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Planning Commission Minutes DRAFT June 10, 1998 Page 6 OPENED PUBLIC HEARING Glen Cahoon, 296 Kansas Way, Fremont, project designer, discussed the property and design elements with the aid of an overhead presentation. Items discussed: existing trees, the removal of two pistachio trees in the area of construction; landscape screening; nestling the house into the site by stepping down the slope; house going across contours; drainage and swale issues; review of drainage again with landscape plan; profile section review; and the basement design to reduce cut and/or relocate the basement. The Planning Director suggested staying under two levels only for the basement, no higher than 12 feet. Mr. Cahoon continued by explaining the new grasscrete material which will be used. CLOSED PUBLIC HEARING Discussion ensued. The assistant engineer clarified the location of the conservation easement. Commissioner Schreiner voiced difficulty with this project as it relates to fitting on contours, stepping down, the excessive grading, the impact on the downhill neighbor, cut and grading for the basement, and tree protection. She would like a redesign to address these issues. Commissioner Aurelio discussed-the excessive export from the site. He was not sure the architecture was compatible with this site. He would like to see something that fit the site better. Chairman Gottlieb stated this was a beautiful piece of property but this design does not take advantage of the site. The roofline does not step, the house needs to come down with the slope (refer to Design Guidelines), and the grading needs to be reduced. Mr. Cahoon felt there could be a certain amount of redesign although with few options available. He can shift and reduce the basement. To accommodate a redesign, he will have to completely change the design. Chairman Gottlieb suggested going along the contours which would bring down the roofline. This is a lovely home.for a flat lot. Commissioner Schreiner referred to the Design Guidelines (the structure should be stepped down the hill utilizing one story building elements). She asked for the house to fit the land. The Planning Director suggested the applicant look at a combination of the suggestions. Stan Gamble, project contractor, commented that there was no public opposition. He felt a redesign would not improve the situation as this is not the greatest site. Regarding the export, it is a short haul to deposit the dirt at the Quarry.