11 ATTACHMENT 8 - Laserfiche WebLink

EXHIBIT J-8 PUD-33, James Tong/Charter Properties; Jennifer Lin, Frederic Lin, and Kevin Lin Consideration of: (1) the Final Environmental Impact Report for the Oak Grove development; (2) an application for a PUD development plan for the Oak Grove development to subdivide an approximately 562-acre site into 51 custom home sites and to designate the remaining area for permanent open space; and (3) the Development Agreement to vest the entitlements covered by this application. The property is located at 1400 Hearst Drive, near the present terminus of Hearst Drive on the southerly sides of the Vintage Hills and the Grey Eagle Estates developments and is zoned PUD - RDR/OS (Planned Unit Development -Rural Density ResidentiaVOpen Space) District. Commissioner Blank advised that he would recuse himself from this item because he lived in the neighborhood. Commissioner O'Connor took Commissioner Blank's place on the dais. Ms. Decker noted that staff intended to address the overarching concerns voiced during the June 13, 2007 hearing of this item. Mr. Pavan presented an overview of the project and described the background, scope, and layout of the proposal. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Fox regarding whether trees could be planted in the wildland buffer area and with respect to the fire prevention zone and the location within the area where the trees could be planted, Mr. Pavan said yes; he added that care should be taken with respect to the type of tree planted. He added that it should not contribute to the ladder effect in a fire, which carries the fire from the grass to the understory to the tree. This does not preclude trees in the wildland buffer area. He noted that there would not be a 100-foot deep "no man's land" and that trees are allowed in compliance with the precepts of the Wildland Fire Management Plan. In response to an inquiry by Commissioner O'Connor's inquiry regarding the proximity allowed when planting trees near a house, Fire Chief Bill Cody replied that there was a fuel mitigation area inside the buffer zone. He noted that they tried to accomplish the required setbacks from the house for the types of trees so that trees that may catch fire do not impinge on the house. He added that the type of vegetation chosen was very important. He noted that oak or other trees and plants determined by the forester to be fire-resistant may be planted within the fuel management envelope. He noted that the distance a tree may be planted from the house depended upon the width of the tree as it grows. Trees should not be planted up against the house, which would be a fuel source to carry fire into the home. Ms. Decker advised that in this particular plan, the Urban Wildlife Interface Requirements require that staff work with the Fire Department and the applicant within the framework of the design guidelines to ensure that the correct species of plants are planted. She noted that a Wildland Management Plan had been developed, with trees chosen and placed on each site. She clarified that this Plan is typically required prior to approval of the subdivision map. The purpose of the design guidelines was to choose vegetation and landscaping on each site, and the size of the homes was not finalized yet. She noted that the review process provided the vehicle with which the design review board and the developer will examine that information along with City staff. The Fire Management Plan will enable them to evaluate the available screening capability. The homes will be visible EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MINUTES, June 27, 2007 Page 1 of 17