• Rezone from R-3 (Medium Density Residential) to R-3/PD (Medium Density Residential/Planned Development);
  
• Special Development Permit to allow construction of four new townhomes; and,

• Tentative Map to allow the subdivision of one lot into four townhouse lots and one common lot.

Diana O'Dell, Project Planner, presented the staff report. Staff provided a summary of the proposed project highlighting the use, site layout, density, architecture, landscaping, parking and circulation and the requested deviations. She added that the application is consistent with similar and previously approved projects. Staff was able to make to make the required findings and recommended introduction of an ordinance, approval of the Special Development and the Tentative Map, as conditioned.

Vice Chair Babcock asked staff for the height and the front setbacks of the recently approved project located in the same street. Staff responded that it is approximately 30 feet height from the top of the curb but staff was not sure about the setbacks.

Vice Chair Babcock further asked staff if the previous application had a deviation. Staff responded that except for the porch the proposed building has a 20-foot setback noting there is a central entrance-way requiring extra space pushing the building out towards the streets. She added that staff was comfortable with the covered porch as it provides a nice pedestrian feature.

Comm. Satterlee, following Vice Chair Babock’s question, what is the architectural style of the recently approved project. Staff responded that it has stone base with earth tone color and deferred the question to the applicant who was also the applicant to the previously approved project.

Comm. Satterlee asked staff to clarify Condition of Approval #11 and what staff is looking for in the condition. Staff responded that it is to ensure that the applicant would continue to work with staff to address the additional architectural details needed such as making the front to look more of an entrance.

Comm. Satterlee expressed her concerns that the porch feature does not strike her as an entrance feature. Staff responded that it is one of the reasons for the condition so staff is able to work with the applicant to achieve the goal to making it more of an entrance look from the street.

Comm. Swegles commented that during his site visit he noticed the other surrounding units and asked whether it is a similar project. Staff responded that 992 Bellomo is a similar project.

Comm. Swegles further asked whether it also has similar setback allowance. Staff responded that the 992 Bellomo and the proposed project are different because of the center entrance way.

Loretta Kwok, applicant, stated that the 973 Bellomo properties have front set-back of 18 feet from the face of the building and with the porch included in the setback it is less than 18 feet and because of the redwood tree in the middle, a central common area was approved pushing the building past the 20 foot setback. The style and appearance is mediterranean with graduated slope from the top side with earth tone color while the proposed application is cape cod, more cozy and little bit smaller units.

Comm. Swegles asked Ms. Kwok how is the application comparable with the other properties. Ms. Kwok responded that the application has set-back more from the court compared to 979 Bellomo and the buildings are attached and sit farther from the sidewalk.

Comm. Swegles asked the applicant if she had spoken with the neighbors to the south that would be the only small house left on the street. Ms. Kwok responded yes and that the neighbors are in support of the development both the 979 and the 983 Bellomo.

Comm. Moylan stated that he was able to make the required findings and commented that there were three developments in the area and each of the projects has a tree removed. However, the proposed project is different because the tree requiring removal is a danger relative to the power lines and agreed with staff to remove the tree.

Vice Chair Babcock stated that the project is nice and that she likes the color and the design.

Comm. Swegles commented that the utilities would be undergrounded as part of the condition and the wires would not be a factor. Comm. Moylan so noted.

Comm. Chu supported the motion and stated that he likes to see multi-family units in addition to single-family units.

Comm. Satterlee offered a friendly amendment to Condition of Approval #11 to state that the porch features shall provide an entrance look to the street. The amendment was accepted by the maker and the second.

Comm. Satterlee was thrilled to see medium density residential developed in the city. She stated that she would like to see pedestrian friendly development, and to have a livable feeling facing the street and that the facing of the building is a critical view of the building.

Chair Simons stated that the project would be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and that he was pleased with the color and the cape cod design of the project adding more variety of styles in the street.

Return to RTC# 02-354