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Item 04 - 60.5 Rogers St - Staff Report & Exhibits 1-6TOWN OF LOS GATOS ITEM NO: 4 PLANNING COMMISSION STAFF REPORT Meeting Date: August 12, 2015 PREPARED BY: APPLICATION NO: LOCATION: APPLICANT/ CONTACT PERSON: PROPERTY OWNER: Jennifer L. Savage, Senior Planner jsavage@lo s gatosc a.go v Architecture and Site Application S-15-048 60Yz Rogers Street (west terminus of Rogers Street, approximately 630 feet southwest of the intersection of Kimble Avenue and Rogers Street) Terence Szewczyk Clark and Suzanne Cochran APPLICATION SUMMARY: Requesting approval to eliminate a detached second dwelling unit on property zoned R-1 :20. APN 529-33-003 . RECOMMENDATION: PROJECT DATA: CEQA: DEEMED COMPLETE: July 9, 2015 FINAL DATE TO TAKE ACTION: January 9, 2016 Approval, with conditions. General Plan Designation: Low Density Residential Zoning Designation: R-1 :20 -Single-Family Residential, 20,000 square foot lot minimum Applicable Plans & Standards: General Plan Parcel Size: 10 ,003 square feet (after Lot Merger) Surrounding Area: Existing Land Use General Plan Zoning North Residential Medium Density Residential R-ID East Residential Low Density Residential R-1: 10 South Residential Low Density Residential R-1 :20 West Residential Low Density Residential R-1:20 The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15303: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures . Planning Commission Staff Report -Page 2 60Yz Rogers Street/S-15-048 August 12, 2015 FINDINGS: CONSIDERATIONS: ACTION: EXHIBITS: BACKGROUND: • As required , pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of the California Environmental Quality Act, this project is Categorically Exempt, Section 15303: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures. • As required by Section 29.10.330 of the Town Code for elimination of existing second units. • As required by Section 29.10.09030 of the Town Code for demolition. • As required by Section 29.20.150 of the Town Code for granting approval of an Architecture and Site application. The decision of the Planning Commission is final unless appealed within ten days. 1. Location Map 2. Findings 3. Recommended Conditions of Approval 4. Project Data Sheet Completed by the Applicant, received June 17, 2015 (one page) 5. Project Description and Letter of Justification, received June 17, 2015 (four pages) 6. Development Plans, received on June 17, 2015 (two sheets) On February 25, 2015, the Development Review Committee approved a Lot Merger application to merge six lots into three lots. The subject property is one of the three lots and currently contains a 516-square foot residence with a 266-square foot attached garage. The subject residence was allowed as a second dwelling unit for the single-family dwelling at 60 Rogers. With the approval of the Lot Merger, the subject residence will be the main residence on a separate parcel. An Architecture and Site application is required to remove the use of the second dwelling unit because the subject structure will no longer be a second dwelling unit. A housing unit will not be lost because the residence will be maintained. The project is being forwarded to the Planning Commission because the Town Code requires the elimination of a second dwelling unit to be reviewed by the Planning Commission. Planning Commission Staff Report -Page 3 60 1;2 Rogers Street/S-15-048 August 12, 2015 PROJECT DESCRIPTION: A. Architecture and Site Application The subject structure will no longer be a second dwelling unit because it will be on its own lot. The subject application is required prior to recording the map reducing six lots to three lots . Exhibit 4 provides general project data. A written description and letter of justification is attached as Exhibit 5, and the current development plans are attached as Exhibit 6. B. Location and Surrounding Neighborhood The project site is located at the west terminus of Rogers Street, approximately 630 feet southwest of the intersection of Kimble Avenue and Rogers Street (Exhibit 1 ). Surrounding