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Mr. Tom Pl,,mmer, 1225 David Street, Concord, project planner for the development, <br /> elaborated on design planning addressing topography, boundary of project, existing <br /> easements, vegetation, physical constraints, fill and grading, seismic faults, <br /> existing utilities, size of lots, and improvements. He presented maps with overlays <br /> to illustrate the proposal. He added that the project remains 66% open space and <br /> the actual buildable area is 17 acres. <br /> <br /> Mr. DUnkley elaborated on the geotechnical information stating that County and <br /> State data has been provided to the City revealing that there was not any undue <br /> danger from the fault in the ridge area. He stated that extensive trenching had <br /> been done throughout the property by Judd Hull, Geotechnical Consultant, addressing <br /> the problems associated with the hillside development, and that these studies are <br /> available for review. <br /> <br /> Mr. Dunkley reviewed the technical operation of the Hillside Planned Development <br /> Ordinance stating he supports the intent of the ordinance. He stated he felt the <br /> W.I.S. factor is counter-productive to the ordinance which results in less flexi- <br /> bility on open space, and resulted in the request for a variance. <br /> <br /> Mr. Dunkley stated his development would enhance and benefit the surrounding <br /> area by various improvements. He advised he would comply to all conditions estab- <br /> lished by the Planning Commission and changes recommended by staff. <br /> <br /> Mr. Jeff Early, 6551 Arlington Drive, and owner of property near the development, <br /> stated that in his opinion this is a well thought-out project and is appropriate for <br /> the area. <br /> <br /> The following persons spoke in opposition to the application: <br /> <br /> Mr. Maurice Engel, Attorney representing Mr. and Mrs. Lee Henderson, owners of <br /> the property adjacent to the proposed development, stated they were not opposed to <br /> "Deer Oak" but felt the application was not in compliance with the HPD Ordinance. <br />He stated that when the Planning Commission considered this application it was based <br />on 54 acres, and now 48 acres is the total acreage being considered by the City <br />Council. He stated the applicant is seeking development of 24 lots; 22 lots are <br />recommended by the Planning Commission, and 20 lots are recommended by staff, which <br />he felt was also significant. He stated the maximum number of lots allowed based <br />on the W.I.C. factor is 9. Mr. Engel stated the required open space under the <br />ordinance is approximately 38 acres, determined by a formula, and the applicant <br />is asking that this be reduced to 29 acres. He stated he disagreed with this, add- <br />ing the hills are an asset and should be developed in a manner in balance with the <br />City. Mr. Engel stated that in order to make a density change you must make certain <br />findings. He pointed out that when staff was considering this particular project <br />they found that the only finding that could be made for requesting higher density was <br />"the provision of the tennis court". Mr. Engel stated that to increase density from 9 <br />to 22/24 based on the provision of a tennis court would be arbitrary and capricious. <br />He stated that Planning Commission had this same trouble and added an additional find- <br />ing related to existence of topographical feature. He stated that staff made the. <br />finding that there is no unusual topographical features on the land, and that the <br />applicant must assess these topographical features from an objective standpoint and <br />W.I.S. factor. Mr. Engel stated the HPD Ordinance requires that certain data be <br />presented and that various information had not been presented to the Planning Com- <br />mission, i.e., grading plan, profiles, tree removal, and typical elevation plan; and <br />he felt that the Planning Commission could not make an intelligent decision without <br />this information and evidence. He stated the HPD Ordinance is an environmental pro-. <br />tection ordinance and that if you allow 24 units without the required open space then <br />most of the lots will be average in size and normal for any subdivision. He stated <br /> <br /> 7. 3/lo/81 <br /> <br /> <br />