HomeMy WebLinkAboutPlanning Commission Resolution 2018-01 01/09/2018RESOLUTION 2018-01
CITY OF PETALUMA PLANNING COMMISSION
APPROVING SITE PLAN AND ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW FOR
2 SINGLE-FAMILY HOMES ON LOTS 3 AND 5 IN THE SUNNYSLOPE II PLANNED
UNIT DEVELOPMENT LOCATED AT 647 SUNNYSLOPE ROAD
APN 019-203-008
File No: PLSR-17-0015
WHEREAS, on July 18, 2017 Lafferty Communities submitted an application to the City of
Petaluma for Site Plan and Architectural Review (SPAR) to develop four (4) single-family homes with
associated site improvements on Lots 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the Sunnyslope II Final Map ("the Project");
WHEREAS, on December 20, 2010, with approval of Resolution Nos. 2010-298 N.C.S., the City
Council certified a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the Project;
WHEREAS, on December 20, 2010, with approval of Resolution Nos, 2010-299 N.C.S., the City
Council certified a Planned Unit Development (PUD) and Development Standards for the Project;
WHEREAS, on December 20, 2010 with approval of Resolution No. 2010-230 N.C.S., the City
Council approved the Sunnyslope II Tentative Subdivision Map;
WHEREAS, on July 3, 2017 with approval of Resolution No. 2017-097 N.C.S., the City Council
approved the Sunnyslope II Final Subdivision Map;
WHEREAS, on January 9, 2018, the Planning Commission held a duly noticed public hearing to
consider this Site Plan and Architectural Review application at which time all interested parties had the
opportunity to be heard;
WHEREAS, public notice of the January 9, 2018 Planning Commission hearing was published in
the Petaluma Argus -Courier and mailed to residents and occupants within 500 feet of the Project site
in compliance with state and local law; and
WHEREAS, on January 9, 2018, the Planning Commission considered the staff report dated
January 9, 2018, analyzing the application, including the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA)
determination included herein; and
WHEREAS, on January 9, 2018, the Planning Commission approved Lots 3 and 5 single-family
homes, and requested the Applicant reduce the size and massing for neighborhood compatibility for
Lots 1 and 2 single-family homes, and return for Site Plan and Architectural Review approval.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE PLANNING COMMISSION OF THE CITY OF PETALUMA AS
FOLLOWS:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein by reference.
2. Based on its review of the entire record herein, the Planning Commission finds as follows: California
Environmental Quality Act
3. This Site Plan and Architectural Review application (Lots 3 and 5) is consistent with the project
analyzed in the MND adopted by City Council on December 20, 2010 via Resolution Nos. 2010-228
N.C.S. Mitigation Measures approved with the MND reduce potentially significant environmental
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-01 Page 1
effects below the threshold of significance, and those mitigation measures continue to apply to this
application as conditions of approval, as provided below. No additional environmental review is
required since: (a) there have been no substantial changes to the project; (b) there have been no
substantial changes to the circumstances under which the project is being undertaken; and (c)
there is no new information, which was not known and could have been known at the time the
MND was adopted, that has become available.
General Plan
4. The Project (Lots 3 and 5) is consistent with the General Plan Land Use Map designations of Very
Low Density Residential which permit single-family uses.
5. For the following reasons and subject to conditions of approval, the Project (Lots 3 and 5) is
consistent with the following General Plan policies:
a Policy 1-P-2: Use land efficiently by promoting infill development, at equal or higher density
and intensity than surrounding uses.
The proposed project represents efficient use of land in that it is infill development on
underutilized property designated for very low density residential development adjacent to
existing low density single-family developments. The density of the project is consistent with
existing zoning and General Plan designation and has been designed to complement
development characteristics of surrounding properties.
b. Policy 1-P-3: Preserve the overall scale and character of established residential
neighborhoods.
Existing buildings surrounding the project site consist of detached single- family dwellings of
varying sizes, heights and styles. The proposed project would locate four new homes on lots
with similar setback requirements and would include landscaping and privacy screening
trees. As such, the proposed project has the ability to materially relate to the existing
neighborhood scale and character.
