CITY OF COTATI

MINUTES for the Regular Meeting of the DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEE

 

DATE OF MEETING:          October 19, 2006

TIME OF MEETING:          4:30 p.m.

PLACE OF MEETING:       Cotati City Hall, Conference Room

                                                201 W. Sierra Avenue

 

I.          CALL TO ORDER

 

Chairman Merriss called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m.

 

II.        ROLL CALL

 

Committee Members Present:             Kagan, Leys, Hancock, Merriss, LeDoux

Committee Members Absent:              *Hammond

Staff Present:                                       Woltering, Giudice, Brisbine

 

*Arrived following roll call as noted

 

III.       CHANGES TO AGENDA

 

Planning Director Woltering added a discussion to the agenda, under “Reports by Staff” about AB 1234 Ethics Training.

                       

IV.       MATTERS AT HAND

 

A.        Request for Final Design Review modification approval for a 4,695 square foot residence on a 0.22 acre hillside parcel, located at 470 West School Street. 

 

            PA# 18/02                               Applicant:  Castillo/Craigie

            AP# 144-230-024

 

Planning Director Woltering presented the staff report and reviewed the conditions of approval.

 

Committee Member Leys suggested that conditions of approval nos. 1, 2 and 3 could be amended to indicate that the written confirmation could be submitted by a Landscape Architect or a Landscape Designer, and either an Architect or a Designer.

 

Committee Member Kagan inquired about the depth of the detention pond because it seemed to be higher than the adjoining property.

 

Planning Director Woltering responded that all site grading and drainage will be done in accordance with the City Engineer’s requirements.  It is the intention that the drainage situation improve, particularly because there have been some problems involving the property to the north.

 

Nick Castillo, the applicant, was in attendance to represent the application.  He was in agreement with the suggested conditions of approval.

 

There were no comments from the public.

 

Committee Member Kagan complimented the change in design to better suit the hillside and said that the proposed colors should blend in well with the surroundings.

 

Committee Member Leys indicated that the project was acceptable, as it was at Preliminary Design Review.

 

Committee Member LeDoux said that the project as currently designed is an improvement to the original submittal and he was in favor of approving the project.

 

Vice Chairman Hancock agreed with the comments from the other Committee members and was also in support of the project.

 

Motion:

It was moved by Committee Member Leys to grant Final Design Review modification approval for a 4,695 square foot residence on a 0.22 acre hillside parcel, located at 470 West School Street, subject to the suggested conditions of approval as amended.  Second by Vice Chairman Hancock.

 

Yes:     5          Noes:  0           Absent:  1 (Hammond)            Abstain:  0

 

Final Design Review Conditions of Approval – 470 West School Street (Castillo/Craigie):

 

1.         AMENDED.  The project Landscape Architect/Designer shall certify in writing to the Planning Director that the Landscape Plan for the project conforms to that approved by the Design Review Committee.  The certification shall be provided prior to final inspection and the issuance of the Certificate of Occupancy for the proposed residence. 

 

2.         AMENDED.  The project Architect/Designer shall certify in writing to the Planning Director that the maximum height of the proposed residence is not in excess of 23-feet above the finished grade pursuant to the project plan.  The certification shall be provided to the Planning Director prior to the final inspection. 

 

3.         AMENDED.  The proposed water tank shall be appropriately screened utilizing earth tone colors and landscape treatments so as to minimize the appearance of the structure.  Once plantings have been established, a Landscape Architect/Designer shall certify the installation per the Landscape Plan prepared by Penngrove Growers Nursery. 

 

4.         Both the grading and improvement plans shall provide for proper design of the pond/detention structure capable of handling the storm water runoff from the site as well as designing the structure’s downhill side from failure.  The applicant shall also file with the City of Cotati a “Maintenance Agreement” so as to ensure and provide for annual maintenance as well as appropriate procedures for the clean-out of sediment and its disposal. 

 

5.         The applicant’s Improvement Plans shall provide for full winterization of the site in the event that grading activities are unable to be commenced and completed before the onset of wet weather.

