Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutCC Resolution 7390 (81 McNear Drive)RESOLUTION NO. 7390 RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL UPHOLDING THE PLANNING COMMISSION'S CONDITIONAL APPROVAL AND DENYING THE APPEAL ON THE DESIGN REVIEW AMENDMENT OF 81 McNEAR DRIVE [ED84-40(c)] WHEREAS, on April 16, 1986, the Zoning Administrator heard a design review amendment which proposed numerous design and material changes for the residence under construction at 81 McNear Drive. The Zoning Administrator's conditional approval resulted in approval, modification and denial of various elements; and WHEREAS, on April 22, 1986, the Zoning Administrator's decision was appealed to the Planning Commission by adjacent residents, Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ryan. The appeal was based on three issues: (1) Approval of fieldstone application to a two story turret; (2) Approval of raised planters without specifying the planting materials; and (3) Approval of the constructed height of the boat storage and racquetball court portion of the residence; and WHEREAS, on June 10, 1986, the Planning Commission heard the appeal. Upon the advice of legal counsel that the entire matter was open to review, the Commission heard testimony from the legal counsels to the applicant and appellants on the merits of various design elements. After deliberation, the Planning Commission upheld the Zoning Administrator's decision on a 3-2 vote with a modification to condition (b) which would permit cedar siding or stucco with wood rib trim at the option of the applicant/owner; and WHEREAS, on June 17, 1986, an appeal was filed with the City Clerk by Mr. and Mrs. Jack Ryan, appealing: (1) The failure of the Planning Commission to require the design review conditions of approval to be recorded against the property as a guarantee that the approved landscaping would be maintained in perpetuity; and (2) The modified condition (b) which would permit the use of stucco with wood rib trim; and RESOLUTION NO. 7390 WHEREAS, on July 7, 1986, the City Council held a public hearing on the appealed design review amendment. Upon the advice of legal counsel, the City Council concluded the conditions of approval for a design review could not be recorded against the property without the property owner's consent. The Council affirmed the Planning Commission's decision that the stucco with wood rib trim met the design review guidelines and, as such, it was inappropriate for the City to deny the property owner the proposed materials and design. NOVO, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the San Rafael City Council denies the appeal and upholds the Planning Commission's decision to conditionally approve the design review amendment. The action is based on the following findings: As modified by the conditions of approval, the proposed amendment is consistent with the criteria established for approving design review permits. Natural materials and earthtone colors are utilized and the landscaping provides screening to adjacent properties as well as visually reducing the apparent height. The architecture, while similar to an adjacent residence, maintains its individuality through differing sizes, colors, layouts, and forms. The approval also recognizes the constructed 'height of the boat storage/racquetball court portion of the residence to be consistent with the original design review approval by the Planning Commission in that the difference in height is not significant and is in keeping with the proportions of the originally approved design. Upon the advice of legal counsel, the City Council acknowledges it cannot require through a design review action that the conditions of approval be recorded against the property without the consent of the property owner. However, recordation of the conditions of approval is considered unnecessary to enforce maintenance of the design review conditions of approval. The City requires a Report of Residential Building Record prior to sale of all residential properties. The report lists planning permits issued and conditions of approval are attached to inform the new owner of restrictions. The City has a Property 14aintenance Ordinance requiring proper upkeep. It also is expected that the property owner of this property at 81 McNear will have the financial ability and desire to maintain the property. I•L RESOLUTION NO. 7390 I, JEANNE M. LEONCINI, Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting of the Council of said City on Monday , the 21st day of July 1986, by the following vote, to wit: AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Frugoli, Nave, Russom & Mayor Mulryan NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS: Breiner ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS: None J M. LEONCINi City Clerk M=