HomeMy WebLinkAbout05.27.08 PC Minutes - APPROVED0 CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION
BURLINGAM£ APPROVED MINUTES
City Council Chambers
501 Primrose Road - Burlingame, California
May 27, 2008 - 7:00 p.m.
I. CALL TO ORDER
Vice -Chair Terrones called the May 27, 2008, regular meeting of the Planning Commission to order at 7:02
p.m.
II. ROLL CALL
Present: Commissioners Auran, Brownrigg, Lindstrom, Terrones, Vistica and Yie
Absent: Commissioner Cauchi
Staff Present: Community Development Director, William Meeker and Planner, Ruben Hurin
III. MINUTES
Commissioner A uran moved, seconded by Commissioner Brownrigg to approve the minutes of the May 12,
2008 regular meeting of the Planning Commission, with the following change:
Page 6, bottom of page; delete "Appeal procedures were advised".
Motion passed 6-0-1 (Commissioner Cauchi absent).
IV. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There were no changes to the agenda.
V. FROM THE FLOOR
Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa Avenue; referenced the Peninsula Hospital study item (Agenda Item 2).
Requested that the Commission ask for the following information: a business plan and types of services
that will be provided in the professional office building. The application does not specify what the use of the
additional floor will be. Currently, if a bed is not available at the hospital, it is because someone hasn't
been able to be moved to a skilled care facility. Skilled nursing that was planned to be at the hospital is
being moved to 1720 Trousdale (Magnolia Gardens). The helipad may well not be built due to lack of
funds. The Commission should insist that the helipad be built. The additional floor will not be set back as
far from the neighbors as far as originally planned. Space could be rented out to persons not practicing at
the hospital.
VI. STUDY ITEMS
1. 1219 BROADWAY, ZONED C-1, BROADWAY COMMERCIAL AREA — APPLICATION FOR
CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT AND PARKING VARIANCE FOR EXPANSION OF AN EXISTING FOOD
ESTABLISHMENT (DES ARCHITECTS AND ENGINEERS, APPLICANTAND ARCHITECT; AND DAVID
ARMANINO. PROPERTY OWNER) PROJECT PLANNER: ERICA STROHMEIER
CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
Planner Hurin presented a summary of the staff report, dated May 27, 2008.
Commission comments:
Include discussion in staff report of City Council's desire a few years ago to allow additional
restaurants on Broadway; use this information to support request.
Be cognizant of design of fire sprinkler requirements, especially if at front of property.
Would be a good addition to Broadway.
This item was set for the regular Consent Calendar when all the information has been submitted and
reviewed by the Planning Department. This item concluded at 7:14 p.m.
2. 1783 EL CAMINO REAL/1501 TROUSDALE DRIVE, ZONED UNCLASSIFIED — APPLICATION FOR
AMENDMENT TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT TO INCREASE THE FLOOR AREA OF THE PROPOSED
PROFESSIONAL OFFICE BUILDING FOR THE PENINSULA HOSPITAL REPLACEMENT PROJECT
(MILLS -PENINSULA HEALTH SERVICES, APPLICANT; PENINSULA HEALTH CARE DISTRICT,
PROPERTY OWNER; AND ANSHEN + ALLEN, ARCHITECT) PROJECT PLANNER: MAUREEN
BROOKS
Community Development Director Meeker presented a summary of the staff report, dated May 28, 2008.
Commission comments:
■ Application well done, but would like the following items addressed: provide a business plan, uses
for the expanded building, and whether or not the helipad will be built.
■ Would like to see an original site plan to compare to new site plan.
• Section through the helipad area should be provided.
■ With respect to Huebner letter, what is the plan for parking management post -construction?
■ Adding primary healthcare jobs is good for Burlingame.
■ The building's vocabulary was balanced in thirds; would like to see if there is a means of restoring
the balance in the design; something to give the middle third of the building increased weight to
balance the top.
• Attendant parking is discussed as a potential solution to parking issues post -construction; plan and
give thought ahead of time if valet parking is to be provided as part of the plan.
■ Review the key conditions that are outstanding with a status report; particularly with respect to the
public art piece.
This item was set for the regular Action Calendar when all the information has been submitted and
reviewed by the Planning Department. This item concluded at 7:22 p.m.
VII. ACTION ITEMS
Consent Calendar - Items on the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine. They are acted upon
simultaneously unless separate discussion and/or action is requested by the applicant, a member of the
public or a Commissioner prior to the time the Commission votes on the motion to adopt.
Vice -Chair Terrones asked if anyone in the audience or on the Commission wished to call any item off the
consent calendar. Jeffrey Kaufman, 1760 Escalante Way, requested that Item 3a (1790 Escalante Way) be
removed from Consent Calendar for discussion.