 

B.        Request for Preliminary Design Review approval for a 7-lot subdivision, two single-family residences, and design criteria for the remaining lots.  The project site comprises 1.37-acres.   The site is located on Old Redwood Highway with access from John Roberts Drive.

 

                        PA# 32/05                               Applicant:  A.R. Development/Dennis Altman

                        AP# 046-231-043                                       Rosen Ranch Subdivision

 

Committee Member LeDoux and Chairman Merriss both stepped down due conflicts of interest.

 

Vice Chairman Hancock took over as Chairman.

 

Associate Planner Giudice presented the staff report and reviewed the suggested conditions of approval.  She noted that the street name indicated on the plans will not remain as Rosen Drive, but will be named for a family with some historical significance to the community and approved by City Council.

 

Proposed Design Criteria for lots 3 through 7, including color and material samples, was reviewed by the Committee.  It was the consensus of the Design Review Committee to defer design review approval for units 3 through 7 to Planning staff, based on the Design Criteria that was submitted.

 

Greg LeDoux, the project architect, represented the application.  He discussed the proposed fence along Old Redwood Highway and expressed certainty that the fence can be designed in a way to blend with existing fencing at Altman Acres Subdivision, and they will match the existing plant materials.  He reviewed architectural features of the units including window location.  Although the drawings indicate carriage doors with windows on the garages, the applicant requests flexibility on the windows to meet the needs of the individual buyer.  Mr. LeDoux directed attention to the Green Points checklist that was submitted as a part of their application package.

 

Dennis Altman, the applicant, distributed photographs depicting the type of fence that he is proposing for the frontage along Old Redwood Highway.  He requested amendment to suggested condition of approval # 22 to state that residential fire sprinklers may be required for lots 1 and 2.

He said that cobra light fixtures are proposed because of an established precedent in the area. 

 

Planning Director Woltering and Associate Planner Giudice answered questions from the Committee concerning the private driveway that provides access to lots 1, 2 and 3; efforts by the applicant to achieve energy efficiency; and the drainage and filtration that will be subject to the approval of the City Engineer.

 

Associate Planner Giudice clarified staff’s support for acorn lighting, with light shields installed, at the property lines and along the interior street in order to protect adjacent residences from being impacted.  She also said that at this time there is no proposal for development of the Haass property to the south, but that the plan indicates a potential location for a future street connection if that land is developed in the future. 

 

John Hanners, John Roberts Drive (Altman Acres Subdivision), said that he would be in favor of an extension of the new sound wall along his property line to mitigate the noise level, but asked what cost there would be to the Altman Acres property owners.

 

Planning Director Woltering responded.  He said that, ultimately, the City Council will decide what improvements will be required for the Rosen Acres Old Redwood Highway frontage, and that their decision would be useful to follow-up meetings with the residents of Altman Acres.  At this point in time, it would be difficult to estimate the cost of retrofitting the Altman Acres fence, but it would probably be subject to Design Review Committee approval with costs shared by the individual property owners.

 

In the interim, he said that staff is looking at the possibility of installing speed indicators at the south entrance to the City to hopefully reduce speed and eliminate some of the noise.  In addition, there are some breaks in the pavement that contribute to the noise levels and that possibly some re-paving could help.

 

In response to an inquiry from one of the residents in attendance, Planning Director Woltering

confirmed that pine trees along the north property line will be removed.

 

An unidentified Altman Acres resident, asked what the residential noise standards were when Altman Acres was built, and whether they may have been overlooked.  He suggested that there could be some shared responsibility for the cost of retrofitting their fences.

 

Committee Member Leys said that the project is a good one and should fit into the area well.  He supported the design guidelines for the remaining five lots, with some flexibility to allow the buyers of the units to influence the final design.  Regarding the landscaped terrace recommended by staff to soften the effects of the sound wall, he suggested that vines would also soften the impacts of the wall while allowing for some available yard area.  He stated his opinion that treatment of the area abutting the sound fence within the rear yard areas of Lots 1 and 2 should be left to the individual homeowner.