properties contain single-family residences. C. Zoning Compliance The zoning permits a single-family residence. The zoning code allows the elimination of a second dwelling unit subject to the approval of an Architecture and Site application. ANALYSIS: A. Scope of Work The applicant is requesting approval to eliminate a detached second dwelling unit. The applicant explains that the property and existing structure are well maintained and no modifications are proposed at this time (Exhibit 5). B . Second Dwelling Units -Approvals and Demolitions Since 2012, the Community Development Department has approved seven applications for second dwelling units (new units) whereas only four second dwelling units were approved for demolition (three interior units and one detached unit). The last approved removal of a second dwelling unit occurred in February 2015. The subject request would not have a negative impact on the Town's housing stock because the subject residence will be retained. If approved, it would no longer be a second unit and would be removed from the inventory. The number of approved applications for new second dwelling units exceeds the number of approvals to demolish second dwelling units; therefore, the second unit supply is expected to remain intact. Planning Commission Staff Report-Page 4 60 Y2 Rogers Street/S-15-048 August 12,2015 C. Applicant's Justification Section 29.10.330 of the Town Code requires the deciding body to make five findings to approve the elimination of a second dwelling unit. The first required finding is that the proposed elimination is consistent with the Town's Housing Element of the General Plan . The four remaining findings are required by Section 29.10.09030(e) for demolition. In the justification letter (Exhibit 5), the applicant provides reasons the deciding body can make the required findings. The required findings can be made because the residential structure will be maintained. D. General Plan The goals and policies of the 2020 General Plan applicable to this project include but are not limited to: • Policy LU-6.7 -Continue to encourage a variety of housing types and si z es that is balanced throughout the Town and within neighborhoods, and that is also compatible with the character of the surrounding neighborhood. • Goal HOU-3 -Preserve existing residential opportunities, including the existing affordable housing stock. • Policy HOU-3.1 -Encourage the maintenance and improvement of existing housing units. E. Environmental Review The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to the adopted Guidelines for the Implementation of California Environmental Quality Act, Section 15303: New Construction or Conversion of Small Structures . PUBLIC COMMENTS: At this time, the Town has not received any public comment. SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION : A. Summary The elimination of the subject second unit would not have a detrimental impact on the Town's housing stock given that the structure will remain a housing unit for the Town's housing stock. In addition, the number of applications for new units exceeds the number of applications to demolish second dwelling units. Planning Commission Staff Report -Page 5 6012 Rogers Street/S-15-048 August 12 ,2015 B. Recommendation Staff recommends approval of the Architecture and Site application . If the Planning Commission concurs with staffs recommendation , it should: I . Find that the proposed project is Categorically Exempt, pursuant to Section 15303 of the California Environmental Quality Act as adopted by the Town (Exhibit 2); and 2. Make the required findings as required by Section 29. I 0 .330 of the Town Code for the elimination of a second dwelling unit without replacement (Exhibit 2); and 3 . Make the required findings as required by Section 29.1 0.09030(e) of the Town Code for granting approval to eliminate a second dwelling unit (Exhibit 2); and 4 . Make the required considerations as required by Section 29.20.150 of the Town Code for granting approval of an Architecture and Site application (Exhibit 2); and 