1 00:11:03,839 --> 00:11:11,440 Good evening. I'd like to call tonight's meeting to 2 00:11:07,680 --> 00:11:15,680 order. It's August 25th, 2026. Welcome and thank you for joining us for 3 00:11:13,839 --> 00:11:19,000 tonight's meeting of the Orinda Planning Commission. 4 00:11:17,320 --> 00:11:22,520 In the back of the room, there is a table where you can find copies of 5 00:11:20,880 --> 00:11:27,240 tonight's agenda as well as staff reports for the items 6 00:11:24,800 --> 00:11:31,960 that will be heard tonight. On the same table, you will find request to speak 7 00:11:29,320 --> 00:11:36,840 cards. If you would like to speak to the commission this evening, please fill out 8 00:11:34,280 --> 00:11:41,680 a speaker card and place it in the speaker card tray at the table up front. 9 00:11:40,000 --> 00:11:46,520 If you are an applicant or the applicant's agent, you do not need to 10 00:11:44,160 --> 00:11:50,720 complete a speaker card. Once we begin the public hearing portion 11 00:11:49,080 --> 00:11:55,080 of the meeting, each item will be announced with a brief description of 12 00:11:52,600 --> 00:11:57,920 what is being proposed. After any general questions to the 13 00:11:56,720 --> 00:12:03,560 commission, the staff uh 14 00:12:00,880 --> 00:12:06,920 After any general questions by the commission to the staff, the hearing 15 00:12:05,120 --> 00:12:11,120 will be opened and the applicant will be given 10 minutes to present their 16 00:12:09,560 --> 00:12:15,440 project. If you are the applicant, at the 17 00:12:12,880 --> 00:12:19,480 beginning of your presentation, please let me know how much of your 10 18 00:12:17,800 --> 00:12:23,880 minutes you would like to reserve for any rebuttal. 19 00:12:21,480 --> 00:12:28,160 After the presentation by the applicant, the public hearing will be opened and 20 00:12:26,320 --> 00:12:32,480 anyone wishing to speak to the commission on this item will be invited 21 00:12:30,800 --> 00:12:37,800 to do so. When your name is called, please come to 22 00:12:34,920 --> 00:12:41,960 the speaker podium at the front. Each speaker will have 3 minutes to 23 00:12:40,600 --> 00:12:46,000 speak. Once everyone wishing to speak has made 24 00:12:44,360 --> 00:12:50,240 their comments, the public hearing will then be closed 25 00:12:47,920 --> 00:12:53,640 and we will bring the matter up to the commission for discussion and 26 00:12:52,240 --> 00:12:58,520 decision. If you will be speaking to us this 27 00:12:55,360 --> 00:13:01,480 evening, please be sure to make all of your comments when you come to the 28 00:13:00,200 --> 00:13:05,280 podium. As a courtesy to all comments made from 29 00:13:03,640 --> 00:13:09,920 the audience during testimony or commission deliberation will not be 30 00:13:07,839 --> 00:13:13,760 allowed and will not be included as part of this public record. 31 00:13:11,839 --> 00:13:21,480 At the conclusion of the hearing, the commission's options will be to approve, 32 00:13:17,160 --> 00:13:27,760 continue, or deny a project application. Now, I will proceed with roll call and 33 00:13:24,160 --> 00:13:33,720 confirm certain matters for the record. I would like to note that Commissioners 34 00:13:29,520 --> 00:13:38,360 Armstrong, Doctors Hubner, Marola, Oblinski, and Smith are in attendance. 35 00:13:41,280 --> 00:13:47,000 Item B, the adoption of the agenda. Planning Director, are there any 36 00:13:44,960 --> 00:13:50,720 proposed changes to the agenda? >> I have none. 37 00:13:49,200 --> 00:13:53,600 » Hearing none, I would like to move forward with tonight's agenda. Do I have 38 00:13:52,520 --> 00:13:56,200 a motion? >> So moved. 39 00:13:55,040 --> 00:13:59,064 » Do I have a second? >> Second it. 40 00:13:57,600 --> 00:14:02,720 » We'll give that to Hubner. >> [laughter] 41 00:14:00,280 --> 00:14:05,120 » It's not a race. >> All those in favor say I. 42 00:14:04,720 --> 00:14:06,680 » I. >> I. 43 00:14:05,640 --> 00:14:10,040 » I. The motion passes unanimously and we 44 00:14:08,600 --> 00:14:15,440 have an agenda. Item C is the public forum. 45 00:14:13,280 --> 00:14:19,840 The first item on tonight's meeting agenda is the public forum, 46 00:14:17,880 --> 00:14:24,800 which is an opportunity for you to address the Planning Commission on items 47 00:14:21,920 --> 00:14:29,000 that are not listed on tonight's agenda. Is there anyone who would like to 48 00:14:26,680 --> 00:14:33,720 address the Commission on an item that is not on the agenda? 49 00:14:31,120 --> 00:14:37,839 I see no one in the audience. >> No public comments. 50 00:14:35,440 --> 00:14:44,520 » And no one online. We'll move on to item D, the consent 51 00:14:40,440 --> 00:14:49,839 calendar. The consent calendar is a portion of the agenda that consists of 52 00:14:46,560 --> 00:14:54,480 items that are acted on in one motion unless a commissioner or member of the 53 00:14:51,839 --> 00:15:00,040 public requests that the Commission remove the item from the consent 54 00:14:57,240 --> 00:15:04,960 calendar for discussion. By approval of the consent calendar, the staff 55 00:15:02,280 --> 00:15:09,040 recommendation will be adopted. If the item is removed from the consent 56 00:15:06,920 --> 00:15:13,960 calendar, the Commission will follow the procedures described in the agenda for 57 00:15:11,640 --> 00:15:19,000 new public hearings. May I have a motion to approve the 58 00:15:15,800 --> 00:15:23,360 consent calendar as a pro- as proposed or would someone I'd remove an item. 59 00:15:24,000 --> 00:15:30,880 » Move to approve the consent calendar. >> Second. 