C. Goal I -G-2: Preserve the essential scenic and natural resources of the open ridgelines and
hillsides that help define the unique character of Petaluma.
The proposed home on Lot 3 is located on and oriented toward Sunnyslope Road with little
to no slope. Lot 5 home is located on and orientated toward Oak Knoll Court with minimal
slope. Lots 3 and 5 are not visible from the viewshed points identified at General Plan EIR
Figure 3.11-1, nor the viewing platforms identified at Implementing Zoning Ordinance
§ 16.040(Q). Views of the project site are generally obstructed by elevation, vegetation or
buildings along surrounding streets. Lastly, the project's proposed new tree plantings would
serve to further reduce visibility, however limited.
d Policy 2-P-60: Provide a transition from the urban densities of Downtown to the rolling hills
and agricultural lands beyond the UGB.
The project would provide for the continuance of a residential development pattern within
the UGB and within the density ranges designated in the General Plan, The Very Low
Density Residential General Plan land use designation allows 0.6 to 2.5 dwelling units per
net acre. The density for the proposed eighteen (18) single-family homes within Sunnyslope
II PUD would result in 2.08 du/ac on an 8.64 -acre site.
e. Policy 2-P-61: Protect existing agricultural uses, wildlife, historic and cultural resources, and
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-01 Page 2
natural vegetation.
The project site proposed uses are residential. Current General Plan policy and zoning
standards preclude agricultural use. The project site is largely composed of a non-native
annual grassland and oak woodland mosaic. The project site is also surrounded by existing
development and includes no corridor providing for wildlife movement (i.e., watercourse,
riparian vegetation). The project appropriately balances development on steep slopes with
natural vegetation removal and, as demonstrated by its compliance with the tree removal
mitigation requirements of Implementing Zoning Ordinance Chapter 17, would resulting in
adequate restoration through new plantings.
f. Policy 2-P-62 Preserve the rural aspect of the area by maintaining the existing density
(Very Low and Low Residential) and land use patterns.
The project would provide for the continuance of a residential development pattern within
the UGB and within the density ranges designated in the General Plan. The Very Low Density
Residential General Plan land use designation allows 0.6 to 2.5 dwelling units per net acre.
The density for the proposed eighteen (18) single-family homes within Sunnyslope II PUD
would result in 2.08 du/ac on an 8.64 -acre site.
Sunnyslope II Planned Unit Development (PUD)
6. For the reasons discussed in the January 9, 2017 Planning Commission staff report, the Project (Lots
3 and 5) is consistent with all applicable development standards of the Sunnyslope II PUD including
but not limited to lot coverage, setbacks, height, landscaping, parking, and all other applicable
standards.
Hillside Protection: Single Lot Development
7. All required findings for approval of development of a single hillside lot found at Implementing
Zoning Ordinance § 16.060(K) can be made as follows:
a. For the reasons outlined in the January 9, 2018 Planning Commission staff report, the
Project (Lots 3 and 5) meets or exceeds the objectives, standards, and guidelines of the
Hillside Ordinance.
b. The project includes two new homes that use similar form and massing as single-family
homes in the surrounding neighborhood. The project includes two detached single-family
homes on separate lots. The project also steps the building foundation (through grading)
and blends with the natural slope. The project also varies roof pitches and planes to
reduce bulk and mass. Overhangs are included to produce shadow. Varying building wall
materials are included to reduce expansive, continuous planes. The project includes the
use of,earth tone and natural materials and avoids reflective surfaces. The project breaks
roof forms into smaller building components, and generally orients the main roof forms in
the same direction of the natural slope. The project avoids large gable rood ends. The
project avoids light and reflective materials. The project also complies with the maximum
building height of Implementing Zoning Ordinance § 16.060(D)(1). For all these reasons, the
design, scale, massing, height and siting of new homes is compatible and complementary
with the character and scale of the surrounding, developed neighborhood.
