HomeMy WebLinkAboutAttachmt 10 Minutes of 01-28-2007 PC Study Session
Planning COlnlnission
Study Session Minutes
CALL TO ORDER
A special meeting of the City of Dublin Planning Commission was held on Tuesday, January 23,
2007, in the Council Chambers located at 100 Civic Plaza. Chair Schaub called the meeting to
order at 6:02 p.m.
ATTENDEES
Present: Chair Schaub, Vice Chair Wehrenberg; Commissioners Biddle, King, and Tomlinson;
Jeri Ram, Community Development Director; Mary Jo Wilson, Planning Manager; Erica Fraser,
Senior Planner; and Rhonda Franklin, Recording Secretary.
1.1 Study Session - Vargas
Chair Schaub asked for the Staff Report.
Ms. Erica Fraser, Senior Planner, presented the specifics of the project as outlined in the
Staff Report.
Chair Schaub asked how many cars would be able to stack in the garages. Ms. Fraser
stated that she was not sure of the exact stackable area and reminded the Planning
Commission that the site plans are tentative and could change.
Cm. King asked about the ramifications of streets designated as scenic corridors. Ms.
Fraser explained areas that are designated as scenic corridors are required to provide
attractively designed homes and a photo simulation of the house plans. She pointed out
that there is nothing on this site that the policy seeks to protect.
Cm. Biddle asked if the proposed trail would connect to Tassajara Road. Ms. Fraser
pointed out the proposed trail on the diagram and stated that Staff is requesting that the
Applicant make the trail connect to Tassajara Road so that the trail could be available to
the general public.
Cm. Biddle asked if the sidewalk along Tassajara Road would continue southward to the
Wallace Ranch development, and Ms. Fraser said yes.
Chair Schaub asked if there would be a stoplight and crosswalk near the entrance of the
trail, and Ms. Fraser said yes.
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Cm. Biddle asked if the south end of the trail would continue to Tassajara Road. Ms.
Fraser stated that the proposal would be to continue the trail southward along Tassajara
Creek.
Cm. Biddle asked if there was a designated park/ play area in the development. Ms.
Fraser explained that the City's Park Master Plan does not designate a park site on this
development; however, the developer would have to pay a park in-lieu fee.
Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked if Staff had experience working with residential
developments that are similar to the proposed density of this project. Ms. Fraser said yes
and discussed the residential developments with which Staff has worked.
Vice Chair Wehrenberg clarified that the optional garage car-lifts would be at the
discretion of the home owner, and Ms. Fraser said yes. Cm. Biddle asked if the City had
current residential developments with car-lifts in the garage, and Ms. Fraser said no.
Cm. Biddle asked about the potential of creating a cul-de-sac at one of the entrances of
the project. Ms. Fraser explained that the entrances to the project would not be changed
to cul-de-sacs. Cm. Tomlinson asked if two entrances were required for the project, and
Ms. Fraser said yes.
Biddle asked about left turn.
Cm. King asked if there is a convenient location for a convenience store in the area, and
Ms. Fraser explained that there most likely is not.
Mr. Fred Musser, of Sun Valley Land Development Company, spoke in favor of the
project.
Cm. Tomlinson asked the approximate cost of a car-lift, and Mr. Musser said $1,200 -
$1,800. Cm. Biddle asked if all garages would be built to accommodate a car-lift, and Mr.
Musser said yes.
Vice Chair Wehrenberg asked if the proposed attics in the garages would be built for
storage, and Mr. Musser said yes.
Chair Schaub and Cm. Tomlinson asked about parking spaces in the project. Mr. Musser
stated that there would be 40 off-street parking spaces.
Cm. Tomlinson expressed concerns about the proposed parking situation and stated that
he would prefer to see side by side parking instead of tandem parking. He further stated
that there should be a public area where children can ------------------in recreational
activities.
Mr. Musser stated that he is fascinating that no one is talking about helping to reduce the
demand for cars and parking by providing a transit stop at this location. He stated that
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side by side parking would hurt the development because they would loose a lot of
density on the project.
Vice Chair Wehrenberg expressed concern about residents backing out into the line of
traffic. She stated that she would like the development team to look at redesigning the
affected area for safety reasons. Mr. Musser stated that he would like to explore
constructing a deceleration lane that allows drivers to slow down before entering the
development.
Vice Chair Wehrenberg stated that she would like to see the majority of the landscape
remain green year round. Mr. Musser stated that he would be happy to work with Staff
on the appropriate landscape for the project and explained that from an environmental
perspective, it is better to plant deciduous trees because they shade the house during the
summer and let in light during the winter. Vice Chair stated that she would like the trail
to connect to the Vargas property.
Cm. Biddle sated that he likes the concept of the proposed attic. He asked about the
location of the 3-story houses. Mr. Musser pointed out the location on diagrarn. Cm.
Biddle stated that minimal grading is important. He further stated that the landscape is
important because of the size of the area.
Cm. King stated that the overall plan seems attractive and that he likes the affordability
of the project. He asked about the views of the project from Tassajara Road. Mr. Musser
explained that the views would include trees and some building outlines.
Cm. King stated that he would like the houses along Tassajara road to have four-sided
architecture. He asked if the creek corridor would be fenced off. Mr. Musser stated that
he does not yet know the requirements that may be imposed for the creek corridor.
Cm. King expressed concern about residents backing out into the line of traffic. He
stated that he would like to see attractive entrances to the project. He further stated that
he would like to see a convenience store in the area.
Cm. Tomlinson asked if the lOO-foot setback along the creek could have a lawn or play
area. Ms. Fraser said no and stated that the creek corridor is protected and must remain
unaltered.
Cm. King stated that he would like to see porches and balconies on some of the houses to
encourage pedestrian street life on the residential streets.
Chair Schaub stated that he is displeased with the project. He stated that one car garages
with tandem parking would most likely not work for this environment. He stated that
two car garages should be a standard requirement for this project. He stated that he does
not like the idea of 3-story houses.
The Planning Commission provided feedback on the questions posed in the Staff Report.
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The Planning Commission thanked Ms. Fraser and the Developers for putting the Study
Session together.
Chair Schaub adjourned the meeting at 7:16 p.m.
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