CITY OF COTATI

MINUTES for the Regular Meeting of the Planning Commission

DATE OF MEETING: Monday, April 21, 2003

TIME OF MEETING: 7:00 p.m.

PLACE OF MEETING: Cotati City Hall, City Council Chambers

201 West Sierra Avenue, Cotati, CA 94931

I. CALL TO ORDER

Chairwoman McClelland called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.

II. ROLL CALL

Commissioners Present: Rock, Pagnusat, Dutra, McClelland

Commissioners Absent: Hammond

Staff Present: Woltering, Brisbine

III. CHANGES TO THE AGENDA

There were no changes to the agenda.

IV. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

A. For the Regular Meeting on March 17, 2003

It was moved by Commissioner Pagnusat to approve the minutes of March 17, 2003, as submitted. Second by Commissioner Rock.

Yes: 5 Noes: 0 Absent: 0 Abstain: 0

V. ORAL AND WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS

There were no oral or written communications.

VI. MATTERS AT HAND

A. Interview applicants for appointments to the Design Review Committee and forward recommendations to City Council.

Planning Director Woltering provided a brief overview of the staff report. He stated that there are three positions vacant on the Design Review Committee and one alternate position. He explained the appointment process that begins with the Planning Commission interviewing applicants and making recommendations for appointments to the City Council.

Chairwoman McClelland invited applicants to come forward in the order listed within the staff report.

Citizen at Large

Patricia Jonas-Voulgaris introduced herself as a retired businesswoman that has been a resident of the community for fifteen years. In response to inquiries from the Planning Commission, she discussed her on-going community involvement, her likes and dislikes concerning recent development projects, and her ideas about how the community should develop in the future.

Jude Halbertstadt introduced herself and said that she has been a resident of the community for twelve years. Although she has had no previous community involvement, she is interested in how the City continues to grow. In response to inquiries from the Planning Commission, she discussed what she likes and dislikes about recent development projects. She also said that although she could attend the Design Review Committee meetings at 4:30 p.m. most of the time, there was a possibility that she could occasionally be delayed because of her work schedule.

Jason Fortier introduced himself and said that he is new to the area and is interested in becoming involved with the community. He discussed his educational background in both geography and planning, and his current employment where he is involved with the SMART rail corridor project. In response to inquiries from the Planning Commission, he said that the meetings at 4:30 p.m. would not be a problem.

Steven Oneness introduced himself and said that he has been a resident of the community for thirteen years. He discussed his educational background in business management and current employment as a payroll auditor. He discussed his previous position on the Cotati Planning Commission approximately ten years ago and his reasons for not seeking reappointment at that time. He responded to inquiries from the Planning Commission and said that the meetings at 4:30 p.m. would not be a problem.

Chris Davis was unable to attend the meeting, but has expressed to staff an interest in serving as an alternate Design Review Committee member. Mr. Davis was previously a member of the Design Review Committee and is a landscape professional.

Person Skilled in the Construction Trades

Joseph Kagan is the incumbent and submitted a letter requesting reappointment. He was out of town and unable to attend the Planning Commission meeting.

Architect

Robert Leys was in attendance at the meeting and expressed his interest in being reappointed to the Design Review Committee.

Discussion/Recommendations:

Architect: Chairwoman McClelland recommended the reappointment of Robert Leys to the Design Review Committee. The recommendation was unanimous.

Person Skilled in the Construction Trades: Chairwoman McClelland recommended the reappointment of Joseph Kagan to the Design Review Committee. The recommendation was unanimous.

Alternate Member: Chairwoman McClelland recommended the appointment of Chris Davis to the alternate Design Review Committee position based on his knowledge of landscape design and previous experience on the Committee. The recommendation was unanimous.

Citizen at Large:

Commissioner Rock said that all of the applicants are qualified and the decision for appointments is difficult. He supported either Jason Fortier because of his related qualifications, or Steven Onines because of his previous experience on the Planning Commission and length of time in the community.

Commissioner Pagnusat agreed with Commissioner Rock. However, because of his previous experience and length of time in the community, he supported the appointment of Steven Onines.

Vice Chairman Dutra agreed with the appointment of Steven Onines because of his previous experience on the Planning Commission and time in the community. He said that although Jason Fortier is extremely qualified, Vice Chairman Dutra felt that he has not been in the area long enough to have a feel for the community.

