HomeMy WebLinkAboutMINUTES - 08082006 - D.3 D.3
08/08/06
THE BOARD OF SUPERVISORS OF
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
Adopted this Order on August 8,2006 by the following vote:
AYES: Supervisors Uilkema, Piepho and Gioia
NOES: None
ABSENT: DeSaulnier, Glover
ABSTAIN: None
CONTINUED to September 12, 2006 at 1:00 p.m. the hearing on the administrative appeal filed by
William and Marie Parsons of the Zoning Administrator's decision to approve an addition to the existing
single-family residence on the property located at 1485 Emmons Canyon Road, Alamo area.
I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND
CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND
ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
SUPERVISORS ON T DATE SHOWN.
ATTESTED
oho Cu[teo, k of the Board of Supervisors
and County KdriunistTator
By Deputy
TO: BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
" Contra
FROM: DENNIS M. BARRY, AICP Y. r Costa
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR y.�UN . County
DATE: August 8, 2006
SUBJECT: CONTINUED HEARING REGARDING THE APPEAL OF THE ISSUANCE OF A
BUILDING PERMIT AT 1485 EMMONS CANYON ROAD IN THE ALAMO AREA.
WILLIAM AND MARIE PARSONS (APPELLANTS) KAREN AND LAWRENCE LESER
(OWNERS) (APN 193-660-011) (COUNTY FILE #ZI06-11413) (DISTRICT III)
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SPECIFIC REQUEST(S) OR RECOMMENDATION(S) & BACKGROUND AND JUSTIFICATION
I. RECOMMENDATION
UPHOLD the issuance of the building permit which was based on the Community Development
Department's decision that the construction of the master bedroom closet and bathroom is
consistent with the Planned Unit District, and DENY the appellant's appeal.
CONTINUED ON ATTACHMENT: I X YES SIGNATURE d C
RECOMMENDATION OF COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR _RECOMMENDATION OF BOARD COMMITTEE
APPROVE _IOTHER
SIGNATURE(S):
ACTION OF BOARD ON APPROVED AS RECOMMENDED —OTHER—
VOTE
OTHER_VOTE OF SUPERVISORS I HEREBY CERTIFY THAT THIS IS A TRUE AND
UNANIMOUS(ABSENT ) CORRECT COPY OF AN ACTION TAKEN AND
AYES: NOES: ENTERED ON THE MINUTES OF THE BOARD OF
ABSENT: ABSTAIN: SUPERVISORS ON THE DATE SHOWN
Contact: Aruna Bhat(335-1219) ATTESTED
Community Development JOHN CULLEN, CLERK OF THE BOARD OF
cc: Community Development Department(CDD) SUPERVISORS AND COUNTY ADMINISTRATOR
Carlos Baltadano, Building Inspection Director
William and Marie Parsons,Appellants
Larry and Karen Leser,Owners
County Counsel BY DEPUTY
Bryan Ranch Homeowner's Association
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August 8, 2006
Board of Supervisors
File#: Z106-11413
Page 2
II. FISCAL IMPACT
The appellants (William and Marie-Jeane Parsons) have paid the initial appeal fee of
$125.00. The property owners (Lawrence and Karen Leser)will be required to pay for staff
time in excess of$125.00 associated with the processing of this appeal.
III. BACKGROUND/REASONS IFOR RECOMMENDATIONS
This item was heard by the Board of Supervisors on July 25, 2006. The Board took
testimony from speakers and continued the item to August 8, 2006 in order to allow for a
meeting with the parties involved including the homeowners association. This meeting is
tentatively scheduled for August 7, 2006. Staff will update the Board regarding the outcome
of the meeting.
The appellants are appealing the addition of a 270 square foot master bedroom closet and
bathroom at 1485 Emmons Canyon Road in Alamo. The subject property is located within
the Bryan Ranch Development located in Alamo. The development plan for Bryan Ranch
was approved as a Planned Unit District in 1978 and filed on June 5, 1979.
Ih September of 2005, the Lesers requested approval of a master bedroom closet and
bathroom addition. The addition was approved on September 28, 2005 by the Community
Development Department and a building permit was issued by the Building Inspection
Department on April 4, 2006 and the appeal was filed on May 2, 2006 by William and
Marie-Jeane Parsons.
The single family home is located on an approximately 0.35 acre lot and was constructed in
1981. It is situated in an lestablished neighborhood surrounded by other single family
residences. The proposed addition is on the west side of the existing residence surrounded
by existing trees.
IV. APPEAL DECISION
Listed below is a summary of the appellant's statements (letter attached) and staff's
responses.
A. Appeal Point: We never agreed to the extension of the existing wall by 4 feet. Our
neighbors asked for our approval to build out to the eaves' edge, i.e. between one and
two feet. They explained they did not want to change the roof design, nothing would go
beyond the edge, and the wall would be cantilevered on the existing foundation. Karen
had talked about movi n� g the bedroom or bathroom into the spare bedroom. Every time
we talked about the remodeling, they were consistent with these representations.
Response: The current zoning designation for the subject property is a Planned Unit
Development (P-1) in the approved Bryan Ranch subdivision (SD5026). The addition
was approved with aIminimum sideyard setback of 5 feet with a 25 foot minimum
between buildings shown on the site plan and a 15-foot rear yard setback requirement.
The issues presented by the appellant are civil matters and not matters in which the
County intervenes.
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August 8, 2006
Board of Supervisors
File#: Z106-11413
Page 3
B. Appeal Point: The approval letter dated March 23, 2005 refers to the 8 months timing. If
construction is not started�within 8 months,the approval is automatically revoked by the
Architectural Committee and a new approval has to be applied for. Thus the approval
was revoked automatically on November 23, 2005. A revoked approval can't be
extended. Despite this the Leser's asked for an extension in January 2006 and they
received it. We were never notified.
Response:The approval letter being referenced relates to the Architectural Committee.
