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has the ability to go beyond the single story and 25 feet and this Council gave them that approval. Mary Roberts said she did not mean to offend the Architect, but the Council is putting a lot of houses on hilltops and they are large. She said the house is actually over 14,000 square feet because the basement is habitable and garages are typically 700 SF, so she believed the rest could be considered square footage. She also believes Mr. Collins has done a great job on his presentation. Mayor Hosterman closed the public hearing. Councilmember Sullivan referred to the dirt coming off the hill and moving down the hill for the retaining walls and confirmed there was no visual representation of this. Mr. Iserson said the intent is to create a terracing effect with slope banks and he did not believe the retaining walls would be all that visible at 3-5 feet with vineyards planted in front of them. Councilmember Sullivan referred to the "blob", said he was on the Planning Commission throughout the many issues developing the specific plan and recalled that the discussion on the lots was nebulous, but back in the 1990's, many did not contemplate 9,000 square foot houses. He questioned if a 3,000 or 4,000 square foot house fit in the general blob location realizing excavation would need to take place, and Mr. Iserson agreed that the area was most likely contemplated for a much smaller house at that time and not sure what square footage could fit on the lot, but agreed it would be significantly smaller than what is being requested. Councilmember Sullivan disclosed he visited the site and met with Mary Roberts, said he is struggling with how this compares to the Resnick project. His belief is that if this project came first, his reaction would be that it does not meet the guidelines. He said the Council approved the Resnick property which did have some flexibility beyond the specific plan requirements, agreed with Mr. Pico that the excavation was significant on the Resnick site but the larger lot houses 4, 5 and 6 are on the other side of the hill from being visible from the valley floor. The lots going up the hill have conditions for height and there is a backdrop behind them. Mr. Iserson noted lot 7 on the eastern side would also enable a large house of about 9,000 SF, but is somewhat over the ridge. Councilmember Sullivan questioned and confirmed that the pool, cabana, house and additional barn of 2,900 SF and the potential second unit would go through staff design review process and could be appealed. If the Sarich's proposed an addition to the existing home, it would require the Planning Commission process. Councilmember Sullivan believes the applicant worked very hard to screen the project, but based on his understanding of the Vineyard Corridor Specific Plan policies, he cannot get to the point where the house meets those policies. In addition, the Council has held discussion about other hilltop developments like Oak Grove and issues about enforcement of design guidelines, and what the Council decides on this project will have a greater impact on the future. Councilmember Thorne questioned the actual size of the house. Mr. Iserson said the two floors of the house above grade visible from off site are 9,990 SF, the basement which will not be visible is 3,210 SF of habitable space and should be calculated in at 13,200 SF. Councilmember Thorne questioned the ability to build additional homes on hillside lots, and Mr. Iserson said this would depend upon the situation; there are a few other hillside residential lots City Council Minutes 7 April 1, 2008