C. Habitat types at the project site consist of annual grassland and oak. The project
appropriately balances competing policy objectives relating to retain the other habitat
types by locating the new homes in the flattest portion of the site as well as through a new
private driveway that is accessible by fire apparatus. Moreover, the project includes new
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-01 Page 3
on-site tree planting which satisfy the mitigation requirements of IZO § 17.065 and which
also assist with the screening of views from abutting existing residences. Lastly, a tree
protection plan has been prepared in conformance with IZO § 17.070 and which ensures
construction activities do not harm trees to be preserved. For these reasons, the design
and site layout of the hillside project is respective of and protects the natural environment
to the maximum extent feasible.
d. The project sites the two new homes in locations that maximizes screening. The project
appropriately balances competing policy objectives for hillside development by locating
the new homes in the flattest portion of the site as well as through a new private driveway
that is accessible by fire apparatus. Moreover, the project includes new on-site tree
planting which satisfy the mitigation requirements of IZO §17.065 and which also assist
with the screening of views from abutting existing residences. Lastly, a tree protection plan
has been prepared in conformance with IZO § 17.070 and which ensures construction
activities do not harm trees to be preserved. For these reasons, site grading has been
designed to be as minimal as possible to achieve sensitive hillside design, minimize tree
removal and provide safe site access and required parking.
Implementing Zoning Ordinance
8. The Project is consistent with Implementing Zoning Ordinance §24.010 -Site Plan and Architectural
Review, in that the Planning Commission finds that it meets the standards for Site Plan and
Architectural Review as follows:
a. There is an appropriate use of quality materials and harmony and proportion of the overall
design.
As designed, the project uses lap siding, stucco, wood fascia/barges, concrete slate the roof
materials, composition roof shingles, brick and stone finishes. The main mass of the buildings,
the size and placement of windows, and the use of varied roof forms, building projections,
and dormers are in harmony and in proportion with the overall building designs.
b. The architectural style is appropriate for the project, and compatible with the overall
character of the neighborhood.
The project consists of one (1) two-story and one (1) one-story single-family homes in two
individual architectural styles that use design elements of traditional American home design.
The design choices are appropriate in that they provide visual interest to the streetscape, are
custom designed to the lot dimensions, are sufficiently varied to avoid a cookie -cutter
appearance and achieve a primary objective of the Sunnyslope II PUD project to create
custom designed homes that fit within the surrounding neighborhood that includes one and
two-story detached single-family homes. The siting of the structures, as compared to the siting
of other structures in the immediate neighborhood, is considered compatible through their
compliance with standards set forth in the Sunnyslope II PUD.
C. The siting of the structure on the property as compared to the siting of other structures in the
immediate neighborhood is appropriate.
Siting and setback requirements for the proposed single-family homes were determined as
part of the Sunnyslope II subdivision approval. While the proposed homes are the first single-
family residential structures proposed to be built on the subdivided land, the standards of the
Sunnyslope II PUD will ensure compatibility in structure siting that is reflective of the
surrounding single-family neighborhood. The Sunnyslope II PUD establishes standards for
building placement, frontage types, minimum building frontage widths, and building
setbacks with which the proposal, as conditioned, complies per the setback PUD standards
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-01 Page 4
listed in Table 1 above.
d. The size, location, design, color, number, lighting, and materials of all signs and outdoor
advertising structures.
No signs are proposed with the subject application. Therefore, this finding is not applicable.
e. The bulk, height, and color of the proposed structures is appropriate as compared to the
planned bulk, height, and color of other structures in the immediate neighborhood.
Structures in the immediate neighborhood consist of single-family residences in established
residential subdivisions to the north, west, and east, and unincorporated low-density
properties to the south. The proposed single-family homes will be constructed adjacent to
future single-family homes within the Sunnyslope II subdivision to the south and west. The
proposed bulk, height and color of the proposed Phase I single-family homes will be
compatible with the existing adjacent single-family subdivision developments and is in
compliance with the approved PUD standards.