The approval granted by the Architectural Committee is strictly between the homeowner
and their homeowner's association (HOA). The HOA is not affiliated with the County,
but is a concerned +neighborhood group and the County considers their
recommendations. However, the County follows the rules and regulations set forth by
the County Zoning Ordinance and the Conditions of Approval for the specific subdivision
or project. Concerns regarding the processes of the HOA should be addressed to the
HOA.
C. Appeal Point: I informed Mr. Bloomquist that the condition of approval no. 2 was not
met since we had never been informed of the 4 feet and had not seen the plan. He also
indicated that Larry Leser called him and said that it was four feet and that probably my
husband had seen early plans when they asked him to sign the neighbor's form in
March 2005, and that the plans were changed thereafter. Mr. Bloomquist indicated that
since I had seen the plans at Bate's offices, the condition was now met. The fact of the
4 feet impacting on our frights was not relevant.
Response: Please ref Ir to the response of Appeal Point B.
,D. Appeal Point: The real issue is: who decides who gets to build on more than their
share of the 25 feet empty space requirement? Were we not in a P-1, the decision
would have been fully that of the County, and we would have been notified by the
County. Because we are in a P-1, the County is looking at the approval of the
architectural committee. This one is only looking at the aesthetic and not addressing the
issues raised here. It became extinct at the end of November.
Response: The purpose of a P-1 zoning district is to provide a cohesive design where
flexible regulations can be applied. Condition of approval #2 of the development plan
County File #3011-77 states that "the guide to be used to establish setbacks, yard and
height dimensional requirements and other provisions for development and use on each
lot shall be the single family residential district R-15". In order to provide a better design
within the development, the master developer Smith Company requested flexible
setbacks. Through a letter dated November 16, 1979, the Community Development
Department granted 5�feet minimum sideyard setback with a 25 foot distance between
buildings.
The appellant has raised a concern that the neighbor's addition may take away her
rights to build an addition on her side of the property. If an addition is proposed by Mrs.
Parsons, the County would apply the R=15 standards as a guide since the IP-1 zoning
district is flexible. The County's approval of the addition located at 1485 Emmons
Canyon Road by no means takes Mrs. Parson's rights to construct an addition on her
property. The County does not base its approval exclusively on that of the Homeowners
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August 8, 2006
Board of Supervisors
File#: Z106-11413
Page 4
Association (in this case the Architectural Committee), but respects and appreciates its
efforts and comments.
E. Appeal Point: R-15 lots require a minimum sideyard often feet and an aggregate of 25
feet while in the R-20, the minimum sideyard is 15 feet with an aggregate of 35 feet.
These requirements are in line with what we were told when we bought our house from
the Smith Company 23 years ago. We understand from some of our neighbors who
added on recently that they were told by their architect of a total minimum space
between 25 feet are required between houses. A fair middle is 12.5 feet each. They do
not have that distance from their building to the lot line. So we already have to keep a
bigger portion of our land un-built than what they have. By giving them an additional 4
feet of building space, we are losing the same build-able space on our lot. We are not
interested in having them that close to our lot line or in decreasing the value of our lot,
for their benefit. There is no reason to do it. It is not fair that the first one gets to do
this.
Response: Please refe I to the response of Appeal Point D.
F. Appeal Point: Such issues can impact a lot of people who are in planned unit
development. Architectural committees are not extensions of the County of Zoning
decisions. They are volunteers not professional. Exceptions are made under pressure.
The county may feel that the Architectural committee considered the full impact of the
issue. Clearly that is not the case here.
Response: The County's clearance was based on the applicable conditions of approval.
Issues related to the operations of the HOA should be directed to the HOA.
V. CONCLUSION
The clearance of the building permit which allowed a five foot sideyard is consistent with
decisions dating back to the initial construction of the community. The clearance of this
building permit does not limit the appellants' ability to file for a building permit on their
property which would provide for less than 25 feet between buildings. The approved permit
provides that the R-15 zoning standards are the guide to development. The issuance of
this building permit complies with the Planned Unit District requirements.
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William and Marie-Jeanne Parsons
1493 Emmons Canyon Drive
Alamo, CA 94507
(925) 743 9636
lapinski2@earthlink.net
Mr. Carlos Baltadano cc: Ms. Catherine Kutsuris
Building Inspection Department Planning Department
Contra Costa County Contra Costa County
651 Pine Street 651 Pine Street
North Wing, 3rd Floor
Martinez, CA 94553-1295 Martinez, CA 94553
Subject: 1485 Emmons Canyon Drive, Alamo CA 94507
Appeal of Building Permit No. 374508 issued April 4, 2006
Parcel No. 193-660-011
Dear Mr. Baltadano:
We are the next-door neighbor of Larry and Karen Leser, the owners of 1485
Emmons Canyon Drive. Wel bought our house in 1983 from the Smith Company.
The Leser's bought theirs in 2001. We had cordial relations with them, taking care of
their dog during their numerous vacations, watching out for their mother and
spending Christmas with thi m. We considered them as friends.
Thus we had no reason to ever think that they would ever misrepresent what they
were planning on building.
There is maybe 8 or 9 feet distance between their house and our fence. When the
Smith built the houses, they positioned the houses so as to leave more room on one
side for potential addition, and very little room on the other side.
We are appealing the issuance of the building permit for the remodeling of their
master bedroom and bath,l We are in Bryan Ranch a P-1.
Bryan Ranch has four distinct areas: Bryan Ranch itself with lots of 1/3 acres and
more and where original houses were mostly in the 2500 to 3200 sgft range, Bryan
Terraces at the end of Stone Valley Road with smaller lots maybe 6000 sgft and
higher density houses go from 2100 to 2800 sgft, Country Oak Lane with 7 estate
size lots ranging from 3 to 22 acres and larger houses and the latter part, Bryan
Meadows which is accessed through Green Valley Road and has both estate lots and
1/3 acres plus lots.