60 00:15:27,240 --> 00:15:34,280 » Thank you. We have Hubner and Smith. Uh motion and a second. All in favor, 61 00:15:33,240 --> 00:15:34,880 say aye. >> Aye. 62 00:15:34,600 --> 00:15:40,520 » Aye. >> Aye. 63 00:15:35,720 --> 00:15:40,520 » Aye. The motion passes unanimously. 64 00:15:40,720 --> 00:15:51,080 Item E, policy matters. Uh we don't have a report tonight. Uh item F, continued 65 00:15:48,160 --> 00:15:57,600 public hearings. There are no continued hearings. 66 00:15:52,560 --> 00:16:05,840 And item G, new public hearing. So, G1, 105 Crane Terrace, a design review and 67 00:16:01,400 --> 00:16:08,840 special design review, DRA- 2026-005. 68 00:16:09,640 --> 00:16:19,560 This is a design review for a 1,395 69 00:16:16,560 --> 00:16:26,600 square foot of interior additions to an existing 2,966 70 00:16:22,760 --> 00:16:31,520 square foot home with a 574 square foot garage. 71 00:16:28,600 --> 00:16:41,800 The proposal includes a covered and partially enclosed 570 72 00:16:35,560 --> 00:16:47,560 square foot loggia with 150 square feet of credit for covered porches. The staff 73 00:16:44,560 --> 00:16:52,960 recommendation tonight is that the planning commission adopt the 74 00:16:50,760 --> 00:16:58,040 proposed statement of official action approving design review 75 00:16:55,200 --> 00:17:01,040 DRA-2026- 006. 76 00:17:02,080 --> 00:17:10,360 And yeah, there's a typo here. So, it's DRA- 2026-005 77 00:17:11,280 --> 00:17:26,959 for 105 Crane Terrace for 1,965 square feet of additions to an existing 78 00:17:21,079 --> 00:17:26,959 residence resulting in a 4,975 79 00:17:27,199 --> 00:17:37,120 adjusted square foot two-story residence. 80 00:17:32,680 --> 00:17:40,880 And I'd like to confirm any ex parte communications 81 00:17:38,720 --> 00:17:44,960 or site visits. Um 82 00:17:41,600 --> 00:17:50,080 I visited the site. I did not go all the way up to the gate. I noticed uh some 83 00:17:47,000 --> 00:17:53,800 story poles and I spoke to no one. Uh Commissioner Doctors? 84 00:17:52,200 --> 00:17:56,960 » I visited the site and spoke with no one. 85 00:17:54,760 --> 00:17:59,320 » Commissioner Hubner? >> I also visited [clears throat] the site 86 00:17:58,240 --> 00:18:02,520 and spoke with no one. >> Commissioner Morolla? 87 00:18:00,560 --> 00:18:05,840 » Visited the site and spoke to no one. >> Commissioner Bolinsky? 88 00:18:03,720 --> 00:18:10,000 » I visited the site spoke to no one. >> And Commissioner Smith? 89 00:18:07,480 --> 00:18:15,800 » Visited the site waved to the neighbor but spoke to nobody there. Okay. 90 00:18:13,040 --> 00:18:20,440 » Thank you. And now we will have the staff presentation from planner Darren 91 00:18:18,960 --> 00:18:24,200 Hughes. You may proceed. 92 00:18:22,480 --> 00:18:27,720 » All right. Thank you, Chair. Good evening, Chair, members of the Planning 93 00:18:25,920 --> 00:18:31,080 Commission, members of the applicant team. 94 00:18:28,560 --> 00:18:35,080 Um associate planner Darren Hughes. I will give the presentation tonight for 95 00:18:32,520 --> 00:18:38,080 105 Crane Terrace uh design review 2026-005. 96 00:18:38,320 --> 00:18:50,600 Um so as you stated interior additions um for 1,395 square feet. Um and a 570 97 00:18:47,080 --> 00:18:55,640 square foot loggia to the existing 3,000 it's an adjusted square foot count here 98 00:18:52,680 --> 00:18:59,640 3,160 square foot residence um resulting in a 4,975 99 00:18:58,200 --> 00:19:05,520 adjusted square foot residence in the ridgeline overlay. 100 00:19:02,720 --> 00:19:10,000 All right. So some context for everyone here. You can see this is 101 00:19:07,560 --> 00:19:13,960 located um one of these right here. Okay. So you 102 00:19:12,160 --> 00:19:19,840 can see the project site is located kind of in the crook of the hills here right 103 00:19:16,720 --> 00:19:25,840 above the Sleepy Hollow subdivision. Um very fairly remote 104 00:19:22,560 --> 00:19:29,760 for a lot in Orinda. This is very large lot size at 212,000 105 00:19:28,400 --> 00:19:35,760 sq ft. Um this is in the general plan the land 106 00:19:32,640 --> 00:19:40,600 use category is residential low density single family. 107 00:19:37,640 --> 00:19:46,880 The zoning district for this lot and all of the surrounding lots is RL 40. That's 108 00:19:43,800 --> 00:19:52,240 residential low density 40,000 sq ft. Um the lot is within the ridgeline, not the 109 00:19:49,280 --> 00:19:56,000 footprint of the primary residence. But the lot itself is within the 110 00:19:54,240 --> 00:19:59,680 ridgeline. It's considered a ridgeline lot. Ridgeline and environmental 111 00:19:58,000 --> 00:20:05,720 preservation overlay district. You can see that in green on the screen. 112 00:20:02,960 --> 00:20:10,200 And the local responsibility area is very high fire hazard severity zone. 113 00:20:07,640 --> 00:20:14,560 That again is applicable to pretty much this entire region. 