HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2 - HOA Appeal 15-04_407 Oxford DrDATE: January 12, 2016
TO: Honorable Chairman and Planning Commission
FROM: Jim Kasama, Community Development Administrator
By: Nick Baldwin, Assistant Planner
SUBJECT: HOMEOWNERS’ ASSOCIATION APPEAL NO. HOA 15-04 WITH A
CATEGORICAL EXEMPTION UNDER THE CALIFORNIA
ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT (CEQA) FOR AN APPEAL OF THE
RANCHO SANTA ANITA RESIDENTS’ ASSOCIATION
ARCHITECTURAL REVIEW BOARD’S APPROVAL OF THE DESIGN
FOR A PROPOSED 5,400 SQUARE-FOOT, TWO STORY
TRADITIONAL-STYLE, SINGLE-FAMILY RESIDENCE WITH AN
ATTACHED TWO-CAR GARAGE AT 407 OXFORD DRIVE
Recommendation: Deny appeal and uphold ARB approval
SUMMARY
John and Demie Kiragis, and Robert and Kris McNamara, the property owners at 400
and 408 Oxford Drive respectively, are appealing the Rancho Santa Anita Residents’
Association (Lower Rancho) Architectural Review Board’s (ARB) approval of the design
for a proposed 5,400 square-foot, two-story, Traditional-style, single-family residence
with an attached two-car garage at 407 Oxford Drive. It is recommended that the
Planning Commission deny the appeal and uphold the ARB approval.
BACKGROUND
City Council Resolution No. 6665 sets forth the City's Single-Family Residential Design
Guidelines (hyperlink) and in addition, City Council Resolution No. 6770 (hyperlink)
establishes guidelines and design review procedures for properties within the five, City-
designated, Homeowners’ Association areas.
An architectural design for a 6,791 square-foot, two-story, 28-foot tall, Tuscan-style
home was submitted to the Rancho Santa Anita Residents’ Association Architectural
Review Board (ARB) for consideration. A hearing was held on July 16, 2015, and
several neighboring residents commented that the design was incompatible with the
neighborhood, and that the views of the mountains for the residents on the south side of
the street would be blocked by a two-story home. The ARB commented that the bulk,
mass, and style should be revised to better conform to the character of the
neighborhood and that views may be maintained if the upper floor were set back from
the front of the ground floor of the house (see Attachment No. 1 for the July 16, 2015
meeting minutes).
Appeal No. HOA 15-04
407 Oxford Drive
January 12, 2016 – Page 2 of 6
A revised architectural design was submitted to the ARB for consideration. The
revisions to the design included a lower height (25’-0” from 28”-0”), a smaller size (5,400
square-feet instead of 6,791 square-feet) a new architectural style (Prairie instead of
Tuscan), an upper floor that steps back a greater distance from the ground floor at the
front of the house, and enhanced landscaping. A hearing was held on August 20, 2015
and several neighboring residents commented that the design was still too large, and
that balconies and larger windows on the upper floor impacted the privacy of the
neighbors. The ARB commented that the existing large trees block the views of the
neighbors residing on the south side of the street more than a new two-story house
would, that the newly proposed Prairie architectural style is uninteresting, and that the
architect should consider a one-story home (see Attachment No. 2 for the August 20,
2015 meeting minutes).
A third design was submitted, and on September 24, 2015, a hearing was held and
several neighboring residents attended and provided a letter (Attachment No. 3 –
Comments to the September 24, 2015 ARB Meeting) that focused on their continued
concerns regarding size, mass, two-story height, privacy, and the proposed Prairie
architectural style. At the conclusion of the meeting, it was agreed that the architect
would work directly with two ARB members to address the outstanding design issues
(see Attachment No. 4 for the September 24, 2015 meeting minutes.
After working with two ARB members, a fourth design was submitted, and on October
28, 2015, a hearing was held and the architect explained how the design was revised to
incorporate characteristics from preferred examples provided by the two ARB members
that he worked with. The changes to the design included lowering the grade 1’-0” to
allow the pitch of the roof to be increased and have a maximum height of 25’-6” and to
plant an additional large tree in the front yard. It was determined that further changes to
the design are needed to protect the privacy of the neighbors and to reduce the size of
the upper floor of the home (see Attachment No. 5 for the October 28, 2015 meeting
minutes).
