body,date,page,text,path
PlanningBoard,2012-07-09,1,"APPROVED MEETING MINUTES
REGULAR MEETING OF THE
CITY OF ALAMEDA PLANNING BOARD
MONDAY, JULY 9, 2012
7:00 p.m.
1. CONVENE:
7:06 p.m.
2. FLAG SALUTE:
Board member Henneberry
3. ROLL CALL:
Present: President Zuppan, Board members Ezzy Ashcraft,
Henneberry and Knox White
Absent: Vice-President Burton and Board member Köster
4. MINUTES
Minutes from the Regular meeting of May 30, 2012
Board member Knox White motioned to approve minutes.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft seconded motion
Motion carried, 4-0
Minutes from the Regular meeting of May 14, 2012 (Pending)
Minutes from the Regular meeting of June 11, 2012 (Pending)
Minutes from the Regular meeting of June 25, 2012 (Pending)
5. AGENDA CHANGES AND DISCUSSION
None
6. STAFF COMMUNICATIONS
6.A. Future Agendas
Andrew Thomas, Planning Services Manager gave brief presentation.
7. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
8. CONSENT CALENDAR
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft requested that the item 8B be pulled for discussion.
Approved Meeting Minutes
Page 1 of 7
June 25, 2012",PlanningBoard/2012-07-09.pdf
PlanningBoard,2012-07-09,2,"8-A Zoning Administrator and Design Review Recent Actions and Decisions. A report
of recent actions on minor variances, minor variances, and design review applications.
Board member Knox White motioned to approve item 8A
Board member Henneberry seconded the motion
Motion carried, 4-0
8-B Harbor Bay Development Agreement Annual Review.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft generally expressed concern with the deterioration of the
Harbor Bay Landing Shopping Center stating it is an under-utilized property. She
requested an update from the Association and their plans to make the center more
productive.
Board member Knox White asked if the Development Agreement requires that a
specific amount of money be set aside within the TIF for various uses. He inquired
about the specific funding amount for the BART Shuttle Program and asked if the
association is required by the Development Agreement to run the shuttle
Mr. Thomas replied that the Development Agreement establishes the funding source for
the TIF and directs that a certain percent of the increase in property taxes go into the
TIF can also be used from transportation system management improvements. He
stated that the shuttle is funded by the Business Park Association, not the TIF and
further research is necessary to confirm the association's requirements.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft motioned to approve the resolution declaring a statement
of compliance under periodic review of development agreement DA 89-1 for the period
through April 4, 2012.
Board member Henneberry seconded the motion.
President Zuppan inquired if the motion needs to be amended to include the condition
requesting an update.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft suggested staff be directed to communicate the request
to the association. She stated that she would like the update on the Commercial Center
to be included in the annual report and also have the update scheduled for an upcoming
agenda.
Motion carried 4-0
9. REGULAR AGENDA ITEMS
Approved Meeting Minutes
Page 2 of 7
June 25, 2012",PlanningBoard/2012-07-09.pdf
PlanningBoard,2012-07-09,3,"9-A 1521 Versailles Avenue - PLN12-0009 - Applicant: Michael Murphy & Jolene
Murphy-Yang - An application for a Variance and Design Review to expand an existing
single family home.
Andrew Thomas, Planning Services Manager, gave brief presentation.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft stated that no landscaping plans were included with the
application and stated that the Board cannot make findings on items they haven't seen.
Mr. Thomas stated that the findings can be modified.
Michael Hartigan, architect and resident, is concerned that house appears to be a
duplex but does not offer the required amenities for multiple units, such as off street
parking and private open space.
Gayle Johnson, neighbor, stated that the house has been an eyesore for years and they
are happy to see an improvement. He expressed concern regarding the parking issues
that will arise if the home is converted into a duplex.
Lois Chase, concurred with the previous speakers' comments stating that traffic and
parking are a major concern in the neighborhood.
Richard Rutter, architect and member of the Architectural Preservation Society, stated
that two units can be created very easily by blocking off the interior stairway. He stated
that the project does not conform to the guides for residential designs provisions for
adding stories for that style home.
Christopher Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society, concurred with
neighbors' concerns that building will become a duplex, stated concern with the
reduction of the front and rear yard setbacks. He stated that the variance findings
cannot be made existing house has existed for many years. He requested that the
applicant not replace the existing old growth wood siding with cement fiber siding and
stated that new siding should visually match the existing siding. He requested that
detailed information regarding the type of vinyl windows as well as the vertical sections
showing the proposed windows be provided prior to approval so Board can determine if
the windows match the existing windows.
Mike Murphy, applicant, stated that the house is their primary residence, and the
proposed designs are to provide on the first floor and comfortable living space for his ill
father in-law.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft asked the applicant if they intend to get rid of the old
growth redwood siding and what type of windows will be installed.
He stated that a majority of the wood siding needs to be replaced because of rot and
damage but they would like to keep the same style of the design. He stated that the
Approved Meeting Minutes
Page 3 of 7
June 25, 2012",PlanningBoard/2012-07-09.pdf
PlanningBoard,2012-07-09,4,"current windows are vinyl. He stated they intend to replace the window frames with
wood, and are open to replacing a few windows, but not all the windows.
Board member Henneberry asked in regards to the Deed restriction, what the
consequences are if someone purchases the house and tries to change it to a duplex.