114 00:20:12,000 --> 00:20:19,960 And the existing residence as stated is 3,160 adjusted sq ft. 115 00:20:18,800 --> 00:20:22,760 So, some information about the project itself. 116 00:20:22,244 --> 00:20:26,080 » [snorts] >> This is triggering design review with 117 00:20:24,640 --> 00:20:32,680 the planning commission because there are additions that exceed 1,500 sq ft. 118 00:20:29,920 --> 00:20:38,240 And it's requiring special design review under OMC 17.30.7, 119 00:20:35,760 --> 00:20:42,760 which is special design review for severely sloped development development 120 00:20:40,360 --> 00:20:48,160 footprints, which this is not, and lots within the R overlay zone. 121 00:20:45,480 --> 00:20:51,920 So, as soon as you exceed either of the two thresholds, and this is exceeding 122 00:20:49,880 --> 00:20:56,680 both of these thresholds, you trigger this design review. And 123 00:20:53,400 --> 00:20:59,840 those thresholds are 500 sq ft or more in an addition in additional square 124 00:20:58,760 --> 00:21:05,760 footage. And or 18 ft in height. So, if 125 00:21:04,040 --> 00:21:08,920 and because this is proposing a second story, that is exceeding 18 ft in 126 00:21:07,600 --> 00:21:12,240 height, that would be a trigger here. Um CEQA 127 00:21:11,200 --> 00:21:16,720 status, this is going to be categorically exempt under section 128 00:21:14,920 --> 00:21:21,240 15301, which is for existing facilities. 129 00:21:19,080 --> 00:21:23,680 And we received no public comments to date. 130 00:21:23,880 --> 00:21:30,960 Uh so, proposed site plan, you can barely see anything here. It's because 131 00:21:27,520 --> 00:21:36,880 it's a very large 212,000 sq ft lot. Um but we will zoom in and just look at 132 00:21:34,240 --> 00:21:42,720 the floor areas that are proposed for this. So, we've got additions at the 133 00:21:39,520 --> 00:21:46,280 lower, upper, garage, and loggia areas. 134 00:21:43,880 --> 00:21:51,600 The lower level is here in the rear of the home. 135 00:21:48,520 --> 00:21:55,480 The upper story has two areas of addition, one between the primary 136 00:21:53,160 --> 00:22:01,080 residence and the garage, and one above the addition at the rear of the home. 137 00:21:58,480 --> 00:22:05,600 The garage is extending to the rear of the home. 138 00:22:02,920 --> 00:22:10,040 And the loggia itself is on the north side of the home, 139 00:22:07,440 --> 00:22:12,880 and we are counting this loggia as square footage because it is partially 140 00:22:11,560 --> 00:22:18,840 enclosed. When we look at the section, 141 00:22:15,680 --> 00:22:21,760 it's the loggia credit is in 17.6.3, it's how we calculate floor area. 142 00:22:20,480 --> 00:22:27,560 There's a whole section on what constitutes 143 00:22:23,440 --> 00:22:31,160 floor area if it is a building recess, and we would consider this a building 144 00:22:28,800 --> 00:22:35,800 recess because it is enclosed on one side completely and partially 145 00:22:34,160 --> 00:22:41,240 closed on another side. So, as soon as you add that additional enclosure 146 00:22:38,520 --> 00:22:45,960 by zoning administrator interpretation memo, 147 00:22:43,200 --> 00:22:51,960 this becomes considered as floor area. It does receive a 150 sq ft credit, 148 00:22:49,800 --> 00:22:56,960 and the garage credit is the only other credit that is applicable to this 149 00:22:54,040 --> 00:23:01,960 project. So, we are looking at a 150 00:22:58,200 --> 00:23:05,680 a proposed gross floor area 5,525 ft, Um, with those two credits, we're 151 00:23:03,440 --> 00:23:11,160 looking at 4,975 sq ft. Now, this one portion at the very 152 00:23:08,320 --> 00:23:18,360 front, um, that is uh, an addition of a an 800, I believe, 153 00:23:13,600 --> 00:23:21,640 94 sq ft uh, porch that is not enclosed on, um, 154 00:23:19,880 --> 00:23:26,120 there it is unenclosed on three sides, and therefore it does not count against 155 00:23:23,120 --> 00:23:26,120 the square footage. 156 00:23:27,760 --> 00:23:33,840 All right. Um, so just looking very briefly at existing elevations, and, um, 157 00:23:32,720 --> 00:23:36,920 let's see if I can do this. Yes. Existing elevations and the proposed 158 00:23:35,480 --> 00:23:43,440 elevations. Um, so looking at the, uh, southwest and 159 00:23:40,240 --> 00:23:48,640 southeast elevations here, you can see at the This is the the front of the 160 00:23:45,800 --> 00:23:55,880 house at the top, um, with the with the addition of the loggia to the 161 00:23:53,200 --> 00:24:02,040 uh, left-hand side of the screen. Um, in the center here is the addition of the, 162 00:23:59,000 --> 00:24:06,080 um, front porch, and you can only a little bit see the the garage popping 163 00:24:03,840 --> 00:24:10,520 out towards the the rear. Um, and this portion of the addition at 164 00:24:09,000 --> 00:24:15,040 the top level. Um, here at the southeast elevation, 165 00:24:13,760 --> 00:24:20,360 uh, where we're looking at the garage, you can see this is the extension of the 166 00:24:17,080 --> 00:24:23,360 garage to one side, um, and the front porch over here. 167 00:24:23,600 --> 00:24:32,440 Looking at the existing elevations for the