PC Min 09/08/1998CITY OF CAMPBELL PLANNING COMMISSION
MINUTES
7:30 P.M. TUESDAY
SEPTEMBER 8, 1998
CITY HALL COUNCIL CHAMBERS
'The Planning Commission meeting of September 8, 1998, was called to order at 7:30 p.m., in the
Council Chambers, 70 North First Street, Campbell, California by Chairman Lowe, and the
following proceedings were had, to wit:
ROLL CALL
Commissioners Present:
Chair:
Vice Chair:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Commissioner:
Dennis Lowe
Brad Jones
Tom Francois
Elizabeth Gibbons
Susan A. Keams
Mel Lindstrom
Jane Meyer-Kennedy
Commissioners Absent:
None
Staff Present:
Community
Development Director:
Senior Planner:
Planner I:
City Attorney:
Reporting Secretary:
Steve Piasecki
Sharon Fierro
Aki Irani
William Seligmann
Corinne A. Shinn
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Motion: On motion of Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy, seconded by
Commissioner Kearns, the Planning Commission minutes of August
25, 1998, were approved. (7-0)
COMMUNICATIONS.
There were no communication items.
AGENDA MODIFICATIONS OR POSTPONEMENTS
There were no agenda modifications or postponements.
Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 1998 Page 2
ORAL REQUESTS
There were no oral requests.
PUBLIC HEARING
Chairman Lowe read Agenda Item No. 1 into the record.
ZC 98-01/PD 98-01/
PM 98-01
Duchich, M.
Vidovich, J.
Sharer, B.
Public Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Marko
Duchich, Mr. John Vidovich and Mr. Bob Shafer for approval
of a Zone Change (ZC 98-01) from R-1 (Single-Family
Residential) to PD (Planned Development); a Planned
Development Permit (PD 98-01) and Parcel Map (PM 98-01) to
develop three residential units on property located at 1725
Bucknall Road in an R-l-6 (Single Family Residential) Zoning
District. A Negative Declaration has been prepared for this
project. Tentative City Council Meeting Date: October 6,
1998.
Ms. Aki Irani, Planner I, presented the staff report as follows:
· Applicant is seeking approval of three applications: a Zone Change from R-l-6 (Single
Family Residential) to PD (Planned Development); a Planned Development Permit to
develop three townhome units and a Parcel Map.
· Project site is located on north side of Bucknall Road, west of S. San Tomas Aquino Road
and south of W. Campbell Avenue.
· Surrounding uses include townhomes to the west, single family residences to the east,
apartments to the north and single family residences to the south.
· The site is currently developed with one single-family residence which will be demolished.
· The proposed project is consistent with the General Plan which calls for Medium-Density
Residential (14-20 units per gross acre). As proposed, this project is being developed at 8.89
units per gross acre.
· Changing the Zoning from R-l-6 to PD will allow this development.
· An initial study was done which determined no significant environmental impacts. Staff is
recommending a Negative Declaration.
· The project will include three units. Unit A (located at the street frontage) is a detached unit.
Units B and C are attached at the garages. There will be two driveways. Unit A will have a
separate driveway and Units B and C will share a common driveway.
· The design is two-story, contemporary Mediterranean with stucco walls and tile roofs,
covered porches and recessed windows.
· Staff has recommended design enhancements which include a different color scheme using
darker shades or more Mediterranean-type colors as well use of decorative tiles.
· The proposed parking exceeds the 3.5 spaces per unit required under the Ordinance with four
spaces per unit provided. Two spaces are in the garage for each unit and two spaces are
located in front of each garage.
Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 1998 Page 3
Staff recommends the adoption of a Negative Declaration and that the Planning Commission
forward a recommendation to Council to approve the Zone Change, Planned Development
and Parcel Map applications. Additionally, staff is proposing a recommendation that a
dedication be required by Council.
Commissioner Jones presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows:
· SARC met on August 25 and was supportive of the project with staff recommendations.
Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy asked if staff's changes have been incorporated into the
Conditions of Approval.
Ms. Aki Irani advised the Commission that staff recommendations have been incorporated in the
Conditions of Approval as they appear in the staff report.
Chairman Lowe opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1.
Ms. Jacki Michaels, 4464 Bucknall:
Advised that her home is located directly across the street from the project site.
· Stated her opposition to the proposed Zone Change due to traffic and parking concerns,
stating that there is already lots of traffic on Bucknall and neighbors already park in front of
her property.
· Stated that most garages are used for storage.
· Mentioned that apartments may end up being developed at 1711 Bucknall which would add
to parking concerns in the immediate area.
· Asked that the City consider her concerns and not approve the Zone Change.
· If the project is approved, asked that the Commission limit the number of units and/or
bedrooms allowed.
· Also asked that if this project is constructed, that the builder be asked to minimize the dust
and dirt, traffic and noise.
Commissioner Gibbons asked staff for clarification that the applicant was actually building at a
lower density that would be allowed.