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The reasons for our request afire as follows:
1. We never agreed to the extension of the existing wall by 4 feet. Our
neighbors asked for our approval to build out to the eaves' edge, i.e.
between one and two feet. They explained they did not want to change the
roof design, nothing would go beyond the edge, and the wall would be
cantilevered on the existing foundation. Karen had talked about moving
the bedroom or bathroom into the spare bedroom. Every time we talked
about the remodeling, they were consistent with these representations.
2. In the Summertime Karen rant the doorbell and indicated that Mr.
Bloomquist (Architectural Committee) wanted us to be informed of the 25 ft
limitation and she jeiterated that the wall would only go to the eaves' edge.
I asked to see the plans and she confirmed she knew I had never seen
them. Somehow she said she was in a hurry and would bring them. She
never did. She asked me to sign a neighbor's approval form, as if the
approval process was still going on. I signed the form on the basis of her
representation, still not seeing the plans.
3. It is only when the ir contractor was taking some measurements that I
found out about the extension was to be 4 feet instead of to the eaves'
edge. That was onl April 18, 2006
4. That same day, I called Karen Leser to check whether they were building
out 4 feet rather than the eaves edge. She still confirmed it was to the
eaves' edge. I sent her an email confirming our conversation.
5. Her husband called me about 10 to 15 minutes later and stated that it was
also his understanding that it would be to eaves' edge until that morning
when he learned it was out 4 feet. He said there was never any intent to
deceive us. I questioned how he could not have known. Later in the same
conversation he stated that the contractor had indicated that it was not
economically feasible to move the wall only 16". It begs to question then
why their plans f rn March 2005 clearly showed 4 feet and he did not know
it. I suggested that he move the addition towards the center of the lot, to
which he replied they were already going to the eave's edge in that
direction. The "economically not feasible" only applies in one direction.
6. Larry Leser asked me whether we would have agreed to the four feet had
we been told. I told him absolutely not, as the space on their side of the
house is already(very narrow, and that there is no reason for us to give up
the option of building on 4 feet of our lot. We had agreed to the 18" not the
4 feet and feel that it was reasonable.
7. I contacted Mr. Bloomquist at the architectural committee to find out what
had been approved. He asked me to go see the approval documents at
Bates and Associates, the Management firm. He stated that I may not be
able to get a copy of the plans but the rest would be OK. He also asked me
to check that the plans did show the 4 feet extension of the wall.
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8. I went to Bates and (Associates and looked at the plans which clearly stated
4 feet and when I requested copies of the documents, they informed me
that they needed a request in writing and an approval from the Board of
Directors, as there is a new law governing this. I mentioned that Mr.
Bloomquist had said that I could get a copy of the documents. I wrote up
the request and left)
9. The association's legal counsel indicated to the board that I should not have
access to the plans ((that I was supposed to have seen originally) for
privacy reasons. But I could get a copy of the documents,
10. The approval letter dated March 23, 2005 refers to the 8 months timing, If
construction is not started within 8 months, the approval is automatically
revoked and a new approval has to be applied for. Thus the approval was
revoked automatically on November 23, 2005. We were never contacted
for any new approval paperwork. A revoked approval can't be extended.
11. Despite this the Lellser's asked for an extension in January 2006 and they
received it, We were never notified. Others in the association receive their
revocation letter clearly stating that they have to reapply.
12. The approval from the Architectural Committee clearly states that it is for
aesthetic purposes only and that County and State Code requirements
apply. They do not pass judgment on that part.
13. I informed Mr. Bioomquist that the condition of approval no. 2 was not met
since we had never been informed of the 4 feet and had not seen the plans.
He also indicated that Larry Leser called him and said that it was four feet
and that probably my husband had seen early plans when they asked him
to sign the neighbor's form in March 2005, and that the plans were
changed thereafter. Mr. Bioomquist indicated that since I had seen the
plans at Bates's offices, the condition was now met. The fact of the 4 feet
impacting on our rights is not relevant. I
14. This would thus imply that he is passing judgment only on the aesthetic of
the approval, He does not seem to realize the issue of how one
homeowner is negatively impacted by the other, or does not view it as
being his concern.
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15. The real issue.is: who decides who gets to build on more than their share of
the 25 feet empty space requirement? Were we not in a P1, the decision
would have been fully that of the County, and we would have been notified
by the County. Because we are in a P-1, the county is looking at the
approval of the architectural committee, This one is only looking at the
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aesthetic and not addressing the issues raised here. It became extinct at
the end of November.
16. It turns out nobody ver informed us of the 4 feet addition, so that we
never were in a position to say yeah or nay. Everybody relied on the
representation of our neighbors and the revocation of the approval was not
known or taken in consideration,
17. Had we been informed that they were planning on building within 5 feet of
property line, we would never have agreed to it.
18. There is very little space on their side of the house towards our house.
19. The lots in our area are 1/3rd of an acre, with open space on both sides of
the street, in a 'secluded rural living" environment as described by Harold
Smith & CO. There is another part of Bryan Ranch, Bryan Terraces, where
the lots are substantially smaller and the houses much closer to one
another on one side particularly, This is not our case Our .lot is 120ft wide,
our neighbor's 118ft feet wide. There is thus ample space to have a nice
wide house without have to get right next to the neighbor. The depth is
130ft third of an acre, there is sufficient space on the lot for everyone to
have breathing space.
20. R15 and R20 lots call for the 10/15feet/total 25 feet, which is in line with
what we were told when we bought our house from the Smith Company 23
years ago. We understand from some of our neighbors who added on
recently that they were told by their architect of a total minimum space
between I
21, 25 Feet are required between houses. A fair middle is 12.5 feet each.