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
3b. 1226 EL CAMINO REAL, ZONED R-3 —APPLICATION FOR A NEW, FOUR-STORY 9-UNIT
RESIDENTIAL CONDOMINIUM PROJECT (1226 EL CAMINO LLC, APPLICANTAND PROPERTY
OWNER; AND KIRK MILLER AFFILIATES, ARCHITECT) PROJECT PLANNER: RUBEN HURIN
(continued from April 14, 2008 Planning Commission meeting)
a. Mitigated Negative Declaration, Condominium Permit, and Parking Variance
b. Tentative Condominium Map and Tentative and Final Parcel Map for Lot Combination
3c. 1425 BURLINGAME AVENUE, ZONED C-1, SUBAREA A — APPLICATION FOR AMENDMENT
TO CONDITIONAL USE PERMIT FOR A FOOD ESTABLISHMENT TO CHANGE THE HOURS OF
OPERATION AND NUMBER OF EMPLOYEES (LAURA LEFF, APPLICANT; AND GREGORY J.
GORMEY, PROPERTY OWNER) PROJECT PLANNER: RUBEN HURIN
3d. AMENDMENT TO TITLE 22, THE SIGN CODE, TO EXEMPT CERTAIN POLE SIGNS IN THE SL
DISTRICT FROM COMPLIANCE, AMEND HEIGHTS ALLOWED FOR MONUMENT SIGNS IN THE
RR, C-1 AND C-2 DISTRICTS, AND CORRECT A REFERENCE REGARDING WALL SIGN AREA.
PROJECT PLANNER: MAUREEN BROOKS
Commissioner Brownrigg moved approval of Items 3b, 3c and 3d on the Consent Calendar based on the
facts in the staff reports, Commissioner's comments and the findings in the staff reports, with recommended
conditions in the staff reports and by resolution. The motion was seconded by Commissioner A uran. Vice -
Chair Terrones called for a voice vote on the motion and it passed 6-0-1 (Commissioner Cauchi absent).
VIII. REGULAR ACTION ITEMS
3a. 1790 ESCALANTE WAY, ZONED R-1 — APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW, HILLSIDE AREA
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT, PARKING VARIANCE AND SPECIAL PERMIT FORA NEW BASEMENT FOR
A FIRST AND SECOND STORY ADDITION TO A SINGLE FAMILY RESIDENCE (JOHN C. LEE,
APPLICANT AND ARCHITECT; AND DAVID ZHANG, PROPERTY OWNER) PROJECT PLANNER:
ERICA STROHMEIER (continued from April 28, 2008 and May 12, 2008 Planning Commission
meetings)
Reference staff report dated May 28, 2008, with attachments. Community Development Director Meeker
presented the report, reviewed criteria and staff comments. Twelve (12) conditions were suggested for
consideration.
Vice -Chair Terrones opened the public hearing.
John Lee, project architect, 711 San Miguel Lane, Foster City; presented the project.
Commission comments:
Discussed roof pitch.
Public comments:
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
■ Jeffrey and June Kaufman, 1760 Escalante Way; still concerned that view will continued to be
impacted by the blocky appearance of the addition. Architect noted that the ridgeline was lowered
16-inches; but Commission wanted it reduced by 18- to 24-inches; could further reduce the impacts.
Commission comments:
Is a good effort; an improvement in the design addressing the Kaufman's concerns.
No Variances are being requested.
The design is a reasonable compromise to address view concerns.