A fifth design was submitted, and on December 3, 2015, an ARB hearing was held. This
current version of the architectural design includes some, but not all of the changes that
the ARB requested. Changes included are the elimination of a balcony, the re-
arrangement of the floor plan on the upper floor, and the proposed planting of large
trees (see Attachment No. 6 for the approved architectural plans). The neighboring
residents re-stated their opposition to the design because it is a two-story design that is
not characteristic of a Ranch-style neighborhood. In the view of the ARB, the design is
harmonious with the neighborhood and consistent with the design guidelines. The ARB
approved the design by a vote of 3-1 (see Attachment No. 7 for the December 3, 2015
meeting minutes and the Findings and Action Form).
On December 10, 2015, the ARB approval was appealed by John and Demie Kiragis,
and Robert and Kris McNamara who reside at 400 and 408 Oxford Drive, respectively,
which are directly across the street from the subject property (Attachment No. 8 –
Appeal Letter). The appellants state that the approved design is too large for the lot and
is over-sized for the neighborhood, the style conflicts with the established character of
the neighborhood, and the privacy of the neighbors will not be adequately protected.
The appellant is requesting that the Planning Commission overturn the ARB’s approval
Appeal No. HOA 15-04
407 Oxford Drive
January 12, 2016 – Page 3 of 6
of the architectural design. The appellants also state that improper notice (6 days in lieu
of 10 required) was provided for the December 3, 2015 meeting at which the final
decision was made.
The architect of the approved design provided a letter in response for consideration by
the Planning Commission (See Attachment No. 9). The Planning Commission may
approve, conditionally approve, or deny the appeal. The Commission’s decision may be
appealed to the City Council.
PROPOSAL
The subject property is a 17,767 square-foot interior lot, zoned R-0 (See Attachment
No. 10 - Aerial and Photos). The property is currently improved with a 1,712 square-
foot, one-story, Ranch-style, single-family residence built in 1954. The existing home
will be demolished and replaced with the proposed design, which is a 5,400 square-foot,
two-story, Traditional-style home (See Attachment No. 6 - Architectural Plans). There
are three minor zoning issues that pertain to the design of the circular driveway, the
location of the pool equipment in the rear yard, and the location of the pool enclosure
fencing. These items are easily correctable and would be identified as correction items
in the plan check process. With the exception of these three zoning issues, the
proposed design is in compliance with the zoning code and regulations specific to the
Lower Rancho Home Owners’ Association specified in Resolution 6770.
ANALYSIS
The ARB is charged with the responsibility to ensure that the designs for new homes
are consistent with the design guidelines and regulations in Resolution 6770 which are
intended to ensure that new homes are harmonious and compatible with the
neighborhood. The design guidelines include, but are not limited to, architectural style,
massing, site planning, building height, building materials and color.
The appellants claim that the ARB erred in approving the proposed design because it is
too massive, not in character with the architectural character of the neighborhood, and
does not provide adequate protection for the privacy of the neighbors. The appellants
assert in their appeal letter (Attachment No. 8) that the two-story design is too massive
to be compatible with the neighborhood. It is stated that the proposed home, at 5,400
square-feet, is significantly larger than the average home in the immediate vicinity
(roughly a 300 foot radius) which is 2,800 square-feet. They claim that the appearance
of the two-story home will be massive not only because it is adjacent to one-story
homes, but also because it is located on the north side of the street, which has a higher
grade elevation than the properties on the south side of the street. Therefore, a two-
story home on the north side of the street could reduce the views of the mountains for
the residents on the south side of the street. In regards to architectural style, it is
recorded in the minutes of the five meetings for this project that the opponents to the
project identify the style of their neighborhood as Ranch and do not support the
proposed Traditional style approved by the ARB. Lastly, it is stated in the appeal letter
that the approved two-story design would intrude on the privacy of the immediate
neighbors.
Appeal No. HOA 15-04
407 Oxford Drive
January 12, 2016 – Page 4 of 6
Massing
The main elements of the approved design that the opponents to this project find
disagreeable are related to size and height of the building which contribute to the
massing of the home. Within a 300-foot radius, the lots are all comprised of one-story
Ranch-style homes built in the 1950s and there are no newly built homes or homes
under construction. There is no set distance or criterion that defines a neighborhood.