They do not have that distance from their building to the lot line. So we
already have to keep a bigger portion of our land unbuild than what they
have, By giving them an additional 4 feet of building space, we are loosing
the same buildable space on our lot. We are not interested in having them
that close to our lot line or in decreasing the value of our lot, for their
benefit. There is no reason to do it. It is not fair that the first come gets to
do this. 1
22. The plans they provided to the Architectural Committee are different from
what we were told. Larry Leser has indicated to Mr. Bloomquist that they
probably made changes after they got my husband to sign on the
neighbor's approval form and when they submitted the plans. The
procedures are flowed in that the neighbors are not required to sign on the
plans submitted and the architectural committee never addressed the issue
with us directlyf
Since the Leser moved in they have had ongoing remodeling and additions
going on. First they transformed the workshop into a second unit with full
kitchen and bathroom and other redecorating. This was to be expected as
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their mother in law lives with them. Less than a year later they started on
a kitchen/family room remodel that lasted forever. To date they,are still
not in compliance with the roof requirement of Bryan Ranch that specifically
prohibit composition roof. Tony LaRussa was fined $25,000 for his
composition roof, bii t for them an exception is being made,
23, The approval they received was subject to notifying us of the 25 feet and
the 4 feet. They always represented the eave's edge that is less than 2
feet. J
24. The approval was automatically revoked after 8 months if construction had
not started per the conditions of the CC&Rs. This means their approval
expired in November 2005. A new approval package should have been
submitted, including review forms. This was not done,
25, They requested and were granted an extension in January 2006 . We were
never contacted. One can't extend something that has expired. The Bryan
Ranch Architectural Committee is not consistent in its approval process and
is not following the CC&Rs.
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This shows a loophole in the approval process. The only way to avoid substitution of
plans is to ask the neighbors to sign on the actual plans. The issues impacting
property values should be clearly dealt with the respective parties directly.
Such issues can impact a lot of people who are in planned unit development,
Architectural committees are not extension of the County or Zoning decisions. They
are volunteers not professional, Exceptions are made under pressure. The county
may feel that the Architect u� ral committee considered the full impact of the issue.
Clearly this is not the case here,
This issue demonstrates why it is important that when one decision affects the rights
of other than the applicant, the neighbors need to be notified of the issue directly by
the deciding party. Nobody can anticipate the extent to which one will go to deceive.
In all of this, we also have lost the trust in our neighbors and the respect we had for
them.
I very much would appreciate your revocation of this building permit, Let's learn
from this and maybe avoid this issue for others.
Many thanks for your consideration.
v
William and Marie Jeanne Parsons
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BRYAN RANCH I HOMEOWNERS' ASSOCWIDN
Architectural Committee
Project Review Request
Project No. 14.05
Owner; Lawrence & Karen Leser
Applicant: Same Phone: 837-8194
Property Address; 1485 Emmons Canyon Dr. Tract. $016 Lot: 79
The ApplicantlOwner hereby appli Is for approval to make improvements to Owner's property as
described below or in attached plans and specifications. By making this Request, I acknowledge that
the Bryan Ranch CC&R's and Architectural Rules are binding on the Applicant/Owner, and agree
that the subject property and all improvements added thereto shall be maintained in full compliance
with the CC&R's and Rules.
Dated: March 9,2005 Signature Otr File
Owners Signature
Addition to the master bedroom and bath per attached plans by Michael Martin Architect, Sheets 1-7
dated 6/30/04.
The Architectural Committee reviewed the information submitted and based on that review and
consideration of the Bryan Ranch CC&R's and the Architectural Rules reached the following decision
on 3-23-05
( ) Approved
( } Not Approved
(X) Approved subject to the following conditions;
1. Wall-to-wall spacing between the addition and the neighboring home cannot be less than 23 feet
per Architectural Rule 1,
2. Please advise your neighbor that if the 4 foot addition to the side of your home reduces wall-to-
wall spacing between homes to 25 feet,they will never be able to add on to that side of their
home.
3. Exterior paint should match the existing.
Project timing: Per CC&R Section 3.04 D & E,work must start within 8 months of the.approval date,
or the approval shall be deemed revoked. Within 8 months after start of construction,work must be
completed. The Architectural Committee is to be notified when work is complete.
Any/all approvals made by the Architectural Committee are for aesthetic purposes only. County and
State Code requirements apply.
Date: �v / `D By: _ )
For'th'e tom' it
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Fila: 1485 Emmons Cmyon 6r_P 14.05
Rev: Juno 18.2003
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CC-f 1 Nlonsnnl Fli!!--Chnitmnn
1 A lbert R.Compaglle
unty Administration Building, North Wing C�ul�ty Martinez— Vice Chnumw-
,-.A. BOX 951 Donald E.Anderson
Martinez, California 94553 hn oraga
Elton Brombaeher
Anthony A. Dehaesus Director of Planning Richmond
WII1181n L.Milano
Phone: 372-2091 F"Osburg
Carolyn D.Phillips
Rodeo
Andrew H. Young
Alamo
November 16, 1979
Mr. Randall L. Smith, President
Harold W. Smith Company
2076 Mt. Diablo Boulevard
Walnut Creek, California) 94596
Dear Mr. Smith:
The setback and sideyard dimensions as outlined in your letter of November 13,
-� 1979 are in accordance with the Planned Unit District conditions for Whitegate.
The same dimensional standards should be applied to the Bryan Ranch Planned
Unit Development. These minimum standards are as follows:
(1) Setback - 15 feet for dwelling and 17 .5 feet for the garage .
(2) Sideyards - 5 feet and 20 feet with 25 feet between buildings - plot
plans for building permits' to show the 25 feet between
buildings ..
(3) Rearyard - 15 feet minimum.
A copy of this letter will be at the front counter so that thezewill be no
unnecessary delay in the issuance of permits.
Sincerely yours,
Anthony A. Dehaesus
Director of Planning
Norman L. Halverson
Special Projects Planner
NLH/mb
cc: File No . Subdivision 5026
File No . 1787-RZ (Cond. 117)
Pile No. 3011-77 (Gond. 42)
Al Ranger
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HAROYTH COMPANY r.) a :, i I y ii �> l�; I, .
f',A �l -4r.4T
.,. _ Nov 14 '79
E9 937-8700 @ November 13, 1979
Mr. Norm Halverson
Contra Costa Planning Department
P.O. Box 951
Martinez, CA 94553
Dear Norm:
This letter is to confirm our conversation of this morning with regard to
the side yards and set back) in subdivision 5026, which is part of the Bryan
Ranch Planned Unit Development.
