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Commissioner Pearce noted that in the original staff report, the staff recommendations would make the house on Lot 1 appear to be 25 feet high; the addendum seemed to state that the height would also be 25 feet high. She inquired whether it would appear to be the same height from the neighbor’s point of view. Ms. Giffin confirmed that it was approximately the same; the first report showed the house to be approximately 23.5 feet high, and the second report showed it to be exactly 25 feet high. Chairperson Fox requested staff’s comments regarding the materials and straight nature of the driveway in addition to the darkening of the house and regarding reducing the visibility of the driveway. Ms. Giffin noted that the driveway was wider because it would also be used by the Fire Department. Normally, staff would request a 10- to 12-foot wide driveway, but the Fire Department requires at least 16 feet, with 20 feet of clearance on either side. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Fox regarding whether the garage for the second house could be reoriented by 90 degree from its lengthwise placement and still meet turnaround requirements, Ms. Giffin replied that they would have to be able to back out of the driveway safely, which appeared to be feasible. She added that a 25-foot backup area would be required. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Fox whether the Vineyard Avenue Corridor Specific Plan required that homes at higher elevations to be custom or semi-custom, Ms. Giffin replied that there were special rules above 475-foot elevation, mostly addressing the screening of the homes. There was no special requirement for changing the design of the homes. She noted that because this was a discretionary review, the Commission could make that request. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Fox regarding the apparent lack of trees on the right-hand side of the second house in the middle, Ms. Giffin replied that staff recommended that five oaks be planted. Overall, staff recommended that ten more trees be planted on each lot. Chairperson Fox disclosed that she visited the property and met with the applicant approximately three weeks ago. Commissioner Blank disclosed that he visited the property on an informal basis approximately one year ago and that there was no discussion of this project at that time. Commissioner O’Connor disclosed that he visited the property several weeks ago with the applicant. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Michael Aminian, applicant, described the background of this project and noted that he had no objection to the City’s recommendations regarding the color. He had met with several concerned neighbors to answer their questions regarding Lot 1; he increased the PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES January 10, 2007 Page 4 of 27