5. Approve Architecture and Site Application S-15-048 with the conditions contained in Exhibit 3. If the Commission has concerns with the proposed project, it can: 1. Continue the matter to a date certain with specific direction; 2. Approve the application with additional and/or modified conditions; or 3. Deny the project. LRP:JLS:cg Approved by: Laurel R. Prevetti Assistant Town Manager/Community Development Director cc: Terence Szewczyk , 1776 Technology Drive, San Jose, CA 95110 Clark and Suzanne Cochran, 60 Rogers Street, Lo s Gatos, CA 95030 N:\DE V\PC REPORT S\2 0 15\Roge rs60 .5.docx This Page Intentionally Left Blank 60 1/2 Rogers Street EXHIBIT 1 This Page Intentionally Left Blank PLANNING COMMISSION -August 12, 2015 REQUIRED FINDINGS AND CONSIDERATIONS FOR: 60Y2 Rogers Street Architecture and Site Application S-15-048 Requesting approval to eliminate a detached second dwelling unit on property zoned R- 1 :20. APN 529-33-003. PROPERTY OWNER: Clark and Suzanne Cochran APPLICANT: Terence Szewczyk FINDINGS Required finding for CEQA: • The project is Categorically Exempt pursuant to Sections 15303 of the State Environmental Guidelines as adopted by the Town in that the project consists of the conversion of a second dwelling unit to a single-family residence. Required f"mding for the elimination of a secondary dwelling unit without replacement: • As required by Section 29.10.330 of the Town Code for the elimination of a secondary dwelling unit, without replacement, the deciding body shall make the finding that the propo sed elimination (without replacement) is consistent with the Town's Housing Element of the General Plan . In order to eliminate an existing second unit (whether or not it will be replaced), the deciding body must make the demolition findings pursuant to Section 29.10.09030. Required finding for the elimination of an existing second unit: • As required by Section 29.10.09030(e) of the Town Code for the elimination of an existing secondary dwelling unit: 1. The Town's housing stock would be maintained in that the existing residence will be maintained . 2. The project will facilitate the preservation of the existing residence. 3. The property owner has the desire or capacity to maintain the s tructure in that the owner will maintain the structure as it exists. 4. The economic utility of the building or structure was considered in that the owner desires to maintain the existing well-maintained structure as a single-family dwelling. CONSIDERATIONS Required considerations in review of Architecture & Site applications: • As required by Section 29.20.150 of the Town Code, the considerations in review of an Architecture and Site application were all made in reviewing thi s project. N:\DE V\FINDINGS \20 15\Rogers60.5 .docx EXHIBIT~ This Page Intentionally Left Blank PLANNING COMMISSION -August 12, 2015 CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL 60Y2 Rogers Street Architecture and Site Application S-15-048 Requesting approval to eliminate a detached second dwelling unit on property zoned R- 1:20. APN 529-33-003. PROPERT Y OWNER: Clark a n d Suzanne Cochran APPLICANT : Terence Szewczyk TO THE SATISFACTION OF THE DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT: Planning Di vision I. APPROVAL: This application shall be completed in accordance with all of the conditions of approval listed. Any changes or modifications made to shall be approved by the Director of Community Development, the Development Review Committee, the Planning Commission, or the Town Council depending on the scope of the changes. 2. RETENTION OF EXISTING RESIDENCE : This approval would eliminate the residence from the Town's inventory of second units based on the expectation of the retention of the re sidence and its continued contribution to the Town 's overall hou sing stock. 