 

Committee Member Kagan said that he liked the designs for the two homes proposed and complimented the color selection.  He supported the use of carriage-style garage doors with windows.  He expressed the importance of the sound wall being designed to meet engineering standards.  He also supported the use of acorn-style light fixtures.

 

Committee Member Hammond agreed with the recommendations from other Committee members.  He requested that plans submitted for Final Design Review give consideration to the area between the private drive and south property line, in terms of appropriate landscape treatments.

 

Vice Chairman Hancock appreciated the drainage detail provided for this level of review.  He said that the house designs were good and he agrees with the use of acorn-style light fixtures.  He said that he had no opinion on whether or not the garage doors have windows. 

 

Dennis Altman, the applicant, responded to an inquiry from Committee Member Leys

and said that he had no problem with design review at staff level for the remaining five lots.

 

Motion:

It was moved by Committee Member Leys to grant Preliminary Design Review approval for a 7-lot subdivision, two single-family residences (lots 1 and 2), and design criteria for the remaining lots (lots 3 through 7), subject to the suggested conditions of approval as amended.  Second by Committee Member Kagan.

 

Yes:     4          Noes:  0           Absent:  0        Abstain:  2 (Merriss, LeDoux)

 

Recommended Amendments to the Suggested Conditions of Approval - Rosen Ranch Subdivision (PA# 32/05):

 

1.     The project shall comply with the City of Cotati’s Sustainable Building Program by achieving a minimum of 80 points on the Green Building Checklist, which shall be certified by a City-approved Green Rater.  The final points at construction shall be no less than 60 points.  The applicant shall work with the Planning Department to that end.

 

2.     Prior to Building Permit Submittal, the applicant shall ensure that all proposed green building measures are properly cross referenced in the construction drawings.  

 

3.     Prior to Building Permit submittal, the Green Building Professional shall review and certify that building permit plans have been prepared in compliance with the Green Building Checklist and incorporate condition of approval number 2.  Certification shall be illustrated by the Green Building Professional’s signature on the plans.

 

4.     Prior to Building Permit Issuance, the Contractor and the Green Building Professional shall participate in a preconstruction meeting with representatives from the Planning and Building department.

 

5.     Lot coverage shall not exceed 40 percent.  Lot coverage for Lot 2 shall be reduced to 40 percent by incorporating permeable material for the driveway or some other method approved by the Director.  This information shall be submitted to the Director prior to Final Design Review.

 

6.     A minimum of 30% high volume fly ash shall be used for the foundation, walkways, driveways etc.

 

7.     The building shall be pre-plumbed for solar water heating.

 

8.     Prior to Final Design Review, the applicant shall submit final landscape plans that identify the following:

 

a.      The landscape plans shall reflect a minimum of 50% native and 80% drought tolerant plants in each plant category (groundcover, shrubs, and trees), and vegetated bioswales. 

b.     The proposed plant palette shall include the following information:  quantity, size, common name, scientific name, drought tolerant status, and native status. 

c.      Drip irrigation shall be the primary (at least 80%) type of irrigation installed. The plans shall be revised to reflect this requirement and identify the location of the drip system.

d.     The plans shall indicate the use of a weed block fabric for the public and private landscape areas. 

 

9.     Prior to Final Inspection, the applicant’s landscape architect shall submit written certification that the plants installed are of the species and size of those indicated on the landscape plans, including 50% native species and 80% drought resistant.  And that the required drip irrigation has been installed.

 

10.  DELETE.  Prior to Planning Commission Review, the applicant shall submit revised drawings that reflect a landscaped terrace along the east side of the sound barrier wall proposed along Old Redwood Highway through Lots 1 and 2.  The terrace shall be adequately sized to accommodate landscaping with a minimum 4 feet high and 3 feet deep.  Landscaping within the terrace shall consist of drought tolerant shrubs and ground cover.  The terrace shall be designed such that the overall usable rear yard for lots 1 and 2 will be at least 20 feet deep. 

 

11.  Prior to Planning Commission review, the applicant shall submit a confirmation letter from Illingworth and Rodkin that verifies the proposed wall provides the level of noise attenuation required by the Illingworth and Rodkin report. 