northeast and the northwest, 168 00:24:29,640 --> 00:24:35,920 we can see additions. Um, here's This is looking at the rear of the house at the 169 00:24:33,720 --> 00:24:40,920 top. Um, so the addition of the garage to the back. Um, this is the the total 170 00:24:38,640 --> 00:24:44,920 of the addition on the first and second story in the rear here, with the loggia 171 00:24:43,640 --> 00:24:50,880 over here. And at the the lower elevation, 172 00:24:48,720 --> 00:24:55,200 at the northwest, um, looking at the side of the house, this is the the 173 00:24:52,320 --> 00:24:58,920 loggia here, and the, um, 174 00:24:55,920 --> 00:24:58,920 and the front porch here. 175 00:24:59,400 --> 00:25:06,880 So, looking at the floor area, um we took these numbers uh 176 00:25:05,280 --> 00:25:12,800 the the floor area numbers come generally from 177 00:25:08,720 --> 00:25:15,320 the uh from the county's data on um the parcels. 178 00:25:14,000 --> 00:25:19,240 The the project itself, because it's on a 179 00:25:17,240 --> 00:25:23,560 very, very large parcel, it's the largest in the area um 180 00:25:21,240 --> 00:25:27,360 or among the largest in the area, um 181 00:25:24,640 --> 00:25:33,680 it's got the one of the lowest floor area ratios at .02. Um that's 2% of the 182 00:25:31,760 --> 00:25:36,520 the lot has been um 183 00:25:34,760 --> 00:25:42,520 uh would it would be developed with this project. Um the current floor area ratio 184 00:25:39,640 --> 00:25:48,520 for this project is .01. So, this is effectively uh close to doubling it. 185 00:25:45,200 --> 00:25:55,560 Um but it's not the largest home in the area. Um existing square footage, not 186 00:25:51,320 --> 00:26:03,080 including any garages, goes up to 5,965 in the area. Um 187 00:25:59,080 --> 00:26:11,160 and it is uh far from the the highest floor area ratio, um which is .18. Um 188 00:26:06,480 --> 00:26:11,160 also applicable to that uh largest home. 189 00:26:11,720 --> 00:26:19,360 Uh development re- development review compliance, um this is a table that we 190 00:26:16,600 --> 00:26:22,920 normally look at to say, "Okay, is everything meeting the applicable 191 00:26:21,320 --> 00:26:28,280 standards within the zoning code for setbacks, height, um parking spaces?" Um 192 00:26:26,200 --> 00:26:31,680 again, with this being such a large lot, there were no setback issues since 193 00:26:30,000 --> 00:26:37,240 everything is being proposed relatively close to the footprint of the home. 194 00:26:33,720 --> 00:26:41,960 Um all setbacks being met, the the the increased area on the second story is 195 00:26:39,960 --> 00:26:46,400 not increasing the overarching height of the home, so there's no 196 00:26:43,800 --> 00:26:51,960 um new height to consider here. It's uh coming in below 27 ft at 26 ft 2 in. Um 197 00:26:50,720 --> 00:26:56,720 um there are only two stories, it's not 198 00:26:53,480 --> 00:27:03,720 exceeding the maximum of 2.5 stories. Um and the floor area is staying below 199 00:27:00,280 --> 00:27:08,120 the 7,000 square feet maximum that would be applicable to 200 00:27:05,560 --> 00:27:10,840 uh to this particular lot by by the zoning code. 201 00:27:11,400 --> 00:27:19,040 So, uh a just a brief overview of the design review standards and the special 202 00:27:15,960 --> 00:27:22,840 design review standards in play um for the first one, we think of that as 203 00:27:20,640 --> 00:27:26,240 sighting and context. Um so, we're looking at making sure that what is 204 00:27:24,560 --> 00:27:29,480 being proposed is um 205 00:27:27,040 --> 00:27:33,960 maintaining is relatively unique, is maintaining some variety in uh the 206 00:27:31,840 --> 00:27:39,200 neighborhoods, is maintaining dominance of wooded and open ridges and hillsides. 207 00:27:36,440 --> 00:27:43,680 Um it's blending into any existing landscape. Um the second piece, design 208 00:27:41,680 --> 00:27:48,960 elements, visually harmonious. So, we're looking at does the design um meet the 209 00:27:46,720 --> 00:27:52,920 threshold for design review in Orinda? It is the project going to be 210 00:27:50,360 --> 00:27:57,200 attractive? Is it are the features going to reduce any perception of blocky or 211 00:27:55,200 --> 00:28:01,000 massive features of building surfaces and provide um some articulation to the 212 00:27:59,640 --> 00:28:04,600 project? Um 213 00:28:02,080 --> 00:28:08,920 the third standard under basic design review, we're looking for any impacts to 214 00:28:07,240 --> 00:28:13,800 neighboring residences and other people's quality of life. So, is it 215 00:28:10,680 --> 00:28:18,720 impairing views that people have or um invading privacy or impacting um light 216 00:28:17,600 --> 00:28:23,800 and air? And then finally, landscaping 217 00:28:21,120 --> 00:28:28,440 are um considered and we look at the appropriateness of the landscaping for 218 00:28:25,880 --> 00:28:32,040 what is being proposed on the site. And then for special design review, um 219 00:28:30,920 --> 00:28:37,000 for specifically for lots within the R 220 00:28:33,720 --> 00:28:40,360 overlay zone, um the first one is it's in substantial compliance with the 221 00:28:38,480 --> 00:28:47,160 hillside and ridgeline