CCMIN040108 - Laserfiche WebLink

home site being on the site where the existing garage is but staff believes that after more information and evaluation, the site is not appropriate. Mr. Iserson presented the elevations submitted by the applicant and described it as a Tuscan Villa design concept, 2 stories, 28.5 feet in height and extend up to the top of the cupola. He said the Specific Plan restricts homes to one story and 25 feet in height, but allows for exceptions due to unusual circumstances as long as they are consistent with the Specific Plan. Staff interprets this as making sure the house is well-screened and would eventually not be visible from off site. Staff feels the height and massing of the homes have been minimized, a substantial portion is below grade, he discussed materials, colors, fits in with the Vineyard corridor design theme, said 67 trees would be removed 16 of which would be heritage, and a condition of approval requires re-evaluation of the trees designated for removal in order to save those that do not cause a safety risk. The applicant will plant 438 new trees which would exceed the specific plan requirements of 6.1 and many would be large boxed sized trees from 24 to 60". Mr. Iserson displayed the visual analysis of the site from 1-10 years from Ruby Hill, from the Mitchell Katz Winery, from the fire station on Old Vineyard Avenue, Vineyard Avenue and Old Vineyard Avenue, from the Greenbriar Estates development and from the Resnick and the Roberts' residences. He discussed the existing well, said staff has arrived at two revised conditions that addresses it and reflects the agreement that the Sarich's are intending to develop a second well that they would use to irrigate the vineyards. The applicants are committed to doing a job beyond green requirements and have a current point total of 161 where 50 is the minimum required. In summary, staff and the Planning Commission recommend the Council approve the project with conditions of approval and with the modifications shown on the distributed memorandum. Dan Sarich said the project is a result of a very long process that began 7 years ago, that he has agreed to all conditions, they have listened to staff, the Planning Commission and neighbors and have gone to considerable efforts to screen the project and have agreed not to use the existing shared well with the Roberts to irrigate the future vineyard. They feel the current proposed plan is the best design that meets the intent of the Vineyard Corridor Specific Plan, is sensitive to site constraints, he and his family ask for support of the project. Tom Pico said the Sarich family and he appreciate the efforts made to learn more about the project and visited the site which has led to a different view which he hopes is positive. He said the project is a model of how you can design and build a large home and fit within the environment; it is screened from Vineyard, it is going to be seen primarily from the Resnick property, Mary Roberts has some visual impacts but they are significantly mitigated, they agree with staff's recommendations and all conditions, and he introduced John McInnes, Architect for the project. John McInnes, Architect, said they have refined the location over time, gave the high points of their accomplishments and concessions made. They reduced the size, height and bulk of the home twice; they were asked to raise the house level and side yards by 6 feet which diminished the space around the home, but it did reduce grading and they saved some trees; on the north side of the house they let the grade come up above the finished floor of the house and by doing so, saved grading, trees, and provided screening; they eliminated the guest house; the roof of the pool house was in question and they put it underground; they moved the driveway, entry turn-around and pool in towards the center of the house to save additional trees which again reduced the space around the house; they are designing a green house for 161 LEED points City Council Minutes 4 April 1, 2008