You will recall that in WhJte Gate Planned Unit Development adjoining the
Bryan Ranch, we adopted a policy which basically allowed the R-15 Zoning
side yard and set backs to +apply with the following exceptions:
1. Side yards could be 5 and 20' instead of the conventional
10 and 15' as long as we maintained 25' between buildings.
The location and distance from the adjoining building was
indicated on the plot plan at the time of permit application.
2. Building set back was allowed "to be 15' for the dwelling
and 1712 for the garage, instead of the conventional 20' allowed
for R-15 zoning.
We would like to extend this policy into the Bryan Ranch because it gives
us more flexibility to comfortably site the homes on some of our more un-
usually shaped lots, and in addition, on sloping streets, you will recall that
we have run 4 ;1 slopes between buildings and that allowed us to shift all the
homes to the upper property lines to keep from building over the slopes.
We used this exception toIthe R-15 guidelines on approximately 30% of the
homes in White Gate with staff approval on a case by case basis and would
appreciate very much the ability to do this in subdivision 5026.
T would be happy to come to your office to discuss this matter if you feel
it necessary.
Regards,
HAROLD-W. SMITH COMP �I
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Randall L.Smith
President
O CENTURY HOMES DEVELOPMENT COMPANY
,1 2076 Mt. Diablo Boulevard
w.lno r^r-„b. r,lfi�rn:n gegoti
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CONDITIONS OF APPROVAL - Subdivision 5026 EX1I111I7' "A"
1 . This ;Ippr=1I 1s hnseI u1pwn TcnIul..iVC, N1np dnte'd recnived by tl1c
Planning D .pnrtment Mvi.rch 2.1 , 1975, as amended 1)y the condl.ti.0 ns
listed below and the Conditions ul, Che Final Ocvclopment flan 3011-77.
2. The subdivision shall conform to the provisions in Title 9 of the County
Ordinance Code. Any variance therefrom must be specificlally applied for
and shall not be allowed unless listed on the Planning Commission ' s condi-
tional approval statement.
3. The existing curbed section of Green Valley Road from Stone Valley. Road to
No. 1881 Green Valley Road shall be widened to a minimum of 32 feet of
pavement (two 12-foot lanes plus an 8-foot parking lane) . No -reconstruction
of existing pavement will be necessary as the vertical and horizontal align-
ment of the existing pavement is satisfactory for widening .
4.. From No. 1881 to No. 1935 Green Valle}, Road (the southerly boundary of
Subdivision 5026) the existing pavement shall be widened to 24 feet.
llorizontal and possibly vertical realignment of the road will be necessary
at the curve at No. 1927 Green Valley Road to provide adequate sight di StanCe .
With this exception, the existing pavement has satisfactory vertical and
horizontal alignment; widening only will be necessary.
S . From No. 1935 Green Valley Road to the bend in the existing road approximately
1 ,700 feet northerly), the road shall be widened to 28 feet with dikes in a
60-foot right-of-way. There are two vertical curves in this section which
shall be reconstructed to provide adequate sight distance, based on collector
road standards.
6. Northerly of the bend in the existing road (1 ,700 feet northerly of the
boundary of Subdivision 5026) to Lot 290, Green Va11cy Road shall be con-
structed as a curbed 28-foot street with curbs or asphalt concrete. dike in
a 60-foot right-of-flay.
7 . From Lot 290 to the+northerly boundary of Subdivision 5026, Green Valley Road
shall be constructed to arterial standards (curbed 40-foot street with side-
walks) , with appropriate transitions from the 28-foot wide section.
8 . A hardsurfaced pedestrian path shall be provided from No , 1881 Green Vallcy
Road to connect to the now sidewolks at L.ot. 290. Alternatively, the
pedestrian path ma) be routecl across the dam for the retention basin to
connect to Stone Valley Road and omitted along Grccn Valley Road south of
the basin.
9, 'Che improvements to (;rccn Vall.cy Ro,id shall be done concurrently, lvith that
phase of the dcvcl.opmcnt that will be served by the road.
10. In accord,incc with Ithe provisions in Section 94-4 .414 of the Ordinance Codc,
the owners of all existing easements within areas to be conveyed to Contra
Costa County for road purposes shall consent to the dedication or deeding
of the right-of-way.
f
1 n y f
Conditions for Ahprov,ii - Suhdivi.si.on 5026 ],,Igo 2
11. All utility transmission, distribution, cold service facilities shall
be installed underground. (Ordinance Code Chapter 96-10)
12. The minimum grade for ,curbs on all streets shall be 1". (Ordinance
Code Section 98-6. 004)
13. Traffic control signs , stop signs , centerline striping and pavement
markings at all stop signs will be required. These details shall be
shown on the improvement plans. The subdivider's engineer will be
advised by the Public Works Department of the various signs, striping
and pavement markings required when the improvement plans are sub-
mitted for review.
14. Street lights shall be installed on all public streets within the sub-
division and the entire subdivision shall be annexed to County Service
Area L-42 for the maintenance and operation of the street lights, not
including Green Valley Road. (Ordinance Code Chapter 96-6) ,
15. Sidewalks shall be constructed on all public streets except on cuts-de-sac
and as noted on Green Valley Road in Condition #8 above.
16. No mailboxes will be perui.tted within the sidewalk, path or trail areas.
The placement of mailboxes within the right-of-way shall conform to cur-
rent standards of. the Public Works Department. The subdivider is advised
to contact the Postal Service and find a satisfactory arrangement for mail
delivery (e. g. , request, in writing, delivery to individual or grouped
mailboxes behind the sidewalks) .