Ms. Aki Irani advised that under the proposed zoning, the applicant could build up to six
apartment units.
Commissioner Gibbons:
· Advised those in attendance that what is proposed is one-half the project size as that which
could have been proposed for this site.
· Suggested a covenant to require that the garages be maintained for the parking of vehicles.
· Advised that the street improvements will also develop two additional street parking spaces.
Commissioner Keams stated that apparently there have been four units on site to this point.
Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 1998 Page 4
Ms. Aki Irani advised that the project came to the City's attention as a Code Enforcement Case
as the four units had been illegally converted from the original house and garage.
Commissioner Keams stated that the parking impact may be less than anticipated since four units
were on site already.
Mr. John Vidovich, 1725 Bucknall Road:
· Agreed that traffic is intense on Bucknall.
Ms. Lynn Birch, Architect, 536 Soquel Avenue, Santa Cruz:
· Advised that they have developed this site so that the units look more like a single-family
home development, particularly the front unit facing onto Bucknall.
· Advised that this is a quality project with lots of windows and light in each unit.
· Stated that they carefully followed the City's design guidelines when designing this project.
· Said that her clients are not big time developers.
· This project will be an improvement to the neighborhood and will increase values for
everyone.
Commissioner Lindstrom asked if the applicants were willing to comply with staff
recommendations.
Ms. Lynn Birch advised that they were willing to work with staff.
Mr. Stephen Arnold, Project Civil Engineer, 1671 The Alameda, San Jose:
· Advised that he is available for any questions.
Chairman Lowe closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 1.
Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy agreed that Bucknall is a busy street. Stated that this project will
enhance the area.
Commissioner Lindstrom agreed with Commissioner Meyer-Kennedy.
Chairman Lowe stated that the applicants have done a good job with their project particularly
since it is less dense than is possible.
Commissioner Gibbons suggested adding to Condition of Approval No 6 so that the garages are
maintained for the parking of vehicles.
Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 1998 Page 5
Motion:
Upon motion of Commissioner Lindstrom, seconded by Commissioner
Meyer-Kennedy, the Planning Commission recommended the Adoption of a
Negative Declaration, adopted Resolution No. 3174 recommending approval
of a Zone Change (ZC 98-01) from R-1 to PD; Resolution No. 3175 (PD 98-
01) recommending approval of a Planned Development Permit to develop
three townhome units with the added Condition of Approval that the garages
be maintained for the parking of vehicles; and adopted Resolution 3176
recommending approval of a Parcel Map (PM 98-01) creating three lots, by
the following roll call vote:
AYES: Francois, Gibbons, Jones, Kearns, Lindstrom, Lowe, Meyer-
Kennedy
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Chairman Lowe read Agenda Item No. 2 into the record.
2. S 09-08
Miers, C.
Public Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Craig Miers,
on behalf of Gulesserian Enterprises, for a Site and
Architectural Approval (S 98-08) to allow a storefront remodel
for an existing commercial building (Carpeteria) on property
located at 423 E. Hamilton Avenue in a C-2-S (General
Commercial) Zoning District. This project is Categorically
Exempt. Planning Commission decision final, unless appealed
in writing to the City Clerk.
Ms. Aki Irani, Planner I, presented the staff report as follows:
· Applicant is seeking a Site Approval to allow a storefront remodel of the front facade.
· The project site is north of E. Hamilton Avenue and west of Almarida Avenue.
· Surrounding uses include a restaurant to the east, Commercial uses to the west and a
Restaurant to the north.
· The proposed project is consistent with the General Plan and Zoning designations.
· The project will split the existing space and allow for a second compatible retail use to
Carpeteria, most likely a furniture store.
· The remodel will utilize stucco facade, two tower elements, navy blue canvass awnings and
gray metal roof.
· Staff is recommending a reverse use of proposed paint colors.
· The applicant will install the landscaping as required to meet the City's Streetscape Standards
for E. Hamilton Avenue. This includes a 10 foot landscape buffer and seven foot sidewalk.
Additional landscaping will include a street tree, vines which will be trained along the east
Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 1998 Page 6
elevation and planters in the rear. Staff is proposing the elimination of two parking spaces at
the rear to install a planter.
Staff recommends approval of this project.
Commissioner Lindstrom asked if the parking standards are met with the removal of the two
spaces at the rear of the site.
Ms. Aki Irani advised that, when developed, this project was granted a reduced parking
requirement as the use was determined to be low intensity as far as a need for parking due to the
warehouse-type use.
Commissioner Jones presented the Site and Architectural Review Committee report as follows:
· SARC reviewed this project on August 25th and was supportive.
· SARC was concerned about the paint colors as well as having misgivings about the
recommendation to remove two parking spaces.
Commissioner Gibbons stated that parking demand will be different with two tenants on site and
since some available street parking is no longer available.
Chairman Lowe opened the Public Heating for Agenda Item No. 2.
Mr. Craig Miers, Architect, 996 Minnesota Avenue, San Jose:
· Advised that they will remove the mansart roof and are adding two tower elements.