Chairwoman McClelland said that the length of time someone has lived in the community is not as important to her and that she became involved in community service shortly after moving to Cotati herself. She was impressed with Jason Fortier’s experience and educational background.

The Planning Commission continued to discuss their opinions regarding this appointment at length.

In conclusion, Chairwoman McClelland nominated Steven Onines for the Citizen-at-Large vacancy on the Design Review Committee.

Chairwoman McClelland thanked the other applicants for their interest and encouraged their participation in the community, perhaps be seeking appointment to another City board or commission.

B. Request for approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Design Review to allow the remodel of a 432-square foot existing structure and the addition of 464-square feet to create a one bedroom second unit (896 sq. ft. total) on a 3.02 acre parcel located at 896 Madrone Avenue. This project is exempt from further CEQA review under Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).

PA# 01/03 Applicant: Tyler/Skoog

AP# 046-103-053

Planning Director Woltering presented the staff report and reviewed the suggested conditions of approval. He recommended that suggested condition #4 be deleted and the associated requirement for an easement be reconsidered at the time of future subdivision of the property.

In response to inquiries from the Planning Commission, Planning Director Woltering said that the required pedestrian access along the Madrone Avenue property frontage should conform to a more rural standard, given the location of the property. Concerning maintenance, the City would maintain the swale if it is located in the public right-of-way. However, if the walkway is constructed on private property with a public access easement, the property owner would maintain the walkway.

Planning Director Woltering acknowledged that the requirement for sidewalk is more than what is typically required of a second dwelling unit. However, the property was recently annexed with no requirement for public improvements.

The PUBLIC HEARING was opened at 8:07 p.m.

Ken Tyler

896 Madrone Avenue, said that he purchased the property in 1998. When the septic system failed he requested annexation to the City of Cotati in order to connect to City services. He said that he always intended to build a second dwelling unit and had the utilities installed when he connected his home to City services.

Concerning the easement over Madrone Place (condition #4), he said that he wants to support the City in securing access to the school at the time of future subdivision, however, in the interim he needs to explore potential liability issues.

Regarding condition #3, he proposed installation of sidewalk from the north property line to his southerly driveway. The remainder of the sidewalk could be installed when he subdivides.

Planning Director Woltering responded that it is the intent of the City to require sidewalk along the entire property frontage as a part of the second dwelling unit.

Mr. Tyler indicated that he would agree to conditions 1 – 3.

The PUBLIC HEARING was closed at 8:16 p.m.

In response to an inquiry from Vice Chairman Dutra, Planning Director Woltering said that staff has initiated contact with the School District concerning access to Thomas Page School. Currently, Madrone Place is used as a vehicle drop-off point for students who then cross the Tyler’s property to access the school. He said that adequate improvements for this access could be required at the time of subdivision. However, there are concerns regarding design because of the slope, and liability that will need to be addressed.

There was an inquiry from the Planning Commission about the possibility of a fence being installed between the Tyler’s and the School property to prohibit access because currently people are trespassing. Planning Director Woltering responded that this would be a shared responsibility between the Tyler’s and the School District.

It was moved by Commissioner Pagnusat to adopt Resolution No. PC 03-09 approving a Conditional Use Permit and Design Review for a Second Dwelling Unit located at 896 Madrone Avenue (PA# 01/03 – AP# 046-103-053) subject to the suggested conditions of approval as amended. Second by Vice Chairman Dutra.

Yes: 4 Noes: 0 Absent: 1 (Hammond) Abstain: 0

Design Review Committee

1. Materials used for the proposed second unit: siding, paint, window treatment, and roofing material shall match the main house.

2. All windows shall be single or double hung.

City Engineer

3. The applicants shall install a sidewalk along their entire Madrone Avenue frontage utilizing the City of Cotati rural sidewalk standard (8’ min. swale or planter strip with 5’ paved path) to the satisfaction of the City Engineer prior to occupancy of the second unit. If the path cannot be installed solely on public property, the applicant shall accept an easement in favor of the City of Cotati for the location of the aforementioned improvements.

