SR 06:242 - Laserfiche WebLink

PREV-560, Charles and Scott Austin Work session to review and provide comment on an application for preliminary review for an eight-lot cluster of single-family homes and permanent open space to be located at 3459 Old Foothill Road. Zoning for the property is A (Agriculture) District. Mr. Pavan presented the staff report and described the scope and layout ofthe project. He noted that Judy Banks had expressed concern about the project, and her comments are included in the staff report. Commissioner Roberts disclosed that she toured the property with Mr. Hirst and spoke with Judy Banks on the phone. Commissioners Pearce, Arkin, and Fox stated that they toured the property. THE PUBLIC HEARING WAS OPENED. Charles Austin, applicant, summarized the history of this property and its place in his family's history. He described the proposed project and how they planned to integrate the homes and open space. Brad Hirst, 1811 Santa Rita Road, Suite 128, representing the applicants, displayed the site plan and described the proposed landscaping. As a part ofthe project, they had agreed to grant 35 feet ofland to all four of the Jorgensen Lane homeowners, providing an additional buffer for the neighbors, They would also dedicate an easement to the Castleridge property owners in order to memorialize the existing access to Old Foothill Road. They would also clean up some title work for Larry Mesa and Dan Garske as well as dedicate a public utilities easement. They would grant to the easement whatever permanent open space the City would accept. Joseph Gomy, Gomy and Garcia Architects, noted that all eight homes would be custom homes. Their firm has been reviewing grading and site planning as they relate to the home designs. They would begin working with the landscape architect and civil engineer on related issues later in the week. He displayed the site plan and noted that they intended to orient the houses so that they do not appear in a straight line, stepping down the hill. Chris Pattillo, landscape architect, noted that a light touch was crucial to this plan, and she intended to make the development unnoticeable. She noted that there was a superb heritage tree that they intended to incorporate and added that a simple wood fence was being considered, Additional fencing would be needed to keep cows and deer out, but it would be with muted colors and would be very difficult to see. They intended to use predominately Califomia native plants. They would like to incorporate measures that would encourage property owners to use sustainable design measures into their homes. In response to an inquiry by Chairperson Arkin regarding the kinds of species to be incorporated, Mr. Pavan noted that non-native species could be limited and the project conditioned so that the trees would be consistent and compatible with the surronndings, EXCERPTS: PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES, April 26, 2006 Page lof4