HomeMy WebLinkAboutApproved Minutes - 1998-11-02 CITY OF LAKE OSWEGO
DEVELOPMENT REVIEW COMMISSION MINUTES
November 2, 1998
CALL TO ORDER
The Development Review Commission meeting of November 2, 1998,was called to order in
the Council Chambers of City Hall, at 380"A"Avenue,Lake Oswego, Oregon,by Chair
Douglas P. Cushing at 7:00 PM.
II. ROLL CALL
Commission members present included Chair Cushing, Julie Morales, William Horning,
Nan Binkley, Douglas Kiersey and Sheila Ostly. Lawrence Magura was excused. Staff
present were Tom Coffee, Assistant City Manager; Michael R. Wheeler, Associate
Planner; Morgan Tracy, Associate Planner; David Powell, City Attorney; Evan Boone,
Deputy City Attorney and Janice Benn, Senior Secretary.
III. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Mr. Kiersey moved for approval of the October 5. 1998 minutes. Ms. Morales
seconded the motion, and it passed with Chair Cushing, Ms. Morales, Mr. Horning, Ms.
Binkley, Mr. Kiersey and Ms. Ostly voting yes. Mr. Magura was absent. There were no
votes against.
IV. APPROVAL OF FINDINGS, CONCLUSIONS AND ORDER
Ms. Morales moved to approve DR 10-98. a request by David Kidd. Mr. Kiersey
seconded the motion, and it passed with Chair Cushing, Ms. Morales, Mr. Horning, Ms.
Binkley, Mr. Kiersey and Ms. Ostly voting yes. Mr. Magura was absent. There were no
votes against.
V. PUBLIC HEARING
DR 20-96/CU 6-96 II (Remand). the applicant, Harold G. Long Architects, requested
approval of the following: 1) A conditional use permit to expand an existing church
facility; and, 2) A development review approval to construct a two-story parish
hall/administrative addition and an one-story nursery expansion. Following the close of
the initial public hearing, at the applicant's request, the hearing has been continued and
reopened for the following purpose: to consider the following modifications to the
application: (1) relocating the east driveway on Chandler Road further west; (2)revised
parking plan; and(3) removal of 3 designated trees (8, 9 and 27). The Chair will open the
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hearing for public testimony limited to considerations resulting from the above described
modifications to the application. The site is located at 1060 Chandler Road, Tax Lot(s)
6400 and 6500 of Tax Map 21E 3CD. Staff coordinator is Michael R. Wheeler,
Associate Planner. Continued from 9/9/98, 9/21/98 and 10/5/98 meetings. Staff report
dated August 26, 1998, and staff addendum dated September 18, 1998 and October 23,
1998.
Chair Cushing opened the public hearing and explained the procedures and time limits to
be followed. He asked Commission members to report any ex parte contacts, site visits,
biases or conflicts of interest. Mr. Kiersey recused himself from hearing the application.
All other Commissioners present indicated they were familiar with the site. Chair Cushing
asked if any person in attendance desired to challenge any Commissioner's right to hear
the application. No one presented such a challenge.
Michael Wheeler, Associate Planner,recalled the application had been continued at the
request of the applicants after they discovered an inadvertant omission in the record
regarding the location of trees and removal of trees from the westerly parking lot. He
referred to the staff memorandum dated October 23, 1998, which he noted included
additional exhibits to identify 36 additional trees at the site and proposed to remove four
of them in addition to the two on the east end of the project that were part of the original
application. He noted that it was a typographic error that tree #7 would be removed. He
concluded that the applicants correction of the record and their redesign of the westerly
lot was appropriate and timely and minimized the number of trees to be removed, and he
recommended that the applicants' new exhibits be included in the record and that the
applicaiton be approved subject to conditions recommended in the staff memorandum.