Consideration of a larger area includes a mix of new and older homes, and provides a
context of the changes occurring in the area. When considering this larger area, the
character is a blend of high quality one- and two-story homes of various architectural
styles such as Ranch, Traditional, French, Contemporary, and Prairie (See Attachment
No. 10 for photos of new homes in the vicinity). The size approved for this project
(5,400 square-feet) is comparable to the other new homes in the area. This is reflected
in the map of the neighborhood shown below which shows nine homes that were
approved by the ARB within two blocks of the subject property that have been recently
built or are under construction and ranges from 4,492 to 5,225 square feet. Each of
these nine new homes was determined by the ARB to be compatible with the
neighborhood. In regards to the height of the building, there are already two-story
homes being built in the neighborhood and some of them are on the north side of the
street. Of the nine new homes shown on the map, six are two-story and two of those
are on the north side of the street.
New Construction: Recently Built or Under Construction
481 Oxford Dr. 1-story, 4,492 sq. ft. Built 2014
474 Oxford Dr. 1-story, 4,919 sq. ft. Under Construction
444 (448) Oxford Dr. 1-story, 4,822 sq. ft. Under Construction
438 Oxford Dr. 2-story, 5,225 sq. ft. Under Construction
327 Oxford Dr. 2-story, 5,179 sq. ft. Under Construction
475 Cambridge Dr. 2-story, 4,826 sq. ft. Built 2013
441 Cambridge Dr. 2-story, 5,020 sq. ft. Built 2015
428 Cambridge Dr. 2-story, 4,848 sq. ft. Built 2014
414 Cambridge Dr. 2-story, 2,775 sq. ft. Built 1990
306 Harvard Dr. 2-story, 4,499 sq. ft. Under Construction
Appeal No. HOA 15-04
407 Oxford Drive
January 12, 2016 – Page 5 of 6
Architectural Style
The Traditional style approved by the ARB blends well with the established
neighborhood and shares many characteristics with Ranch-style architecture. The
architect worked closely with the ARB and the residents attending the ARB meetings to
create a design that would fit into the character of the neighborhood. Over the course of
five meetings and five design iterations, the architect changed the style from Tuscan to
Prairie and finally to Traditional in response to the comments received. Two-story,
Traditional homes are under construction nearby at 438 Oxford Drive and 327 Oxford
Drive (identified on the neighborhood map shown above).
Privacy
The subject property is an interior lot with two neighboring properties with one-story
homes to the east and west and no neighbor to the north since the northerly property
line abuts Colorado Street. Even though privacy is not included as a guideline within
Resolution 6770 or the City’s Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines, it is
appropriate to take extra measures to protect the privacy of the neighbors when there
are one-story homes adjacent to a two-story design proposal. The ARB adequately
addressed this issue by making the windows on the side elevations as small as the
Building Code will allow and by proposing 24”-box hedges alongside the house (See
Attachment No. 6 – Architectural Plans). The architect provided additional screening of
the home from the neighborhood by proposing two 72”-box Camphor trees and a 60”-
box Jacaranda tree in the front yard.
FINDINGS
Staff concurs with the ARB findings that the proposed design is consistent with
Resolution 6770 and the City’s Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines. Therefore,
it is recommended that the Planning Commission deny the appeal and uphold the ARB
approval of the design.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS
The proposed project qualifies as a Class 3 Exemption for new construction of one
single-family residence under the requirements of the California Environmental Quality
Act (CEQA) per Section 15303(a) of the CEQA Guidelines. Refer to Attachment No. 11
for the Preliminary Exemption Assessment.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
Public hearing notices for this appeal were mailed
on December 29, 2015 to the property owners and
tenants of those properties within the design review
notification area. As of January 7, 2016, staff has
not received any public comments on this project.
Appeal No. HOA 15-04
407 Oxford Drive
January 12, 2016 – Page 6 of 6
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the Planning Commission deny the appeal and uphold the ARB
approval and find that the project is exempt per Section 15303 of the CEQA Guidelines.
PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
Approval of Appeal
If the Planning Commission intends to approve the appeal and overturn the ARB
approval of the design, the Commission should approve Appeal No. HOA 15-04 and
state specifically how, based on the record, the proposed design is not consistent with
the City’s Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines and/or City Council Resolution
No. 6770.
Denial of Appeal
If the Planning Commission intends to deny the appeal and uphold the ARB approval of
the design, the Commission should approve a motion that finds the project is
Categorically Exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and that
denies Appeal No. HOA 15-04, stating that the design is consistent with the City’s
Single-Family Residential Design Guidelines, and City Council Resolution No. 6770.
