson Arkin stated that his preference would be to make a motion to forward this matter directly to City Council. Commissioner Blank inquired whether it was important that the Planning Commission uphold or deny the appeal with future mediation in mind and added that he would like the phrase "without prejudice" added to the motion in order to clearly state that it was not intended to be a negative vote against the project. Ms. Decker requested clarification and noted that if the appeal were upheld, the proposed project would be denied. EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, June 28, 2006 Page 40f 5