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Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT April 8, 1998 Page 5 Michael Layne, architect, voiced agreement with the recommended conditions of approval. He provided a sketch showing how the front two-story element would be modified to comply with condition #1. Chairman Gottlieb suggested lowering the front two-story vertical element to below the roof ridge. Mr. Layne believed this could be done. Commissioner Schreiner asked about the windows on the upper level element on the left side (southeast) elevation. Mr. Layne responded that was over a study to allow light in without conflicting with a computer screen. He will eliminate this from the plan. Commissioner Schreiner suggested lowering the overall height to 25 feet. Mr. Layne felt this could be accomplished, most likely through a change of roof pitch. Tina Darmohay, 12171 Hilltop Drive, was happy with the exterior materials and architectural detailing. She was concerned with the size increase of this house versus the existing house as it relates to drainage. She asked about the fencing around the sport court and the visual impact. The assistant engineer discussed the proposed drainage system(primarily sheet flow). Mark Brown, 12600 Miraloma Way, new owner of the lower lot voiced concerns regarding drainage and the visual impact with the proposed-tree removal which will open the site. He quoted the Design Guidelines requesting the natural vegetation be maintained. If the dual trunk tree is preserved, it will make the house appear smaller. Sandy Humphries, Environmental Design and Protection Committee, noted several oak trees on the site which are not on the plans. She would like to see the redwoods between the driveway and property line saved, as well as the 36" pine tree near the front walkway. Ms Stevenson referred to the arborist report. Betsy Bertram shared fire department recommendations for fire safety (removal of brush and trees close to the structure). CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Discussion ensued regarding the following: applicant's willingness to reduce the highest ridge by 2 feet; request to reduce the bulk rather than aggravated by the roof pitch change; eliminate windows over the study; reduce paving in the setback, if possible; work on circular driveway to save some trees (with fire department review); and concern with the basement due to the retaining walls. Mr. Layne suggested ideas for reducing the impact of the walls with materials, landscaping, terrace walls, and the use of materials that would allow planting within the wall. The assistant engineer fielded questions regarding drainage noting this project is not responsible for improving drainage along the entire road. The drainage design will not result in flooding of other properties. Commissioner Jinkerson was concerned with the rural nature of the area. He felt the tennis court would be a freeway for water directing it toward the neighbor's property. What can they do to allow a land owner to develop and not impact neighbors (drainage impact). Commissioner