 

12.  Prior to Final Inspection, the applicant shall record landscape and roadway maintenance agreement for the area shown as “Private Driveway.”

 

 

13.  Prior to Final Inspection, the applicant shall submit proposed lighting fixtures that will be used for each of the residential units.  Lighting fixtures shall be low wattage decorative lighting fixtures and shall be used for safety purposes only.

 

14.  Upon submittal of Improvement Plans, the applicant shall submit revised lighting details for street lighting.  Lighting fixtures shall be the City’s decorative “acorn” Street Light Standard lighting fixture.  A photometric study shall be required prior to issuance of building permit to ensure proper on-site lighting. 

 

15.  Prior to Final Design Review the applicant shall revise the Design Criteria Manual for the Rosen Ranch subdivision as follows:

 

a.      Item 1 -  Front porches shall have a minimum dimension of 8 feet.

b.     Item 8 -Garage doors shall be carriage-style garage doors with windows for all of the homes to reflect a more custom-crafted appearance

c.      Item 9 - Street side yard fencing shall not exceed a height of 42 inches from grade unless the fence complies with the setback requirements for the district.

 

16.  The locations of all mechanical equipment, including air conditioning and heating units, shall be shown on the design plans for Final Design Review.  All such equipment shall be located outside of all setbacks and adequately screened from view from the public right-of-way.

 

17.  This project shall comply with City Code and City Council policy by undergrounding all utilities and utility boxes that are within or visible from the public right-of-way. No utility boxes shall be located on public property.  Prior to Issuance of a Building Permit the applicant shall submit plans that identify the location of any utility boxes and a cross section that provide method used for undergrounding.

 

18.  Prior to Final Inspection, the applicant shall schedule a pre-inspection meeting with Planning to confirm that utility lines and boxes have been installed underground.

 

City Engineer

 

19.  Prior to Planning Commission Review,  the applicant shall submit the following for review by the City Engineer:

 

a.        The street grades along the east curb return exceed City Standards for this classification of roadway. Recommend raising the flow line elevations on the east side of the intersection of Rosen Drive/Jon Roberts Drive to soften the return grades. A standard 2% section can be achieved further into Rosen Drive from where it is currently illustrated.

b.        Per City policy, concrete cross gutters are not allowed in public streets. Recommend installing catch basins as needed along John Roberts Drive and/or Rosen Drive to pick up any drainage that may be tributary to the proposed intersection.

c.        All planting materials, located in the minimum sight distance areas in John Roberts Drive and Rosen Drive, shall be low profile ground covers meeting the City of Cotati landscaping ordinance. The Subdivider shall be solely responsible for all associated costs for all landscape and irrigation removals, modifications or installation that may be required

d.        The applicant shall submit an agreement letter from the property owner adjacent to proposed Lot 4 that indicates the property owners agreement to enter into a sidewalk and roadway improvement easement.  A public side walk easement shall be required for all proposed sidewalk and related improvements proposed on adjacent property. Said easement documents shall be subject to review and approval of the City Engineer and shall be recorded prior to the City Council approval of the Tentative Map.

e.        Cross Section 2 Architectural Sheet A-1 & Old Redwood Hwy. Section Civil Sheet 1 shall be revised to show consistent elevations.  Civil sheet shall show all proposed grading, all proposed planter berms, any proposed retaining walls and all proposed screen or sound walls along the entire length of the Old Redwood Hwy in section and plan view.

f.         The Tentative Map for Lot 1& Lot 2 shall clearly illustrate with cross sections the existing and proposed condition along the northerly right of way of Old Redwood Highway and the southerly limits of the proposed lots.

g.        The centerline radius of Rosen Drive shall be revised to meet the City Standard minimum radius of 175’ for this category roadway.

h.        Sheet C2 Grading Plan, Section C-C shall be revised to show a 2% graded area along the southerly side of the John Roberts Drive right-of-way to comply with top of slope setback requirements (Section 3314.2 & 3314.3).  This area shall function for both CBC top of slope setback and provide a backer for the existing sidewalk.