If any Planning Commissioner, or other interested party has any questions or comments
regarding this matter prior to the January 12, 2016, Planning Commission Meeting,
please contact Assistant Planner, Nick Baldwin by calling (626) 574-5444, or by email to
NBaldwin@ArcadiaCA.gov.
Approved:
Attachment No. 1: ARB Minutes of the July 16, 2015 Meeting
Attachment No. 2: ARB Minutes of the August 20, 2015 Meeting
Attachment No. 3: Comments from the September 24, 2015 ARB Meeting
Attachment No. 4: ARB Minutes of the September 24, 2015 Meeting
Attachment No. 5: ARB Minutes of the October 28, 2015 Meeting
Attachment No. 6: Architectural Plans approved by the ARB
Attachment No. 7: ARB Minutes of the December 3, 2015 Meeting and the Findings
and Action Form
Attachment No. 8: Appeal Letter
Attachment No. 9: Response Letter from the Architect dated December 22, 2015
Attachment No. 10: Aerial Photo with Zoning Information & Photos of Subject Property
and Vicinity
Attachment No. 11: Preliminary Exemption Assessment
Attachment No. 1
Attachment No. 1
ARB Minutes of the July 16, 2015 Meeting
Rancho Santa Anita Residents Association
Serving the Rancho Santa Anita & College Street Areas
Date: July 20, 2015
Re: 407 Oxford Dr.
Mtg. Date: July 16, 2015
Mtg. Time: 7:30p.m. (open to the public)
The meeting was opened and the following board members were present: Ernie Boehr, Bob Eriksson,
Lou Pappas and Rick Fricke.
Michael Fox, the architect for the new two story home on 407 Oxford Dr. opened by stating how hard
he worked to satisfy both client and the neighborhood and looking for solutions for difference in size of
the new homes to the surrounding homes. The design of the home is Tuscan, not overly stated. He said
he can play with the massive size of the home to satisfy the Board. The materials he has planned for the
home are all high quality down to the stone and wrought iron being installed. He made changes to his
original design after talking to the ARB such as breaking down the entry, no longer a large massive look
to the front by pushing back the 2nd floor. The entry is recessed, roof height is 28 feet, garage has nice
windows to look like part of the house, adding 4 new trees, and curving the line of the driveway. He
presented a number of story boards to give visual aid to his presentation.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Due the fact that this was a well attended meeting by the neighbors, the mood of the meeting got both
passionate and heated from neighbors who have lived in the area for a long time.
The negative comments made by most of the neighbors present were the following: the Tuscan design
of the home is not in keeping with the College area's ranch style homes; the almost 6000 sq. ft. size of
the home is too big next to the 2500 sq. ft. homes in the area; due to its size, it is blocking the views of
the mountains of some neighbors who moved into that neighbhood for that very reason; feeling that
developers are not respecting the neighbors who lived in the area for many many years and wonder why
new owners need such a large house. There were complaints that the City does not back the longtime
homeowners who have paid property taxes all these years and supported Arcadia schools and shopping
centers since they allow these massive two story homes that change the whole integrity of the
neighborhoods.
Summary of Board Comments:
To address the issue of two story homes, the Board said that the City allows them and ARB's have no say
so about that. They can play around with the plan to give the appearance of a one story home by pushing
back the second floor. This may or may not solve the problem of neighbors loosing their view of the
mountains. The architect did comply with the feedback from the Board in making some changes.
Although the design is professionally done, the bulk of the house needs to be shrunken down to fit the
neighborhood. The Board cannot stop the Tuscan design but they can massage the style and bulk. The
Board explained to the neighbors, that 4 to 5000 sq. foot homes are going to be built in our community.
The goal of the Board is to keep the size no large than 5000. There was a suggestion for the architect to
even look at an alternate style. This home would fit nicely somewhere else but not in this neighborhood
and is suggesting the home be redesigned. The Board would ideally like to see a one story built on this
lot. Regarding the curved driveway, a little more space was suggested along with 3 feet rather than 2 feet
along the sides for screening.
Although the architect gave a very good presentation, the Board could not pass the plans.
Motion: To deny as presently submitted.