3 . TOWN INDEMNITY: Applicants are notified that Town Code Section 1.10 .115 requires that any a pplicant who receives a permit or entitlement from the Town shall defend , indemnify, and hold harmless the Town and its officials in any action brought by a third party to overturn, set aside, or void the permit or entitlement. This requirement is a condition of approval of all such permits and entitlements whether or not express ly set forth in the approval, and may be secured to the satisfaction of the Town Attorney. N:\D EV \CON DITIONS\20 15\Rogers60.5 .docx EXHIBIT 3 This Page Intentionally Left Blank 60 % ROGERS STREET RESIDENTIAL PROJECT DATA ss Zonin g District Land use Gener al Plan Designation Lot size: • Square feet/acres Exterior materials: • Siding • Trim • Windows • Roofi ng Building floor area: • First floor • Second floor • Garage • Cellar Setbacks (ft.): • Front • Rear • Side • Side street Maximum height (ft.) Floor Area Ratio (%/SF) • Average sl ope • Net site area • House • Garage Parking Sewer or Septi c Tree removals EX. CONDITIONS PROP. PROJECT R1:20 Same Second unit Single family residence low density residential 10,003 GAR: lap RES : Stucco Wood Wood GAR: Elastomeric RES: Tar and Paper 516 NA 266 NA 28' 81' 16' and 20' NA 17'-1" 19% 7202 7.2%1516 SF 3.7% I 266 SF 3 {1 covered) Sewer None RECEIVED JUN 1 7 2015 TOWN OF LOS GATOS PLANNING DIVISION Same 10,003 Same Same Same 516 NA 266 NA 28' 81' 16' and 20" - 17' -1" 19% 7202 Same Same Same Sewer None REQUIRED/PERMITTED - - 0-5 DUlAC 20 ,000 sq . ft . min. - - - - - - - - 30115* feet minimum 25 feet minimum 15 feet minimum 20 feet minimum 30 feet maximum - - 33 .2% I 2394 SF 8 .2%1593 SF 2 spaces minimum - - EXHIBIT 4 This Page Intentionally Left Blank ~-1 ~ ~lVI~ ~NUIN~~RINU June 17, 2015 Jennifer Savage, AICP Senior Planner Town of Los Gatos Community Development Department 11 0 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95031 Subject: Project Description and Letter of Justification RECEIVED JUN 1 7 201~ TOWN OF LOS GATO S PLANNING DIVISION 60 'h Rogers Street -Architecture and Site Application Conversion of Secondary Dwelling Unit Use to Primary Residence Dear Jennifer: Clark and Suzanne Cochran have owned and resided at 60 Rogers Street since 1989 or just about 25 years. They recently completed a lot merger application which has resulted in isolation of the 60 'h secondary dwelling unit to a separate 10,000 SF lot, away from their primary residence at 60 Rogers Street. There is presently no expansion or a physical change proposed to the land, structures or utilities at the site. Nor is there presently a planned change in the current rental use. However, Section 29.10.330 of Town Code below requires that the Planning Commission approve the conversion or demolition of any secondary dwelling unit. Sec. 29.10.330. -Elimination and/or demolition of existing second units. In order to eliminate and/or demolish, without replacement, an approved second unit, the deciding body shall make the finding that the proposed elimination and/or demolition, (without replacement), is consistent with the Town 's Housing Element of the General Plan . In orde r to eliminate and/or demolish an existing second unit (whether or not it will be replaced), the deciding body must make the demolition findings pursuant to section 29 .10.09030 . (Ord. No . 2115, §I , 9-15-03; Ord . No. 2149, §I, 5-1-06) PROJECT DESCRIPTION The Cochrans have lived at the site and raised three daughters within the Los Gatos community. They are approaching "empty-nester status" and retirement age. Consequently they may someday move from 60 Rogers to 60 'h Rogers to downsize and remain near their children. The 60 'h Second Dwelling Unit (SDU) permit was filed by Ippsich in August 1986, a predecessor to Cochran. The Cochrans were not even aware of the SDU designation until May 20, 2015. Regardless, the unit has been leased to the same unrelated tenant for 30 years . The unit is 516 SF of living area with an attached single car covered garage. It allows for two parking spaces in the driveway and has separate utility connections, except 1776 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE. SAN JOSE. CA 95110 408·452-9300 MAIN 408-837-7550 FACSIMILE EXHIBIT 5 WWW.TSCIVILENG .COM Job No. 14-259 Page2of4 June 17, 2015 for water. All setbacks are zoning