17. Storm drainage conveyed in a concentrated manner on private drives shall
not be allowed to drain across the sidewalk into the public streets. The
drainage shall be conveyed to a storm drain, or if drained to the street
shall be discharged through the curbs by means of County standard sidewalk
crossdrains.
18. At least one 3-inch diameter, non-ferrous drain shall be installed for
each lot other than those designated "H" on the tentative map through
the curbs and underlie he sidewalks to provide for future roof drain, etc.
connections from the individual lots. Locations will be determined on
the basis of gradings and road improvement plans. Exceptions are to be
allowed where lots do not drain to streets.
19. Any section of the storm drainage system which conveys storm water to
which the publ.i.c St.1'ects ❑ndl MAner' s Cabin Way contribute flow sila.11 be
installed in a dedicated drainage easement.
20. Although the storm drainage system is shown. in some detail , commnet on
the system will be made when the improvement plans are submitted for
review.
21. The area shown on the tentative map for the detention basin is acceptable.
The final. limits shall be dctenni.ned on the basis of engineering design by
the Public Works Department, Land Development Division. Any reduction i.n
the area shall be permitted only with the concurrence of the. Public Works
I
Conditions for Approval - Subdivision :,026 Pagc 3
Department: Any excess area shall be shown as one additional lot on
the Final Map over and above the number shown by the tentative map.
This lot would have potential for further development.
22. All flow diversions shall be developed as shown on the tentative map.
In addition, the following shall be provided:
A. An adequate facility shall be provided at the end of Bandito Way
to allow the Q100 flow to escape from the street into the deten-
tion basin without the flooding of homes.
B. Raise Stone Valley Road grade south of Black Derringer Drive suf-
ficiently to ensure that the required diversions along Black
Derringer will flow into the basin, not southerly on Stone Valley
Road.
C. Install an adequate diversion facility at the cast end of Black
Derringer Drive to divert all the Q100 flow from the southerly
drainage area into the northerly drainage area to the satisf action
of the Public Works Department.
D. Construct all diversion facilities adequate to pass the Q10O flow.
(Pipe flow for Q10 and surface flow for the remainder. )
L. The watershed areas lying easterly of Lots 80/100 (Black Derringer
Drive) shall have their flow diverted to the creek area lying between
Black Derringer Drive and Buffalo Range Road. The Q10 flow shall be
carried in a culvert. The remaining waters from the Q100 flow may
flow overland.
23. The subdivider shall provide the Flood Control District with a right of
entry to dispose of excess basin excavation in the area south of Lots
84 and 85 .
24. If the Flood Control District constructs a regional detention basin on the
site shown on the map, the subdivider shall participate in the cost of the
detention basin, in an amount equal to 14.440 of the final construction and
engineering costs. This amount will not exceed $139,380. 00 regardless of
the actual cost. Inladdition, the developer shall deed to the Flood Control
District 2.5 acres of land lying within the detention basin area and encompas-
sing the control structure.
If purchase of land Ind construction of a detention basin is not underway or
committed by the Flood Control District within three years of this approval
or at the timeoh fi�Li.ng of the Final Map for the Crcen Valley Road phase
of the subdivision, iwhichever coeurs first, the subdivider shall. :
A. Construct a flood water detention basin of sufficient size to result
in no increase lin the flow rate (Q100 maximum) in Green Valley Creek
downstream of the subdivision as a result of the development.
1
(:uud i L i uns fur App ruv (I - Suhdi.v i 3.i on A26
Ii. Dedicate a drain•igc cnsc:ment. Ie, the. County oncompass.ing vile hnsin
and appurtenant structures.
C. Form an appropriate entity (such as a County Service Arca) for
maintenance of thebasin and guarantee its financial ability, to
provide the necessary funds (such as establishing a tax rate
ceiling) .
25. Should the construction of Subdivision 5026 be subsequent to the con-
struction or completion of adjacent dead-end subdivision streets , the
subdivider of Subdivision 5026 shall provide for adequate temporary
protection of the road connections and for advance signing of the
construction area.
26. The building pads on Lots 24S and 2.16 shall he raised to iainimurn
elevation 590.0 in order to provide protection from the PMP (Probable
Maximum Precipitation) storm.
27. A minimum distance of 1140 feet shall be maintained between the southerly
lot lines of Lots 246, 247, 248 and the northerly top of slope line for
Lots 59, 60, 61 and 62. In addition, a 25-foot wide temporary construe
tion easement shall be provided southerly of said top of slope line to
prevent the construction of structures, etc. , that might be damaged as
a result of excavation operations for the impervious core for the deten-
tion basin dam. The temporary construction easement shall remain in effect
until the. construction of the core is completed or until June, 1980, which-
ever is sooner.
28. A road right-of-wny shall be shown on the Final Map to provi(1e for access
from Wild Stallion Rolad to Green Valley Road. The road may be private or
dedicated to the public. The right-of-way width shall be 40 feet.
(See condition X141. )
29. A 16-foot wide paved emergency access road shall be constructed within
the 40-foot right-of-way between lt'i•ld Stallion Road and Green Valley
Road. (See condition 1141. )
30. Sewage disposal serving this subdivision shall be provided by the Central
Contra Costa Sanitary District. Lach individual living unit shall be
served by a separate+ se(ser connection. The sewers located within the
boundaries of this subdivision shall become an integral part of the
Central Contra Costa Sanitary D:istri.ct 's sewerngc collection system.
31. Water supply shall be by the Cast Iiny hhmicipal Utility District. iiach
individual living (.mit shat ] be served by a separate water connection.
Such water distri.butliOil system loc.nted within the. huundnrics (1I' th.is
subdivision shall become an integral part of the hast Bay Phinicipai
Utility District' s overall water distribution system.
32. Comply with the requiroments of the Danville Fire District . 'fhe size ,111(1
design Of the Water +supply and location of fire hydrants will be determined
by the Danville Fire District' s review of the final plans .