Minutes by: Kathy Henrich
Present at the Meeting: See attached sheet
Attachment No. 2
Attachment No. 2
ARB Minutes of the August 20, 2015
Meeting
Rancho Santa Anita Residents Association
Serving the Rancho Santa Anita & College Street Areas
Date: August 23,2015
Re: 407 Oxford Dr. - 2nd Review
Mtg. Date: August 20, 2015
Mtg. Time: 730 p.m. (open to the public)
The meeting was opened at the home of Kevin Tomkins, HOA President, with the following board
members present: Mike La Porte, Bob Eriksson, and Rick Fricke. Mike La Porte led the meeting
for Ernie Boehr who was out of town.
Michael Fox, architect for 407 Oxford Dr., said he made numerous changes by reducing the height of
the home from 28 feet to 25 feet and reducing the slope of the roof. The first home he reviewed was a
Tuscan style home, but he changed it to a Prairie style home. He took very seriously the comments
made by the neighbors at the first meeting. He felt that the Prairie style home has a longer linear look
which enhances this special community. He worked on the mass of the home by setting the 2nd floor
back further. To be consistent with the set back, he designed a curving line to the driveway. The
floorplan of the house is an opened space with the mass of the home pushed back. The elements offer
visual interest with the stone cladding, wood trim and a warm palatte. He realizes that the landscaping is
an important component and looked for a sensible balance with the home by planning a beige concrete
driveway, travertine pavers at the front entry and three new trees in the front. He also got rid of the
higher base plate by lowering it to accommodatea a one step up instead of three in the entry.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
This meeting was well attended with many expressing their thoughts on this home. The comments
were as follows:
1) the home is still too large for the neighborhood at 5400 plus garage and patio; 2) the home is twice
the size of the other homes in the area and feel massive two story homes should not be allowed; 3)
windows and balcony do not offer enough privacy to the neighbors; 4) the two kitchens planned should
be banned; 5) the home should be listed as a 5 bedroom home instead of 4 due to the fact that the yoga
room has a bathroom off of it, thus requiring a three instead of a two car garage; 6) the property is on
higher ground than the homes across the street to the south; 7) it is not being properly maintained now
as it sits vacant leaving the neighbors to feel the lack of integrity from the homeowner towards the
feelings of the neighbors; 8) neighbors really questioned whether the owners are really going to live in
the home when it is finished.
Summary of Board Comments:
Rick Fricke questioned the designer on his calculations being correct and asked Michael Fox to double
check them. The rendering is missing details. He wants to see the dimensions and details of the home to
make sure it is being built correctly. Rick did discuss that a possible one story plan would work with a
higher roof line with dormers, but the designer said the owners love the size of the back yard and do not
want to sacrifice the space.
Bob Ericksson said that two story homes are never turned down but agrees they are too big. He feels the
view of the home with not block the neighbor's home across the street due to the fact that the trees in the
back of the home in question are so tall now, they already block that view and that the home will not be
higher than the trees. He agrees that they will need to design a three car garage as the design stands now.
The City would require that.
Mike La Porte would like to see the architect push hard on the owners. He feels the prairie style looks
uninteresting. He agrees that the calculations are off on this 4 bdrm 6 bath home according to the plans
and also that a third garage will have to be added. Mike also pushed for a one story home.
Kevin Tomkins, in going along the lines of a one story home, suggested building a basement with the
yoga room and theater be placed downstairs.
MOTION: The approval is contingent per the above notes along with a change to the floor plan to
include a third garage. The horizontal eaves need to be lengthened to follow the true style of a Prairie
style home, that the propery be maintained before and during constructdion and that Bob meets with the
landscape designer.
Michael Fox will need to bring in sketches to the board before the next meeting.
Minutes by: Kathy Henrich
Present: See Attached Sheet.
Attachment No. 3
Attachment No. 3
Comments from the September 24, 2015
ARB Meeting
Good Evening Ernie and ARB Board Members,
We are writing to once again appeal to you to deny the plans for 407 Oxford Drive for the following
reasons:
The proposed project does not relate to anything else in the neighborhood:
- The architectural style has no connection, relationship nor does it compliment any of the existing
style homes. This has been discussed at each meeting with the architect and it is dismissed by the
owners as they have made very minor changes to their plans. Their actions have shown no desire to
work with or compliment the neighborhood with their new home design.