i.         Sheet C2 Grading Plan, Section B-B shall be revised to show the required CBC top of slope setbacks (Section 3314.2 & 3314.3) along the easterly lot line of Lots 6 & 7

j.         The applicant shall revise the Tentative Map (Sheet C1) to note how the existing fence along the easterly lot line of Lots 6 & 7 and the northwesterly lot line of Lots 1, 3 & 4 will be dealt with (i.e.: To remain undisturbed, to be replaced, etc. ……)

k.        The applicant shall provide a 2-foot wide area along the length of both sides of Rosen Drive that contain a 2% grade. 

l.         The applicant will be required to provide a vehicular barricade, a pedestrian barricade and signage for “Future Street Extension” at the end of the proposed Rosen Drive street improvements. The applicant shall revise plans to reflect this requirement. 

m.       The applicant shall provide a temporary 6” AC berm at the end of Rosen Drive.

n.        The applicant shall revise the site distance exhibits to remove the any reference to the 20 mph sight distance.

o.        The applicant shall revise plans to reflect a three way stop control condition at the intersection of John Roberts Drive and the future Rosen Drive.

p.        The applicant shall provide install a concrete curb on both the east and west side of the “Private Drive.”  The applicant shall revise Sheet 2 Grading Plan, Section A-A to reflect this condition.

q.        The applicant shall revise plans to show consistent cross sections for Sheets C1 –Tentative Map (cross section “Private Drive”) and Sheet C2 Grading plan (cross section A-A). 

r.         The applicant shall clarify whether Lot 2 will require a cut or a fill and revise plans accordingly.

s.          The applicant shall provide sections for the “Private Drive” within Lots 3 & 5 along and adjacent to the Lands of Haas.

t.          The applicant shall submit a cross section of the area at the end of “Rosen Drive” showing how it ties in to the adjacent property.

u.        The applicant shall provide a City Standard catch basin at the end of Rosen Drive.

v.        The applicant shall revise plans to show the location of all existing utilities in John Roberts Drive. (i.e.: Water line, joint trench, etc.)

w.      Proposed public storm drain and sanitary sewer shall be located within a dedicated 15’ wide public easement. Said easements shall be free of private improvements encroaching into the easement areas other than ac pavement.

x.        The public storm drain and public sanitary sewer improvements lie under private and public curb and gutter locations. The applicant shall revise plans to show all public utilities to be entirely out of any public curb and gutter improvements and/or private improvements.  The proposed alignments should follow the street alignments. All public storm drain and sanitary sewer improvements shall meet City of Cotati Standards.).

y.        All shared private infrastructure shall be privately owned, privately maintained and shall require private maintenance agreements and associated easements. Prior to approval of the improvement plans said documents shall be subject to the review and approval of the City Engineer and City Attorney.

 

20.  Prior to Final Design Review, the applicant shall submit proposed mailbox locations.  The applicants shall provide written verification that the Post Office concurs with the design and location.

 

Fire Department

 

21.  Prior to Planning Commission Review, the applicant shall submit revised drawings that identify Fire Department turnaround areas.

 

22.  AMEND.  Residential sprinklers will be required for the residents on Lots 1 and 2, if required by the Fire District, due to the Fire Departments inability to get within 150 feet of structures.

 

23.  The applicant shall identify on the plans that areas within the private driveway are “No Parking Areas”

 

V.        REPORTS BY STAFF

 

Design Review Committee Members Merriss and LeDoux returned to the Committee.

 

Planning Director Woltering discussed the State-mandated Ethics Training (AB 1234).  In addition to the training session scheduled for October 20, 2006, at the Sonoma County Board of Supervisor’s Chambers in Santa Rosa, and an ABAG Session on December 11th in Oakland, there is a possible opportunity for in-house training.

 

The Design Review Committee members that still require training agreed with Monday, November 27, 2006, for an in-house training if it is made available.

 

VI.       REPORTS BY COMMITTEE

 

There were no reports from the Committee.

 

VII.     ADJOURNMENT

 

Chairman Merriss adjourned the meeting at 5:30 p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

Submitted by:

Kathleen Brisbine

Administrative Secretary