14 ATTACHMENTS - Laserfiche WebLink

C-- ~ concern regarding the allowed re-grading and the impacts and loss of their privacy and desired to meet to discuss what landscape materials would be placed to provide an effective vegetative screen as quickly as possible. PROJECT INFORMATION The applicant has constructed the approximately 4-foot tall concrete stack block retaining wall along the inside edge of the drainage easement, approximately 15-feet from the rear property line, and used the majority of the excess soil from the pool excavation to fill in an approximately 4-foot wide strip on the interior property side of the retaining wall. The new retaining wall replaced an existing 4-foot tall redwood fence that was located adjacent to the rear yard drainage ditch located within the drainage easement approximately 7-feet from the existing rear yard property line. The applicant provided staff with a conceptual landscape plan that illustrated his intent to replace the removed landscaping along the rear and side of his property also intending to provide additional landscaping to create a wider planter area than existed before. At the time of the Zoning Administrator's action, the applicant had off-hauled most of the excess soil from the site. The neighbors are not displeased by the removal of the soil on-site recognizing not all of it could be used within the rear yard area. PUBLIC NOTICE Prior to noticing this application, staff had received comments from the two rear yard neighbors of the subject site. During the Zoning Administrator Hearings in April, June, and July the two neighbors expressed the following. The Johnston's, 3110 Catawba Court, expressed concern regarding the removal of the trees which provided privacy between the rear yard areas. Mrs. Johnston stated that she had attended the Planning Commission and City Council meetings during the development review of Vintage Heights II in 1989, and informed staff that the lots were limited in grading and removal of landscaping. She continued by saying that her property is at a lower grade then the subject site and the landscaping that was removed provided a buffer between the homes. The Johnston's would like to see fast growing and somewhat mature dense hedges and/or landscaping placed back in the rear and side yard area in a timely manner so that their privacy can be returned to them. The Johnston's do not want the lot to be "leveled out" and requested that the grade be the same or lower with landscaping along the rear and side. Mrs. Johnston also stated that a fence on top of the retaining wall with landscaping would also help with noise that would be generated from the use of the new pool. The Johnston's expressed their willingness to work with the City and the applicant to resolve their concerns. The Johnston's also requested the Zoning Administrator restrict the use of the rear yard area prohibiting the placement of play equipment, tables, chairs, barbeques, or any other recreational equipment, seating or play area near their rear yard area in an effort to maintain the general privacy, use, and enjoyment of their yard. ZA: PDR-715 3 of 4 July 10, 2008