- The size of the project will look out of scale and proportion to the neighbors. The average square
footage of the homes in our neighborhood is 2,500 and they want to build a 6,000 sq ft house. They
list the house as 5,460 sq ft but do not include the garage and outdoor patio area - increasing the
square footage to just under 6,000 sq. ft. They list the house as four bedrooms, 6.5 baths yet they
have a Yoga Room, Library and Tea Room, all which could be used as bedrooms. This is a single-
family neighborhood and they have two master suites - why? Over the past three months, the owners
misrepresented themselves - if they are doing this now - what will they be like when they build the
house…and why should the existing neighbors, who have lived and cared for there homes be the ones
that are punished if this plan goes through? That is wrong!!
- Additionally, the homes that are directly next door will be affected by the two-story element and the
house will invade their privacy, the windows at the rear second floor would need to be higher up or
eliminated in order to protect their privacy. The homes across the street will loose a good portion of
their view of the mountains - an element that has been raised at each meeting, as this is a property
value that will negatively affect the existing homeowners. Not to mention, there are NO two-story
homes on the northside of the street for that key reason - it will obstruct the mountain views of the
southside homes.
- Importantly, this project will set a new precedent, both in size, two-story and style - all elements that
are NOT wanted by the majority of the neighborhood which has been communicated loudly, both
with letters and in person by individuals who have attended and spoke up at the past two ARB
meetings.
Per Resolution 6770 (which repeals Resolution 5287) pursuant to Ordinance NO. 2287,
Section 2 states: “In accordance with the Arcadia General Plan (the Single-Family
Homeowners’ Association Architectural Design - or ARB which we are as the Rancho Santa
Anita Residents’ Association) directive to protect and preserve the character and quality of its
neighborhoods by requiring harmonious design, and to implement Arcadia’s Single-Family
Residential Design Guidelines.”
“Section 3: “…to promote and maintain the quality single-family residential environment of the
City of Arcadia, and to protect the property VALUES and ARCHITECTURAL character
of such residential environments in those portions of the City in which the residents have formed a
homeowners association…”
“Section 4:…It is determined that each building or structure and its landscaping and
hardscape on properties within each area should exhibit a Consistent and Cohesive Architectural
Style, and be Harmonious and compatible with other structures in architectural style, scale, visual
mass, height, width and length, and setbacks…”
“A. Site Planning - 1. Natural amenities such as views, and other features unique to the site
should be protected and incorporated into developmental proposals.”
“L. Affect on Adjacent Properties and Neighborhood - The impact on adjacent properties
shall be addressed, including impacts on privacy and views. First story and second story elements
should be designed and articulated to reasonably address these issues, and windows and balconies
shall be located to reasonably protect privacy and views of surrounding homes and yards”
In closing Under Section A. Standards for ARB Decisions and Appeals, Section 7. …”It is
determined that the various land use controls, and property regulations as set forth herein are
substantially related to maintenance of Arcadia’s environment, for the purpose of assuring that the
appearance of structures will be compatible and harmonious with the use and enjoyment of
surrounding properties….”
We again, turn to you, our ARB Members, to stand tall and support the existing neighbors in
denying this plan. This property owner wants to build a home that is oversized, out of scale, negatively
affects the surrounding neighbors and has no connection to the style of homes of our neighborhood.
This has been repeated over and over again - and not changes. This owner needs to purchase a
piece of property in the Oaks or Upper Rancho where they can build a 6,000 sq ft home and fit in -
but not in this neighborhood. You as our ARB members have the power to deny this. We ask that
you do!! If this is approved this property, as stated in the conclusion of Section 7, “can have a
negative impact on the environment of the community, affecting property values, and the quality of life
which is characteristic of Arcadia.” Please deny this plan!!
Thank you,
Kris and Bob McNamara
Attachment No. 4
Attachment No. 4
ARB Minutes of the September 24, 2015
Meeting
Rancho Santa Anita Residents Association
Serving the Rancho Santa Anita & College Street Areas
Date: September 24, 2015
Re: Reviews- 476 Cambridge, 514 Monte Vista, 407 Oxford & 1018 Encanto
Mtg. Time: 6:30 – 9:30pm (open to the public)
The meeting was opened and the following board members were present: Ernie Boehr, Bob Eriksson,
Lou Pappas, Rick Fricke (missed first meeting) and Kevin Tomkins.