design guidelines from the 1990s. And the third one is 222 00:28:44,400 --> 00:28:50,560 looking specifically at ridgeline lots, um looking to preserve the natural 223 00:28:49,160 --> 00:28:56,560 appearance of the ridgeline, make sure that we're not impacting 224 00:28:52,800 --> 00:29:00,720 people's views from distant locations, and ensuring that that ridgeline that we 225 00:28:58,840 --> 00:29:03,960 would like to see preserved in Orinda is being preserved by what has been 226 00:29:02,040 --> 00:29:08,840 proposed. The second one is not particularly applicable here because it 227 00:29:06,960 --> 00:29:11,200 is for severely sloped development footprints, 228 00:29:10,400 --> 00:29:17,840 um and because this is located on a fairly 229 00:29:14,840 --> 00:29:21,520 level portion of the lot and has been graded for the existing residence, and 230 00:29:20,000 --> 00:29:25,720 everything is staying fairly close to that residence. We're not seeing 231 00:29:24,360 --> 00:29:30,960 that this would be applicable in any way, shape, or form. So, just a brief 232 00:29:27,960 --> 00:29:35,080 overview of the findings that have been proposed by staff. Generally speaking, 233 00:29:33,320 --> 00:29:41,440 we're looking at a lot that has deep setbacks from the the primary road, um 234 00:29:39,000 --> 00:29:44,720 Van Castle. We are looking at something that is it 235 00:29:43,800 --> 00:29:48,320 is located at a relatively elevated 236 00:29:47,600 --> 00:29:52,320 um portion of the lot, 237 00:29:50,120 --> 00:29:56,800 but tucked back fairly well from the street, and everything that is being 238 00:29:54,280 --> 00:30:01,000 proposed is pretty much hugging up against the structure, and what we are 239 00:29:59,040 --> 00:30:06,920 seeing or what we have proposed with our findings is that this is something that 240 00:30:04,360 --> 00:30:10,920 is approvable, is not impacting anybody's views and light from off site, 241 00:30:09,440 --> 00:30:17,320 is not creating any large bulky mass that can 242 00:30:14,840 --> 00:30:20,320 be seen from other points, other vantage points, 243 00:30:18,520 --> 00:30:25,000 and therefore will have little impact 244 00:30:22,440 --> 00:30:28,840 with what is being proposed. So, staff recommendation is to adopt 245 00:30:27,160 --> 00:30:34,400 both proposed statement of official action 246 00:30:30,000 --> 00:30:42,560 approving design review DRA 2026 005 for 105 Crane Terrace for 1,965 247 00:30:40,720 --> 00:30:46,520 total square feet of additions to an existing residence that would result in 248 00:30:44,720 --> 00:30:50,520 a 4,975 adjusted square foot two-story 249 00:30:48,640 --> 00:30:54,720 residence. And with that, I conclude my report and turn it over to the planning 250 00:30:52,440 --> 00:30:57,880 commission for questions. >> Thank you. 251 00:30:55,640 --> 00:31:01,200 Thank you, Planner Hughes, uh for your presentation. 252 00:30:59,600 --> 00:31:05,280 Commissioners, uh do you have any questions for staff? 253 00:31:03,600 --> 00:31:09,400 Commissioner Hubner. >> Darren, just so I clearly understand the 254 00:31:07,440 --> 00:31:11,920 difference between Sorry. >> There. 255 00:31:10,120 --> 00:31:16,280 » The difference between the loggia and the front porch qualifying as far as 256 00:31:14,240 --> 00:31:19,200 square footage is the fact of the fireplace creating the partial 257 00:31:17,840 --> 00:31:23,680 enclosure. Is that >> Yes. Yes, with that wall um with that 258 00:31:21,640 --> 00:31:25,840 fireplace acting as a wall that >> Yeah. 259 00:31:24,040 --> 00:31:27,120 » creates partial enclosure. We count that as square 260 00:31:26,200 --> 00:31:30,080 » Just make sure I understood the definition. Thank you. 261 00:31:32,400 --> 00:31:36,800 » Are there any other questions from the commissioners? 262 00:31:37,320 --> 00:31:45,200 Okay, hearing none. Um the applicant has an opportunity now 263 00:31:43,520 --> 00:31:50,120 uh to present the application to the 264 00:31:47,120 --> 00:31:57,400 commission. Um you have 10 minutes total. Uh and before 265 00:31:53,800 --> 00:32:00,080 you speak, uh can Do you want some time for a rebuttal? 266 00:32:00,482 --> 00:32:05,320 » [laughter] >> Okay. I think I'll be fine. Okay. 267 00:32:03,880 --> 00:32:08,200 » Unless I need to rebut the commission, but I'm going to do that, you know, 268 00:32:06,560 --> 00:32:11,800 » Okay. I think you're I think you're okay. 269 00:32:09,320 --> 00:32:14,520 Okay. Please state your name and uh proceed. 270 00:32:12,960 --> 00:32:17,480 » Thank you. My name is Steven Kubicek, and I'm the designer of the house. And 271 00:32:16,440 --> 00:32:22,160 I've designed this house for the Clevelands, who are sitting here today. 272 00:32:19,440 --> 00:32:24,960 And part of my 10 minutes it um I'm not going to talk that long, but they want 273 00:32:23,400 --> 00:32:27,920 to speak as well. Um so, when they called me to design 274 00:32:26,720 --> 00:32:32,520 this home for uh Mr. Cleveland, he's from the South. 