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Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT June 1, 2006 Page 3 Carol Gottlieb, Summerhill Avenue, commented that the other home on the lot had very little landscaping and did not use excessive water. She raised additional concerns about the size of the house and basement taking up additional space on the lot and the drainage implications. She observed that the development area was nearly used up for the hardscape and emphasized that the setback should not be used for the purpose of outdoor living. Sandra Humphries, Environmental Design Committee, requested the removal of the invasive species of bamboo and pampas grass on the property. Commissioner Carey asked Sandra Humphries the reason why the three Monterey pines on the property should be removed. She replied that the trees are unhealthy and this would be a convenient time to remove them. Carol Gottleib, Summerhill Avenue, commented that the pathway should be in the 5 foot easement and need not be widened and requested the pathway not be paved with a hard surface because of the horses using the pathway. Mike Piccetti, applicant, spoke to the fact that California Water Service Company was investigating the seepage problem on the street and the possibility of a main leak. He stated that the property is dry with no standing water collecting on the site. He suggested that the water problem could be from a water service leak to one of the homes or ground water seepage. Chairman Cottrell asked about an 8 inch PVC drainage pipe and box shown on the plan. Mr. Piccetti stated that he was trying to comply with the engineering department requirements for drainage in regards to the pipe. Mr. Cottrell asked about landscaping of the property, the invasive species and Monterey pines. Mr. Piccetti responded that the intent was to remove all the vegetation on the site except the oak trees and other valuable mature trees. He had no objection to eliminating the Monterey pines and replanting with something more attractive. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Commissioner Carey supported the application and commented on the good job the architect and applicant had done designing a nice home for the constrained site. He had concerns granting the variances for the windows encroaching into the setback as a design element in contrast to the chimney, which is justified. He stated that variances had been granted in the past to the Eshghi property for parking. Commissioner Kerns supported the project and mentioned the DeGiavonni and Sander variance for a chimney in the setback. He saw no other choice for location of the parking spot. He had concerns about the additional pathway request and stated the path could be put in the road right of way. Commissioner Collins supported the project including the windows, chimney and parking space variances. She stated the approval should include the removal of the pampas grass and bamboo. She requested suggestions on how to address the drainage issues.