compliant and the maximum structure height is 17 '. The long term tenant has traded reduced rent in exchange for minor maintenance and internal upkeep projects (floor refinishing and painting). The property is well maintained, architecturally attractive and functions as a fire turnaround at the terminus of Rogers Street. The fire turnaround will be formalized with a new Emergency Vehicle Access Easement as a requirement of the lot merger. In summary, 60 'h Rogers currently complies with Town Code as a secondary dwelling unit. Upon approval of the Planning Commission, the building use will be converted to a small primary dwelling unit. As a primary unit, the building will still comply with code and Cochran will continue to rent the building to the current tenant. PROJECT JUSTIFICATION Town Staff provided us with an inventory of 8 new secondary dwelling units that have been approved over the past three years as tabulated below: Address Application Applica t i on Typ e Application File Date Street It Street Name Parce l II Statu s {Start- End) • D -12·002 M lscellenll!o u s/S~condary Dwe l li ng/New Approved 06/13/201 2 255-LOS GATOS 52924021 S~ondary Dwelling .. 0·12·003 M Jsce lfaneous/Seconda ry Dwelling/New Approved 07/27/2012 1 00-MONTC LAIR 407 11007 Secondary Dwelling 0 ·1 2-004 Mlscellaneous/Secondl!ry Dwefllng /New Approved 11 /1.4 /2012 1 11-BEL WOOD 52 7 31019 Secondary Dwelling GATEWAY • 0 -1 3 -00 1 M lscellaneous/S~ondary D w elling/New Approved 01/10/2013 161 31-LOS GATOS· 42412078 Secondary Dwellin g A LMADEN • 0 ·13·002 Mlscelloneous/Secondary Owelllngi New Approved 11/18/2013 175-PROSPECT 52933013 Secondary Dwelling • 0 ·14·001 M iscellaneous/Secondary oweft lng/New Withdrawn 01/29/2014 52· OAK HILL 52934101 secondary Dwelling D -14·002 M iscellaneou s/Secondary OwetllngJNew App roved 07/25/2014 1 6-CLIFTON 5 104S087 Secondary Dwellong • 0 -14-004 M jsceflaneous/Secondary Dwe1Ungt r.tew Approved 10/13/2014 211-BROOKE A CRES 53218044 Secondary Dwelling DRIVE The recently approved Housing Element (May 5, 2015) makes reference to the total housing units in Town as 13 ,1 85 in 2014. The then present number of secondary units was 401. · The subject application merely seeks to reclassify the current SDU to a small primary residence. Essentially there is no net change in the Town housing inventory, rather this unit merely moves from one category to another. The change to a primary unit provides the current owners with the option to expand, sell or simply continue to rent out this small 516 SF residence. Another option could be to downsize from the 60 Rogers residence of 2000 SF to the much small 60 'h residence without a moving truck. 1776 TECHNOLOG Y DRIVE, SAN JOSE. CA 95110 408--452-9300 MAIN 408-837-7550 FACSIMILE WWW .TS C IV ILENG.COM Job No. 14-259 Page 3 of4 June 17, 2015 OWNER OPTIONS WITH 60 Yz ROGERS 1. Expansion up to 2400 SF 2. Sell as a 10,000 SF lot with 516 SF residence 3. Continue to rent out 4. Downsize from 60 Rogers to 60 Yz Rogers-owner occupies 60 Yz Rogers None of the above options conflict with Housing Element or General Plan goals below: GENERAL PLAN CONFORMANCE Policy LU-1.4 Infill projects shall be designed in context with the neighborhood and surrounding zoning with respect to the existing scale and character of surrounding structures, and should blend rather than compete with the established character of the area. Proje ct complies with above as stated based upon moderately and small (3000 SF to 500 SF) sized residences on approximately 10, 000 SF average lots. Policy LU-42 Allow development only with adequate physical infrastructure (e.g . transportation, sewers, utilities, etc.) and social services (e.g. education, public safety, etc.) Access, circulation and utilities already exist. Policy LU-6.7 Continue to encourage a variety of housing types and sizes that is balanced throughout the Town and within neighborhoods, and that is also compatible with the character of the surrounding neighborhood. The 60 % building is compatible with neighboring houses. Even if expanded in the future to 2394 (per FAR) it would still comply. Policy CD-4.3 Trees that are protected under the Town's Tree Preservation Ordinance, as well as existing native, heritage, and specimen trees should be preserved and protected as part of any development proposal. No trees are proposed for removal at this time. Goal HOU-3 Preserve existing residential opportunities, including the existing affordable housing stock. Policy HOU-3.1 Encourage the maintenance and improvement of existing housing units. Project complies. 