Landscaping to approved City standards is proposed on the site in keeping with the
character and design of the site.
Lots 3 and 5 have approximately 9 existing trees of which four (4) will be preserved and
proposes a landscape plan including trees planted from 15 -gallon and 24 -inch box
containers consisting of a variety of native and non-native species. In addition to the trees,
shrubs, ground cover plantings and vines are proposed throughout the development. All
plant material proposed is in the Low or Moderate category of the Water Use Classification of
Landscape Species (WUCOLS). With approval of the Vesting Tentative Map for the.
Sunnyslope 11 subdivision, trees were approved for removal, including trees protected by the
Implementing Zoning Ordinance. No additional trees are proposed for removal with the
subject approval. All proposed landscaping and street trees within the public right of way are
required to comply with the PUD Street Tree Master Plan (Improvement Plans). Under the
approved subdivision PUD, landscaping for the front yards of individual lots are required to be
in accordance with IZO Chapter 14 (Landscaping and Screening) and are subject for review
and approval by the Planning Commission as a part of any single lot development
application.
g. Ingress, egress, internal circulation for bicycles and automobiles, off-street automobiles and
bicycle parking facilities and pedestrian ways are designed as to promote safety and
convenience, and conform to approved City standards.
As a part of the Tentative Map process, the circulation system was reviewed and approved for
the entire Sunnyslope II subdivision project, including the subject single-family homes on Lots 3
and 5. The pedestrian, bicycle and automobile circulation plan included with the subject
proposal is consistent with the plan reviewed and approved by the City Council during the
Tentative Map stage of the project and which was found to promote safety and
convenience.
9. Based on its review of the entire record herein, including the January 9, 2018 Planning Commission
Staff Report, all supporting referenced, and incorporated documents and all comments received
and foregoing findings, the Planning Commission hereby approves Site Plan and Architectural
Review for the Project, subject to the conditions of approval attached hereto as Exhibit A.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-01 Page 5
ADOPTED this 91h day of January, 2018, by the following vote:
Commission Member
Aye
No
Absent
Abstain
Councilmember
Healy
X
Chair Benedetti-
Petnic
X
Alonso
X
Bauer
X
Gomez
X
Marzo
X
Vice Chair Wolpert
X
Gina Benedetti - Petnic, Chair
ATTEST: APPROV AS TO FORM:
F
y qq
Cher Hines, Comryjss on Secretary Lisa Tennenba} m, Assistant'City Attorney
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-01 Page 6
The Oaks at Sunnyslope (Phase 1)
Located at 647 Sunnyslope Road
APN: 019-203-008
File No. PLSR-17-0015
Planninq Division
Exhibit A
1. Plans submitted to the City of Petaluma for purposes of construction shall be in substantial
conformance with the plans and color/material board on file with the Planning Division and
date stamped December 18, 2017, except as modified by these conditions of approval.
2. At building permit issuance, the applicant shall provide the City with an electronic copy of
final/approved construction documents in portable document (PDF) format.
Prior to the issuance of any construction permits, these conditions of approval, the conditions
of approval of the Sunnyslope II Tentative Map, Planned Unit Development Standards, and
the MMRP of the Sunnyslope II Mitigated Negative Declaration shall be included with the
plan set. A copy of the approved plans shall be maintained on-site when construction
activities are occurring.
4. Prior to the certificate of occupancy being issued for each home, all applicable
development impact fees shall be paid.
At all times, the site shall be kept cleared of garbage and debris.
6. All plantings shall be maintained in good growing condition. Such maintenance shall include,
where appropriate, pruning, mowing, weeding, cleaning of debris and trash, fertilizing and
regular watering. Whenever necessary, planting shall be replaced with other plant materials
to insure continued compliance with applicable landscaping requirements. Required
irrigation systems shall be fully maintained in sound operating condition - with heads
periodically cleaned and replaced when missing to insure continued regular watering of
landscape areas, and health and vitality of landscape materials.