I
Cunditiuns Cor Approval — Subdi.vislon 5020 1':1b2c 5
33. The developer shall comply with the San Ramon Unificd School District 's
policy as it relates to i contribution of funds for the development of
school facilities within the District. (The San Ramon Valley Unified
School District "Developer' s Policy". )
34. Phasing; of devel.opmentJis approved for three units subject to review
and modification by the Planning Director.
35. Prior to filing the Fugal Subdivision Map, plans shall be submitted to the
Planning Department for house numbering and approval of street names.
36. Prior to filing the Qal Subdivision Map for the first phase, a riding and
hiking trail casement across the westerly portion of the development located
at approximately the 500 -foot elevation contour as shown on the Tentative Map,
shall be offered for dedication to the East Bay Regional Park District,
37. Prior to filing the Final Map for the first phase and in furtherance of
Condition 422 of the Preliminary Development Plan (1787-RZ) for expansion
of Mt. Diablo State Park , the area of Emmons Canyon at the northeast portion
of the development, the westerly boundary of which lies on the southwest side
of Pine Ridge at about. the 1 ,000-foot elevation contour project southeast and
encompassing an area of not less than 60 acres, shall be offered for dedication
to the State Department of Parks and Recreation.
38. Final delineation of the expansion of Mt. Diablo State Park to include the
Emmons Canyon area and the provision of riding and hiking trails for the
East Bay Regional Park District, shall be shown on the Final Subdivision
Map. These proposals will satisfy 25% of the requirement for par! land
dedication within the development of 500 square feet of land area per
dwelling unit. Park dedication fees will be 75% of the amount normally
applicable.
39. if during the construction, grading; or excavation, any items of potential
historical or scient>Ific interest are discovered, the County Planning
Department shall be notified. The Planning Director shall have the
authority to issue an order appealable to the Planning Commission, to
stop work in the area of any find pending verification of the discovery
and the development of methods for the protection and treatment of areas
of significant interest.
40. Mincr Cabin Way shnli] be County maintained and shall he constructed n" a
continuation of Stonc Valley Road to the "T" intersection at the two
cul-de-Sac sections +of Miner Cabin Way. The radial connection to the
cul-de-sac bulb at Stone Valley Road shall be eliminated.
41. The CC&Rs shall include the following:
(a) Maintenance bylthe homeowners of the access road from Wild Stallion
Road to Green Valley Road.
Conditions for Approval - .,ibdivision 5026 Page 6
b The gate constructedbybY the developer across the emergency access,
shall be maintained in good condition by the homeowners.
(c) The properties on the west side of Green Valley Road shall be
maintained with ground cover.
(d) Speed bumps or other obstructions, shall not be installed on the
private roads within the subdivision.
42. The developer shall comply with the agreement reached with the San Ramon
Valley Unified School District as outlined in the letter to Mr . Allen J.
Petersdorf, Superintendent dated March 17, 1978 and signed by Harold W.
Smith, President.
BT:dh
2/14/78
2/17/78
3/17/78
3/22/78
I
SL.RAMON VALLEY AREA .PLANNING COt SSION
CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CALIFORNIA
BRYAN AND MURPHY ASSOCIATES (Applicants) - HAROLD SMITH (Owner),
County File 13011-77: A request for approval of a Final Development Pian to
create 309 residential units on 621.4 acres in a Planned Unit District (P-1).Subject
property,is located at the northerly terminus of Stone Valley Road and is crossed by
the upper portion of Green Valley Road, in the Alamo/Danville area. (CT 3462).
On February 22. 1978 having been fixed as the time for hearing on this item,
the meeting was declared open by the Chairman.
Staff presented the staff report, described the project and explained the location.
Staff recommended approval with.conditions.
The .fol lowing persons appeared to represent and in favor of the application and in
opposition:
(This was heard lin conjunction with Subdivision 5026 and the hearings recorded in detail
on that application.) .
HAROLD SMITH, 20716 Mt. Diablo Blvd., Walnut Creek, CA presented the application.
STEPHEN L. LEA YELL, 1808 Piedras Circle, Danville, CA, representative of the Board of
Directors of Whitie Gate Homeowners Association, appeared in support.
PAUL GAZARIAN, 3211 Stone Valley Road, Danville, CA appeared in support.
' 'D7ANE RAE, 1107 Icurt Street, Martinez, CA, representing Amigos de Diablo, appeared in
support.
JANA OLSON, 11500 Skyline Blvd., Oakland, Ca, representing East Bay Regional Park District,
appeared requesting trails.
ROY OSMUNDSON, Fire Marshal, Danville, CA appeared in opposition because of the private
streets.
BARBARA MEISTRELL; 206 Austin, Alamo, CA, representing Alamo Improvement Association,
appeared requesting a continuance that they might study this further.
RON CRANE, R-7 C�mmunity Services District, recommended Park fees, rather than credit
.for land dedication.
DR. J. L. HIRSCH, 300 Diablo Road, Danville, CA, R-7 Service Advisory Committee commented
on the lack of communication between their organization and staff.
GEORGE McCULLEY,I 1890 Green Valley Road, Danville, CA, speaking for residents on Green
Valley Blind, ex1pressed many concerns of those residents and made recommendations.
EMMETT BURNS, Oak Glen Court, Danville, CA, expressed concern on soils conditions, slides,
etc.
(Continued page 2)
Upon the MOTION of Commissioner KENNETT SECONDED by Commissioner OLANDER
the application was approved subject to staff conditions (Exhibit "A" attached)
by the followin+g vote on March 22, 1978
AYES: Commissioners - KENNETT, OLANDER, BEST, MEAKIN, BUROW, WRIGHT, YOUNG
NOES: Commissioners - NONE Anthony A. Dehaesus
AAssis
r o Pla ping
ABSENT: Commissioners - NONE
ABSTAIN: Commissioners - NONE
APPLICANT: Bryan and Murphy Associates, ATTEST:
1233 Alpine Rd., Walnut Creek, CA 94596 E.� ragdod
OWNER HaroldlSmith, 2076 Mt. Diablo Blvd., nt irector
j
�'ryWalnut-.Creek,:_CA ..94596 Current Planning
r
„APPL'I -TION:NO: ll '3011-.77
I
Bryan.and Murphy Associates - # 3011-77 Page 2
BILL WIGGINTON, President, ENCEO, INC. , 2150 Shattuck Ave. , Suite 600, Berkeley, CA,
Soils Engineers for the project, reported on the soils conditions and building sites.
