HomeMy WebLinkAbout05-03-2016 Item 12, WhiteCOUNCIL MEETING: O'er 07 , 'Z-0 ( b
ITEM NO.:
From: Maier, John Paul
Sent: Monday, May 02, 2016 12:31 PM
To: Christian, Kevin
Subject: FW: Buena Vista appeal MAY 0 2 2016
AC — Item 12
From: Linda White [
Sent: Sunday, May 01, 2016 10:45 PM
To: Marx, Jan; Ashbaugh, John; Rivoire, Dan; Christianson, Carlyn; Carpenter, Dan; E-mail Council Website
Subject: Buena Vista appeal
2016 05 03 CC Appeal Buena Vista
Mayor Marx and Council Members
There is no doubt, this is a very challenging lot to develop.
However, on January 19, this City Council directed the developer to work with staff to design a home on Buena
Vista that did not require exemptions. When Michael Codron, Community Development Director was asked at
the City Council meeting, if a project can be designed to be compatible with the "S" overlay general plan, etc.,
without exceptions, Michael Codron stated, "It is possible".
Mayor Marx then asked: "Within the development standards, without exceptions?"
Michael Codron answered, "Correct."
Mayor Marx then went on to state, "allow (the appeal) but redesign the building to conform to the hillside
standards and no exceptions".
This is all we ask. A redesigned building that conforms to all guidelines, without exception.
The staff report continues to weigh the various exceptions needed to make this particular design work on this
challenging lot. This is not what the staff was directed to do. We should not be weighing excavation against
height and setbacks or excavation against height of support poles. We should not have to choose the lesser of all
exceptions to make this design work. We should be looking at a project designed specifically for this lot and
conforming to all the various guidelines ---without exception. It is possible as stated by Michael Codron, so
please require this of the developer.
The plans, as submitted show a 442 sq. ft. ADU adjacent to a lone 125 sq. ft. bedroom without a bathroom.
What is to prevent the owner, after final inspection, from opening the lone bedroom to the studio making it a
567 sq. ft one bedroom apartment?
Please uphold the appeal of Naomi Hoffinan and clearly direct the developer to submit a design that conforms
to this lot. This is simply the wrong design for this very challenging lot.
Thank you for your consideration.
Linda White, co-chairman
Monterey Heights Neighbors