275 00:32:30,120 --> 00:32:36,680 The house has some southern elements to it, and he wanted to elaborate on that. 276 00:32:34,960 --> 00:32:41,040 One of the things that the house did to me, I you know, I lived in Orinda for 20 277 00:32:38,840 --> 00:32:46,360 years. So, uh I um it it it seemed very large and square 278 00:32:44,760 --> 00:32:50,720 sitting on top of the hill, and I just felt like I wanted to break that up. And 279 00:32:48,680 --> 00:32:54,960 with their program of wanting to add the add porches to it, that created an 280 00:32:52,440 --> 00:32:59,520 opportunity to actually make the house more at at more interest to the facade 281 00:32:57,960 --> 00:33:05,720 as it's viewed as it's viewed from offsite. Um Darren did a very very 282 00:33:03,280 --> 00:33:09,800 complete presentation for the for the project. 283 00:33:07,520 --> 00:33:14,160 And I think that he's kind of said everything and it it play it it meets 284 00:33:12,080 --> 00:33:20,600 all of the requirements of the city design guidelines. So, really I'm just 285 00:33:17,080 --> 00:33:20,600 happy to answer questions for you. 286 00:33:23,400 --> 00:33:29,160 » Commissioners, are there any questions? Okay. 287 00:33:27,480 --> 00:33:33,040 » One one quick one. What's just I'm just I'm curious, is 288 00:33:31,080 --> 00:33:36,280 Isokern a brand or is it a type of fireplace? 289 00:33:33,720 --> 00:33:40,720 » An Isokern is a brand, but it's it's a it's a Rumford type of fireplace, and 290 00:33:37,960 --> 00:33:46,360 it's a a Rumford type of fireplace. And it's a kit that you buy. So, it's one of 291 00:33:42,440 --> 00:33:48,240 the few brands of kits that you can buy that you can burn wood in. 292 00:33:47,840 --> 00:33:52,360 » Okay. >> Because the flue is a very unique design 293 00:33:50,440 --> 00:33:55,760 where it complete it it burns the fuel more completely so that the the 294 00:33:54,200 --> 00:33:58,160 emissions are low. >> I was I was only 295 00:33:56,680 --> 00:34:02,040 » They're very cool because the back of the fireplace is vertical instead of 296 00:34:00,000 --> 00:34:05,560 having an angle to it, and they have a very large opening. So, they're they're 297 00:34:04,480 --> 00:34:08,240 they're really great. >> Okay. Just fireplace. Just a curiosity. 298 00:34:07,720 --> 00:34:10,560 Thank you. >> Yeah. 299 00:34:10,639 --> 00:34:16,320 Anything else? >> No, thank you. And we will invite the 300 00:34:14,440 --> 00:34:20,840 homeowners. You can have time to speak. Thank you. 301 00:34:18,600 --> 00:34:25,080 » Hi. Oh my gosh, thank you all for having us. This is our first time doing this. 302 00:34:22,520 --> 00:34:28,760 Um we've renovated homes in the past, but this is our first one in Orinda. Um 303 00:34:27,520 --> 00:34:33,080 so, I'm Beth Cleveland, and this is my husband, Blake. Um I grew up in Orinda, 304 00:34:31,480 --> 00:34:36,960 and um just sharing a little story with you 305 00:34:34,200 --> 00:34:41,120 all. I actually grew up on Taber Lane um and lived at this house my entire 306 00:34:38,919 --> 00:34:45,440 life and um it's pretty special to be there now. 307 00:34:42,840 --> 00:34:49,919 We've been there for about nine years. Uh gotten to know the property, gotten 308 00:34:46,960 --> 00:34:54,240 to know the house, the neighbors um and we feel like we're trying to do 309 00:34:52,280 --> 00:34:58,760 justice to the house and I'm not just saying that because you all are 310 00:34:55,919 --> 00:35:03,040 evaluating this. It is uh my grandmother used to go to garden club at this house 311 00:35:00,280 --> 00:35:06,880 with Kitty Roche and we found a prom dress in our attic that we mailed to 312 00:35:04,680 --> 00:35:12,680 their family, the daughter. Um so we really care genuinely about tradition, 313 00:35:09,520 --> 00:35:16,680 about um holding onto the heritage. Uh we've already talked about saving a 314 00:35:14,040 --> 00:35:20,040 little piece of the uh wallpaper in the kitchen cuz it's just really special and 315 00:35:18,360 --> 00:35:24,160 you can tell a family was really happy there. So um yeah, thank you for the 316 00:35:22,360 --> 00:35:27,960 review. We're we're trying to just really kind of adapt it to how families 317 00:35:26,480 --> 00:35:31,960 live today, a little bit more shared space, a little bit more 318 00:35:29,960 --> 00:35:36,280 you know, ability to use get to see the beautiful view of Orinda um spend time 319 00:35:33,960 --> 00:35:39,080 with friends and family. So thank you and I'll let my husband say something. I 320 00:35:37,440 --> 00:35:42,240 don't know what he's going to say, but >> Thank you. 321 00:35:41,080 --> 00:35:47,360 Good evening. My name is Blake Cleveland. Um I'm Beth's husband and 322 00:35:45,120 --> 00:35:52,480 when I first moved to Orinda uh being from uh South Georgia uh I looked out 323 00:35:50,760 --> 00:35:56,400 from her parents' home uh onto this house and I said that's a beautiful home 324 00:35:54,160 --> 00:36:01,120 and noticed that the you know, the space around it was uh quite quite open and 325 00:35:59,200 --> 00:36:05,560 distinct separate from you know, a lot of the a lot of the homes in the valley 326 00:36:02,960 --> 00:36:09,600 and it was you know, it was appealing to me when I first saw it just because of 327 00:36:07,800 --> 00:36:14,880 the you know, kind of the federalist look to it uh that it had which is more 328 00:36:11,760 --> 00:36:19,200 East Coast and um had no clue that you know, 20 years later we would be 329 00:36:17,480 --> 00:36:24,360 having a chance to to live in that home and raise our family there and it's been 330 00:36:22,280 --> 00:36:30,520 you know, we've been there for almost seven years now and uh and you know, 331 00:36:27,520 --> 00:36:34,880 living in it for as long as we have um as probably any of you have if you've 332 00:36:32,000 --> 00:36:38,520 done, you know, changes to your home, knowing exactly what probably would be, 333 00:36:36,880 --> 00:36:43,520 you know, not only beneficial to us but also aesthetically pleasing to to the 334 00:36:40,800 --> 00:36:47,040 home and and to all the people that actually probably look at this home 335 00:36:44,720 --> 00:36:50,680 because there's quite a few um that have spoken to us about it and 336 00:36:48,720 --> 00:36:54,440 it's just one of those things that we think very 337 00:36:51,840 --> 00:36:59,000 um very highly of, you know, maintaining the the ridge lines and the beauty that 338 00:36:56,400 --> 00:37:02,200 Orinda have um especially for, you know, historical sites. I would call this a 339 00:37:00,600 --> 00:37:06,640 home, you know, it's definitely not the oldest in Orinda by any means, but um 340 00:37:04,600 --> 00:37:12,000 there's uh just some beauty to it. But it's all It is absolutely old and 341 00:37:09,840 --> 00:37:16,360 um and also, you know, from a standpoint of being in the the fire risk zone that 342 00:37:14,280 --> 00:37:21,520 it's in. The the home needs to have some updates 343 00:37:19,360 --> 00:37:25,240 that would be much more um you know, safe, if you would. And I 344 00:37:23,920 --> 00:37:30,440 know there's a lot of trees around that home, but it's, you know, bringing in um 345 00:37:27,720 --> 00:37:34,320 fire retardant materials, etc. That um will be obviously much, you know, will 346 00:37:32,720 --> 00:37:37,920 will withstand the sun that comes onto that home as well. So, I think that 347 00:37:37,320 --> 00:37:41,800 uh as we sit from sitting on that porch 348 00:37:39,640 --> 00:37:45,015 once it's built, uh it will be uh enjoyable and invite you all up for a 349 00:37:43,720 --> 00:37:48,120 cocktail. >> [laughter] 350 00:37:46,680 --> 00:37:51,880 » Thank you very much. >> Thank you. Appreciate the comments. 351 00:37:52,600 --> 00:37:59,520 And I'll ask the commission are there are there any comments uh or questions 352 00:37:56,680 --> 00:37:59,520 for the homeowners? 353 00:37:59,560 --> 00:38:05,080 » Just thanks to associate planner Hughes for the great presentation and um as a 354 00:38:03,280 --> 00:38:09,400 fellow Orinda boomerang, I grew up here, moved away and came back. Um just 355 00:38:07,000 --> 00:38:13,040 excited to see a a fellow fellow Orinda boomerang taking care of a a house that 356 00:38:11,360 --> 00:38:17,000 needs some updates and just appreciate the thought that um that went into the 357 00:38:14,840 --> 00:38:22,960 home and clearly doing your best to to balance um your needs with considering 358 00:38:19,560 --> 00:38:27,520 the surroundings. So, appreciate it. >> Thank you. 359 00:38:24,360 --> 00:38:31,280 Okay, so hearing no more comments from the commissioners, 360 00:38:28,920 --> 00:38:34,560 we are going to have the public comment portion, 361 00:38:32,840 --> 00:38:38,120 and I will open the floor up to the public. There's no one in the audience. 362 00:38:37,520 --> 00:38:40,400 Are there any >> No public comments. 363 00:38:39,360 --> 00:38:46,360 » Okay. So, there are no public comments, so 364 00:38:44,080 --> 00:38:50,600 I'm going to close the floor and 365 00:38:48,200 --> 00:38:54,440 bring the matter up to the commission for discussion and action. 366 00:38:54,640 --> 00:39:00,880 Are there any comments or >> Well, I thought it was just a totally 367 00:38:59,360 --> 00:39:05,080 off the topic, but it was kind of adorable that the owners of the lot that 368 00:39:03,520 --> 00:39:08,040 I bought when I was building my house were in the audience and everybody 369 00:39:06,600 --> 00:39:12,160 assumed they were there to support us, but the the party ended up throwing 370 00:39:10,760 --> 00:39:16,000 themselves in front of the tractor when we started building our house. So, we 371 00:39:13,440 --> 00:39:20,400 weren't quite as welcomed at the time. Anyway, um I just want to 372 00:39:18,800 --> 00:39:25,640 thank staff for a thorough presentation and thanks for the extra little bit of 373 00:39:22,680 --> 00:39:29,840 table that I was used to seeing and um it does it does seem like a very 374 00:39:27,120 --> 00:39:36,040 appropriate uh addition to the to the house and to the neighborhood. 375 00:39:33,360 --> 00:39:41,200 » Yeah, and I would like to add that uh to thank the staff for the presentation. Um 376 00:39:39,160 --> 00:39:47,120 I would like to say also that you have a wonderful lot. It's amazing. Uh I think 377 00:39:44,720 --> 00:39:51,440 the patio is going to be a really nice addition sitting out front. I'm sure it 378 00:39:49,440 --> 00:39:54,880 gives you a lot of memories from uh back home. 379 00:39:52,680 --> 00:39:59,840 And so, um yeah, and I really appreciate also the 380 00:39:56,680 --> 00:40:04,040 comment about uh using fire retardant materials. That's a really important. I 381 00:40:02,120 --> 00:40:08,440 feel um really uh glad to hear that. So, 382 00:40:06,000 --> 00:40:08,440 thank you. 383 00:40:10,960 --> 00:40:17,440 » Make a motion to proceed as as staff. 