PC 082306 - Laserfiche WebLink

~„ Rural Density Residential to Low Density Residential. Staff believed that this project had been designed and developed in a very sensitive manner to the topography surrounding the uses and recommended approval of the project. The project conforms to the General Plan and to the various aspects of the West Foothill Corridor Overlay District. The applicant has accepted the conditions of approval, with the exception of the landscape condition referencing 24-inch box size and 15-gallon-size trees. The applicants' consultant suggested broadening that requirement to allow one-, five- and 15-gallon-size trees as well as 24-inch box size trees. Staff recommends that the Commission consider adding four additional conditions: 1. An updated tree analysis for the eight-unit portion of the development be submitted with the tentative subdivision map application; 2. The mitigation plan showing the fencing of trees, swales, seeps, etc., would be provided for the eight-lot azea again and included with the map; 3. The eight-lot portion will be surveyed for nesting raptors and burrowing owls thirty days prior to grading; 4. After the subdivision improvements aze completed, all of the perimeter trees shown on the conceptual landscape plan referenced in the design guidelines shall be installed before staff examines the house designs as they come in. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Charles Austin, applicant, displayed a PowerPoint presentation and detailed the history of !"` the site. He introduced the design team and noted that they hoped to make this project worthy of his family's history on the land. Brad Hirst, 1811 Santa Rita Road, described the property's features on the overhead display and detailed the development plans for the site. He noted that one of the residences would remain temporarily for Mr. and Mrs. Takens to occupy until the project was completed; at that time, that house would be demolished and become one of the eight new houses. The houses would be between 3,500 and 8,000 squaze feet, or 25 percent of the FAR, whichever is less. The applicant agreed that the trees in the common azea will be planted with the offsite improvements. The planting will precede construction of the houses by between three to 18 months. They would plant additional 15-gallon trees not shown on the landscaping plan for two of the homes on Jorgensen Lane against their property to provide further shielding of the viewshed. He displayed further photo simulations of the site. He pointed out the location of the deceleration lane and added that the existing driveway of Old Foothill Road would be relocated and enlazged to provide a benefit to the Alviso Adobe Pazk. Chris Pattillo, landscape azchitect, PGA Design Landscape Architects, noted that the guiding principle for this planned development was to use a light touch and to design something that would be compatible and supportive of the Alviso Adobe Pazk. They intended to design the site so the new homes will fit the property and minimize the impact on the existing topography. They intended to retain as many trees as possible, ~. including some heritage trees. They proposed to predominately use species that aze PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES August 23, 2006 Page 7 of 17