Mr. Thomas answered that Deed restriction, which are common for similar remodels,
will legally restrict current and future owners from legally converting the house to multi-
family.
Board member Knox White asked why the need to install two furnaces.
Mr. Murphy replied that two furnaces allow different rooms in the house to be heated
separately; he stated if there is a single unit that will heat the house accordingly then
they will only install one. He concluded stating he has no concerns with a Deed
restriction.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft stated during discussion that she is in agreement with the
conditions of approval and that the deed restrictions provide sufficient safeguards, and
she would approve the variance and the design review. She reiterated that the wood
siding should match the style of the home and the windows should follow AAPS
guidelines. She clarified with Mr. Thomas that two parking spaces are required, which
are fulfilled by the driveway, and stated she has no concerns with the deck or multiple
entrances. She concluded stating that the phrase regarding the landscaping needs to
be redacted from the findings and stated the landscaping plans will need to be provided
when applying for the building permit.
Board member Henneberry concurred with Board member Ezzy Ashcraft regarding the
deed restrictions and said the plans are within keeping of the architecture of the overall
house. He stated he will vote in favor of the proposal.
Board member Knox White suggested that an additional restriction prohibiting the
installation of gas lines and high voltage 220 lines to the wet bar be added, to further
safeguard against duplex conversion.
President Zuppan stated she would like to see wood siding, and would prefer that
recycled siding be used if possible. She stated that the windows and the landscaping
should be appropriate and is comfortable allowing staff to determine that. She stated
she can make the findings with the amendments as noted.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft motioned to approve the variance and design review with
amended conditions prohibiting installation of gas and high voltage 220 lines to the wet
bar and amended finding regarding landscaping.
Board member Henneberry seconded the motion.
Approved Meeting Minutes
Page 4 of 7
June 25, 2012",PlanningBoard/2012-07-09.pdf
PlanningBoard,2012-07-09,5,"Motion carried 4-0
9-B 707 Haight Avenue - PLN12-0080 - Applicant: Wahid Kohgadai - An
application for a Variance and Design Review to expand an existing non-residential
structure for religious services.
Andrew Thomas Planning Services Manager gave brief presentation
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft clarified with Mr. Thomas that the demolition 30% of the
value of the projected work in combination with the age of the building requires approval
of both the Planning Board and Historical Advisory Board.
Richard Rutter, commented that the site plan is incomplete and fails to show location of
curbs, gutters, and front sidewalks, nor does it indicate if additional improvements
around the lot will be made. He stated that the second floor looks large enough to
require a second exit, and if required where will the second exit be placed. He stated
that there is no handicap accessibility and asked where it will go. He stated the plans
are inadequate and information not provided in the plans could drastically alter the
overall project.
Christopher Buckley, Alameda Architectural Preservation Society, stated that the
second floor addition far exceeds minimum requirements and will be taller than
surrounding structures. He suggested that the building height be reduced. Expressed
concern with the front exterior stairway, stating there are design inconsistencies in
addition to the stairs not being integrated into the structure, which does not match the
surrounding structures. He suggested that the stairs be enclosed and the first flight of
stairs front the street and the second flight be against the wall. He commented on the
handrails and the placement of the front porch. He suggested that they reuse the attic
window including the bracketed lintel, and the scalloped bargeboards and brackets be
integrated into the new design and that material consistent with original building, like old
growth wood siding, and wood-like windows be used.
Jim Jaouin, applicant, stated that they have had issues with construction on the site and
time is of the essence in increasing space since Ramadan is approaching. He stated
that the temporary deck with roof built in the back was approved by staff and that once
the second floor is completed the non-permitted deck can be removed.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft clarified with the applicant that the Carona Engineers,
located in Oakland, have disappeared and are unable to be reached.
Tony Daysog, neighbor, indicated concern with the property value, but said that he is
confident that whatever is done is mutually compatible with everybody. He stated that
he is concerned with the suggestion by Mr. Buckley to extend the second floor landing
eastward because it will meet up with his landing which is where his front door is
located.
Approved Meeting Minutes
Page 5 of 7
June 25, 2012",PlanningBoard/2012-07-09.pdf
PlanningBoard,2012-07-09,6,"handicap accessibility, second exit. She encouraged the use of recycled materials for
the wood siding where appropriated. She concurred with the board regarding granting of
the variance and suggested continuing the item for a future date.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft clarified with Mr. Thomas that the handicap accessibility is
Approved Meeting Minutes
Page 6 of 7
June 25, 2012",PlanningBoard/2012-07-09.pdf
PlanningBoard,2012-07-09,7,"one of several issues with the plans that staff will need to review with the Building
Department.
President Zuppan clarified with Mr. Thomas that if a second exit is not required with the
addition then restrictions on the building's future use and occupancy will be required.
Board member Ezzy Ashcraft moved to continue the variance and design review for the
property at 707 Haight Avenue to a future date when all the outstanding issues have
been resolved and the input of the board and community members have been
incorporated and the review by the Historical Advisory Board has been completed
Board member Knox White seconded the motion
Motion carried 4-0
10. WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
NONE
11. BOARD COMMUNICATIONS
NONE
12. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
NONE
13. ADJOURNMENT
8:48 p.m.
Approved Meeting Minutes
Page 7 of 7
June 25, 2012",PlanningBoard/2012-07-09.pdf