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40 <br /> <br /> itself falls within the height limit spelled out in the City <br /> ordinance for hillside development. The front of the house is <br /> one-story, with the entire building ranging in height from 12 feet <br /> to 35 feet. The slope will be kept in its natural condition; it <br /> will not be altered to build the house. <br /> <br /> Ms. Mohr stated that her questions regarding the size of the <br /> trees and the maintenance of the landscape have been answered. <br /> She inquired what species of trees would be planted, as she was <br /> concerned about the speed at which the trees would grow and their <br /> consistency with the rest of the vegetation in the area. <br /> <br /> Mr. Swift replied that the DRB did not approve any final <br /> landscape plan and that the species of trees would be decided on <br /> when the landscape plan was brought back for review. <br /> <br /> Mr. Etnire stated that the landscape architect was <br /> considering California live oaks. <br /> <br /> Ms. Mohr indicated that she would like the DRB to choose an <br /> intermediate type of vegetation that would be dense enough to <br /> screen the house without blocking the view from the house. She <br /> stated that except for this matter, she found the presentation of <br /> the project good. <br /> <br /> Mr. Garrison pointed out that as an architect for hillside <br /> homes in the Bay Area for many years, his first concern is fire <br /> prevention. For this reason, he avoids wood exterior and shake <br /> roofs and uses non-flammable or fire-resistant materials as much <br /> as possible. Hence, the Mediterranean style house would be made <br /> of stucco and tile with a low-pitch roof. It will also have a <br /> sprinkler system. <br /> <br /> There being no further testimony, Mr. Mercer declared the <br /> public hearing closed. <br /> <br /> Mr. Butler stated that he was very concerned about the <br /> expanse of the house and the visible spot it was sitting on. He <br /> pointed out that this house would be in a similar situation as <br /> that on the Ridge which was approved by Hayward and which the City <br /> has been very concerned about, except that this would be within <br /> the City's control. He noted that the applicants have shown a <br /> great willingness to work with the City staff through the review <br /> process. He added that what would be most important is that the <br /> house does not glare at the valley from the hillside and that the <br /> trees do a good job at screening. He concluded that the <br /> professional opinion of the members of the DRB gives him the <br /> assurance that this would be accomplished and that he would <br /> therefore support the application. <br /> <br /> Mr. Tarver indicated that he had appealed this item because <br /> he could not understand how the DRB could approve it. He stated <br /> that this was merely moving the Hayward-approved house half-way <br /> down the Ridge and putting it on Longview Drive. He mentioned <br /> <br /> -6- <br /> 1-16-90 <br /> <br /> <br />