Commissioner Brownrigg moved to approve the application by resolution, with the following conditions:
that the project shall be built as shown on the plans submitted to the Planning Division date
stamped May 15, 2008, sheet A4 and A5, date stamped April 16, 2008, sheet A3, and date
stamped March 28, 2008, sheets Al, A2, A6 and A7, and that any changes to building materials,
exterior finishes, footprint or floor area of the building shall require an amendment to this permit;
2. that the conditions of the Chief Building Official's September 20, 2007, October 18, 2007 and
January 31, 2008 memos, the City Engineer's September 24, 2007 memo, the Fire Marshal's
September 24, 2007 and October 22, 2007, memos, and the NPDES Coordinator's September 24,
2007, memo shall be met;
3. that during demolition and construction of the proposed addition, the debris box shall be placed
within the driveway of the subject property;
4. that demolition or removal of the existing structures and any grading or earth moving on the site
shall not occur until a building permit has been issued and such site work shall be required to
comply with all the regulations of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District;
5. that any changes to the size or envelope of the basement, first or second floors, or garage, which
would include adding or enlarging a dormer(s), moving or changing windows and architectural
features or changing the roof height or pitch, shall be subject to Planning Commission review;
6. that prior to issuance of a building permit for construction of the project, the project construction
plans shall be modified to include a cover sheet listing all conditions of approval adopted by the
Planning Commission, or City Council on appeal; which shall remain a part of all sets of approved
plans throughout the construction process. Compliance with all conditions of approval is required;
the conditions of approval shall not be modified or changed without the approval of the Planning
Commission, or City Council on appeal;
7. that all air ducts, plumbing vents, and flues shall be combined, where possible, to a single
termination and installed on the portions of the roof not visible from the street; and that these
venting details shall be included and approved in the construction plans before a Building permit is
issued;
8. that the project shall comply with the Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Ordinance
which requires affected demolition, new construction and alteration projects to submit a Waste
Reduction plan and meet recycling requirements; any partial or full demolition of a structure,
interior or exterior, shall require a demolition permit;
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
9. that the project shall meet all the requirements of the California Building and Uniform Fire Codes,
2007 Edition, as amended by the City of Burlingame;
THE FOLLOWING CONDITIONS SHALL BE MET DURING THE BUILDING INSPECTION
PROCESS PRIOR TO THE INSPECTIONS NOTED IN EACH CONDITION
10. that prior to scheduling the framing inspection the project architect or residential designer, or
another architect or residential design professional, shall provide an architectural certification that
the architectural details shown in the approved design which should be evident at framing, such as
window locations and bays, are built as shown on the approved plans; architectural certification
documenting framing compliance with approved design shall be submitted to the Building Division
before the final framing inspection shall be scheduled;
11. that prior to scheduling the roof deck inspection, a licensed surveyor shall shoot the height of the
roof ridge and provide certification of that height to the Building Department; and
12. that prior to final inspection, Planning Department staff will inspect and note compliance of the
architectural details (trim materials, window type, etc.) to verify that the project has been built
according to the approved Planning and Building plans.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Yie.
Discussion of motion:
■ The new basement is an effort on the applicant's part to move the additional floor area below grade.
■ The reduction in the pitch of the porch roof is the maximum that could be achieved.
■ Uncertain if the space could still be useable with further reductions in plate heights and roof pitch.
■ Majority of the addition impacts views of trees.
■ Commissioner Vistica feels the design is fundamentally flawed; doesn't keep with the existing
vocabulary of the house; will not support.
Vice -Chair Terrones called for a voice vote on the motion to approve. The motion passed 5-1-1
(Commissioner Vistica dissenting, Commissioner Cauchi absent). Appeal procedures were advised. This
item concluded at 7:45 p.m.
4. 466 MARIN DRIVE, ZONED R-1 —APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND VARIANCES FOR FLOOR
AREA RATIO, FRONT SETBACK AND PARKING FOR A FIRST AND SECOND STORY ADDITION TO A
SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING (JESSE GEURSE, GEURSE CONCEPTUAL DESIGNS, APPLICANT AND
DESIGNER; AND STEVE DRUSKIN, PROPERTY OWNER) PROJECT PLANNER: ERICA
STROHMEIER (continued from April 28, 2008 Planning Commission Meeting)
Reference staff report dated May 28, 2008, with attachments. Community Development Director Meeker
presented the report, reviewed criteria and staff comments. Twelve (12) conditions were suggested for
consideration.
Vice -Chair Terrones opened the public hearing.
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
Jesse Geurse, 405 Bayswater Avenue and Steve Druskin, 466 Marin Drive; represented the applicant.
Disagree with staff's interpretation of FAR issue; don't wish to request the Variance; will commit to
the current design. Designed a room to be a workable space; and needed to work with roofline to
make it more pleasing; incorporated the dormers. Area above foyer contributes 27 square feet to
the overage on FAR; not accessible from any area.
Commission comments:
■ Appreciate design presented by applicant.
■ What will area below dormer be used for, storage (applicant: was designed so it would not be used
as finished area); why not pull with dormer in further (applicant: this was the approach selected to
provide adequate sized windows that work with the design, did it to not have it applied to the FAR);
seems like wasted space; if the Variance is approved, wouldn't it make sense to increase the floor
area of the room.
■ There isn't a hardship for the Variance; not supported by the facts.
■ Need for Variance is necessitated by the need to make the design for the building work; sets a
dangerous precedent.
■ Disappointed that architect hasn't come back with a design without the need for the Variance, given
the Commission's prior direction; advised architect to advise his client to allow a design that
eliminates the Variance.
■ There should be a way to reduce the square footage without a significant impact upon the usability
of the home.
Public comments:
The project architect asked if the Commission could consider eliminating the foyer area from the
FAR calculation? Asked for Commission direction on whether this would be allowed.
There were no further comments and the public hearing was closed.
Additional Commission comments:
■ The applicant is being penalized relative to FAR, due to the existence of an attached garage; the
change to the porch enhances the design.
■ Perhaps a discussion should occur related to changing the rules relative to detached versus
attached garages.
■ Have been sympathetic to granting FAR Variance in instances where it is a close call; but 122
square feet is not a close call.
■ There may be support for exempting the foyer ceiling height from the FAR calculation.
■ Front setback Variance could be eliminated by relocating the posts on the porch.
■ It is necessary for porch to encroach a bit into the setback to make it more usable; there may be a
reason for granting that Variance.
Commissioner Brownrigg moved to deny the application without prejudice.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Vistica.
Discussion of motion:
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
The dormer was a solution to some challenges encountered by the applicant; now there is an
opportunity to refine the design.
Vice -Chair Terrones called for a voice vote on the motion to deny without prejudice. The motion passed 6-
0-1 (Commissioner Cauchi absent). Appeal procedures were advised. This item concluded at 8:02 p.m.
5. 1221 CABRILLO AVENUE, ZONED R-1 — APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AMENDMENT FOR
CHANGES TO AN APPROVED PROJECT FOR A NEW, TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING
WITH A BASEMENTAND DETACHED GARAGE (BRETAND SUZANNE BOTTARINI, APPLICANTS AND
PROPERTY OWNERS: MARK ROBERTSON. DESIGNER) PROJECT PLANNER: RUBEN HURIN
Reference staff report dated May 28, 2008, with attachments. Planner Hurin presented the report,
reviewed criteria and staff comments. Seventeen (17) conditions were suggested for consideration.
Vice -Chair Terrones opened the public hearing.
Brett Bottarini, 1221 Cabrillo Avenue and Mark Robertson 918 East Grant Place, San Mateo; represented
the applicant.
Through the process of framing, the design of the windows was revised.
True divided light windows are problematic when used in the Prairie -style windows.
Commission comments:
The changes look fine, but why did they occur? Just want to be educated on why this type of
change continues to occur.
The scale of the plans (compressed plans with multiple floors on one page) could have lead to
property owner not truly understanding the design of the windows.
Public comments:
Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa Avenue; this an experienced architect and an owner that built the home
next door 2 years earlier; should have known to submit changes prior to implementing them.
There were no further comments and the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Vistica moved to approve the application, by resolution, with the following conditions:
that the project shall be built as shown on the plans submitted to the Planning Department date
stamped May 2, 2008, sheets 4 and 5 and date stamped February 16, 2007, sheets 1-3 and 6, with
a maximum space between the first and second floor of thirteen (13) inches, maximum second floor
plate height of 8'-1 ",and a reduction in overall building height of at least 3 inches, and that any
changes to building materials, exterior finishes, footprint or floor area of the building shall require an
amendment to this permit;
2. that the sump pump shall be located in an enclosed mechanical room in the basement and it shall
be soundproof so that the noise from the pump will not exceed 5 dBA at any property line of the
site;
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION - Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
3. that one, 15-gallon street tree shall be planted by the Parks Department in the planter strip in front
of the property; the species and location may be chosen by the property owner from the street tree
list for trees located under power lines;
4. that the conditions of the Chief Building Official's December 4, 2006 memo, the City Engineer's
January 11, 2007memo, the Fire Marshal's December 5, 2006 memo, and the NPDES
Coordinator's December 5, 2006 memo shall be met;
5. that demolition for removal of the existing structures and any grading or earth moving on the site
shall not occur until a building permit has been issued and such site work shall be required to
comply with all the regulations of the Bay Area Air Quality Management District;
6. that any changes to the size or envelope of the basement, first or second floors, or garage, which
would include adding or enlarging a dormer(s), moving or changing windows and architectural
features or changing the roof height or pitch, shall be subject to Planning Commission review;
7. that prior to scheduling the foundation inspection a licensed surveyor shall locate the property
corners and set the building footprint;
8. that prior to underfloor frame inspection the surveyor shall certify the first floor elevation of the new
structure(s) and the various surveys shall be accepted by the City Engineer;
9. that prior to scheduling the framing inspection the project architect or residential designer, or
another architect or residential design professional, shall provide an architectural certification that
the architectural details shown in the approved design which should be evident at framing, such as
window locations and bays, are built as shown on the approved plans; architectural certification
documenting framing compliance with approved design shall be submitted to the Building Division
before the final framing inspection shall be scheduled.
10. that prior to scheduling the roof deck inspection, a licensed surveyor shall shoot the height of the
roof ridge and provide certification of that height to the Building Department;
11. that prior to final inspection, Planning Department staff will inspect and note compliance of the
architectural details (trim materials, window type, etc.) to verify that the project has been built
according to the approved Planning and Building plans;
12. that all air ducts, plumbing vents, and flues shall be combined, where possible, to a single
termination and installed on the portions of the roof not visible from the street; and that these
venting details shall be included and approved in the construction plans before a Building permit is
issued;
13. that the project shall meet all the requirements of the California Building and Uniform Fire Codes,
2001 Edition, as amended by the City of Burlingame;
14. that the project shall comply with the Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Ordinance
which requires affected demolition, new construction and alteration projects to submit a Waste
Reduction plan and meet recycling requirements; any partial or full demolition of a structure,
interior or exterior, shall require a demolition permit;
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
15. that during demolition of the existing residence, site preparation and construction of the new
residence, the applicant shall use all applicable "best management practices" as identified in
Burlingame's Storm Water Ordinance, to prevent erosion and off -site sedimentation of storm water
runoff;
16. that the applicant shall comply with Ordinance 1503, the City of Burlingame Storm Water
Management and Discharge Control Ordinance; and
17. that the project is subject to the state -mandated water conservation program, and a complete
Irrigation Water Management Plan must be submitted with landscape and irrigation plans at time of
permit application.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Yie.
Discussion of motion:
None
Vice -Chair Terrones called for a voice vote on the motion to approve. The motion passed 6-0-
1 (Commissioner Cauchi absent). Appeal procedures were advised. This item concluded at 8:13 p.m.
6. 750 WALNUT AVENUE, ZONED R-1 — APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AMENDMENT FOR
CHANGES TO A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED NEW, TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WITH AN
ATTACHED GARAGE (JAJE DU AND FATALI RUSLI, APPLICANTS AND PROPERTY OWNERS; AND
A.S.I. CONSULTING ENGINEERS, DESIGNER) PROJECT PLANNER: LISA WHITMAN
Reference staff report dated May 27, 2008, with attachments. Community Development Director Meeker
presented the report, reviewed criteria and staff comments. Thirteen (13) conditions were suggested for
consideration.
Vice -Chair Terrones opened the public hearing.
Commission comments:
The Commission feels the loss of Commissioner Osterling's skills with respect to landscape design.
Insist that any species that will grow larger than 10-feet within 5-years should be called out on
project plans.
Jaje Du, 750 Walnut Avenue; represented the applicant.
Agrees with suggestions from design reviewer.
Removed approximately 430 square feet of paving.
Can remove louver above the garage, if desired.
Additional Commission comments:
Asked what occurs behind the wall where the louver above the garage has been installed; perhaps
a window may be more appropriate, depending upon what is behind the gable of the garage.
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
■ Was possibility of adding windows to garage door discussed with design reviewer (applicant: design
reviewer didn't think it would improve the design).
■ Concerned with the amount of impervious paving proposed at the front of the site, could pavers set
in sand be installed instead (applicant: could add pavers set in sand along the driveway borders
and banding within the driveway area).
■ Appreciates effort to reduce the amount of paving; works a lot better. On area in front of the
"Fortnight Lilies" on the landscape plan; is there any more paving that could be removed in the area
(applicant: would like to have an area to get the afternoon sun). Concerned that the area may feel
that you are sitting in front of the garage area; use some type of sand -set pavers in this area to help
define area as not being a part of the driveway.
■ Seems like all the effort to approve the project has been thrown out by the applicant; hard to
support and have a negotiation for minor changes to improve the appearance of the revised project.
■ Not happy with changes; they have been made without real thought being given to the impact on
the design.
■ With changes suggested by design reviewer, is as good as it will get under the circumstances.
Public comments:
None
There were no further comments and the public hearing was closed.
Further Commission comments:
Not happy with changes that have been made.
Commissioner Brownrigg moved to approve the application, by resolution, with the following amended
conditions:
that the project shall be built as shown on the plans submitted to the Planning Department date
stamped May 10, 2004, sheets A6 and L-1, February 29, 2008, sheets Al through A3, March 28,
2008, sheets A4 and A5, and March 31, 2008, landscape plan, and that all windows shall be divided
light aluminum clad wood windows, and that any changes to the footprint or floor area of the
building shall require an amendment to this permit;
2. that the material of the new proposed vent in the gable end of the garage will be wood;
3. that sand -set pavers shall be installed for the patio area at the front of the house near the "Fortnight
Lilies", along the driveway border and for the banding within the driveway area;
4. that any changes to the size or envelope of the basement, first, or second floors, which would
include adding or enlarging a dormer(s), moving or changing windows and architectural features or
changing the roof height or pitch, shall be subject to design review;
5. that the conditions of the City Engineer, Recycling Specialist, Chief Building Official and Fire
Marshal's memos dated May 17, 2004, shall be met;
6. that the project shall comply with the Construction and Demolition Debris Recycling Ordinance
which requires affected demolition, new construction and alteration projects to submit a Waste
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
Reduction Plan and meet recycling requirements; any partial or full demolition of a structure, interior
or exterior, shall require a demolition permit;
7. that prior to scheduling the foundation inspection a licensed surveyor shall locate the property
corners and set the building footprint;
8. that prior to underfloor frame inspection the surveyor shall certify the first floor elevation of the new
structure(s) and the various surveys shall be accepted by the City Engineer;
9. that prior to scheduling the roof deck inspection, a licensed surveyor shall shoot the height of the
roof ridge and provide certification of that height;
10. that prior to scheduling the framing inspection, the project architect, engineer or other licensed
professional shall provide architectural certification that the architectural details such as window
locations and bays are built as shown on the approved plans; if there is no licensed professional
involved in the project, the property owner or contractor shall provide the certification under penalty
of perjury;
11. that prior to final inspection, Planning Department staff will inspect and note compliance of the
architectural details (trim materials, window type, etc.) to verify that the project has been built
according to the approved Planning and Building plans;
12. that the owner is responsible for implementing and maintaining all tree protection measures detailed
in the Arborist's Report date stamped June 13, 2002;
13. that during demolition of the existing residence, site preparation and construction of the new
residence, the applicant shall use all applicable "best management practices" as identified in
Burlingame's Storm Water Ordinance, to prevent erosion and off -site sedimentation of storm water
runoff;
14. that this project shall comply with Ordinance No. 1477, Exterior Illumination Ordinance 9; and that
no exterior light fixture shall produce a cone of light that extends beyond the property boundaries;
and
15. that the project shall meet all the requirements of the California Building Code and California Fire
Code, 2001 edition, as amended by the City of Burlingame.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Yie.
Discussion of motion:
With changes suggested by design reviewer, is as good as it will get under the circumstances.
Asked that paving be modified with sand -set pavers in area near "Fortnight Lilies".
Not certain if a window in place of the louver over the garage would be appropriate given non -
useable space behind the gable.
Vice -Chair Terrones called for a voice vote on the motion to approve. The motion passed 4-2-1
(Commissioners Auran and Vistica dissenting, Commissioner Cauchi absent). Appeal procedures were
advised. This item concluded at 8:37 p.m.
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
7. 1837 HUNT DRIVE, ZONED R-1 —APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW, SIDE SETBACK VARIANCE
AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR DECLINING HEIGHT ENVELOPE FOR A FIRST AND SECOND STORY
ADDITION TO A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING (BACILIA MACIAS, SPATIAL ART, INC., APPLICANT AND
DESIGNER; AND CHRIS DUNNING, PROPERTY OWNER) PROJECT PLANNER: LISA WHITMAN
Reference staff report dated May 28, 2008, with attachments. Planner Hurin presented the report,
reviewed criteria and staff comments. Twelve (12) conditions were suggested for consideration.
Vice -Chair Terrones opened the public hearing.
Commission comments:
None
Bacilia Macias and Melanie Heck, 5141 Hilltop Drive, El Sobrante; represented the applicant.
Described changes made to plans.
Additional Commission comments:
■ Visited uphill neighbor and observed that views are reasonably protected, but concerned about
privacy of neighbor; would suggest that windows on right elevation near stairwell be clerestory/glass
block to preserve neighbor's privacy, also could install skylights for added light.
■ Suggested that only two lights be provided on the deck; remove the two outermost lights.
■ Consider bringing in the upper balcony by a few feet on both sides to bring it further away from the
neighbors.
■ Location of the addition is well considered; but some concern about view blockage from neighbor's
kitchen; why wasn't a split-level considered (applicant: there are many trees that a good lawn area
that the homeowner wishes to retain for children's play area).
■ Asked about the size of some of the rooms on the second -floor, particularly the master bedroom
with its 21-foot depth blocks the kitchen view; could be pulled back a few feet to reduce view
impacts.
■ Concerns regarding the deck off of the master bedroom creating more outdoor living space that will
impact the neighbor; consider eliminating the front deck or bringing the balcony by a few feet on
both sides to bring it further away from the neighbors.
■ Like the idea of minimizing the impact of the deck rails, but feels an ornamental treatment for the
rear deck may be more appropriate than what is shown on the plan.
■ Concern regarding the construction details of the balcony; would be tough to build; determine if it is
feasible before construction.
■ Roof overhang at second floor on left side elevation; appears to be hipped back; go ahead and let it
engage the roof directly, without using a hip design.
■ Detail on Sheet A5, fascia dimension needs to be clarified; suggest a smaller size fascia.
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
Public comments:
James Vlahos, 50 Platt Avenue, Sausalito; Theodore Vlahos, 1847 Hunt Drive; and Chris Dunning,
1837 Hunt Drive spoke; presented a letter to the Commission; concerned about mass and bulk and
propensity for increasing the home size of all homes on the block; encouraged by comments
regarding minimizing the mass of the proposed addition in order to preserve views. The existing
house is too small to accommodate the applicant's family; pushing the addition further back would
detract from the usability of the yard; designers will take into account the suggestions made at this
evening's hearing. Next door neighbor on downhill side, has a two-story house; there is a
precedent for two-story homes in the area.
Further Commission comments:
Asked if the applicant realized that the entire house, with the exception of the garage, will be
completely demolished to achieve the changes.
There were no further comments and the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Vistica moved to continue the application with direction to the applicant, as outlined in the
discussion.
The motion was seconded by Commissioner Auran.
Discussion of motion:
■ Asked for uphill neighbor's contact telephone numbers for Commission to make arrangements for
site visit.
■ The second floor plan appears to be very inefficient; there could be a better design; though the
addition is relatively modest; doesn't significantly impact views.
■ Also look at any possibilities to move mass of second story addition away from neighbor.
Vice -Chair Terrones called for a voice vote on the motion to continue. The motion passed 6-0-1
(Commissioner Cauchi absent). This item concluded at 9:14 p.m.
IX. DESIGN REVIEW STUDY ITEMS
Commissioner Auran recused himself due to a business relationship with the applicant for Item 8 (1317
Cabrillo Avenue).
8. 1317 CABRILLO AVENUE, ZONED R-1 —APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND SPECIAL PERMIT
FOR DECLINING HEIGHT ENVELOPE FOR A NEW, TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING AND
DETACHED GARAGE (BOB AND CINDY GILSON, APPLICANT AND PROPERTY OWNER; AND CHU
DESIGN AND ENGINEERING. DESIGNER) PROJECT PLANNER: ERICA STROHMEIER
Reference staff report dated May 27, 2008, with attachments. Community Development Director Meeker
briefly presented the project description. There were no questions of staff.
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
Bob Gilson, 30 Woodgate Court, Hillsborough and James Chu, 55 West 43d Street, San Mateo;
represented the applicant.
Commission comments:
■ Clarified that the ridgeline will be at nearly 30-feet; it is a lot of mass; concern about being so close
to the maximum height; could the height be reduced.
■ Complimented the porch design.
■ Concern about the amount of impervious pavement.
■ The trim around the nook on the left side of the house appears skimpy.
■ Some of the bedrooms are quite small; some of the rooms would be difficult to furnish.
■ Concern that the porch is pretty minimal, not very deep; neighborhood has a lot of small stucco
homes, design is somewhat foreign to the neighborhood; but concerned about the massive porch
columns; could be made a bit more delicate to fit with the rest of the house, creating more usability
on the porch; look at the existing design vocabulary of the neighborhood.
■ Concerned about lack of light into the kitchen, try to reduce need for artificial lighting, suggest
adding a skylight above the kitchen sink to bring in more natural light.
■ Would like to have ridgeline brought down.
■ Setback the home by an additional three to four feet to reduce the face print of the structure on the
street.
■ Eliminate exterior light on right elevation.
■ Specify that columns have no seams.
■ Porch could use a bit of re -working; add more substantial trim or beam above the columns.
Vice -Chair Terrones opened the public comment period.
Public comments:
Peter Wu, 1315 Cabrillo Avenue; Rolando Pasquale, 1316 Cabrillo Avenue; Sue Martinez, 1321
Cabrillo Avenue; Pat Giorni, 1445 Balboa Avenue; and Frank Lowe, 1333 Cabrillo Avenue spoke.
Pushing the residence back will have more of an impact on neighboring property. The house
doesn't blend with the neighborhood. The house is completely out of character with the
neighborhood; is a monster house when compared with other homes on the block; all other homes
are one-story; this one should be one story. Telling that moving the residence back could impact
the maneuvering of cars on the lot. Being built for nothing but resale. Neighbors would likely back
off if builder would commit to living on the property for five years. Provided a photograph taken
today of the "Our Lady of Angels" school yard, showing shadows; consider where shade and
shadow impacts will be following the construction of a 30-foot structure. Asked that the project be
deferred to consider what the shade and shadow impacts will be; should be submitted to the school
for review. Allowing the Special Permit will devalue adjacent property. The home will overpower
the street. The charts displayed at hearing do now show the size of the residence being
demolished. Should be able to compare what is being removed with what is being built. No
consideration given to the dream houses of the long-term residents in the neighborhood. The
architect states that the new owner of the building requested the number of bedrooms and
bathrooms; who owns the property? Should be totally re -designed. Need to consider privacy of
neighbors. Should consider requiring replacement with a like house. One of the last blocks in the
neighborhood without a large number of monster houses. Build a house that is consistent with the
neighborhood, but economically feasible for the developer.
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
Additional Commission comments:
Is there some way to reduce the 30 foot height of the structure?
There were no other comments from the floor and the public hearing was closed.
Further Commission comments:
■ Reminiscent of a recent project on Drake Avenue in terms of improper fit in the neighborhood; the
design needs to consider what best fits with the community; be sensitive to the neighborhood
character.
■ A photo montage would be helpful to show how the house will fit in with the neighborhood.
■ Bring back with a softer design for the roof.
■ Encouraged the architect and applicant to spend some time with the neighbors and getting a better
sense of the neighborhood.
■ Neighbors need to take case for more stringent standards to the legislators.
Commissioner Vistica made a motion to place the item on the Regular Action Calendar when complete.
This motion was seconded by Commissioner Lindstrom.
Vice -Chair Terrones called for a vote on the motion to place this item on the Regular Action Calendar when
plans have been revised as directed. The motion passed on a voice vote 5-0-1-1 (Commissioner A uran
recused, Commissioner Cauchi absent). The Planning Commission's action is advisory and not
appealable. This item concluded at 9:56 p.m.
Commissioner Auran returned to the dais
Commissioner Lindstrom indicated that he has a potential conflict of interest related to Agenda Item 9 (2520
Valdivia Way) and would be recusing himself. He stepped down from the dais and left the Council
Chambers, and the meeting, at 9:57 p.m.
9. 2520 VALDIVIA WAY, ZONED R-1 — APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND HILLSIDE AREA
CONSTRUCTION PERMIT FOR A SINGLE STORY ADDITION TO A SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING
(ROBERT MEDAN, APPLICANT AND ARCHITECT; AND LEE AND MARGIE LIVINGSTON, PROPERTY
OWNER) PROJECT PLANNER: LISA WHITMAN
Reference staff report dated May 27, 2008, with attachments. Planner Hurin briefly presented the project
description. There were no questions of staff.
Robert Medan, 1936 Los Altos Drive, San Mateo and Lee Livingston, 2520 Valdivia Way; represented the
applicant.
Commission comments:
Applauded the thought that went into the design.
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION — Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
■ Straightforward application.
■ Clarify that double porch columns will be installed on front (double 6 x 6s), similar to design on rear.
■ Clarify that windows will be simulated, true divided light, metal clad design.
■ Like the modest design; look at design of bathroom and kitchen for accessibility in the future.
■ Clarify wood trim over windows.
Vice -Chair Terrones opened the public comment period.
Public comments:
Fred Dias, 2516 Valdivia Way (neighbor to the right); not sure what is being planned between the
houses; concerned about privacy from his bedroom that faces the applicant's home.
There were no other comments from the floor and the public hearing was closed.
Commissioner Vistica made a motion to place the item on the Consent Calendar when complete.
This motion was seconded by Commissioner Auran.
Discussion of motion:
Requested the installation of story poles.
Vice -Chair Terrones called for a vote on the motion to place this item on the Consent Calendar when plans
have been revised as directed. The motion passed on a voice vote 5-0-2 (Commissioners Lindstrom and
Cauchi absent). The Planning Commission's action is advisory and not appealable. This item concluded at
10:10 P.M.
X. COMMISSIONERS' REPORTS
None
XI. DIRECTOR'S REPORT
Commission Communications:
Community Development Director Meeker noted that a final Planning inspection was recently
conducted at 3066 Hillside Drive, and found that excess paving had been removed from the
property on the west side of the garage, and that a planter area had been installed, consistent with
the City Council's May 5, 2008 action related to the property owner's (Mimi Sien's) appeal.
Actions from Regular City Council meeting of May 19, 2008:
None
FYI: 2537 Hayward Drive — requested changes to a previously approved design review
pro lect:
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CITY OF BURLINGAME PLANNING COMMISSION - Approved Minutes May 27, 2008
■ Bring back as an action item.
FYI: 1315 Edgehill Drive — changes required by conditions of approval for a previously
approved design review project:
■ Accepted
FYI: Peninsula Hospital Complaint Log — Amended Logs for March and April, 2008:
■ Accepted
Commissioner Brownrigg asked about subcommittee assignments and mentioned the recent Green
Building event conducted by the City of Burlingame.
Community Development Director Meeker indicated that he will meet with Chair Cauchi regarding the
subcommittee assignments.
XII. ADJOURNMENT
Vice -Chair Terrones adjourned the meeting at 10:15 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Stanley Vistica, Secretary
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