Applicant
Greg Hathaway. Davis Wright Tremain, 1300 SW 9th Ave, Portland, 97201, stated
that he represented the applicant. He verified that the error regarding the westerly parking
lot had been discovered prior to closure of the record, and the applicant had presented a
revised parking lot plan to correct the error. He clarified the revised plan maintained the
same number of parking spaces as the previous version of the application. He clarified
that trees to be removed would be Trees #9, #10 and#27. He related that the applicant
had discussed the plan with the neighbors to the west who supported the application.
Rich Farrington, Harold Lone Architect. 532 SW Belmont. Ste 204. Portland.
97214, described how the applicant intended to add a driveway and angle parking
between trees to maximize parking in the west parking lot. He noted the plan would
include the same number of spaces indicated in the original proposal. He related that six
spaces on the would be surfaced with grasscrete and two trees would be removed along
the west property line (a poplar tree, and a 9" Fir tree in poor condition) to make room for
three angled parking spaces. He noted that there were other Fir trees in the area where
trees were to be removed, so screening would not be reduced for the westerly neighbors.
He said one flowering plum tree would also need to be removed to accommodate the new
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driveway.
Mr. Farrington clarified for Chair Cushing that the new driveway would be opposite a
residential driveway and not the Heritage House Driveway. He explained that four
handicapped spaces were planned for the site. He explained for Ms. Binkley that the
sidewalk would continue toward Chandler Road and would connect with a ramp near the
stairs, and the landscaped island would be extended. He clarified for Mr. Horning that
some parking spaces were to be adjusted to accommodate trees at a lower grade and curb
stops would be installed there.
Opponents
None
Neither for nor Against
None.
Rebuttal
None
No one requested the record be held open for additional written evidence. Chair Cushing
closed the public hearing. The applicants waived their right to additional time to submit a
final written argument.
Deliberation
Ms. Binkley noted the revised parking plan improved the entry area. Mr. Horning
observed that some trees near the parking area had minimal room to grow, if the drawings
were drawn to scale, and he suggested the applicant consider understory planting. He
wondered if the rebuilt fence was on the property line. Ms. Ostly commented the revised
plan was a positive improvement compared to the current configuration. Mr. Horning
noted that use of Heritage House parking spaces should reduce the impact of overflow
parking on the neighborhood.
Ms. Binkley observed differences between the drawings in Exhibits 115-118 and the
model shown in Exhibit 127 were differences in roof overhangs and in divisions in the
windows in the main section of the gable. She suggested that Exhibit 127 be added to the
conditions of approval.
Mr. Wheeler clarified that the actual model was not an exhibit, but photographs of it were
exhibits. Ms. Binkley observed that Exhibit 127 showed what was proposed as well as
what had been modified, but it was hard to read. She noted there was no window shown
in between the two triple windows, however Exhibit 117 showed a window there, on both
sides of the building. She noted the Exhibit showing the model showed more roof
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overhang. Ms. Morales suggested a condition be added to ensure similar dimensions of
overhang on both sides of the building.
Mr. Wheeler observed there was approximately 10"to 12" of eve overhang illustrated in
Exhibit 117. He noted the existing building shown on the right side of the east elevation
showed approximately a 2' overhang and it was similar on the north end of the building.
Ms. Morales recalled the applicant's testimony had described the overhang as 18". She
suggested that it emulate more closely the existing overhangs.
Ms. Binkley suggested condition (2.)(a.) should read"as illustrated in Exhibits 115-118
and Exhibit 127 (model) as modified showing roof overhangs and window configuration"
and include reference to Exhibits 128 and 129. She recalled previous Commission
discussion regarding a condition that"new windows shall have mullions expressed or
exposed on the exterior of the glazing," so that no snap-in grills would be used.
Chair Cushing recalled the Commission discussed adding Condition E. regarding
implementation of the parking policies (Exhibit 119) and the agreement with the Heritage
Council (Exhibit 124).
