2004-0300 – Mark Anderson [Applicant]:  Application for related proposals on an 8,320 square-foot site located at 529 South Murphy Avenue in an R-2 (Low Medium Density Residential) Zoning District. (Negative Declaration) (APN: 209-39-004) CC (Continued from Planning Commission Hearing of 05/24/04.  Also to City Council on 07/13/04)

·     Rezone from R-2/O (Low Medium Density Residential/Office) to  R-2/O/PD (Low Medium Density Residential/Office/Planned Development) Zoning District;

·     Special Development Permit to allow the remodel of an existing 2,185 square-foot two-story house and the construction of a new 2,014 square-foot two-story house and,

·    Tentative Map to subdivide one lot into two lots.

Comm. Klein recused himself as he lives within 500 feet of the project site.

Trudi Ryan, Planning Officer, presented the staff report on behalf of the Project Planner, Christine Cannizzo.  She reported that the project was continued from May 24 Planning Commission hearing for a redesign to address available open space and parking configuration.  She noted that the parking has been reconfigured, increased the rear lot size, and reduced the size of the house.  Further she noted that the front door of the rear unit is more visible from the sidewalk.  She concluded that the proposed project is a much improved project.  Staff was able to make the required Findings and recommended approval of the Rezone, Special Development Permit and Tentative Map.

Comm. Hungerford asked staff to clarify the Alternatives about the introduction of a Rezone.  Ms. Ryan explained the two step process of a Rezone, where the Planning Commission makes a recommendation and the City Council introduces then adopts the ordinance.

Comm. Hungerford asked staff to clarify how the historic home would be improved as one of the attributes of the project.  Ms. Ryan responded that there would be general architectural facelift, restore the original size of the house and the garage and restore its historic features.

Comm. Simons asked staff to explain the reason for recommending a Eucalyptus tree as he understands that the city is staying away from this specie.  Ms. Ryan responded that it is of the same specie but not the same genus.

Chair Babcock opened the public hearing.

Tom Sweeney, applicant, stated that he was pleased with the re-design noting that the parking  flows with the open space and that the aesthetic has been enhanced.

Sheri Codiana,  member of the public, felt that the project is quite aggressive and that the addition would detract from the historic appeal of the home. She noted that the two-story unit would impinge on adjacent neighbors. She expressed concerns for the health of the Redwood tree located on an adjacent property.

Comm. Simons asked Ms. Codiana for preference of a commercial building or a house.  Ms. Codiana responded that she prefers smaller homes and maintain the historic home.

Arthur Schwartz, member of the public, noted his concerns that Planning Commission had a tendency to make only minor adjustments for projects that exceed the code requirements.  He expressed concerns that this application is exceeding the setback and has a lot of deviations and questioned whether the changed would justify the variance.

Chair Babcock noted that the Commission received a letter from Chuck Wallin who was opposed to the project.

Vice Chair Moylan commented that he was unable to make the required Findings.  He noted that during his site visit, he concluded that there would be significant aesthetic impact in the neighborhood. He commented that he finds it difficult to support the flag –shaped lot, the house orientation and the many deviations the project needs and that approval of the project would be negligible benefit to housing.

Comm. Sulser commented that the re-design is a vast improvement but could not support the many deviations.

Chair Babcock did not support the motion.   She commented that heritage houses should be provided flexibility for preservation.

Comm. Simons did not support the motion. He stated that the parking and the redesign is a vast improvement, although he prefers to see a single shared driveway.  He stated that supporting the project would potentially save the historical house.

Comm. Hungerford did not support the motion.  He noted that he normally does not support flag lots but felt that preserving and rehabilitating the historical home is far  more important.

Ms. Ryan stated that City Council will consider the application on July 13, 2004.