AgdaPkt 2003-12-08 - Laserfiche WebLink

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l D 1 the location, the potential health and safety issues, and the potential for cumulative impacts, an exemption was not appropriate. There is a long and somewhat controversial history to development on Laurel Way, which is summarized in the October 23, 2000 City Council staff report pertaining to development of a another vacant parcel on Laurel Way (please see Attachment #3). The report outlines the development problems and reasoning behind past Council policy decisions to require completion of proper studies and the determination of public safety solutions for construction in the area. A brief summary of recent Laurel Way decisions follows: Summary of Recent Laurel Wav Decisions: Denials: ■ 3738 Laurel Way (Whitaker — 1996) — This application also included the need for setback variances. Note: This is the same property under review. ■ 3747 Laurel Way (Scott — 1987) Approvals based on Special Circumstances: • 3718 Laurel Way (Flores /Brouchoud - 2000) — This case established the "EIRV "No EIR" line. The lot is an in -fill parcel with homes surrounding it. The property is located along the paved frontage of Laurel Way with all utilities, and does not have the same development issues as other undeveloped parcels further west. The home proposed for 3718 Laurel Way has not yet been built. ■ 3726 Laurel Way (Aozasa - 1996) — The site was previously developed with a home that had become a health and safety hazard having been damaged in the 1989 earthquake. • 3737 Laurel Way (Hatfield - 1986) — This approval was priorto the establishment of the City's current policy. Alternative City Council adopted policy on Laurel Way states that an EIR must be prepared for the west end of Laurel Way before the City will consider further development in this area. Since Council's adopted policy explicitly prohibits the development proposed in this appeal before preparation of an EIR, there are no alternatives, unless Council amends or abandons its explicit policy. Fiscal Impact No new impacts. The Council previously agreed to share in the cost of an EIR. The Council agreed to pay 18% of the cost of an EIR for the west end of Laurel Way. Conclusion The existing Council policy for Laurel Way is a responsible approach to evaluating future development on this street. The west end of Laurel Way is severely substandard, the existing remaining parcels are thickly covered with native vegetation (including heritage sized live oak trees), the parcels are significantly steep, and the stability of the hillside has not been thoroughly evaluated to the satisfaction of the City's civil engineers. Staff therefore recommends that the appeal be denied.