Ms. Morales recalled discussion regarding noise control, and the louver spacing of the
HVAC system. Mr. Wheeler pointed out the September 18, 1998, staff memorandum
included Exhibit 134, a letter and graphic exhibit discussing the issue about the height of
the fence. He explained the fence on the south side of the site was illustrated in Exhibit
132,which had been provided by Mr. Alterman, attorney for the Shepherds. He explained
the neighbor desired a segment of fence installed between the corner of the parish hall and
the south line and then segments of 40' to 50' long from that point going west, with the
fence to be an 8'-tall acoustically-designed sound barrier, and the remainder of the fence
to the west to be a sight-obscuring fence. He recalled the testimony was that the applicant
requested that the issue of the height of the fence be allowed to be resolved outside of the
hearing through an agreement with the neighbors. Mr. Horning noted that if the
application was approved at the hearing, the fence would be a 6' tall acoustical fence, in
sections as shown in the exhibits. He recalled testimony had provided a verbal description
of an acoustical fence of marine plywood on two sides, similar to wall construction, and
professionally-engineered and designed.
Mr. Wheeler recommended that the fence be installed in a staggered pattern, for a more-
pleasing appearance. Chair Cushing and Ms. Morales commented that testimony had not
shown the issue had been totally resolved. Chair Cushing noted the applicants could
return to apply for a variance for the fence.
Ms. Morales expressed her concern about the HVAC equipment being located next to a
residential property. The Commissioners reviewed the plan and discussed possible ways
to relocate or buffer the system. Ms. Morales noted the system would be buffered by a
fence and landscaping, but she suggested that additional more low and dense landscaping
might help to reduce the noise, and that the system be designed to minimize noise
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generated by the unit.
Ms. Morales commented that the current design was more in character with the buildings
on the site than the previous design. She hoped the use of grasscrete would be a pleasant
alternative to pavement. Ms. Binkley pointed out Exhibits 117 and 118 showed the
parish hall featured a gabled roof and the gallery featured a flat roof, and that side of the
building was different than the other side of the structure.
Ms. Binkley moved for approval of DR 20-96/CU 6-96 II (Remand), subject to the
conditions in the staff reports, with the following modifications:
In Condition A.(2.)(a.) add the language "as illustrated in Exhibits 115-118; Exhibit
127, as modified, showing roof overhangs and window configurations; Exhibits 128,
129, 137 and 138. Window mullions shall be expressed or exposed on the exterior of
the glazing."
New Condition E. to read "During subsequent use the applicant shall continue to
implement their parking policies (Exhibit 119) and the shared parking agreement
(Exhibit 124)."
Condition A. (2.)(c.) add the following language: "The landscape plans are to
include dense shrubbery between the air conditioner and the fence on the south,"
and "The fence is to be rebuilt on the west side of the parking lot."
Add Condition A. (2.)(e.) "Acoustical fencing shall be professionally-engineered."
Ms. Morales seconded the motion and it passed with Chair Cushing, Ms. Morales, Mr.
Horning, Ms. Binkley, Ms. Ostly voting yes. Mr. Kiersey had recused himself. There
were no votes against.
V. PUBLIC HEARING
PD 1-96 (Mod. 7-98). the applicant, The Modish Corp., is requesting approval to modify
conditions A(2) and A(5)(b) of PD 1-96, a 10-lot single family residential planned
development. These modifications would only affect the approved building setbacks in the
project. Following the close of the initial public hearing, the applicant has requested
additional setback modifications to Lot 8, which differ from the modifications that
appeared in the previous notice for this application. The Chair will re-open the public
hearing to consider the additional setback modifications to lot 8, which differ from the
modifications that appeared in the previous notice for this application and describe the
hearing procedure, and staff will present its Report. The Chair will then open the hearing
for public testimony limited to considerations resulting from the above described
modifications to the application. The site is located South of Greenbluff Dr., East of
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Crestline Dr., Tax Lot(s) 2200 of Tax Map 21E 15 DA. Continued from the 9/21/98 and
10/5/98 meetings. Staff report dated September 11, 1998 and staff addendum dated
October 2, 1998.