· Stated that the owner wants to add a second retail tenant.
· Stated that they have no objections to the Conditions of Approval with the exception of the
staff recommendation to reverse the use of paint colors.
· Said that he was available to answer any questions.
Commissioner Keams sought clarification that the rendering provided this evening by the
applicant is what they would like to use as far as paint colors.
Commissioner Gibbons expressed appreciation for the provision of the color rendering.
Commissioner Francois stated that he likes the colors depicted on the applicant's rendering.
Commissioner Lindstrom agreed.
Chairman Lowe concurred.
Commissioner Francois asked what Elephant Bar would do with two less parking spaces.
Chairman Lowe sought clarification that signs will be considered separately at a later date.
Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 1998 Page 7
Ms. Aki Irani advised that the signs would be handled as a separate application.
Mr. Ike Gulesserian, Owner, 423 E. Hamilton Avenue:
· Advised that he supervised the development of this building 25 to 30 years ago.
· Said that for the last five years, he has been embarrassed that the building had not been
updated but that to update is an expensive venture, costing approximately $200,000.
· Said that dedication of $40,000 worth of land is required with this project and asked whether
it would be possible to have an easement rather than deeding the property to the City.
Mr. Steve Piasecki, Community Development Director advised that the Public Works
Department would be willing to accept an easement instead of a dedication and recommended
that the Conditions of Approval be adjusted to reflect that change.
Mr. Ike Gulesserian expressed his happiness at this.
Chairman Lowe stated that this is a nice project.
Commissioner Keams asked if a tenant has already been secured.
Mr. Ike Gulesserian advised that the second tenant has not been selected but that the business
would be one that is comparable and compatible with the existing carpet business.
Chairman Lowe closed the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 2.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Gibbons, seconded by Commissioner Meyer-
Kennedy, the Planning Commission adopted Resolution No. 3177 granting a
Site and Architectural Approval (S 98-08) to allow a storefront remodel for
an existing commercial building (Carpeteria) located at 423 E. Hamilton
Avenue with the change to Condition of Approval No. 2-B to allow the
applicants to paint the building as presented on the rendering at the meeting,
the deletion of Condition No 5-G which required the elimination of two
parking spaces and the change of the required dedication to an easement, by
the following roll call vote:
AYES: Francois, Gibbons, Jones, Kearns, Lindstrom, Lowe, Meyer-
Kennedy
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: None
Chairman Lowe read Agenda Item No. 3 into the record.
Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 1998 Page 8
o
PD 98-05
PM 98-02
Black, T.
Public Hearing to consider the application of Mr. Tom Black
for approval of a Planned Development Permit (PD 98-05) and
Parcel Map (PM 98-02) to allow construction of a second
single-family lot and division of land into two parcels, one a
flag lot parcel, on property located at 132 Sunnyside Avenue
in a PD (Planned Development) Zoning District. This project
is Categorically Exempt. Tentative City Council Meeting Date:
October 6, 1998.
Ms. Sharon Fierro, Senior Planner, presented the staff report as follows:
· Applicant is seeking a continuance to a date uncertain to allow time to revise their plans
following SARC comments which were extensive.
· The applicant was happy with the SARC recommendations and is working with his architect
to implement the recommendations.
· Staff recommends that this project be taken off calendar and when the revised plans are
available, this project will be re-advertised and rescheduled for Planning Commission
consideration.
Chairman Lowe opened the Public Hearing for Agenda Item No. 3.
Motion: Upon motion of Commissioner Kearns, seconded by Commissioner Jones,
the Planning Commission continued consideration of the Planned
Development Permit (PD 98-05) and Parcel Map (PM 98-02) to allow
construction of a second single-family lot and division of land into two
parcels, one a flag lot, on property located at 132 Sunnyside Avenue, to a
date uncertain. This project will be readvertised once the revised plans are
completed. (7-0)
REPORT OF THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Chairman Lowe advised that Commissioner Lindstrom has been reappointed for another four-
year term on the Planning Commission.
The written report of Mr. Steve Piasecki, Community Development Director, was accepted as
presented.
Commissioner Keams asked for more information about the Revocation of the Use Permit for
Rasputin Music which will be on the next agenda.
City Attorney William Seligmann advised that since that item is not on this evening's agenda,
the Commission cannot discuss the matter.
Planning Commission Minutes of September 8, 1998 Page 9
Commissioner Gibbons asked for an update regarding the Winchester Drive-In site.
City Attorney William Seligrnann advised that it is anticipated that the Appellate Court decision
would most likely be petitioned for consideration by the California Supreme Court.
Chairman Lowe advised that he will be out of town for the October 13th meeting.
ADJOURNMENT
The Planning Commission meeting adjoumed at 8:18 p.m. to the Planning Commission meeting
of September 22, 1998, in the Council Chambers, City Hall, 70 North First Street, Campbell,
California.
Corinne A. Shinn, Recording-Secretary
APPROVED BY:
ATTEST: