HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Packet - PC - 2014.10.27Planning Commission
City of Burlingame
Meeting Agenda
BURLINGAME CITY HALL
501 PRIMROSE ROAD
BURLINGAME, CA 94010
Council Chambers7:00 PMMonday, October 27, 2014
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
October 14, 2014 Regular Planning Commission Meetinga.
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS, NON-AGENDA
Members of the public may speak about any item not on the agenda. Members of the public wishing to
suggest an item for a future Planning Commission agenda may do so during this public comment period .
The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State local agency open meeting law) prohibits the Planning Commission
from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda. Speakers are asked to fill out a "request to speak "
card located on the table by the door and hand it to staff, although the provision of a name, address or
other identifying information is optional. Speakers are limited to three minutes each; the Chair may adjust
the time limit in light of the number of anticipated speakers.
6. STUDY ITEMS
2748 Burlingview Drive, zoned R-1 - Application for Front Setback Variance and
Hillside Area Construction Permit for first floor additions to an existing single -family
dwelling (Jesse Geurse, designer and applicant; Henry Hsia, property owner) Staff
Contact: Erika Lewit
a.
2748 Burlingview Dr Staff Report
2748 Burlingview Dr Attachments
Attachments:
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
Items on the consent calendar are considered to be routine. They are acted on 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.
Page 1 City of Burlingame Printed on 10/27/2014
October 27, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Agenda
1548 Meadow Lane, zoned R-1 - Application for Design Review for first and second
story additions to an existing single -family dwelling (J. Deal, J. Deal Associates,
designer and appilcant; Barrett and Aimee Foster, property owners) (63 noticed)
StaffContact: Erika Lewit
a.
1548 Meadow Ln Staff Report
1548 Meadow Ln Attachments
Attachments:
8. REGULAR ACTION ITEMS
1521 Cabrillo Avenue, zoned R -1 – Application for Design Review Amendment for a
new single family dwelling with an attached garage (James Chu, Chu Design
Associates, Inc., designer; Eric Mainini, applicant and property owner) (49 noticed)
Staff Contact: Kevin Gardiner
a.
1521 Cabrillo staff report
1521 Cabrillo attachments
Attachments:
2308 Hillside Drive, zoned R -1 – Application for Design Review and Special Permit for
a new, two-story single family dwelling with an attached garage (Harumitsu Inouye,
applicant and property owner Michael Ma, March Design, architect;) (65 noticed) Staff
Contact: Kevin Gardiner
b.
2308 Hillside staff report
2308 Hillside attachments
Attachments:
1908 Easton Drive, zoned R-1 - Application for a new, two -story dwelling and Special
Permits for an attached garage, height, basement ceiling height, and exiting (Jesse
Geurse, Geurse Conceptual Designs, designer and applicant; Scott and Brooke Hill,
proerty owners) (56 noticed) Staff Contact: Erika Lewit
c.
1908 Easton Dr Staff Report
1908 Easton Dr Attachments
Attachments:
1426 Burlingame Avenue, zoned BAC – Application for Variance for Required
Business Access for a new retail space in an existing commercial building (Dale Meyer,
Dale Meyer Associates, applicant and designer; Green Banker LLC, property owner )
(44 noticed) Staff Contact: Kevin Gardiner
d.
1426 Burlingame staff report
1426 Burlingame Ave attachments
Attachments:
9. DESIGN REVIEW STUDY
Page 2 City of Burlingame Printed on 10/27/2014
October 27, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Agenda
1813 Ray Drive, zoned R-1 - Application for Design Review for a first and second story
addition to an existing single family dwelling (Minerva Abad, MDA Design, applicant
and designer; Yao Shengzhe and Liu Chang, property owners) (53 noticed) Staff
Contact: Ruben Hurin
a.
1813 Ray Dr Staff Report
1813 Ray Dr Attachments
Attachments:
1547 Vancouver Avenue, zoned R -1 - Application for Design Review for a first and
second story addition to an existing single family dwelling and Conditional Use Permits
for a recreation room and toilet and shower in an existing accessory structure (Julie
Carlson, JCarlson Architectural Design, applicant, designer and property owner) (56
noticed) Staff Contact: Ruben Hurin
b.
1547 Vancouver Ave Staff Report
1547 Vancouver Ave Attachments
Attachments:
1025 Cabrillo Avenue, zoned R-1 - Application for Design Review for a new, two -story
single family dwelling and Conditional Use Permit for a bathroom in a detached
accessory structure (James Chu, Chu Design and Engineering, designer and applicant;
1025 Cabrillo Burlingame LLC, property owner) (52 noticed) Staff Contact: Erika Lewit
c.
1025 Cabrillo Ave Staff Report
1025 Cabrillo Ave Attachments
1025 Cabrillo Ave - 10.27.14 - recd after 1
Attachments:
10. COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS
11. DIRECTOR REPORTS
Commission Communicationsa.
City Council Regular Meeting - October 20, 2014b.
FYI: 1529 Bernal Avenue – review of proposed changes to a previously approved
Design Review Project.
c.
1529 Bernal Ave Memorandum
1529 Bernal Ave Attachments
Attachments:
12. ADJOURNMENT
Note: An action by the Planning Commission is appealable to the City Council within 10 days of the
Planning Commission's action on October 27, 2014. If the Planning Commission's action has not
been appealed or called up for review by the Council by 5:00 p.m. on November 6, 2014, the action
becomes final. In order to be effective, appeals must be in writing to the City Clerk and must be
accompanied by an appeal fee of $485, which includes noticing costs.
Page 3 City of Burlingame Printed on 10/27/2014
October 27, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Agenda
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on
this agenda will be made available for public inspection during normal business hours at the
Community Development/Planning counter, City Hall, 501 Primrose Road, Burlingame, California.
Page 4 City of Burlingame Printed on 10/27/2014
BURLINGAME CITY HALL
501 PRIMROSE ROAD
BURLINGAME, CA 94010
City of Burlingame
Meeting Minutes
Planning Commission
7:00 PM Council ChambersTuesday, October 14, 2014
1. CALL TO ORDER
Chair Bandrapalli called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
2. ROLL CALL
Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and GumPresent7 -
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
a.September 22, 2014 Regular Planning Commission Meeting
Commissioner Loftis made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Terrones, to approve the
minutes of September 23, 2014:
>Page 4; last bullet; revise second half of first sentence to read: "verify that is standard
practice to consider the incremental increase from actual users.
>Page 5; eleventh bullet; revise "sheer" to be "shear".
>Page 5; fifteenth bullet; insert "and intermediate school" between "school" and "traffic".
>Page 6; Planning Commission comments questions; first bullet, line two; replace
"conditions" with "hotels".
>Page 8; adjournment; deleted second "meeting adjourned".
Chair Bandrapalli voice vote, and the motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
4. APPROVAL OF AGENDA
There were no changes to the agenda. Chair Bandrapalli indicated that she would recuse herself from
participating in the discussion regarding Agenda Item 9a (1548 Meadow Lane) and Commissioner
Terrones indicated that he would recuse himself from the discussion regarding Agenda Item 8b (1224
Capuchino Avenue).
5. PUBLIC COMMENTS, NON-AGENDA
There were no public comments on non-agenda items.
6. STUDY ITEMS
There were no Study Items.
7. CONSENT CALENDAR
There were no Consent Calendar items.
Page 1City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
8. REGULAR ACTION ITEMS
a.Consideration of Residential Density Bonus Ordinance - Staff Contact: Kevin
Planning Manager Gardiner provided an overview of the staff report.
Commission comments/questions:
>Are the incentives required by State law? (Gardiner - incentives are required. A menu as is
proposed is not always the case. Staff has used the existing incentives from the current municipal code
since they have been analyzed previously. The State also requires the City to provide a discretionary
option.)
>With respect to the stepping back of upper floor setbacks, is it correct that the option proposed is to
add the item as an additional incentive? (Gardiner - correct. The applicant could still request the waiver
through the discretionary approach.)
Chair Bandrapalli opened the public hearing
Public comments:
Jennifer Pfaff, 615 Bayswater Avenue; spoke:
>Reviewed the comments contained in her October 12, 2014 letter expressing concerns regarding
spacing/setbacks between structures.
>A reduction in the space between structures would impact the ability to provide adequate
landscaping as well as impact light to adjacent structures.
>Is aware of certain designs compliant with code provisions that have resulted in ungainly designs;
this section should be refined.
Chair Bandrapalli closed the public hearing.
Additional Commission comments/questions:
>Perhaps the spacing between buildings should be revisited during the General Plan and Zoning
Ordinance update; withdraw the incentive regarding upper floor setbacks.
>Could an applicant request a variance from the standards? (Gardiner - yes, if conditions warranted
consideration.)
>Seems that the initial intent of the interior finishing being the same was to ensure the dignity of the
tenants; feels this should remain.
>With respect to parking reductions near transit; seems like the radius for application could be
expanded to one-half mile. (Gardiner - mentioned the Priority Development Area since it is a defined
boundary already. Better to address the larger issue of transit -oriented development through the
General Plan process.)
>Car-sharing should be compared with the ownership costs for a car. There could still be a valid
argument for this type of incentive. (Kane - the problem comes with conditioning the parking of the
building based upon a continuing agreement with an independent company that may or may not exist in
the future. Becomes an issue because no one has control over the third party. Easier from an
enforcement standpoint to maintain enforcement only over the housing provider.)
>With respect to the R 4 District, does the 46-foot height need to remain an option? Would rather find
another way to help a developer save money.
>Concerned with the vagueness of the section requiring dispersal of the units within the development .
Is there some way to be more specific? (Gardiner - will work on the wording to make it more explicit .
Meeker - would have the ability to review locations as part of the design review.)
>Have any projects been completed under the Downtown Specific Plan's reduced parking standards
for residential? (Meeker - nothing yet, though one is under construction. Gardiner - there is a project on
Page 2City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Bayswater that is completed that uses a slightly higher standard than in the remainder of the area.)
Commissioner Gum made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Terrones, to recommend to the
City Council, approval of the proposed Density Bonus regulations, with the following
amendments:
>Do not include proposal to allow waiver of upper-story stepbacks
>Without third-party carshare option.
>Revert back to original language regarding finishing of affordable units to ensure that they
placed and finished in the same manner as all other units
Chair Bandrapalli asked for a roll call vote, and the motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
b.1205 Bernal Avenue, zoned R -1 - Application for Conditional Use Permit for a toilet in
a detached garage; project includes enlarging an existing detached garage (Lori
Potter, applicant and property owner; McGriff Architects, architect) (55 noticed) Staff
Contact: Ruben Hurin
All Commissioners had visited the property. Commissioner DeMartini reported that he had met with the
property owners. There were no other ex-parte communications to report.
Community Development Director Meeker presented the staff report.
Commission comments/questions:
>None.
Chair Bandrapalli opened the public hearing.
Lori Potter presented the request on behalf of the applicant.
Additional Commission comments/questions:
>Was the loft kept under the maximum height to maintain an appropriate aesthetics? (Potter - yes.)
>The sliding doors on the side of the garage make it look like the space could be used for other
purposes.
>Believes the sliding doors are excessive.
>The rear yard is not that large.
Public comments:
>None.
Chair Bandrapalli closed the public hearing.
Further Commission comments/questions:
>Doesn't have a problem with the request for the bathroom in the garage.
Commissioner Sargent made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Yie, to approve the
application with the conditions listed in the staff report . Chair Bandrapalli asked for a voice
vote, and the motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
Page 3City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
c.1361 Vancouver Avenue, zoned R -1 – Application for Special Permit for a reduction in
the number of on -site parking spaces for a project consisting of adding on the first
floor, converting the existing attached garage to habitable area and building a new
detached garage (John Kloster and Laura Ayala, applicants and property owners;
TRG Architects, architect) (60 noticed) Staff Contact: Ruben Hurin
All Commissioners had visited the site. There were no ex-parte communications to report.
Planning Manager Gardiner presented the staff report.
Commission comments/questions:
>None.
Chair Bandrapalli opened the public hearing.
Randy Grange presented the project on the part of the applicant.
Additional Commission comments/questions:
>Have the project plans been shared with the neighbor? (Grange - believes the property owner has
done so.)
>Can a vehicle do a multi-point turn to leave the garage? (Grange - no, must back out completely.)
Chair Bandrapalli closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Sargent made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Loftis, to approve the
applicant subject to the conditions in the staff report. Chair Bandrapalli asked for a roll call vote,
and the motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
d.1224 Capuchino Avenue, zoned R -1 – Application for Design Review for a first and
second story addition to an existing single family dwelling (Davina and Ron Drabkin,
applicants and property owners; Carl Groch, architect) (86 noticed) Staff Contact:
Ruben Hurin
(Commissioner Terrones recused himself from participation in the following discussion as he has a
quasi-business relationship. He left the City Council Chambers.)
All Commissioners had visited the property. There were no ex-parte communications to report.
Community Development Director Meeker presented the staff report.
Questions of staff:
>None.
Chair Bandrapalli opened the public hearing.
Carl Groch and Ron Drabkin represented the applicant.
Commission comments/questions:
>Thanked the application for reviewing the overall height and the window design. Are window grids
proposed? (Groch - no.) If grids are proposed in the future, choose the simulated true divided -light
Page 4City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
option. (Groch - there are two windows aside the new front door; these will have an actual grid system.)
>The submission notes that the window cladding is Fiberglas; it is actually a vinyl finish on the window
that is specified on the plans. This type of window has been approved by the Commission before.
>With respect to the plate height; was a reduction to eight feet plate height considered? (Groch - the
ceiling height in the remainder of the house is nine feet. The master bedroom is a good sized room; felt
that a reduction to eight feet would feel quite a bit lower. The added trees have really taken care of the
scale problem.) Feels that given the setting next to the apartment building is a mitigating factor.
>Appreciates the improvements that have been made.
>Requested clarification regarding the porch; it is to accommodate a plant? (Groch - there is an Olive
tree at the location that is quite healthy.)
Chair Bandrapalli closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Loftis made a motion, seconded by Chair Bandrapalli, to approve with amended
conditions:
>If the windows are changed to include grids, then this should be called out on the plans.
Chair Bandrapalli asked for a voice vote, and the motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, and Gum6 -
Recused:Terrones1 -
e.1908 Easton Drive, zoned R-1 - Application for Design Review for a new, two -story
dwelling and Special Permits for an attached garage, height, basement ceiling height,
and exiting (Jesse Geurse, Geurse Conceptual Designs, designer and appliant; Scott
and Brooke Hill, property owners) (56 noticed) Staff Contact: Erika Lewit
All Commissioners had visited the property. There were no ex-parte communications to report.
Planning Manager Gardiner presented the staff report.
Commission comments/questions:
>None.
Chair Bandrapalli opened the public hearing.
Jesse Geurse and Scott Hill presented the project on behalf of the applicant.
Additional Commission comments/questions:
>Will the basement be completely water proofed, or will a sump pump be installed? (Geurse - the
basement will be completely water proofed. The soils report shows no evidence of groundwater. Hill -
the soils report was from last year; there has never been any evidence of water in the basement .
Doesn't know if a sump pump will be required.)
>Very handsome design.
>Concerned about the height. The Commission hasn't recently allowed special permits for additional
height. Seems that there needs to be a pretty involved discussion with respect to the building height .
Though the homeowner is accustomed to greater ceiling heights, this is not necessarily enough to
warrant the increased height. (Geurse - the finished floor of the existing residence is at a certain height .
The first floor for the new residence will be one foot lower. Noted that the building height is measured
from the average top of curb, not the actual grade. Have looked at dropping ceiling heights, but would
still require a special permit for the height.)
>Could dig the basement further into the ground or could terrace the rear yard considering the
significance of the modifications being made to the site. Hard to support the special permit without
Page 5City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
seeing everything done to attempt to design the project to comply with the maximum height.
>Confirmed that the Commission had discussed the need to clearly demonstrate the need to increase
ceiling heights and hence overall building height. There are a lot of single -story homes in the
neighborhood. The increased plate heights will cause the structure to be out of scale with the rest of the
neighborhood. (Hill - cited the slope of the lot as a contributing factor to the lot that creates a special
circumstance that warrants the special permit. Thought about sinking the home even further below
grade, but would then have an underground garage and greater potential for water infiltration into the
basement. There are a number of homes in the area on similar lots that have main floors level with the
rear yard.)
>Clarified that at the design review study meeting that the first floor ceiling height was and still
remains nine-feet, six-inches.
>The references to the existing height are not relevant since this is new construction.
>If the house is moved forward, wouldn't that lower the home? (Hill - would not solve the situation.)
>The applicant is correct that special permits have been approved for similar sloped lots. Where this
has been done, the applicant has done everything possible to reduce the height as much as possible.
>There are means of interior design that could be used to minimize the height impact on the
neighborhood while still providing greater ceiling heights inside the structure.
>Feels that reducing the first floor to nine -feet and the second floor to eight -feet would go along way
towards addressing the concerns.
>Doesn't see much movement towards reducing the overall height.
>Is the family room counting twice because of 12-foot ceiling heights? (Geurse - it is actually less
than that height.)
Public comments:
>None.
Chair Bandrapalli closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Yie made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Terrones, to continue the matter
with direction to the applicant as provided in the discussion regarding the building height. Chair
Bandrapalli asked for a voice vote, and the motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
f.1530 Burlingame Avenue, zoned R -1 - Application for Mitigated Negative Declaration
and Design Review for a first and second story addition to an existing single family
dwelling and new detached garage (John Stewart, applicant and architect; Chris and
Meaghan Schaefer, property owners) (49 noticed) Staff Contact: Ruben Hurin
Community Development Director Meeker presented the staff report.
Commission comments/questions:
None.
Chair Bandrapalli opened the public hearing.
John Stewart represented the applicant.
Additional Commission comments/questions:
>Has the location of the garage been resolved with the neighbor? (Stewart - has been resolved,
there will be no fence installed.)
Public Comments:
Page 6City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Tom Harold, neighbor on the right:
>Curious about what is being reviewed. In the exhibit shows plans that are dated August 6, 2014.
The drawings show plans from June 24th. Not consistent.
>Still has a problem with the location of the garage to the property line. Not having a fence in the
immediate term is not a problem, but could be a problem in the future if he chooses to have a dog in the
future. Feels the garage could be moved a bit more. (Commissioner - sometimes encourage property
owners to have a fence terminate at the garage so that the neighbor's property is fully enclosed. Are
effectively giving the neighbor an additional several inches of property. Suggested that that detail could
be resolved as a condition of approval.)
>Wants to be certain that the construction results in a situation acceptable to the parties.
Chair Bandrapalli closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Terrones made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sargent, to adopt the
Mitigated Negative Declaration. Chair Bandrapalli asked for a roll call vote, and the motion
carried by the following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
g.325 Chapin Lane, zoned R -1 - Application for Mitigated Negative Declaration, Design
Review and Special Permit for attached garage for a first and second story addition to
an existing single family dwelling and new attached garage (Nick Rogers, applicant
and property owner; Chris Spaulding, architect) (43 noticed) Staff Contact: Ruben
Hurin
All Commissioners had visited the property. There were no ex-parte communications to report.
Community Development Director Meeker presented the staff report.
Questions of staff:
>How will the City ensure that the circular driveway is not used for parking? (Meeker - through
receipt of code enforcement complaints.)
Chair Bandrapalli opened the public hearing.
Chris Spaulding and Nick Rogers presented the project on behalf of the applicant.
Commission comments/questions:
>The Commission discussed the application of the Secretary of Interior Standards for renovation of
historic structures and its applicability to the project.
Public comments:
>None.
Chair Bandrapalli closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Sargent made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Loftis, to adopt the Mitigated
Negative Declaration. Chair Bandrapalli asked for a roll call vote, and the motion carried by the
following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
9. DESIGN REVIEW STUDY
Page 7City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
a.1548 Meadow Lane, zoned R -1 - Application for Design Review for a first and second
story addition to a single -family dwelling (Jerry Deal, J Deal Associates, designer and
applicant; Barrett and Aimee Foster, property owners) (63 noticed) Staff Contact:
Erika Lewit
(Chair Bandrapalli was recused from participating in the discussion regarding this item as she resides
within 500-feet of the project site. She left the City Council Chambers.)
All Commissioners had visited the property. Commissioner DeMartini reported that he had met with the
property owner. There were no other ex-parte communications to report.
Planning Manager Gardiner presented the staff report.
Commission comments/questions:
>None.
Vice-Chair DeMartini opened the public hearing.
Jerry Deal and Aimee Foster represented the applicant.
Additional Commission comments/questions:
>Believes the massing of the design is handled well.
>Noted that the drawing for the bay window is drawn incorrectly. (Deal - will have this item
corrected.)
>With respect to the planter box, how are the plants secured? (Deal - there is a recess in the boxes
that will secure the plants.)
>Could windows be provided above the splash line in the two second -floor bathrooms /showers? Also
asked for the garage window to be installed even if only with obscured glass. (Deal - okay.)
>Clarify whether or not the garage door is going to be changed.
>Likes the planter shelves all around, but feels the brackets on the projecting mass on the second
floor seems out of character. (Deal - thought it looked better than just having stucco area project without
apparent support.) Perhaps the projection brackets should be more substantial.
>Will the front, master bathroom windows be obscured? (Foster - likely with a privacy glaze.)
Vice-Chair DeMartini closed the public hearing.
A motion was made by Commissioner Loftis, seconded by Commissioner Sargent, to place the
item on the Consent Calendar when the project plans are ready for review. The motion carried
by the following vote:
Aye:DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum6 -
Recused:Bandrapalli1 -
b.14 Stanley Road, zoned R-1 - Application for Design Review and Variance for Lot
Coverage for a first floor addition that qualifies as substantial construction (Samuel
Sinnott, architect and applicant; Christy and Jesse Lindeman, property owners) (82
noticed) Staff Contact: Erika Lewit
All Commissioners had visited the property. There were no ex-parte communications to report.
Community Development Director Meeker presented the staff report.
Page 8City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
Commission questions/comments:
>None.
Chair Bandrapalli opened the public hearing.
Samuel Sinnott and Christy Lindeman represented the applicant.
Additional Commission comments/questions:
>Questioned the adequacy of the findings made in the application for the variance. Feels that
additional coverage would normally not be allowed for smaller lots. Also doesn't feel that there is an
adequate response to the question regarding infringement on the property right. (Sinnott - the lot is
below the standard lot size in Burlingame. Spoke to the desire to keep the design single -story. There is
less than a one-percent deviation from the code standard.)
>Feels that keeping the design single-story reduces the neighborhood impact.
>Agrees that the variance findings require strengthening. Likes the design and massing, but the
design is taking away the porch amenity. The amenity to the neighborhood is lost; they are typically
encouraged. The large foyer is not a lot of useable space. In addition, the great room could be reduced
a bit to bring the project into the code standard. Trying to determine if the house is truly constrained, but
there appear to be areas where the design could be made more efficient and comply. (Sinnott - agrees
that the front porch is very homey. Are trying to achieve the indoor -outdoor room feel for the enclosed
porch. To break the hip roof, the gable roof needed to project out a bit more. The dining room
cantilevers out but doesn't count towards lot coverage. Feels they are being treated uniquely because
the exception would normally be approved at staff level.)
>Is conflicted because staff would be allowed to approve up to 41% for the lot coverage.
>The house is really modest and falls far below the maximum floor area.
Public comments:
>None.
Chair Bandrapalli closed the public hearing.
Further Commission comments/questions:
>Feels that the finding responses that are included in the variance application are consistently
rejected by the Commission. There may be other ways to word the response to the findings that may be
more supportable.
Commissioner Sargent made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Loftis, to place this item on
the Regular Action Calendar when ready for consideration. Chair Bandrapalli asked for a roll call
vote, and the motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
c.770 Walnut Avenue, zoned R-1 – Application for Design Review and Special Permits
for an attached garage and basement ceiling height for a new two -story single family
dwelling and attached garage (TRG Architects, applicant and architect; Jonathan and
Tamara Miller, property owners) (113 noticed) Staff Contact: Ruben Hurin
All Commissioners had visited the property. There were no ex-parte communications to report.
Planning Manager Gardiner presented the staff report.
Questions of staff:
Page 9City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
>None.
Chair Bandrapalli opened the public hearing.
Randy Grange, and Jonathan and Tamara Miller represented the applicant.
Additional Commission questions/comments:
>Handsome design. Likes that it is designed with an eyed towards sustainability.
>Asked how the dominant characteristics of the home are consistent with the neighborhood?
(Grange - the massing could be used with a more traditional design. Across the street are a number of
Craftsman homes that are similar in massing.)
>What is the dominant structural characteristic of the home? (Grange - it is a mix of one and two
story elements.)
>How does this home blend in with other homes in the block; doesn't see any other contemporary
homes in the block. It doesn't seem to fit into the consistency with the neighborhood.
>Feels it is a very interesting design, believes that the massing does a good job of blending in and
fitting the character of Burlingame neighborhoods. Could the amount of glazing on the front and the rear
of the house be reviewed? The front windows are particularly large when compared to the rest of the
neighborhood. It is not hyper-modern.
>Is real limestone proposed? It is a very "mansion-like" material. (Grange - yes.)
>What is the rhyme or reason for the use of materials? Suspects this will work itself out as the design
moves forward.
>The two large (tall) windows on the front create somewhat of a pylon element.
>Not crazy about the design. The design replaces a porch with a garage. Feels the proportion at the
rear could be a bit more acceptable.
>Could the front design be similar to the rear with the garage pushed back to the rear of hte home to
de-emphasize it.
>Agrees with the architect on the massing; the architectural details could be changed to another style .
The plate heights cause incompatibility with the neighborhood.
>Not certain that massing is sufficient to make a design compatible with the neighborhood. (Grange -
thinks the massing is a big part of compatibility. Over time the mix of houses in a given block will
change.)
>Windows are oversized with minimal trim.
>The colored rendering is better proportioned. How tall is the garage door? (Grange - eight feet.)
>The character of the neighborhood breaks down into three groups: original with garage in the back,
new, and those built before the design guidelines.
>Feels the predominant feature is the garage door. Is there any way to soften the appearance of the
garage door? (Grange - looked at having two single -car doors, but draws the eye even more. Simple
seemed to be the best approach.)
>Feels like the existing house fits in perfectly.
>Were there any thoughts of expanding the current house to make it fit? (Grange - also likes the
existing house. Would take a considerable amount of money to renovate it. Would not be able to
achieve the clients' goals. T. Miller - the house is in a considerable state of disrepair. Would be
prohibitive.)
>Could do two single -car garages to mitigate the appearance of the garage? (Grange - considered it
but didn't appear to work.)
>Is the front door wood or glass? (Grange - will be wood, as shown on the plan.)
>On the rear elevation, it appears that the wood siding on the rear is not the same dimension as
shown on the plan. (Grange - would be 1" x 4".)
>Not a huge fan of two-car attached garages. The last architect that designed in the neighborhood
did a staggered garage arrangement.)
>Would help to include the landscape plan on the elevation to show how it may appear when built.
>What is the plan for removal of groundwater from the basement. (Grange - the basement will be
designed to not require drainage.)
>Would be more helpful on the rendering to see the garage door head-on.
Page 10City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
>The new design is interesting, needs some tweaking to fit in.
>Not necessarily opposed to introducing a more contemporary approach into a neighborhood .
Although all designs need to conform to massing and scale in the neighborhood. However, there are
some issues of scale and amenity with the proposed design.
>Agrees with the argument for the attached garage. Perhaps bring the plate height of the garage
down to reduce the overall scale of the garage. Feels that a two door arrangement shouldn't be ruled
out.
>Feels they could still achieve a contemporary style while maintaining the scale with the
neighborhood. Revisit the scale of the windows.
>There are ways to use the same design details and have more of a porch on the front of the
property; this would also assist with the scale of the structure and compatibility with the neighborhood.
>Not certain that the plate heights are necessarily the problem.
>Have the plans been shared with the neighbors? (T. Miller - with some.)
Public comments:
Peter Mirosnkoff, 717 Walnut:
>Has lived in neighborhood for 36 years. New homes have maintained the character of the
neighborhood.
>Had hoped that someone would retain the existing home or at least proposed a design that is
consistent with the neighborhood.
Ellen Mazzoni, 885 Walnut:
>Sold the property to the applicants.
>Need to be cognizant of the changes that are occurring within the community, and the people that
are moving into the neighborhood.
>Has sold contemporary homes in Burlingame in various neighborhoods. Challenging to understand
what the aesthetics of change area are.
>New property owners have different needs. The problem with the detached garage concept is that
everyone parks on the street.)
>There is a variety of architectural styles in the block.
>Sees it as a modern interpretation of Craftsman.
Unidentified speaker:
>Lives in a post-earthquake structure.
>Likes modern architecture, but this design doesn't fit with the neighborhood.
>The people moving into Burlingame do not only want modern styles; they are drawn by the variety of
housing styles.
>Most homes in the area don't have attached garages.
>There is no charm in the design.
Robert, 766 Walnut:
>Lives next door to the property.
>Pleased that the property will be demolished.
>The street is congested.
>Will be helpful to take a couple of cars off of the street.
>The majority of homes on this side of the street have attached garages.
>None of the homes look like the house next door.
>Feels that the design is a much better option than what exists on the property currently.
Unidentified speaker:
Page 11City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
>Doesn't care about the garage door; is concerned that the design doesn't fit into the neighborhood.
>A house like this shouldn't be allowed in Burlingame.
Chair Bandrapalli closed the public hearing.
Further Commission comments/questions:
>The debate regarding modern forms of architecture will continue.
>Believes that the issue is a matter of scale.
>If the scale issues are addressed and built, it would eventually fade into the background.
>Doesn't see the logic that the existing house can only be replaced with a Craftsman -style. Is a
matter of scale and details.
>Is reflective of the demand for architectural styles in the community that are not clearly addressed by
the Design Guidelines.
>The profile of applicants coming forward now is different from before; not speculators, but people
who are building to address their personal tastes and desires.
>Would be helpful to lower the garage door and roof. Believes that the plate heights also need to be
addressed to bring down the scale.
Commissioner Terrones made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Sargent, to bring the matter
back on the Regular Action Calendar when ready for consideration. Chair Bandrapalli asked for
a roll call vote, and the motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
d.1548 Los Montes Drive, zoned R-1 – Application for Design Review, Hillside Area
Construction Permit and Special Permits for declining height envelope and an
attached garage for construction of a new single -family dwelling and attached garage
(Farnaz Khadiv, applicant and designer; Jiries and Suhair Hanhan, property owners )
(42 noticed) Staff Contact: Ruben Hurin
All Commissioners had visited the property. There were no ex-parte communications to report.
Community Development Director presented the staff report.
Questions of staff:
>Would the retaining wall between the properties need to be addressed? (Meeker - would be
addressed as part of the plan check prior to issuance of a building permit.)
Chair Bandrapalli opened the public hearing.
Farnaz Khadiv, and Jiries and Suhair Hanhan represented the applicant.
Commission comments/questions:
>Feels that the fascia caps are very heavy looking. They seem to make the building seem disjointed
and broken into many pieces. Detracts from the design.
>Would help to see the new design overlain on the existing design to get a sense for the relationship
between the massing.
>Feels the curved roof is very strange; doesn't go well with the design.
>Feels that some relief is warranted from the declining height envelope on side -sloping lots. That in
conjunction with the Hillside Area Permit and the need for story poles will determine what is acceptable.
>Seems that the siding materials are disjointed. How will the Cedar siding be finished? (Khadiv - will
likely be stained.)
>Perhaps the vertical siding is not the best choice for the lower level.
>The fascias seem out of scale with the modern style that is being sought.
Page 12City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
>Feels that some of the finishing details detract from the modern character; perhaps clean up the
design to eliminate some of the disjointed character.
>Look at corner window designs that help the modern details come to the forefront.
>The curved roof element doesn't appear to be necessary. Could be an issue relative to the story
poles.
>Not too much of an issue with the massing because it doesn't deviate too far from the current
massing.
>Feels the stucco band could be eliminated.
>Clean up the disparate elements to clean up the facade.
>On the front elevation, show how the existing house complies with the declining height envelope .
(Khadiv - the area for compliance with the declining height envelope is completely outside even the
current building design.)
>Did the designer try to get closer to compliance with the declining height envelope? (Khadiv - Yes.
Brought walls in on both the first and second floors. Included a balcony to move further in.)
>Did he visit the neighbor's house across the street to determine what the view impact may be?
(Khadiv - doesn't appear to be significantly impacting the view of the neighbors.)
>Would appreciate seeing a color rendering of the project.
>Work with staff to clarify the requests for the declining height envelope.
Public comments:
Greg Goldman, 1523 Alturas Drive:
>Has no problem with the look of the house.
>Was hoping that the roofline of the house would not increase; appears to be increasing by seven
feet.
>The view will be directly at the house from the rear of his property.
>Also concerned about drainage.
>Not opposed to the square footage.
Winnie Tan, speaking for the right side neighbor at 1344 Los Montes:
>Provided sets of drawings for each of the Commissioners to show the impact upon the property
adjacent.
>Concern of windows being blocked by addition.
>Requested story poles to see if any views would be blocked. (Commissioner - requested contact
information for the neighbor.)
Craig Hou, 1551 Los Montes:
>Biggest concern is the potential for a blocked view. Can see the lights of the bayfront area from their
home; can also see the planes taking off.
Greg Lim:
>Welcomed them to the neighborhood.
>Only concerned about the retaining wall and the drainage.
>Looks forward to seeing the new home.
Chair Bandrapalli closed the public hearing.
Commissioner Terrones made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Loftis, to refer the project
to a design reviewer and to require the installation of story poles for the project. Chair
Bandrapalli asked for a roll call vote, and the motion carried by the following vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
Page 13City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
October 14, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
10. COMMISSIONER’S REPORTS
There were no Commissioner's Reports.
11. DIRECTOR REPORTS
There were no Director Reports.
12. ADJOURNMENT
Meeting adjourned at 11:06 p.m.
Note: An action by the Planning Commission is appealable to the City Council within 10 days of the
Planning Commission's action on October 14, 2014. If the Planning Commission's action has not
been appealed or called up for review by the Council by 5:00 p.m. on October 24, 2014, the action
becomes final. In order to be effective, appeals must be in writing to the City Clerk and must be
accompanied by an appeal fee of $485, which includes noticing costs.
Any writings or documents provided to a majority of the Planning Commission regarding any item on
this agenda will be made available for public inspection during normal business hours at the
Community Development/Planning counter, City Hall, 501 Primrose Road, Burlingame, California.
Page 14City of Burlingame Printed on 7/20/2015
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AMENDMENT FOR A NEW SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING WITH ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(a)
1
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1521 Cabrillo Avenue
APN: 025-224-150
APPLICANT/ARCHITECT/DESIGNER: James Chu, Chu Design Associates, Inc.
PROPERTY OWNER: Eric Mainini
GENERAL PLAN/ZONING: Low Density Residential/R-1
LOT AREA: 16,942 SF
ENVIRONM ENTAL REVIEW STATUS: Categorically Exempt from review pursuant to the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), per Section 15303 (a), which states that construction of a limited number of new, small
facilities or structures including one single famil y residence or a second dwelling unit in a residential zone is exempt
from environmental review. In urbanized areas, up to three single-family residences maybe constructed or
converted under this exemption.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
An application for Design Review, Special Permit for an attached garage and Parking Variance for
construction of a new, two-story single family dwelling at 1521 Cabrillo Avenue was approved by the
Planning Commission on August 26, 2013 (August 26, 2013 Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
attached). A building permit was issued on January 7, 2014 and construction is currently underway.
The property owner is proposing alterations to three of the windows on the dwelling:
Front Elevation, Bath #2 window – substitute approved round window with square window
Left Side Elevation, stairwell window – replace stained/obscure glazing with clear glazing
Left Side Elevation, Bedroom #4 window – replace 4’-6” (approx.) window with 7’-0” (approx.)
window, and replace stained/obscure glazing with clear glazing
The property owner submitted a letter and photographs accompanied by originally approved and
proposed plans, date stamped October 15, 2014, to explain the proposed changes to the previously
approved Design Review project. Other than the proposed revisions listed above, there are no other
changes proposed to the design of the house.
BACKGROUND
The proposed house and attached garage, currently under construction, will have a total floor area of
4,438.9 SF (0.26 FAR) where 6,521 SF (0.38 FAR) is the maximum that could allowed for the 16,942 SF
property (including covered porch and chimney exemptions).
The project was reviewed by the Planning Commission at three separate meetings, first as a Design
Review Study item on July 22, 2013, and then an Action item on August 12 and August 26, 2013. The
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AMENDMENT FOR A NEW SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING WITH ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(a)
2
Planning Commission approved the project at its August 26 meeting. Minutes from the August 26th
meeting are attached for reference.
An “FYI” application to reduce the size of the house at the back in order to save an existing protected
size Oak tree in the rear yard was approved by the Planning Commission on May 27, 2014. The FYI
memorandum is attached for reference.
DISCUSSION
With any new construction approved by the Planning Commission, Planning Division staff will conduct a
final inspection prior to finalization of building permits. Should there be any significant discrepancies
between the built dwelling and the plans approved by the Planning Commission, the matter will be
brought back to Planning Commission for consideration either as an “FYI” memorandum or as a Design
Review Amendment request before building permits can be finalized.
Because the dwelling at 1521 Cabrillo Avenue is currently under construction, Planning staff has not yet
conducted a final inspection. However if unanticipated issues are encountered during construction it is
not unusual for applicants to request FYI or Design Review Amendments prior to final inspections. In this
instance the request is limited to the three windows identified in the property owner’s letter and the
proposed revised plans.
Staff notes that while the approved plans have an annotation on the Left Elevation specifying
“stained/obscured glazing shown shaded typ.” a specific method for obscuring the glazing was not
included in either the approved plans or the Conditions of Approval. However the expectation would be
that such treatment (whether frosted glass or applied privacy film) would be intended to be fixed
permanently.
DESIGN REVIEW CRITERIA
The criteria for design review as established in Ordinance No. 1591 adopted by the Council on April 20,
1998 are outlined as follows:
1. Compatibility of the architectural style with that of the existing character of the neighborhood;
2. Respect for the parking and garage patterns in the neighborhood;
3. Architectural style and mass and bulk of structure;
4. Interface of the proposed structure with the structures on adjacent properties; and
5. Landscaping and its proportion to mass and bulk of structural components.
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AMENDMENT FOR A NEW SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING WITH ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(a)
3
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
The Planning Commission should conduct a public hearing on the proposal to modify the windows of the
approved project, and consider public testimony and the analysis contained within the staff report. Action
should include specific findings supporting the Planning Commission’s decision, and should be affirmed
by resolution of the Planning Commission. The reasons for any action should be stated clearly for the
record.
Alternatives the Planning Commission may consider include but are not limited to:
A. Approval of the modifications to all three windows as requested;
B. Approval of some but not all of the modifications as requested;
C. Denial of all modification requests.
At the public hearing the following conditions should be considered. Underlined conditions would be
consistent with the amendments requested by the property owner in the application; the Planning
Commission may choose to retain, modify, and/or delete such conditions consistent with its findings.
1. that the project shall be built as shown on the plans submitted to the Planning Division date
stamped August 14, 2013 sheets A.1 through G.1, L1.0, L2.0 and Partial Topographic Map, with
the clarification that the particular species planted along the fence line shall be the Prunus
Caroliniana standard; and as modified on the plans submitted to the Planning Division date
stamped May 19, 2014 sheets A.1 through A.7, and as modified on the plans submitted to the
Planning Division date stamped October 15, 2014 sheets A.4, A.4a, A5.a and A.6;
2. that any changes to building materials, exterior finishes, windows, architectural features, roof
height or pitch, and amount or type of hardscape materials shall be subject to Planning Division
or Planning Commission review (FYI or amendment to be determined by Planning staff);
3. 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), shall require an amendment to this permit;
4. that the conditions of the City Engineer’s April 1, 2013 memo, the Chief Building Official's March
7, 2013 memo, the Parks Supervisor’s June 28, 2013 and March 12, 2013 memos, the Fire
Marshal's July 1, 2013 and March 4, 2013 memos, and the Stormwater Coordinator's June 25,
2013 and March 5, 2013 memos shall be met;
5. that the property owner shall be responsible for implementing and maintaining all tree protection
measures as defined in the arborist report prepared by Mayne Tree Expert Company, Inc., dated
February 27, 2013;
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AMENDMENT FOR A NEW SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING WITH ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(a)
4
6. that if the structure is demolished or the envelope changed at a later date the Parking Variance
as well as any other exceptions to the code granted here will become void;
7. that any recycling containers, debris boxes or dumpsters for the construction project shall be
placed upon the private property, if feasible, as determined by the Community Development
Director;
8. 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;
9. 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;
10. 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;
11. 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;
12. that the project shall meet all the requirements of the California Building and Uniform Fire Codes,
2010 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:
13. that prior to scheduling the foundation inspection, a licensed surveyor shall locate the property
corners, set the building footprint and certify the first floor elevation of the new structur e(s) based
on the elevation at the top of the form boards per the approved plans; this survey shall be
accepted by the City Engineer;
14. 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
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AMENDMENT FOR A NEW SINGLE
FAMILY DWELLING WITH ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(a)
5
certification documenting framing compliance with approved design shall be submitted to the
Building Division before the final framing inspection shall be scheduled;
15. 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 Division; and
16. that prior to final inspection, Planning Division 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.
Prepared by: Kevin Gardiner, Planning Manager
c. James Chu, Chu Design Associates, Inc, 55 W. 43rd Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94403, designer.
Eric Mainini, property owner
Attachments:
E-mail letter and photos from property owner, dated October 22, 2014
Minutes from the August 26, 2013, Planning Commission Regular Action Meeting
FYI memorandum to the Planning Commission dated May 27, 2014
Planning Commission resolution (proposed)
Notice of Public Hearing – Mailed October 17, 2014
Aerial Photo
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A NEW,
TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WITH AN ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(b)
1
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 2308 Hillside Drive
APN: 027-166-110
APPLICANT/ARCHITECT/DESIGNER: Mike Ma/March Design
PROPERTY OWNER: Harumitsu Inouye
GENERAL PLAN/ZONING: Low Density Residential/R-1
LOT AREA: 6,000 SF
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STATUS: Categorically Exempt from review pursuant to the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), per Section 15303 (a), which states that construction of a limited number of new, small
facilities or structures including one single family residence or a second dwelling unit in a residential zone is exempt
from environmental review. In urbanized areas, up to three single-family residences maybe constructed or
converted under this exemption.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The applicant is proposing to demolish an existing single story house on the property with a detached
garage, to build a new, two-story single family dwelling with an attached garage and to convert the
existing detached garage into a secondary dwelling unit. The proposed house, attached garage and
secondary dwelling unit will have a total floor area of 3,020 SF (0.50 FAR) where 3,020 SF (0.50 FAR) is
the maximum allowed (including covered porch and chimney exemptions). The proposed project is at
the maximum allowed FAR.
Staff notes that the application includes a new secondary dwelling unit, and that the design of the unit
remains unchanged from the previous plan submittal. Per State law, review of the secondary dwelling
unit application is administrative only and is not reviewed by the Planning Commission. Staff will review
the design of the secondary dwelling unit for conformance with the City’s Secondary Dwelling Unit
ordinance (C.S. 25.59) requirements. The ordinance includes a number of performance standards,
including the requirement that the secondary dwelling unit shall incorporate the same or similar
architectural features, building materials and colors as the primary dwelling located on the property.
The new single family dwelling will contain five bedrooms and the new secondary dwelling unit will
contain one bedroom. The main dwelling requires three parking spaces, two of which must be covered,
and the secondary dwelling unit requires one parking space. Two covered spaces will be provided in the
attached garage (20’ x 20’ clear interior measurements) and two uncovered parking spaces are provided
in the driveway (each space measures 9’ x 20’). All other Zoning Code requirements have been met.
The applicant is requesting the following applications:
Design Review for a new, two-story single family dwelling and attached garage (C.S. 25.57.010);
and
Special Permit for an attached two-car garage (CS 25.26.035, (a)).
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A NEW,
TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WITH AN ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(b)
2
2308 Hillside Drive
Lot Area: 6,000 SF Plans date stamped: October 15, 2014
PROPOSED ALLOWED/REQUIRED
SETBACKS
Front (1st flr):
(2nd flr):
(attached garage):
20'-2”
26'-9”
26’-9” 1
19'-10” (block average)
20'-0”
25’-0” (for side by side)
Side (left):
(right):
4'-2"
4’-2”
4'-0"
4’-0”
Rear (1st flr):
(2nd flr):
52’-8”
63’-4”
15'-0"
20'-0"
Lot Coverage: 2,283 SF
38%
2,400 SF
40%
FAR: 3,020 SF
0.50 FAR
3,020 SF 2
0.50 FAR
# of bedrooms: 5 (in main dwelling)
1 (in 2nd unit) ---
Parking: 2 covered + 1 uncovered
(main dwelling)
1 uncovered
(2nd unit)
2 covered + 1 uncovered
(main dwelling)
1 uncovered
(2nd unit)
Height: 25’-3” 30'-0"
DH Envelope: complies CS 25.26.075
¹ Special Permit for an attached two-car garage (CS 25.26.035, (a)).
2 (0.32 x 6,000 SF) + 1,100 SF = 3,020 SF (0.50 FAR)
DESIGN REVIEW STUDY MEETING
At the Planning Commission design review study meeting on September 8, 2014, the Commission had
several comments and suggestions regarding this project (September 8, 2014 Planning Commission
Minutes attached). The designer submitted a response letter and revised plans, dated stamped October
15, 2014. Listed below are the Commission's comments and responses by the applicant.
1. The roof pitch on the second floor is very steep, and is inconsistent with the first floor .
Steep and various roof slopes have been changed to 4.5:12 slope, consistent throughout.
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A NEW,
TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WITH AN ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(b)
3
2. The plate heights should be lowered to reduce the tall appearance of the house.
The plate heights throughout both floors have been lowered. With the shallower roof pitch, the overall
building height is 2’-6” lower than previous design.
3. The gable end on left looks flat. The edge of the roof tile should wrap around.
The front gable roof at the second floor has been updated to show the roof tiles wrapping around to
the stucco wall.
4. Three-part arched windows on the ground floor in front look inconsistent with the rest of the
design.
The three arched windows at front foyer has been changed to rectangular window.
5. On the front elevation would it be possible to center the porch window?
The front living window has been adjusted to be centered at front porch.
6. Could the front center window at the stair be modified to be more interesting?
The square window at front elevation above stairway has been changed to rectangular window with a
special pre-cast window sill.
7. Concern the garage is a dominant feature. The design review consultant references a trellis
over the garage doors but it does not appear on the plans.
A wood trellis has been added in front of the garage.
8. Porch columns needs more detail. Perhaps knee-brace corbels or ornament to add some
special detail.
Square columns and beams have been changed to stained wood. Knee brace corbels have also
been added.
9. Window headers are inconsistent.
All exposed wood headers and corbels at windows will be stained. Pre-cast stone sill has been
added for two downstairs windows at front.
Members of the Planning Commission also had questions about the design of the secondary dwelling
unit, noting that the design of the unit remains unchanged from the previous plan submittal and is not
consistent with the primary dwelling. Although review of the secondary dwelling unit application is
administrative only and is not reviewed by the Planning Commission, staff notes that as currently shown
in the plans the design of the secondary dwelling unit is not consistent with the performance standards
outlined in the City’s Secondary Dwelling Unit ordinance (C.S. 25.59) requirements. Among the
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A NEW,
TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WITH AN ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(b)
4
performance standards is a requirement that the secondary dwelling unit incorporate the same or similar
architectural features, building materials and colors as the primary dwelling located on the property. Staff
will coordinate with the applicant on providing architectural consistency with the primary dwelling as part
of the review of the secondary dwelling unit application.
STAFF COMMENTS
See attached memos from the City Engineer, Chief Building Official, Parks Supervisor, Fire Marshal and
Stormwater Coordinator.
DESIGN REVIEW CRITERIA
The criteria for design review as established in Ordinance No. 1591 adopted by the Coun cil on April 20,
1998 are outlined as follows:
1. Compatibility of the architectural style with that of the existing character of the neighborhood;
2. Respect for the parking and garage patterns in the neighborhood;
3. Architectural style and mass and bulk of structure;
4. Interface of the proposed structure with the structures on adjacent properties; and
5. Landscaping and its proportion to mass and bulk of structural components.
FINDINGS FOR A SPECIAL PERMIT
In order to grant a Special Permit, the Planning Commission must find that the following conditions exist
on the property (Code Section 25.51.020 a-d):
a) The blend of mass, scale and dominant structural characteristics of the new construction or addition
are consistent with the existing structure’s design and with the existing street and neighborhood;
b) the variety of roof line, facade, exterior finish materials and elevations of the proposed new structure
or addition are consistent with the existing structure, street and neighborhood;
c) the proposed project is consistent with the residential design guidelines adopted by the city; and
d) removal of any trees located within the footprint of any new structure or addition is necessary and is
consistent with the city’s reforestation requirements, and the mitigation for the removal that is
proposed is appropriate.
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A NEW,
TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WITH AN ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(b)
5
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
The Planning Commission should conduct a public hearing on the application, and consider public
testimony and the analysis contained within the staff report. Action should include specific findings
supporting the Planning Commission’s decision, and should be affirmed by resolution of the Planning
Commission. The reasons for any action should be stated clearly for the record. The secondary
dwelling unit is not subject to Planning Commission review and should not be discussed.
At the public hearing the following conditions should be considered:
1. that the project shall be built as shown on the plans submitted to the Planning Division date
stamped October 15, 2014, sheets A0.0 through A3.2, sheet C.0, and landscape plans sheets 2,
5 and 8;
2. that the secondary dwelling unit shown on the plans for reference requires separate
administrative review, and is not included in this permit;
3. that any changes to building materials, exterior finishes, windows, architectural features, roof
height or pitch, and amount or type of hardscape materials shall be subject to Planning Division
or Planning Commission review (FYI or amendment to be determined by Planning staff);
4. that any changes to the size or envelope of the first or second floors, or garage, which would
include adding or enlarging a dormer(s), shall require an amendment to this permit;
5. that the conditions of the Chief Building Official's December 11 and September 9, 2013 memos,
the City Engineer's September 26, 2013 memo, the Fire Marshal's September 9, 2013 memo, the
City Arborist's December 16 and March 13, 2013 memos, and the Stormwater Coordinator's
December 17 and September 11, 2013 memos shall be met;
6. that any recycling containers, debris boxes or dumpsters for the construction project shall be
placed upon the private property, if feasible, as determined by the Community Development
Director;
7. 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;
8. 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;
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A NEW,
TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WITH AN ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(b)
6
9. 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;
10. 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;
11. that the project shall meet all the requirements of the California Building and Uniform Fire Codes,
2010 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:
12. that prior to scheduling the framing inspection the applicant shall provide a certification by the
project architect or residential designer, or another architect or residential design professional,
that demonstrates that the project falls at or below the maximum approved floor area ratio for the
property;
13. 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;
14. 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 Division; and
15. that prior to final inspection, Planning Division 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.
Prepared by: Kevin Gardiner, Planning Manager
c. Michael Ma / March Design, 20660 Stevens Creek Blvd, Cupertino, CA ., 95014, architect.
Harumitsu Inouye, property owner
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR DESIGN REVIEW AND SPECIAL PERMIT FOR A NEW,
TWO-STORY SINGLE FAMILY DWELLING WITH AN ATTACHED GARAGE
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(b)
7
Attachments:
September 8, 2014 Planning Commission Minutes
Applicant letter, dated October 22, 2014
Design review consultant letter (Jerry Winges), dated October 23, 2014
Application to the Planning Commission
Special Permit Application and accompanying documents, date stamped December 18, 2013
Secondary Dwelling Unit Application, date stamped September 4, 2013
Staff Comments
Planning Commission resolution (proposed)
Notice of Public Hearing - Mailed October 17, 2014
Aerial Photo
PROJECT LOCATION
2308 Hillside Drive
Item No. 8b
Regular Action
BURLINGAME CITY HALL
501 PRIMROSE ROAD
BURLINGAME, CA 94010
City of Burlingame
Meeting Minutes
Planning Commission
6:00 PM Council ChambersMonday, September 8, 2014
a.2308 Hillside Drive, zoned R-1 – Application for Design Review and Special Permit for
a new, two-story single family dwelling with an attached garage (Harumitsu Inouye,
applicant and property owner Michael Ma, March Design, architect;) (65 noticed) Staff
Contact: Kevin Gardiner
Commissioner Sargent noted that when this application was first reviewed by the Planning Commission
he owned property within 500 feet, however he has since sold the property.
All Commissioners had visited the property. Commissioner Gum noted he had spoken with the
neighbors to each side, and Commissioner Bandrapalli had spoken with the applicant.
Questions of staff:
>If the secondary dwelling unit does not match, are we not allowed to talk about it? (Gardiner - State
law requires secondary dwelling units to be reviewed administratively and not be subject to discretionary
review. However communities may have performance standards, which the Burlingame code has. In the
administrative review staff will review the application using the criteria, including the criterion that the
architectural styles need to match. The applicant has been advised of this requirement.)
Mike Ma represented applicant:
>Previously the application had been designed in a contemporary style, by another architect.
Commissioner questions/comments:
>Gable end on left looks flat. Will the edge of the roof tile be wrapped around? (Ma - Yes.)
>On the front elevation would it be possible to center the porch window? (Ma - Yes, could shift it
over.)
>Could the front center window at the stair be modified to be more interesting? Round, wrought iron,
or bars - something special. (Ma: Yes. Open to suggestions.)
>Neighbors to the right are concerned with shrubbery that would be between the driveway and their
property. Would it be possible to retain the existing shrubbery? Would help to screen the driveway. (Ma -
Agrees but not sure if it ’s on their property or not. Would need to be trimmed so it does not block the
driveway but could overhang a bit.)
>Staff report had letter from design review consultant. Handful of comments related to windows, plate
heights and garage. (Ma - Property owner just got back before submittal, has not had a chance to
discuss.)
>Maple tree may grow too large to be next to driveway.
>Special Permit application for attached garage notes that it is common in the area. However looking
at Hillside Drive, 10 of the 11 examples shown on the map provided in the application were corner lots
with attached garages. The only midblock example is a 1-car garage, there are no 2-car front garages
on midblock lots. (Ma - Could mitigate with narrower driveway and curb cut, especially at street down to
12 or 15 feet. Past sidewalk can widen to 18 feet to access garage. Also can have landscaping with low -
to medium- shrubs, using landscaping to mitigate visual and provide screening.)
>Important to address some of the issues from the design review consultant letter. Close to being
approvable, but important aspect consultant raises is pitch of roof 6:12 on upper floor vs 4:12 on lower –
Page 1City of Burlingame Printed on 10/22/2014
September 8, 2014Planning Commission Meeting Minutes
why steeper on second floor? 6:12 looks more like a tract home. (Ma - Could make upper slope 4:12, will
also help massing.) Addressing roof height will help with overall massing.
>Rake fascia detail important to have tile detail. Same detail as on existing front porch.
>Inconsistency with window headers. Should have special window over the stairs.
>3-part arched windows on the ground floor in front look inconsistent. Revisit, could reference shape
from garage and upper window, or square off with a header.
>Porch columns needs more detail. Perhaps knee -brace corbels or ornament to add some special
detail. Otherwise too plain.
>Commission has strong preference away from vinyl windows. Should be solid wood window with or
without cladding, and muntins need to be simulated true divided lite or divided lite.
>Recommendation to lower plate height is a good one. Does not think the front garage fits the
neighborhood.
>Where is trellis over the garage referenced in the design review consultant letter? (Ma - Deleted by
request of owner.) Trellis should be reconsidered. The attached garage makes the house look suburban,
tract-like so mitigation would be helpful.
Public comments: There were no public comments.
Commission discussion:
>Should come back on action to review details that need to be addressed. Does not need to go back
to design review consultant.
>Maps such as the garage exhibit submitted in the application are not helpful because they do not
speak to the neighborhood as defined in the design guidelines.
Commissioner Terrones made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Yie, to place this item on
the Regular Action Calendar when plans have been revised as directed. The Planning
Commission's action is advisory and not appealable. The motion was approved by the following
vote:
Aye:Bandrapalli, DeMartini, Yie, Loftis, Sargent, Terrones, and Gum7 -
Page 2City of Burlingame Printed on 10/22/2014
October 22, 2014
Planning Commission
City of Burlingame
Re: Design Revision for
2308 Hillside Drive,
Burlingame, CA 94010
To Planning Commissioners:
The letter is to summarize the design changes made from the previous planning
submittal for this new 2-story house at 2308 Hillside Drive.
1. Steep and various roof slopes have been changed to 4.5:12 slope which is
consistent throughout.
2. The plate heights throughout both floors have been lowered. With the
shallower roof pitch, the overall building height is 2’-6” lower than previous
design.
3. The front gable roof at the 2nd floor has been updated to show the roof tiles
wrapping around to the stucco wall.
4. The three arched windows at front foyer has been changed to rectangular
window.
5. The front living window has been adjusted to be centered at front porch.
6. The square window at front elevation above stairway has been changed to
rectangular window with a special pre-cast window sill.
7. A wood trellis has been added in front of the garage to tone down the garage
doors.
8. Square columns and beams have been changed to stained wood. Knee
brace corbels have also been added.
9. All exposed wood headers and corbels at windows will be stained.
10. Pre-cast stone sill has been added for two downstair windows at front.
11. Three skylights on the proposed house have been eliminated. One sun
tunnel has been added.
Regards,
Mike Ma
Architect
WINGES
A R C H I T E C T S
WINGES ARCHITECTS, INC. 1290 HOWARD AVE. SUITE 311, BURLINGAME, CA 94010 / FAX: (650) 343-1291 / info@wingesaia.com / TEL: (650) 343-1101
ARCHITECTURE / INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE / SPACE PLANNING / MASTER PLANNING / DESIGN COUNSELING
10-23-2014
Burlingame Planning Commission
501 Primrose Road,
Burlingame, CA 94010
Ref: Design Review 2308 Hillside Drive – new house
Dear Planning Commissioners;
These are my review comments on the revised submittal and further design changes
received today. The applicant has responded very well to my suggestions and the
concerns of the Planning Commission. Below are my new comments in CAPS below
the original comments of 8-14-2014.
The floor plan, massing and site plan of the main house has not changed, but
the house elevations and roof forms have been re-designed from the prior
contemporary modern style to a more traditional Spanish style.
The existing garage which is being changed to a second unit remains a
contemporary style and does not seem a part of the same project. The design
guidelines recommend that second units be the same style as the main house
and to have a different style as shown seems odd and out of place.
I ASSUME THE GARAGE IS A SEPARATE PROPOSAL/PROJECT AND HAS NOT
CHANGED.
The proposal continues to use a 10’ lower plate height and a 9’ upper plate
height. Because the upper roof is not carried down to the lower plate height
as in a steeper traditional roof, this makes the house appear more massive. It is
also right up to the height limit. This Spanish style works better if the plate
heights and slopes are lower, even 4:12 like the lower roofs shown. This house
might appear less massive and more harmonious if the upper roof matched
the lower roof using the same 4:12, in lieu of 6:12 as shown. I also recommend
considering lowering the plate heights by 12” each.
THE PLATE HEIGHTS HAVE BEEN LOWERED AND THE ROOF PITCH CHANGED TO BE
MORE IN KEEPING WITH THE MEDITERRANEAN STYLE. THIS HAS REDUCED THE MASS
DRAMATICALLY AND LOWERED THE HEIGHT.
The garage has been relocated in the front of the home as previously
presented. This does not meet the predominant pattern of rear garages in the
neighborhood, however there are exceptions nearby. The garage doors
WINGES
A R C H I T E C T S
WINGES ARCHITECTS, INC. 1290 HOWARD AVE. SUITE 311, BURLINGAME, CA 94010 / FAX: (650) 343-1291 / info@wingesaia.com / TEL: (650) 343-1101
ARCHITECTURE / INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE / SPACE PLANNING / MASTER PLANNING / DESIGN COUNSELING
however are set back from the front of the house, are staggered and are
separate arched doors, and are made less obtrusive by use of the trellis.
THE TRELLIS AND RECESS OF THE DOORS REMAIN AND MITIGATE THE FRONT FACING
GARAGE ISSUE.
Using the same floor plan with different roof shapes gives the new design a
“layer cake” look, but this has been mitigated by varying the plate heights and
eave heights, use of hips and gables, and nice use of decorative beams and
eaves.
THE REDESIGN WITH LOWER ROOF AND OTHER CHANGES HAVE IMPROVED THE
LOOK AND IS MORE CONSISTENT.
The house does have a porch which makes the front more neighbor friendly.
The windows are of various shapes and sizes, but have similar divided lites. The
arched window in the upper gable over the main entry porch is a nice contrast
to the rectangular windows. This arch form is repeated at the garage doors.
However, the three part window adjacent to the porch on the first floor seems
a different style and proportion—there are no other half round windows and I
would suggest that using another rectangular window with wood header
would be more consistent.
The materials and col ors portrayed need to be clarified, but generally appear
complementary. I would suggest that the window trims of simulated limestone
have a contrasting (lighter) color and texture to the stucco color to
accentuate the use of different materials.
THE CHANGES SUGGESTED HAVE BEEN ALL BEEN INCORPORATED AND THE
APPLICANT HAS DONE A GREAT JOB OF PROVIDING A MORE CONSISTENT, LESS
MASSIVE AND VERY PLEASING COMPOSITION. THE WINDOW DETAILS, CORBELS,
BALCONY DETAIL AND OTHER COLOR AND MATERIAL CHANGES ARE VERY
WELCOME.
THE ONLY ADDITIONAL SUGGESTION I WOULD HAVE IS TO BE CONSISTENT WITH THE
EXPOSED RAFTER TAILS AT THE EAVES—THEY ARE NOT THE SAME ON EVERY
ELEVATION WHICH PERHAPS IS A DRAFTING OVERSIGHT.
I RECOMMEND APPROVAL OF THE PROJECT.
Very Truly Yours,
jerry L. Winges, AIA. LEED-AP
Secretary
RESOLUTION APPROVING CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION, DESIGN REVIEW
AND SPECIAL PERMIT
RESOLVED, by the Planning Commission of the City of Burlingame that:
WHEREAS, a Categorical Exemption has been prepared and application has been made for Design
Review and Special Permit for a new, two-story house with an attached garage at 2308 Hillside Drive,
Zoned R-1, Harumitsu Inouye, 2308 Hillside Drive, Burlingame, CA, 94010, property owner, APN: 027-
166-110;
WHEREAS, said matters were heard by the Planning Commission of the City of Burlingame on October
27, 2014, at which time it reviewed and considered the staff report and all other written materials and
testimony presented at said hearing;
NOW, THEREFORE, it is RESOLVED and DETERMINED by this Planning Commission that:
1. On the basis of the Initial Study and the documents submitted and reviewed, and comments
received and addressed by this Commission, it is hereby found that there is no substantial evidence
that the project set forth above will have a significant effect on the environment, and categorical
exemption, per CEQA Section 15303 (a), which states that construction of a limited number of
new, small facilities or structures including one single family residence or a second dwelling unit
in a residential zone is exempt from environmental review, is hereby approved.
2. Said Design Review and Special Permit are approved subject to the conditions set forth in
Exhibit “A” attached hereto. Findings for such Design Review and Special Permit are set forth
in the staff report, minutes, and recording of said meeting.
3. It is further directed that a certified copy of this resolution be recorded in the official records of
the County of San Mateo.
Chairman
I, _____________ , Secretary of the Planning Commission of the City of Burlingame, do
hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the
Planning Commission held on the 27th day of October, 2014, by the following vote:
EXHIBIT “A”
Conditions of Approval for Categorical Exemption, Design Review and Special Permit
2308 Hillside Drive
Effective November 6, 2014
Page 1
1. that the project shall be built as shown on the plans submitted to the Planning Division
date stamped October 15, 2014, sheets A0.0 through A3.2, sheet C.0, and landscape
plans sheets 2, 5 and 8;
2. that the secondary dwelling unit shown on the plans for reference requires separate
administrative review, and is not included in this permit;
3. that any changes to building materials, exterior finishes, windows, architectural features,
roof height or pitch, and amount or type of hardscape materials shall be subject to
Planning Division or Planning Commission review (FYI or amendment to be determined
by Planning staff);
4. that any changes to the size or envelope of the first or second floors, or garage, which
would include adding or enlarging a dormer(s), shall require an amendment to this
permit;
5. that the conditions of the Chief Building Official's December 11 and September 9, 2013
memos, the City Engineer's September 26, 2013 memo, the Fire Marshal's September
9, 2013 memo, the City Arborist's December 16 and March 13, 2013 memos, and the
Stormwater Coordinator's December 17 and September 11, 2013 memos shall be met;
6. that any recycling containers, debris boxes or dumpsters for the construction project
shall be placed upon the private property, if feasible, as determined by the Community
Development Director;
7. 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;
8. 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;
9. 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;
10. 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
EXHIBIT “A”
Conditions of Approval for Categorical Exemption, Design Review and Special Permit
2308 Hillside Drive
Effective November 6, 2014
demolition of a structure, interior or exterior, shall require a demolition permit;
11. that the project shall meet all the requirements of the California Building and Uniform
Fire Codes, 2010 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:
12. that prior to scheduling the framing inspection the applicant shall provide a certification
by the project architect or residential designer, or another architect or residential design
professional, that demonstrates that the project falls at or below the maximum approved
floor area ratio for the property;
13. 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;
14. 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 Division;
and
15. that prior to final inspection, Planning Division 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.
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE FOR REQUIRED BUSINESS ACCESS FOR A
NEW RETAIL SPACE IN AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(d)
1
PROPERTY ADDRESS: 1426 Burlingame Avenue
APN: 029-122-230
APPLICANT/ARCHITECT/DESIGNER: Dale Meyer, Dale Meyer Associates
PROPERTY OWNER: Green Banker LLC
GENERAL PLAN/ZONING: Burlingame Downtown Specific Plan:
Burlingame Avenue Commercial District/BAC
LOT AREA: 10,285
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW STATUS: The project is Categorically Exempt from review pursuant to the California
Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), per Section 15301, which states that existing facilities, consisting of the
operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing or minor alteration of existing public or private
structures, facilities, mechanical equipment or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of use
beyond that existing at the time of the lead agency's determination are exempt from environmental review.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The existing commercial building at 1426 Burlingame Avenue contains retail uses on the first floor, and
office use and a two-bedroom residential unit on the second floor.
With this application, the applicant is proposing to create a new retail space on the ground floor at the
back of the building. Formerly the ground floor had been a single retail space approximately 9,034 SF in
area. The space has been vacant for a number of years, and both the previous and current property
owners have been unable to find a tenant interested in leasing the entire space. The current property
owner considered a number of options for subdividing the space, and determined that splitting the space
between a front and back tenant made the most sense given the depth of the building (approximately
190 feet). The space was subdivided last year and the front portion was leased to the Sole Desire shoe
store. The applicant has submitted a letter further describing the situation (attached).
Rec Room Creative, a retail business, has expressed intent to lease the rear portion of the ground floor
(approximately 2874 SF) for a new retail business. Retail is a permitted use in the BAC (Burlingame
Avenue Commercial) District so the new business would not be subject to Planning Commission review
unless there were changes to the exterior façade. In this instance the prospective tenant is not proposing
any changes to the exterior façade other than signage.
With the subdivision of the ground floor, access to the rear retail space would be through one of two
existing entrances. One entrance is accessed from a City of Burlingame parking lot to the rear, while the
other entrance is accessed from the rear parking lot of 1432-36 Burlingame Avenue. The property owner
has supplied documentation that an easement will be provided access across 1432-36 Burlingame
Avenue (attached – a condition of approval is suggested requiring that the document be executed and
notarized prior to issuance of a building permit). There would be no direct access to Burlingame Avenue
from the rear retail space.
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE FOR REQUIRED BUSINESS ACCESS FOR A
NEW RETAIL SPACE IN AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(d)
2
Code Section 25.58.030 requires that every business or every building containing one or more
businesses shall have its primary entrance upon a city street at least twenty-five (25) feet in width.
Access to such a city street shall not be across or through an alley, lane or street less than twenty-five
(25) feet in width, or a public parking lot. The newly created rear retail space would conflict with this
requirement given that neither of its entrances are accessed from city streets. However Code Section
25.58.030 specifies that a Variance may be granted pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 25.16. With
this application, the applicant is requesting the following:
Variance for Required Business Access for a new retail space in an existing commercial building.
STAFF COMMENTS
Planning staff would note that because of the nature of the request, it was determined that this request
could be brought forward directly as a Regular Action Item. Retail is a permitted use for the property so
is not subject to Planning Commission review; the only matter to be considered is the Variance for
required business access. If the Commission feels there is a need for more study, this item may be
placed on a subsequent action calendar for a second review with direction to the applicant.
REQUIRED FINDINGS FOR A VARIANCE
In order to grant a variance the Planning Commission must find that the following conditions exist on the
property (Code Section 25.54.020 a-d):
(a) there are exceptional or extraordinary circumstances or conditions applicable to the property
involved that do not apply generally to property in the same district;
(b) the granting of the application is necessary for the preservation and enjoyment of a substantial
property right of the applicant, and to prevent unreasonable property loss or unnecessary
hardship;
(c) the granting of the application will not be detrimental or injurious to property or improvements in
the vicinity and will not be detrimental to the public health, safety, general welfare or convenience;
and
(d) that the use of the property will be compatible with the aesthetics, mass, bulk and character of
existing and potential uses of properties in the general vicinity.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
The Planning Commission should conduct a public hearing on the application, and consider public
testimony and the analysis contained within the staff report. Action should include specific findings
Community Development Department
PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT
APPLICATION FOR VARIANCE FOR REQUIRED BUSINESS ACCESS FOR A
NEW RETAIL SPACE IN AN EXISTING COMMERCIAL BUILDING
Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
REGULAR ACTION
Item No: 8(d)
3
supporting the Planning Commission’s decision, and should be affirmed by resolution of the Planning
Commission. The reasons for any action should be stated clearly for the record. At the public hearing
the following conditions should be considered:
1. that the project shall be built as shown on the plans submitted to the Planning Division date
stamped July 7, 2014, sheets P1 through P3;
2. that the “Pedestrian Access & Fire Safety Easement Agreement” date stamped October 6, 2014
be executed and notarized prior to issuance of a building permit;
3. that if the structure is demolished or the envelope changed at a later date the Variance, as well as
any other exceptions to the code granted here, will become void;
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 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; and
6. that the project shall meet all the requirements of the California Building and Uniform Fire Codes,
2013 Edition, as amended by the City of Burlingame.
Prepared by: Kevin Gardiner, Planning Manager
c. Jennifer Quan, applicant
Dale Meyer, Dale Meyer Associates, architect
Attachments:
Application to the Planning Commission
Applicant’s letter of explanation, dated July 7, 2014
Variance Application
Site Photos
Documentation of access easement with neighboring 1432-36 Burlingame Avenue (Lands of Wurlitzer)
Planning Commission Resolution (Proposed)
Notice of Public Hearing – Mailed October 17, 2014
Aerial Photo
PROJECT LOCATION
1426 Burlingame Avenue (rear)
Item No. 8d
Regular Action
PROJECT LOCATION
1547 Vancouver Avenue
Item No. 9b
Design Review Study
City of Burlingame
Design Review and Conditional Use Permits
Address: 1547 Vancouver Avenue Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
Request: Application for Design Review for a first and second story addition to an existing single family
dwelling and Conditional Use Permits for a recreation room and toilet and shower in an existing
accessory structure.
Applicant and Designer: Julie Carlson, JCarlson Design APN: 027-141-030
Property Owner: same as applicant Lot Area: 6100 SF
General Plan: Low Density Residential Zoning: R-1
Project Description: The site currently contains an existing one-story house (1455 SF), an attached one-car
carport (180 SF) and a structure located behind the carport which contains a nonconforming one-car garage and
secondary dwelling unit (469 SF). There is also a detached patio cover (180 SF) and storage shed (99 SF) at
the rear of the lot. The existing floor area ratio (FAR) on the lot totals 2,285 SF (0.37 FAR) (sheds less than 100
SF are not included in FAR).
The applicant is proposing a first floor addition at the rear of the house and second floor addition at the center
and rear of the house. The proposal also includes removing the existing attached carport and detached patio
cover. With the proposed project, the floor area will increase to 3,273 SF (0.53 FAR) where 3,452 SF (0.56
FAR) is the maximum allowed. The proposed project is 179 SF below the maximum allowed FAR and within 5%
of the maximum allowed FAR.
As previously noted, the existing structure at the left, rear corner of the lot contains a one-car garage and an
existing second unit (no records found for this unit). The applicant is proposing modifications to the interior of
this structure which includes increasing the depth of the covered parking space (from 15’-0” to 20’-0”) to meet
current code standards and converting the existing second unit to a recreation room with a sink, toilet and
shower. The applicant is requesting approval of Conditional Use Permits for a recreation room and toilet and
shower in an existing accessory structure. There are no changes proposed to the envelope of this structure.
The required applications are listed below.
W ith this project, the number of potential bedrooms is increasing from three to four. Two parking spaces, one of
which must be covered, are required on site. The existing garage will be modified to comply with current code
standards for a covered parking space (10’-4” x 20’-0” clear interior dimensions provided where 10’ x 20’ is the
minimum required). One uncovered parking space (9’ x 20’) is provided in the driveway. All other Zoning Code
requirements have been met. The applicant is requesting the following applications:
Design Review for a first and second story addition to a single family dwelling (CS 25.57.010 (a) (2));
Conditional Use Permit for a recreation room in an existing accessory structure (CS 25.60.010 (m)); and
Conditional Use Permit for a toilet and shower in an existing accessory structure (CS 25.60.010 (j)).
Intentionally left blank.
Item No. 9b
Design Review Study
Design Review and Conditional Use Permits 1547 Vancouver Avenue
2
1547 Vancouver Avenue
Lot Size: 6,100 SF Plans date stamped: October 20, 2014
EXISTING PROPOSED ALLOWED/REQ’D
SETBACKS
Front (1st flr): 23’-7” no change 15'-0" or block average
(2nd flr): n/a 39’-3” 20'-0"
Side (left):
(right):
9'-6"
3’-6”
9’-6” (7’-6” at 2nd floor)
6’-6”
4'-0"
4'-0"
Rear (1st flr):
(2nd flr):
49’-6”
n/a
47’-6”
47’-6”
15'-0"
20'-0"
Lot Coverage: 2285 SF
37.4%
2208 SF
36.1%
2440 SF
40%
FAR: 2285 SF
0.37 FAR
3273 SF
0.53 FAR
3452 SF 1
0.56 FAR
# of bedrooms: 3 4 ---
Off-Street
Parking:
1 covered
(10’-4” x 15’-0”) ²
1 uncovered
(9’ x 20’)
1 covered
(10’-4” x 20’-0”)
1 uncovered
(9’ x 20’)
1 covered
(10' x 20')
1 uncovered
(9' x 20')
Height: 21’-9” 26’-0” 30'-0"
DH Envelope: complies complies CS 25.26.075
Use in Accessory
Structure:
one-car garage
and second unit
one-car garage with a
recreation room, toilet
and shower ³
Conditional Use Permit
required for a toilet and
shower in an accessory
structure
¹ (0.32 x 6100 SF) + 1,100 SF = 400 SF = 3452 SF (0.56 FAR)
² Existing nonconforming covered parking space length.
³ Conditional Use Permits required for a recreation room, toilet and shower in an existing accessory structure.
Staff Comments: See attached memos from the Building, Parks, Fire, Engineering and Stormwater Divisions.
Ruben Hurin
Senior Planner
c. Julie Carlson, JCarlson Design, applicant and property owner
Attachments:
Application to the Planning Commission
Conditional Use Permit Application
Photographs of Neighborhood
Staff Comments
Notice of Public Hearing – Mailed October 17, 2014
Aerial Photo
CITY OF BURLINGAME
Community Development Department
M E M O R A N D U M
DATE: October 22, 2014 Director's Report
TO: Planning Commission Meeting Date: October 27, 2014
FROM: Ruben Hurin, Senior Planner
SUBJECT: FYI – REVIEW OF PROPOSED CHANGES TO A PREVIOUSLY APPROVED
DESIGN REVIEW PROJECT AT 1529 BERNAL AVENUE, ZONED R-1.
Summary: An application for Design Review and Special Permit for a new, two-story single
family dwelling with a basement and detached garage at 1529 Bernal Avenue, zoned R-1, was
approved by the Planning Commission on June 9, 2014 (see attached June 9, 2014 Planning
Commission Meeting Minutes). A building permit was issued on October 7, 2014 and
construction is underway.
The house was originally approved with aluminum clad wood windows. The applicant is
requesting approval of an FYI to use fiberglass clad wood windows instead. Specifically, the
applicant is proposing to use the Integrity Wood-Ultrex Series windows by Marvin (see attached
informational sheet and proposed building elevations, date stamped October 17, 2014). The
applicant is also proposing to eliminate the transom window above the front entry door and
instead use a taller door and sidelight capped with a wood band (see Proposed Left Elevation).
The architect submitted plans showing the originally approved and proposed building elevations,
date stamped October 17, 2014, to show the changes to the previously approved design review
project.
Other than the changes detailed in the applicant’s letter and revised plans, there are no other
changes proposed to the design of the house. If the Commission feels there is a need for more
study, this item may be placed on an action calendar for a second review and/or public hearing
with direction to the applicant.
Ruben Hurin
Senior Planner
Attachments:
Explanation letter submitted by the project architect, dated October 17, 2014
Informational Sheet for Integrity Wood-Ultrex Series Windows by Marvin
June 9, 2014 Planning Commission Minutes
Originally approved and proposed building elevations, date stamped October 17, 2014