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DRC 02-06-02Cupertino, CA 95014 (408) 777-3308 Design Review Committee February 6, 2002 APPROVED MINUTES OF THE REGULAR MEETING OF THE DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE HELD ON FEBRUARY 6, 2002 ROLL CALL Committee Members present: Committee Members absent: Staff present: APPROVAL OF MINUTES: Marc Auerbach, Chairperson Taghi Saadati, Commissioner None Peter Gilli, Associate Planner 1. January 16, 2002 Commissioner Chen noted that on page 3, paragraph 4, line 8 should readfloor area ratio exceeding 35%. Minutes of the January 16, 2002 Design Review Committee meeting approved as amended. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS: POSTPONEMENTS/REMOVAL FROM CALENDAR: ORAL COMMUNICATION: None CONSENT CALENDAR: None OLD BUSINESS: None NEW BUSINESS: None PUBLIC HEARING: 2. Application: Applicant: Location: R-2002-01 Robert L. Harrison 10536 Davison Avenue Design Review Committee February 6, 2002 Residential design review of an 835 square foot second-story addition to an existing single-story residence resulting in a floor area ratio of 44%. Design Review Committee decision final unless appealed Staff Presentation: Peter Gilli, Associate Planner, briefly explained that all of the ordinance requirements are met. The only item in question is that it is not certain if 50% of the perimeters of the second story walls are less than 6 feet. Staff will add a condition stating that the plans will be reviewed at the building permit stage to re-ensure that it does conform to the ordinance. If it is over 50%, the applicant may have to make a minor adjustment in order to bring it into conformance, but it would not affect the overall design of the house. Mr. Gilli explained that most of the homes along this street in this neighborhood are single-story. The few two-story homes were built prior to the new second story ordinance. The two projecting elements on the second story do have a good relationship with the projecting elements on the single-story. The only concern that staff has with the design is the bay window on the master bedroom. Staff prefers that it either be centered on the master bedroom, aligning it with ground floor elements or be removed. Larry Cannon, Architectural Consultant, has reviewed the plans and the applicant has addressed those concerns. Staff would like the Committee to consider the applicant and the application regarding the bay window. Mr. Gilli also stated that the second story deck in the front usually requires a deck exception. But in this case, the deck has no views into neighboring yards so no exception is needed. Regarding privacy protection, only one bedroom window requires screening on the rear of the property. The applicant is proposing trees along the rear property line that conform to the ordinance. Commissioner Taghi Saadati asked Mr. Gilli about the deck exception exemption. He also inquired about Mr. Cannon's comments about the rooflines. Mr. Gilli explained that Mr. Cannon's recommendation was to simplify the roof form and the applicant had already addressed that concern by changing the hip roof to a gable on the rear. Mr. Saadati also inquired about the use of frosted glass for privacy protection. Mr. Gilli stated that a window would be exempt from privacy protection if the window were obscured and un-openable. Robert L. Harrison, applicant, stated that he would really like to have the second story deck and is working with staff with the second story ordinance. The bay window offset works better with the current floor plan. He feels that the addition will enhance the neighborhood. Marc Auerbach, Chairman, noted for the record that Mr. Harrison had received a letter from Cathy Lynam-Rohrs, 10520 Davison Avenue and realtor, generally supporting the addition. Mr. 3 Design Review Committee February 6, 2{)02 Auerbach asked if the window were centered on the roofline, how would that change the roof pitch. It was determined that it would change the design of the bedroom and it wouldn't leave room for sitting in that area. Victor Montes, 10590 Glenview Avenue, lives behind the applicant and is concerned about the bay window dimension. Mr. Harrison stated that is a 4 x 4 in the front and 2 x 4 in the rear of the property. Mr. Montes's second concern is the second story privacy. Yudong Sun, 10580 Glenview Avenue, also lives behind the applicant. He feels that the location of Mr. Harrison's property is in a very special location. The backyard is in a very crowded area because there are two properties that back up to the rear of the property and second story is not a good idea. He believes that Mr. Harrison is breaking the restrictions of the neighborhood because he is conduction business out of his home. Mr. Sun feels that the second story deck in the front yard is unattractive. He also feels that there is a privacy concern with the window on the side of the addition facing his home. Mr. Auerbach feels that second story is in conformance with the ordinance and that conducting business out of a home is legal. He stated that in the future, a neighbor can contact the Code Enforcement Department to discuss possible violations including noise levels. Regarding privacy, the second story window is five feet above the floor level and is typically more difficult to look out of. Mr. Gilli explained that the ordinance states that if the window has a sill height of over five feet from floor level, privacy protection is not required. Mr. Saadati feels that the bay window adds character to the design of the house. He feels that even if the window were centered, it still wouldn't line up. Mr. Auerbach presented some pictures that showed good and bad examples of second stories. He had some concerns regarding the exterior appearance of the bay window. He feels the applicant has worked well with the constraints of the code. Commissioner Saadati moved to approve R-2002-01 with condition 2 removed and a new condition regarding second story visible wall heights stating that staff will review the project for conformance when construction drawings are submitted. MOTION: SECOND: ABSENT: ABSTAIN: VOTE: Commissioner Saadati moved to approve R-2002-01 Chairperson Auerbach None None Approved 2-0 4 Design Review Committee February 6, 2002 Respectfully submitted: Kiersa Witt Administrative Clerk g:planning/DRC Committee/Minutes020602