476 Cambridge
Motion:
A motion was made (Lou made the motion, Bob second) to approve project subject to:
1. Review of landscape plan
2. Standard approval conditions
514 Monte Vista
Motion:
A motion was made (Lou made the motion, Ernie second) to approve project subject to:
1. Review of landscape plan- maybe remove Eucalyptus tree
2. Standard approval conditions
3. Other conditions
a) Put in fence or retaining wall on side of property
b) Move air-conditioning
c) Pool will be a separate approval/ condition- try to get early renderings to
review setbacks with the neighbors
407 Oxford
Public Comments:
Meeting was well attended. Kris McNamara read the attached letter. Key concerns were around size,
mass, second story- protecting privacy and views of surrounding homes and yards. The biggest
complaint was around the style of the house (Prairie), fitting in with the rest of the neighborhood.
Motion:
A motion was made, based on Architect’s agreement, to withdrawn application. A motion for
continuance was made, carried and unanimously approved. It was suggested that a meeting with
one or two board members and the owner and architect would hopefully get them to a point of
having a plan that could be approved.
1018 Encanto
Motion:
A motion was made (Rick made the motion, Bob second) to approve project subject to:
1. Review of landscape plan
2. Standard approval conditions
3. Other conditions
a) Raise the height of the side windows
b) Dormers across the front should be same size
Attachment No. 5
Attachment No. 5
ARB Minutes of the October 28, 2015
Meeting
Rancho Santa Anita Residents Association
Serving the Rancho Santa Anita & College Street Areas
Date: October 29, 2015
Re: 407 Oxford Dr.
Mtg. Date: October 28, 2015
Mtg. Time: 6:30p.m. (open to the public)
The meeting was opened and the following board members were present: Ernie Boehr, Bob Eriksson,
Lou Pappas and Rick Fricke. Kevin Tomkins as HOA President participated with comments.
Michael Fox, the architect for the new two story home on 407 Oxford Dr. opened by saying he met with
two HOA members to look at several styles that has been approved int he area and came away with a
short list of homes that the HOA liked. As a result, the design of the home was changed to a more
traditional style home with a warmer palette and colors. The floorplan is essentially the same, although
a pocket door was added in the dining room to open the home to the back yard. The grading of the
home will be lowered a foot to accommodate the increased pitch of the roof due to the new design. The
peak will be at 25.6. This change gives the home a gable feel and roof scape. The present city tree will
be replaced with a 60 boxed tree. The pad sits in relationship to the curb at 3 feet. A dark grey concrete
roof is planned.
PUBLIC COMMENTS:
Various comments were made unrelated to the style of the home but not discussed in length due to the
nature of the concerns. Only two neighbors really expressed their feelings on the new design, one
liking the design, the other wanting a more Cape Cod style home, which she thought would fit in more
with the neighborhood. She also commented on the current lack of upkeep on the present home still
standing. The neighbors showed a concern on the circular driveway that was not shown in the plans in
the neighbors the received but do show as a part of the new plans. Discussion followed with no
changes to the new circular plans.
SUMMARY OF THE BOARD COMMENTS:
It was mentioned that the floor ratio is at 30% which is smaller the 35% that is allowed and therefore fits
into city's criteria. A couple of the Board met with the family and felt the family really want to be a part
of the community and are very lovely people. It was determined that the side windows need to be made
smaller and set higher to give privacy to the neighbors and that the second floor needs to be set back a
foot or more. The front door currently designed needs to be changed to a solid front door.
The problems with the design were the drawings needed to be dimensioned more, the second story is too
big for the house and that it is architecturally unbalanced. The architect needs to show the home with the
correct elevation in relation to neighboring houses and to get the details worked out. The goal is to make
the house look like it belongs there.
Motion: A motion was made to grant a conditional approval along with a chair review of the
modifications with Michael Fox and staff, Kevin, Rick and Lou, meeting sooner rather than later and then
final approval to be signed off by Ernie which includes the landscape plan. It was amended to include a
neighbor, Khris McNamara, to sit in on the review.
Minutes by: Kathy Henrich
Present at the Meeting:
The Board as listed above
Helen Barrett
Carmi Falabrer
Denice and John Kibages
Pat Colville
Bob and Kris McNamara
Jeff Stellern
Ray Ballarin
April Verlato - Highland Oaks ARB
Attachment No. 6
Attachment No. 6
Architectural Plans approved by the ARB