1776 TECHNOLOGY DRIVE. SAN JOSE, CA 95110 408-452-9300 MAIN 408-837-7550 FACSIMILE WWW .TSCIVILENG.COM Job No. 14-259 Page 4 of4 June 17, 2015 Policy HOU-3 .2 Support the preservation and conservation of existing housing units that provide affordable housing opportunities for Town residents and workers. The 516 SF unit is affordable. ELIMINATION F I N DINGS Sec. 29.10.09030.-Dem olitions. (e) Findings. In architecture and site approval proceedings, the deciding body shall consider: (1) Maintaining the Town's housing stock. Although the secondary unit status will be eliminated this 516 SF one bedroom housing unit will remain as an affordable rental unit. The housing stock will not be diminished. (2) Preservation of historically or architecturally significant buildings or structures. The secondary unit does have some minor architectural significance and it will be maintained. (3) Property owner's desire or capacity to maintain the structure . The owner will continue to maintain the structure and may eventually inhabit it. (4) Economic utility of the building or structure . The structure is in excellent condition and very well maintained considering it is nearly 80 years old. In swnmary, the change in use of the small secondary unit preserves the opportunity to continue rental or expansion in a manner which complies with Town General Plan and Housing Element Policies. With the creation of 7 additional secondary units over the past 3 years, the elimination of one unit is negligible. Sincerely, TS/CIVIL ENGINEERING, INC. Terence J. Szewczyk, P.E. C35527 Principal Engineer 1776 TECHNOlOGY DRIVE, SAN JOSE, CA 95110 408-452-9300 MAIN 408-837-7550 FACSIMILE WWW.TSCIVILENG .COM 8 z "' iii ( IN f£ET ) 1. -10' PH: 4 08 .4 52.9300 TOLL FRE E: 888.327.7070 FAX : 408.837.7550 LANDS OF CO C HRAN APN 529-33-00 3 I \ \ \ I I \ EXISTING SECONDARY UNIT RECEIVED JUN 17 Z015 TOWN OF LO S GATOS PLANN I NG DIVISION S-\5 -040 BUILDING ELEVATIONS AND FLOOR PLAN ~=-..=:..J 6 ~ ROGERSSTREET E7~~~~~~~~~ LOS GATOS , CA 95030 EXHIBIT 6 vi '-' I a 0 ~ Vl z :5 Q_ 8 u ::> 0 ~ .. w 0: 0: 0 ' 0 ~ <( '< 0 u z 0 go v ~ 0: 2 8 ~ ~ "' 0 8 Vl ~ ~ 1!2 ~ :J ~ "' 0 s iii Vi z 0 .. ~ 0: 0 z vi '-' z "' <( "' 0 0 z <( Vl z :5 Q_ 0 w Q_ :> ~ Vl 0 z <( a w z '-' Vi ~ <( z G ii' 0 Vl w '-' 0 ~ ;< 0 ;:: ';{ ~ z 0 0 ~ <5 :;!; 0: w \i G z w ~ ~ u ~ ffi :> :5 u "'- EXTENDED SITE PLAN ,. = 20' GRAPHIC SCALE ( IN FEET ) 1~ -20' APN 529-JS--033 J6 ROGERS ST r 7-1 0" 1' 2'-&" CLOSET 9'-9" ' 10'-1 0" BEDROOU 26'-9" 40" x Jlf IIINOOW (ABOVE GARAGE) 11'-9. ll 22' 1 CAR GARAGE (1-2" C£ll.lllG NDGNI) SlAB El.EV 534.2 .l.l". J6" 'IIINOOW , •• _!). 40"x 46"WINOOW 15' X 10'-2" I lMNG ROOU ~ AU. 6' -3" CEllJIG HEIGiT Ff El.EV 239.2 l 22'-0" l _,f-----____!~-------,f', GR A PHIC SCALE (IN rf_(T) EXISTING FLOOR PLAN ~~··-~·-o· 1/4" = 1'-o· "' u I ~ 0 ~ Vl 0 j---------------~----------------~===c==============~==r.~;;~~--=-------~TS~IC IV~IL E~NG~INE~ERmciNG~.I N~C.--r-------------L--r------------------------Tco~~E~•--7,6·1~1-15~SHE~ET~No.~-i ~ I 1776 TECHNOLOGYDR IVE EXTENDED S ITE PLAN AND FLOOR PLAN SCALE• AS NOTEO C2 SA NJOSE,CA 95110 LAN DS OF DRAWN BY• DKH on ~~ ,-==--=t~--==--==--==--==--==--==- -==---+=::=--=j---.j .-~ -z_C I V I ~ ~NaiN~~RI N a cocHRAN Exi~~-2~N~0~EEcR~N~-t:EvE~NIT SURVEYED BY JMS OF 2 SH EETS ~ r:' ~ APN 529-33-003 PROJ ENGR TJS JOB NO. " ~--------------~-----------------~~~~a~v=t====~R E~V IS~IONis======j~M~TE=~P~H :4~08~.45~2.9~~~0 ~T~OL~LF-RE~E:~88~8 .3~27 .~707~0 ~FAA~:4~08~.8 3~7.7~5W~----------------~----~l~Q~S~G~AT~Q~S~,C~A~9~5~03~Q------~c~HEa~a~v --~~s~~1 4·~25~9 ~8