7. Prior to occupancy, the applicant shall coordinate and install screening trees referenced in
the staff report and provide written consent from the neighbors.
8. Prior to occupancy, the applicant shall coordinate and install the 8 -foot property line fences
referenced in the staff report and provide written consent from the neighbors for the
installation of the fences.
Prior to occupancy, evidence that a Deed Restriction has been recorded noting lot -specific
Protected Trees, both pre-existing and those planted to replace Protected Trees authorized
for removal as Protected Trees subject to the PUD standards and the City's Zoning Ordinance.
10. Herbicides/pesticides shall not be applied in areas used by pedestrians/bicyclists within the
project without first providing appropriate signs warning of the use of chemicals. The project
shall utilize Best Management Practices (BMPs) regarding pesticide/herbicide use and fully
commit to Integrated Pest Management techniques for the protection of bicyclists and
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-01 Page 7
pedestrians.
11. All tree stakes and ties shall be removed within one year following installation or as soon as
trees are able to stand erect without support.
12. Prior to commencing construction activities, a sign shall be posted on the site regarding the
allowable hours of construction and contact information for complaints. Proof of sign
installation shall be provided to the Planning Manager prior to construction commencing.
13. All standpipes, check valves, and other utilities shall be placed underground or fully screened
from view by decorative screening structures or landscaping to be reviewed and approved
by the Planning Manager.
14. The applicant shall defend, indemnify, and hold harmless the City or any of its boards,
commissions, agents, officers, and employees from any claim, action, or proceeding against
the City, its boards, commissions, agents, officers, or employees to attack, set aside, void, or
annul any of the approvals of the project, when such claim or action is brought within the time
period provided for in applicable State and/or local statutes. The City shall promptly notify the
applicants/developers of any such claim, action, or proceeding. The City shall coordinate in
the defense. Nothing contained in this condition shall prohibit the City from participating in a
defense of any claim, action, or proceeding and if the City chooses to do so appellant shall
reimburse City for attorneys' fees by the City.
15. All applicable Conditions of Approval of the Sunnyslope II Vesting Tentative Subdivision Map
of Resolution No. 2010-230 N.C.S., Sunnyslope II Planned Unit Development of Resolution No.
2010-229 N.C.S., and the mitigation measures of Resolution No. 2010-228 N.C.S. adopting the
Sunnyslope II Mitigated Negative Declaration and Mitigation Monitoring and Reporting
Program (MMRP) are incorporated by reference and made conditions of approval.
16. Development authorized by this approval is subject to all applicable development impact
fees. Said fees are due prior to the issuance of a final inspection or certificate of occupancy,
other pertinent fees that may be applicable to the proposed project may be required.
Special Conditions of Approval
Planning Division
17. Plans submitted for Building Permit shall incorporate proposed green building measures as
represented in Project plans approved by the Planning Commission on January 9, 2018.
18. All windows shall be true divided light windows or simulated divided light windows with grids
on the exterior side of the windows. Windows with grids only between the interior/exterior
glass panes are prohibited.
19. All building -mounted lighting shall be dark sky compliant and shall conform to the glare
standards at Implementing Zoning Ordinance §21.040(D).
Department of Public Works and Utilities
20. Prior to the issuance of a building permit, the applicant shall submit landscape and irrigation
plans demonstrating compliance with Municipal Code Chapter 15.17 (Water Conservation
Regulations).
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-01 Page 8
21. The applicant shall provide written notice to buyers of all single-family homes as follows: "Prior
to installing rear yard landscaping, City of Petaluma approval of a landscape and irrigation
plan is required and the plans shall comply with the water conservation requirements of
Municipal Code Section 15.17."
Fire Department
22. Fire hydrants serving each phase of subdivision development shall be installed, inspected,
tested, and accepted prior to delivery of any combustible building materials for that phase
of development. Required fire apparatus access shall be maintained throughout
construction. Combustible building materials shall be stored within 250 feet of fire hydrants
and within 150 feet of fire accessroads.
Planning Commission Resolution No. 2018-01 Page 9