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Excerpts from the Planning Commission Meeting Minutes January 25, 2007 Agenda No. 07-02 Page 3 of S design and the proposed materials. She also indicated being aware of Michael Fone's concern about the fence, and said she could "definitely" work that out with him. Planner Penaranda indicated that Mr. Fone expressed support of the project provided that the fence meets his approval. Chair Perras asked if Commissioners had any questions or comments. Commissioner Kleebauer acknowledged that while no changes to existing duplex are included in the proposal aside from the additional parking, she said that the area directly in front of it is all concrete and wondered if lawn or shrubbery might replace it. Planner Penaranda agreed, and recommends having the concrete removed and including the duplex front be included in a comprehensive landscape plan for the property. Commissioner Kleebauer also expressed concern about the third story on the rear residence. She likes the Craftsman style, but thinks in the proposal, this third floor appears to be set on top. She said she a taller peaked roof with a dormer window would be a more attractive alternative. Commissioner Collier said she likes the project but echoes Commissioner Kleebauer's comments. She suggested that all ceilings be a maximum of eight or nine feet, for economy of heating, building, and so forth. That would reduce the overall height of three- story by as much as four feet. She, too, would like to see dormer style treatment. Even though it isn't easy to make it look right on a hip roof, she said, it can be done. Commissioner Ponder likes the proposal. He said that it's always easy to see how a project is good for the developer, but it's not always apparent how it is good for the City. This is an exception, particularly considering what the property looks like now. He asked whether plantings were intended for the island between the first and second houses. Planner Penaranda indicated that plans show trees being planted in that space. Commissioner Ponder also inquired whether the lots would be individually owned. Ms. Leung indicated that title would be in the individual brothers' names. Commissioner Ponder indicated that he generally believes it to be a good use for the land, and the setbacks are appropriate. He does not oppose the third -floor concept as proposed, because some buildings in the area are even four stories tall. He also said that this is a much better project than the apartment building that had been approved previously. Vice Chair Reed complimented the architect and developer, noting that what has been shown is a much better project and concept than with the apartment building. Reed looks forward to this type of project. He recognized that a lot of work has been done to maximize the design and still give owner the space needed. However, he does not like the square third story because it detracts from the overall viability of the project. He suggested that staff keep working with the applicant on treatment options to soften it a bit, which would further enhance the project for both the developer and the City. Commissioner Dlugosh, referring to the photo simulation of properties, noted that most of the properties have a break -line at the first floor. He asked if the roof line on the duplex might carry around and tie into the porch in the proposal, so that some visual or decorative feature occupies the same plane and breaks up the vertical appearance.