BURTON H. MARLIAVE, Soils Geologist, reported on stability of building sites.
Upon the Motion of Commissioner KENNETT, Seconded by Commissioner BEST, the hearing on
the E.I.R. was closed but allow written comments to be received by 5:00 o 'clock on
March lst, for responses by the staff on March 8th; secondly, continue the hearing
on the subdivision and developmerit plan to March 22, .by the following vote on February
22, 1978.
AYES: Commissioners - KENNETT, BEST, OLANDER, MEAKIN, WRIGHT, YOUNG
NOES: Commissioners - NONE
ABSENT: Commissioners - BUROW
On March 8, 1978, having been fixed as the time for responses to any written comments
on the E. I.R. , the meeting was declared open by the Chairman.
Staff reported no written responses were submitted on the E.I.R. ; Alamo Improvement
Association indicated they had no further comments to make on the E.I.R. Staff recom-
mended they certify the Environmental Impact Report together with the responses that
were prepared and given to them at the last meeting, as being adequate.
There were no comments.
Upon the Motion of Commissioner OLANDER, Seconded by Commissioner BEST, they found the
Environmental Impact Report adequate on March 8, 1978 by the following vote.
I
AYES: Commissioners - OLANDER, BEST, WRIGHT, YOUNG
NOES: Commissioners - NONE
ABSENT: Commissioners - BUROW, KENNETT, MEAKIN
On March 22, 1978, having been fixed as the time for the continued hearing on this item,
the meeting was declared open Jby the Chairman.
Staff presented the staff report, and recommended approval with conditions.
HAROLD SMITH stated he had mel with Alamo Improvement Association. The conditions were
acceptable.
GEORGE McCULLEY, 1890 Green Valley Road, Danville, CA, representing the homeowners on
Green Valley Road Blind, was in favor of the development with certain conditions.
BILL GREISE, East Bay Regional Park District, agreed with the deletion of the 8' trail.
HANK CARSTENSEN, Danville File District, stated they were essentially in agreement with
the changes and conditions.
Bryan and Murphy Associates - # 3011-77 Page 3
RON CRANE, Chairman of R-7 Citizens Advisory Committee, advised they would compromise
from 100% park dedication fees to 75%.
It was found that the proposed development is consistent with the General Plan.
Findings on the Environmental Impact Report are on file with Subdivision 5026
1
( (tubi ItlN li 1%i,I"I, � rXIIIB;. IA
I . Thi :: evil is hascd uTon Final Ouvelopment flan dntcd received I:v
r, the PJnLning Department, .lanuary Py 1978. Ihis Plan is apprDVO lv
i
give direction for the First phase of the project and it may Inn that
Additional unite will he added when the ultimate area of the Flcwd
Control detention basin I is known anal ulti.maic water service limit is
determined. Any revision of the Plan would. have to be reviewed under
the provisions of the Planned Unit District (P-1) and a revised final
Development Plan may be I'Laquired .
12. Prior to the issuance of any building permit and/or grading permit for
work on any lot, the proposed grading , location and design of the proposed
residential buildings and accessory structures to be located on that lot
shall be first submitted for review and approval by the County Planning
Director. TheQ.�u e to, be used to establish setback, ,yard and height
dimensional requirements and other provisions for development and use on
each lot shall be the Sdngle Family Residential District_1105. The cluster
area designated for "patio homes" on Lots 184 through 234 shall provide
four off-street parking spaces and setbacks may be variable.
3. A minimum setback of 7S feet shall be maintained along the west side of
Green Valley Road for all buildings and structures on Lots 301 through
.309. A setback of less than 75 feet can only be established by the
approval of the Planning Director after conshoring off-street parking.
4. Development rights for Iareas to be established as common open space shall
be deeded to the County. This shall be done with the filing of the Final
Subdivision Map for th'e common area related to each phase of development,
subject to review and approval by the Planning Director.
.S. Covenants, Conditions l$ Restrictions, Articles of Incorporation and .',v-Laws
for mandatory homeowners ' associations shall be submitted with the first
phase of the Final Subdivision Map, subject to review by the Planning Director.
These documents shall provide for establishment, ownership and maintenance of
the common open space, private streets, and equestrian activities and facilities.
6. Prior to filing the Final Subdivision Map, a riding and hiking trail casement ac-
cross the westerly portion of the development at approximately the 800)-foot cicvo-
contour shown on theTentative Map, shall be offered for dedication to the East.
Bay Regional Park District. The existing riding and hiking trail easement
across the southeast ,corner of the development may be reverted to private
use and maintenance by the homeowners ' association.
7. Prior to filing first phase of the Final Subdivision Map and in furtherance
of Condition 1122 of. the Preliminary Development Plan (1747-RZ) for expansion of
Mt. Diablo State Park, the area of Emmons Canyon at the northeast portion or
the development, the lwesterly boundary of which lies on the SUnthweSt side of
Pine Ridge athout. the I '000-foot elevation contour project southeast ;end
encompassing A areal of nut less than 60 acres, shall be ofEcred for Dedica-
tion to the State lllpartment of Parks and Rccrcat.ion.
8. Final delineation of the expulsion of Mt. Diablo State Park to include
the Emmons Canyon area and the provision of riding and hiking tra.ils: for
the East hay Rcgi.onAl Park District , shall be shown on the Final Subdivi-
sion Map. These proposals will satisfy thcrrcquircment for park lanai
dedication within the dcvclopmont of 500 square feet of land area per
dwelling unit. No additional lana area For park 1?in'ho c•s or in-lime fres
shall be require.
hT:dil