PC 04/08/1998 - Laserfiche WebLink

was a very expensive lot, the applicant wants to try to use every inch of property, which is one of the reasons for the retaining wall. Mr. Heim stated that in order to please the Macaris, the applicant is willing to put asplit-rail fence on top of the retaining wall so that it would keep the same appearance as what is there now. In response to a question by Chair Cooper, Mr. Heim stated that the retaining wall would be six to twelve inches from the property line. He requested approval of item # 1 of the staff report. Mr. Heim also stated that most of the other homes in the immediate area are two stories with second-story windows. He noted that the windows on the applicant's second story were positioned according to the building codes, and that there is not enough room on the side elevations for windows. He stated that the applicant would like for the second-story bedroom window to remain in place. Lee Parodi, 4758 Mason Street, stated that she lived in the Oakland Hills azea for 45 yeazs until the fire storm burned her house. She lost all of her possessions. Approximately two yeazs later, her son who is a general contractor, rebuilt her home. She lived there for another year-and-a-half before her husband died. At that time, she realized that the home was too large for her, and she decided to move to Pleasanton to be closer to her daughter. She purchased the lot on Diamond Court and stated that since then, Mr. Macari and Mr. Severini have put her through a great deal of stress in prolonging this process. She stated that all she wants to do is build her home and live the rest of her life in peace. Chair Cooper welcomed her to Pleasanton. Dean Macari, 455 Sycamore Road, stated that his property is to the east of the applicant's site. He -- pointed out what he feels are incomplete and inaccurate statements on page 7 of the staff report. He stated that the distance between the applicant's property and his home could be from 100 to 250 feet depending on how it was measured. In addition, he noted that he has not had his electric fence chazged in over 20 years. He stated that his main concern is with the retaining wall, noting that the City has been trying to maintain the rural characteristic of the area. He also expressed concern with safety and his exposure to liability if somebody were to fall off that wall and into his yard. He stated that Exhibit C is acceptable to him. John Severini, 433 Sycamore Road, apologized for this matter having to come before the Planning Commission. He also agrees that it should have been worked out at staff level. He pointed out that his concern is very important to him and his wife. He agrees that the design of the proposed home is a good one and that, as far as he knows, all of the residents on Diamond Court are in support of the design. However, he takes exception with the second-story window. He noted for the records that from this point forward when he speaks of "the applicant," he is referring to Mrs. Parodi s son. Mr. Severini stated that the applicant initially told him that they planned to build asingle-story home on the lot. However, he subsequently received a public notice that atwo-story house was planned. He reviewed the design plan and was very upset to see the very large window on the second story looking directly into his swimming pool and yard. He stated that he spoke with the City building inspector and found that the window, by code, did not have to be on that rear elevation, but that it could be placed on either side as well. He noted for the record that he opposed the previous application submitted by the Jefferies for the same reason. Planning Commission Page 15 April 8, 1998 _.___._ .__.. __.__._ _._..__. ._.... _.._ .___ ..__._ _...._.T.___.