3B Public Hearing 2006 0905 - Laserfiche WebLink

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tj City of San Leandro Community Development Department Planning Services Division RECOMMENDED FINDINGS OF FACT PLN200S-00063 2888 Darius Way M. Luong (applicant and property owner) The Board of Zoning Adjustments hereby approves the Major View Preservation/Site Plan Review and Height Exception, subject to the following findings: Site Plan Review Findinl!s A. The views currently enioved bv neiehbors are respected: The proposed construction does not unreasonably block or diminish neighbors' views of distant and scenic features, such as the San Francisco Bay and surrounding open spaces and skylines, while balancing the applicant's ability to improve the subject property in accordance with the applicable restrictions. The home and accessory buildings are situated on an up-slope lot with the structures set into the hillside. Based upon photographs taken by staff (looking both from the property and towards the property), the most significant view of the home will be looking towards the property from northerly upslope locations on Vistagrand Drive. Due to the steep slope of the lot and the stepping back of the structures into the hillside, staff believes that approval of the exception is appropriate, and that views currently enjoyed by neighbors would be retained. The two adjacent neighbors on Darius Way should not be affected by the new structure, due to the deep setbacks of their home and the location of the home to the east, behind their primary view sheds toward the bay. For the homes located to the north on Vistagrand Drive, which are located up the hill above the subject site, the structures will be visible, but will be viewed below the horizon line for views of the bay. B. The residence's architecture is appropriate and consistentlv applied: The structure has adequate articulation, with appropriate window placement, architectural detailing, roof forms and/or changes in wall planes to provide visual interest. Additions shall not have a "tacked on" appearance, and either the addition should be consistent with the existing residence in terms of design and use of materials, or the existing residence should be remodeled concurrently with construction of the proposed addition in order to achieve the desired consistency. The project's craftsman-style architecture is appropriate and consistently applied, with adequate articulation, appropriate window placement, and architectural detailing. Due to the up-slope orientation of the lot, the visual mass of the home, especially from Darius Way, is de-emphasized. Because the proposed residence has been designed with the