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are retained, that buildings do not dominate the natural landscape and that ridgelines and hilltops are preserved. The proposed grading exceptions would not be visible to off-site neighbors due to the existing vegetation that can be further augmented by new landscape screening. 3. With regard to the Variances (VAR20-0007) to allow for 363 square feet of development area over the calculated maximum for the property, the Planning Commission finds in accordance with Section 10-1.007(2) as follows: a. That, because of exceptional or extraordinary circumstances applicable to the subject property, including size, shape, topography, location or surroundings, the strict application of the provisions of this title is found to deprive such property of privileges enjoyed by other properties in the vicinity and under identical zoning classification. The proposed residence is located on a conforming 2.90 -acre lot with a Lot Unit Factor of 1.005 due to an average slope of over 40%. However, the property was created by subdivision while within Santa Clara County's jurisdiction and had an approved driveway installed for an approved building location. The existing 14 -foot -wide driveway, as required by the Fire Department, generally follows the entire south easterly property line and encompasses an area of approximately 4,400 square feet. As designed, approximately 1,525 square feet of the existing driveway will not count as it is beyond the first 100 feet of the garage. Which still leaves the residence with approximately 2,000 square feet of driveway and turnaround area on an extremely steep site after reducing the driveway with to the 12 -foot minimum required. If designed from scratch within the Town, the driveway area could be reduced. The steepness of the lot and current siting of the residence limits development area to balconies/decks only. Additionally, an exterior staircase and deck is required to access the ADU. Strict application of the code would deprive the applicant of the enjoyment of their property. Nearby properties face similar challenges but do not have similarly designed driveways or are located on the ridgeline where there are larger flat areas. b. That upon the granting of the variance, the intent and purpose of the applicable sections of this title will still be served and the recipient of the variance will not be granted special privileges not enjoyed by other surrounding property owners. The granting of the development area variance for the proposed residence does not grant a special privilege to the property owner that is not enjoyed by similar or surrounding property owners. The subject property was once within the jurisdiction of the County which does not set limits on development area or floor area like Los Altos Hills does. Many properties that have been annexed into the Town's boundaries have nonconforming development area, floor area, and setbacks. The subject property was vacant except for the long driveway and fire truck turnaround, which most property owners wishing to develop a vacant parcel are not forced to accept. c. That the granting of such variance will not be materially detrimental to the public welfare or injurious to the property, improvements or uses within the immediate vicinity and within the same zoning district. Resolution PC 15-21 Page 3