384 00:40:15,640 --> 00:40:20,600 » I'll vote no. >> Wait, I thought this was 385 00:40:18,800 --> 00:40:25,320 going to be an action. >> Okay, make a motion to approve the 386 00:40:23,160 --> 00:40:27,080 planning commission >> No, adopt. 387 00:40:26,520 --> 00:40:29,400 Adopt. >> Oh. 388 00:40:27,440 --> 00:40:34,440 » Adopt the proposed statement. >> Adopt proposed statement of official 389 00:40:31,200 --> 00:40:39,600 action proving design review DRA 2026-005 390 00:40:37,040 --> 00:40:45,200 for 105 Crane Terrace for 1965 square feet of additions to an 391 00:40:42,160 --> 00:40:48,680 existing resident resulting in a 4,975 adjusted square foot two-story 392 00:40:46,720 --> 00:40:52,640 residence. >> Thank you. And before I ask for a second 393 00:40:51,240 --> 00:40:57,200 to that motion, we're going to do a different procedure 394 00:40:54,560 --> 00:41:03,560 according to Robert's rules, is there a substitute motion? 395 00:41:00,520 --> 00:41:08,800 Do not hear any substitute motion. Now, is there an amendment to Commissioner 396 00:41:06,120 --> 00:41:13,240 Smith's first motion? Hearing none, do I have a second to the 397 00:41:11,280 --> 00:41:18,240 motion? >> Second. 398 00:41:15,440 --> 00:41:22,000 » Commissioner Doctors seconds that motion and we'll do a roll call vote. 399 00:41:20,320 --> 00:41:24,240 Commissioner Hubner. >> I. 400 00:41:22,800 --> 00:41:26,720 » Commissioner Merola. >> I. 401 00:41:25,040 --> 00:41:28,400 » Commissioner Oblinski. >> I. 402 00:41:27,520 --> 00:41:30,200 » Commissioner Smith. >> I. 403 00:41:29,080 --> 00:41:34,240 » Commissioner Doctors. >> I. 404 00:41:30,920 --> 00:41:38,440 » And Commissioner Armstrong is an I. So, the motion is carried and the motion 405 00:41:37,360 --> 00:41:41,800 is unanimous. >> It's okay. 406 00:41:39,760 --> 00:41:45,458 » Oh, congratulations. Your project is approved. 407 00:41:43,438 --> 00:41:45,458 » [laughter] 408 00:41:46,160 --> 00:41:51,480 » And I have for the record I have to read appeal rights. I will now read the 409 00:41:49,960 --> 00:41:56,760 appeal rights. A decision by the planning commission is final unless a 410 00:41:54,000 --> 00:42:01,200 written notice of appeal specifying the grounds for the appeal is submitted to 411 00:41:59,160 --> 00:42:04,760 the planning department during normal business hours 412 00:42:02,680 --> 00:42:08,400 within 10 calendar days with the appropriate fees. 413 00:42:06,600 --> 00:42:13,920 The appeal will be considered by the city council. If you challenge any 414 00:42:10,920 --> 00:42:19,400 actions on the agenda in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues 415 00:42:16,960 --> 00:42:24,640 you or someone else raised at the public hearing described in this notice 416 00:42:22,200 --> 00:42:31,880 or in written correspondence delivered to the Planning Commission 417 00:42:26,640 --> 00:42:36,240 uh at or prior to the public hearing. The time to file action to challenge the 418 00:42:34,640 --> 00:42:41,840 decision is governed by the Code of Civil Procedure section 1094.6. 419 00:42:40,480 --> 00:42:46,720 Thank you. Okay. 420 00:42:43,320 --> 00:42:50,880 Item H, other commission matters. Are there any other commission matters 421 00:42:48,320 --> 00:42:50,880 tonight? 422 00:42:51,240 --> 00:43:00,360 Hearing none, item I, Planning Commissioner's report. I do not have a 423 00:42:56,800 --> 00:43:04,040 report tonight. Item J, Planning Director's update. 424 00:43:02,120 --> 00:43:06,720 » Commissioner, Director Director >> thank you. Thank you, Chairman 425 00:43:05,080 --> 00:43:11,280 Armstrong. The only update I have for you is on August 18th, 426 00:43:08,920 --> 00:43:14,680 the City Council did approve 42 Charles Hill. 427 00:43:12,520 --> 00:43:19,200 They did acknowledge the comments that were received by the Planning 428 00:43:16,560 --> 00:43:25,000 Commission, in particular the concerns about build now, ask for forgiveness 429 00:43:22,040 --> 00:43:28,520 later. They did acknowledge, but this project had some other 430 00:43:26,560 --> 00:43:31,120 significant issues um 431 00:43:29,640 --> 00:43:34,360 that was pulling us in a certain direction, so 432 00:43:32,800 --> 00:43:38,040 um there was legal 433 00:43:35,800 --> 00:43:41,760 advice on this project, so that was given to City Council. 434 00:43:40,280 --> 00:43:44,615 » I I was going to ask what the other significant issues were, but that 435 00:43:43,000 --> 00:43:49,000 answered my question. >> [laughter] 436 00:43:46,520 --> 00:43:54,240 » Thank you for that update. Okay, we're at item K. Chairman, do I 437 00:43:51,680 --> 00:43:58,000 have a motion to adjourn this meeting? >> So moved. 438 00:43:55,000 --> 00:43:58,000 » Do I have a second? 439 00:43:58,200 --> 00:44:04,560 » Second. >> We'll give that to Commissioner Doctors. 440 00:44:03,120 --> 00:44:07,960 All in favor, say I. >> I. I. I.