Chair Cushing opened the public hearing and explained the procedures and time limits to
be followed. He asked Commission members to report any ex parte contacts, site visits,
biases or conflicts of interest. Mr. Cushing, Ms. Binkley, Ms. Morales, Mr. Kiersey and
Ms. Ostly indicated they had visited the site. Mr. Horning recused himself. Chair Cushing
asked if any person in attendance desired to challenge any Commissioner's right to hear
the application. No one presented such a challenge.
Morgan Tracy, Associate Planner, presented the staff report of October 2, 1998. He
noted that the applicant had submitted a new exhibit (Exhibit 22), showing modified
setbacks on Lot 8. He related that staff recommended the application be approved with
the modified setbacks because the proposal conformed to the requirements of the R-15
zone. He recommended the requirement for street lighting be left unchanged so that the
development conformed to the City's Code. He recommended that no conditions be
imposed related to view protection because the Code did not contain relevant criteria for
the DRC to evaluate new issues. He advised that previous references in the
recommended conditions to Exhibit 6 should be replaced by reference to Exhibit 22.
Applicant
Robert Magid, PO Box 1004, Lake Oswego, 97034, noted that all setbacks in the
development were well within Code requirements, and that the modified setbacks
requested for Lot 8 were for the purpose of siting a house there. He clarified for Ms.
Binkley that he was willing to work with the neighbors to determine types of lighting that
would be satisfactory to them, although he advised there were essentially only three types
of lights that PGE would agree to service; and the type that had been planned for the site
was the type that had originally been ordered by the Commission. He noted that type had
less glare than other types. He opined there might be a better-looking light and he would
discuss that with the neighbors if the Commission authorized an option of using a different
style of light. He suggested the lights be tested in the neighborhood. He clarified for
Chair Cushing that the lights were currently installed, but had not been turned on.
Mr. Kiersey referred to Exhibit 19, a letter from Ms. Weaber, and noted that it related that
a meeting had been held between the applicant and the neighbors on September 2, 1995,
where views, setbacks and heights of new homes built on Lots 1 and 2 were agreed upon.
Mr. Magid stated that although no written agreement had been negotiated, the applicant's
surveyor had attempted to generally establish dimensions for appropriate views and
heights at that time, and he had agreed that homes there should be of a single level. He
clarified that he intended to utilize maximum setbacks on the large lots for the purpose of
creating an estate-like perception of the homes. Ms. Ostly noted that some neighbors had
originally supported the development because of the setbacks, as they understood them.
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Mr. Magid recalled the neighbors supported his intent to create larger lots with larger
setbacks that fit the neighborhood.
Opponents
Sharon Sides. 18050 S. Skylands Circle. Lake Oswego. 97034. stated that she had
served on the board of the neighborhood association in 1995. She recalled discussions
with the applicant at that time regarding style of homes, street lights and the residents'
desire for the development to continue the style of the neighborhood. She acknowledged
the City's mandate regarding installation of street lights. She recalled the property
adjacent to hers had conformed to neighborhood CC&Rs regarding restrictions on height
in order to preserve her view and stressed that the Weabers and Kerrs were currently
concerned with preservation of their views. She opined the new street lights would
significantly impact the development's neighbors. She worried that a driveway on
Skylands Circle would promote additional traffic on that street. She noted the
neighborhood had already been impacted by the installation of water facilities along the
street. Chair Cushing clarified that there were no street changes or driveways planned for
Skylands Circle. Ms. Sides requested a committee be formed to look into street lights and
height restrictions to be maintained in the neighborhood.
Bruce Kerr. 18210 Crestline Drive. Lake Oswego. 97034. stated he was president of
the neighborhood association. He asked the Commission to protect neighborhood
interests, including their views. He noted the area of the neighborhood was similar to an
island that had been annexed to the City and that the area was .5 to .75 miles from the City
proper. He related he had reviewed City records pertaining to the Marylhurst and
Northridge subdivisions and noted that the height restrictions for those areas had been
imposed by the DRC. He noted that simultaneous to the development of Special District
Plans by those subdivisions, the Skylands Association had also been in the process of
developing their special plan. He opined that it had not been completed because the
residents there did not expect the City to overlay certain requirements on their distant
neighborhood.
