CC MIN 2015-04-13 - Laserfiche WebLink

Browse Search

environmental review, and level of difficulty with the process. He added that the Planning Commission recommended that the ordinance be adopted. Councit Member Howard asked about the review that was done for what other cities and counties have already done. She asked why Redwood City was likened to 5an Carlos. Mr. Aknin replied that San Carlos has a Floor Area Ratio but it's an FAR for further review. Council Member Bain asked for a definition of 15% slope. Ms. O'Dell, Principal Planner, sated that the code's definition for the slope measures the slope of the lot over the entire lot. One portion of the lot can be very steep and another portion can be quite flat, but the average slope may be close to 15%. A gradual 15% slope across an entire lot would have the same percentage. She noted this has been an existing definition for some time. Council Member Bain gave an example for clarification. He asked Mr. Aknin to define what types of items fall under the Architectural Review. Mr. Aknin stated that it is the house in its entirety, such as how much is being excavated, how big the home is, but not things like the color of the home. He asked what happens for homeowners who are out of compliance. Mr. Aknin stated that if there were changes, there could be an interior remodel but not something that would increase the degree of nonconformity. Mayor Gee asked if Staff is recommending a limit on square footage of homes and Mr. Aknin replied that they are not. Mayor Gee stated that there will still be 40% lot coverage maximums on homes built in RH, R-1, and R-2, with no Floor Area Ratio limitation. Mr. Aknin replied that is correct. Right now, new construction requires a PD which opens up all the regulations to discussion; this proposal will keep hillsides from requiring a PD. Council Member Bain asked if there is a chart showing how many nonconforming homes are on slopes of 15% or more. Staff said that particular chart had not been created. Mayor Gee opened the Public Hearing and the Council heard public Comment. Rodger Wilson asked how much the City paid to have a report on this. Mayor Gee stated that the contract is in the public record. Mr. Wilson stated that the Council should have that information tonight. He noted that he attended the first workshop and did not feel there was good participation and that it was not conducted properly. He stated that he does not understand what the problems are with the current regulations. Patricia Sankey-Ro doni noted that she believed she lived in Emerald Hills which is unincorporated but was told recently she is actually in Redwood City. She asked if it's possible to get some information on subdividing a property under this ordinance. She sees bigger homes than hers on lots smaller than hers. Deanna Lesea stated that her concern is how it would impact the ability to sell her property if it were labeled as nonconforming. Deborah Henken thanked the City Council for working on this issue. She noted that she supports hillside regulations but is concerned about how slope will affect decisions JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ April 13, 2015 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES PAGE 10 MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 Page No. 367