4. DELETED. ~~Applicant shall dedicate an easement along~~ ~~Madrone Place~~ ~~and the well site in favor of the City of~~ ~~Cotati~~ ~~and improve the easement to the satisfaction of the City Engineer prior to occupancy of the second unit.~~

C. Request for approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Design Review to allow the construction of an 896 square foot second dwelling unit with a 400 square foot attached garage on a 0.5-acre parcel at 8390 Cypress Avenue. This project is exempt from further CEQA review under Section 15303 (New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures).

PA# 04/03 Applicant: Cashwell/J.S. Construction

AP# 144-391-022

Planning Director Woltering presented the staff report and provided photographs of the property for Planning Commission review. He recommended approval of the Conditional Use Permit subject to the suggested conditions of approval.

In response to an inquiry from the Planning Commission concerning condition #3, Planning Director Woltering indicated that the Commission is being requested to comment on roof color and texture.

The PUBLIC HEARING was opened at 8:30 p.m.

Victor Cashwell, the property owner, represented the application. He presented a sample of his proposed roof material that is composition designed to look like tile, with a Mediterranean style and a 50-year life expectancy. The color proposed is Sienna Sunrise.

Planning Director Woltering commented that the proposed roof material would blend well with the roof material on the main house.

The PUBLIC HEARING was closed at 8:35 p.m.

Chairwoman McClelland said that she likes the roof material proposed by the applicant instead of metal.

Commissioner Rock said that he would typically want to see matching roof materials on the main unit and the second dwelling, but in this situation where the second unit will not be visible from the street the applicant’s proposed roof material was acceptable to him.

It was the consensus of the Planning Commission to amend condition of approval #3 as follows:

3. AMENDED: Roof tiles shall match existing roof tiles on main house, ~~however alternative materials such as metal or concrete may be considered and approved over the counter by planning department staff as long as they match the existing style.~~ or a 50-year “Sienna Sunset” composition roof material as presented to the Planning Commission on April 21, 2003.

It was moved by Vice Chairman Dutra to adopt Resolution No. PC 03-08 approving a Conditional Use Permit and Design Review for a Second Dwelling Unit located at 8590 Cypress Avenue (PA# 04/03, AP# 144-391-022), subject to the suggested conditions of approval as amended. Second by Commissioner Rock.

Yes: 4 Noes: 0 Absent: 1 (Hammond) Abstain: 0

Design Review Committee

1. Roof pitch shall be the minimum of 5:12 per city policy.

2. All windows shall be single or double hung.

4. The interior dimensions of the porch depth shall be six feet.

5. All materials and colors shall match the existing unit.

6. The new driveway shall be paved with a permanent surface (i.e., asphalt concrete) to a maximum width of 12’.

VII. REPORTS BY STAFF

Planning Director Woltering announced the resignation of City Manager Dale Shaddox. Robert Christofferson has been appointed as Interim City Manager.

Planning Director Woltering also indicated what items are expected to be on the next Planning Commission agenda for May 5.

Vice Chairman Dutra announced that he will be unable to attend the May 5 meeting due to travel.

VIII. REPORTS BY COMMISSION

Vice Chairman Dutra requested information from staff concerning the Altman Acres project currently under construction. He was concerned about the height of the fence along Old Redwood Highway and the house designs along the Old Redwood Highway frontage. His recollection was that Planning Commission did not have actual elevations at the time of their review, but that specific direction was provided concerning the units along the Old Redwood Highway frontage (i.e. faux fronts with architectural features to mimic a front elevation, porches, and a lower fence). He asked if there was any precedence for bringing a project back before the Planning Commission.

Planning Director Woltering acknowledged the expressed concerns and will meet with the developer and the architect to discuss future plans. It was the consensus of the Planning Commission that specific issues that should be addressed are as follows:

Architectural features for the units along Old Redwood Highway.

Appearance of the sidewalk given the grade differential, the pathways to the gates, and the location and alignment of the gates.

Planning Director Woltering agreed to report back to the Planning Commission concerning this matter.

Vice Chairman Dutra also asked about the color selections at the new Cohousing project. Planning Director Woltering provided the approved color rendering and color samples.

Planning Director Woltering said that the Planning Commission doesn’t typically review color selections because that is a part of the final Design Review process. However, he suggested that perhaps conceptual colors could be a part of the preliminary Design Review process which would allow Planning Commission review.

IX. ADJOURNMENT

Chairwoman McClelland adjourned the meeting at 9:17 p.m.

Submitted by:

Kathleen Brisbine, Administrative Secretary