Chair Cushing clarified that the area's application for annexation had been decided by the
Boundary Commission, and DRC authority was limited to hearing development
applications.
Mr. Kerr related that the residents believed the applicant had made commitments at
various times over the past three years that he would protect their property values. He
requested the residents of his neighborhood be treated in a similar manner to the residents
in other areas of the City. He acknowledged that the setback for Lot 8 would not impact
the neighborhood because the lot below it had a retention pond; the lot behind it was an
open space; Lots 1 and 2 were above it; and the setback from the street would be
maintained. He clarified for Ms. Binkley that the neighborhood was requesting that a
height restriction be imposed on Lots 1 and 2 of the new development.
Neither for nor Against
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None.
Rebuttal
Mr. Magid stated there was no basis for the Commission to impose a height restriction at
the site. He said his intent had been to be neighborly and respect neighborhood concerns.
No one requested the hearing be held open for additional written testimony. Chair
Cushing closed the public hearing. The applicant waived his right to additional time in
which to submit a final written argument.
Deliberation
Ms. Ostly recalled that the street lights were obvious features above the site. She
suggested that when the lights were turned on the lighting should be measured and
reduced in intensity, if possible. She acknowledged the Commission had no jurisdiction to
impose height limits at the site; however, she observed the Skylands neighborhood had
historically strictly enforced their height limits. She opined that an agreement had been
made with the residents regarding the setbacks. She noted the applicant was requesting
his third change in the development before any houses were constructed. She wondered if
it was necessary to change the setbacks from what had been agreed to.
Evan Boone, Deputy City Attorney, advised that the neighborhood's CC&Rs and any
private agreements that the developer may have made with the neighbors would not be
affected by DRC action; however, the agreements might be enforceable in a private right
of action. He encouraged the DRC to make its decision regarding the application
according to the City's standards. Ms. Ostly asked if the land included in the site was
subject to CC&Rs. Mr. Boone recalled testimony that the neighboring property was
subject to CC&Rs; however, he said those CC&Rs should not be a factor for a DRC
decision.
Ms. Binkley and Ms. Ostly reviewed the dimensions of the pavement, the right-of-way and
lot setbacks for Lots 1 and 2 along Crestline and Greenbluff Roads. The Commissioners
examined the plan for Lot 1, and estimated the builder could construct a building with a
6,500 square foot envelope on the lot (25% of the lot area). Mr. Kiersey commented that
as long as the applicant was making changes to the location of the envelope within
established City guidelines, there was no basis to deny his request.
Ms. Binkley suggested that as long as the applicant complied with the Lighting Standard-
a previously-approved condition-he should be encouraged to test the impact of different
lights on the area. Ms. Morales encouraged the applicant to work together with the
neighborhood.
Ms. Kiersey moved for approval of PD 1-96 (Mod. 7-98), subject to the conditions in
the staff report and memorandum and an additional condition that after the lights
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had been energized a photo metric evaluation was to be conducted and the lighting
was to be reduced to the lowest level of illumination allowed by the Code. Ms.
Binkley seconded the motion and it passed with Chair Cushing, Ms. Morales, Ms.
Binkley, Mr. Kiersey and Ms. Ostly voting yes. Mr. Horning had recused himself. There
were no votes against.
VI. GENERAL PLANNING
Melrose Court
Chair Cushing and Ms. Binkley observed the grade at a recently-approved site adjacent to
Westlake looked too high. Staff agreed to recheck the site.
Churches and other conditional uses in residential zones
Ms. Binkley recalled a recently-approved application where a church structure covered
25% of its lot and parking facilities covered most of the remainder of the site. She
suggested that the City consider modifying its regulations in the cases of conditional uses
in residential zones.
VII. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business before the Development Review Commission, Chair
Douglas P. Cushing adjourned the meeting at 8:45 PM.
Respectfully submitted.
Janice Benn
Senior Secretary
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